Disasters Archives - Page 2 of 42

May302025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Building Resilience: How Smarter Development Can Reduce Disaster Losses

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

On March 30, 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Myanmar. Among the survivors was Ma Phyu Sin Win, who clutched a relief package filled with essentials food, medicine, hygiene supplies, and solar lamps. “Every little item helps,” she said, highlighting the harsh reality many face when disasters strike. Around the globe, disasters are growing more frequent and intense. From cyclones and floods to earthquakes, the impacts are devastating not just in the moment, but for months and years that follow. In 2024 alone, extreme weather caused 93% of all economic damage worldwide, totaling $320 billion. The road to recovery is long and often diverts critical resources away from education, health, and infrastructure. But disasters aren’t “natural” by default. They happen when natur...

May262025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Torrential rain floods New South Wales: Regional towns brace for worsening emergency

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Heavy rainfall continues to batter the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, causing widespread flooding and prompting urgent warnings across affected areas. Rivers have burst their banks and are spilling across floodplains, putting entire communities under flood watch. As the rain tracks further south, more regions are bracing for potential devastation. This unfolding weather disaster highlights how susceptible rural catchments and regional populations are to extreme rainfall events, especially in the wake of similar flooding earlier this year in western Queensland. The crisis serves as a crucial reminder of the different challenges faced by rural Australia compared to its urban centres during such emergencies. Rural regions face unique vulnerabilities The Mid No...

May252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Greater Horn of Africa Braces for Above Normal June–September Rainfall

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

A new regional climate outlook warns of an above-normal rainy season across much of the Greater Horn of Africa from June to September 2025, raising hopes for improved agricultural output while spotlighting risks of flooding and disease outbreaks. Issued during the 70th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF), the forecast anticipates wetter-than-average conditions across key parts of Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and Djibouti. The forecast was released by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), in collaboration with WMO and national meteorological agencies. Key Rainfall Highlights The seasonal forecast projects a 55% chance of above-normal rainfall in: Central Sudan Eastern South Sudan Northern and southwestern Ethio...

May242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Australia Reels from Deadly Floods: 5 Dead, Thousands Displaced in Southeast

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Australia southeast is facing a grim aftermath after torrential rains triggered devastating floods, killing five people and damaging over 10,000 properties. The New South Wales mid-north coast has been hardest hit with entire towns isolated, homes destroyed and livestock lost to surging floodwaters. Emergency services remain on high alert, conducting rescues and damage assessments as floodwaters slowly recede. Over 50 rescues were carried out overnight with many residents still sheltering in evacuation centers. The latest confirmed fatality was an elderly man discovered at a flooded property near Taree. Government Mobilizes National Response Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences to the families of those lost and pledged full federal support. In a post on X (for...

May242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

NOAA Forecasts Active 2025 Hurricane Season: 13–19 Named Storms Expected

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

U.S. meteorologists are warning of a potentially busy Atlantic hurricane season for 2025, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting 13 to 19 named storms 6 to 10 of which could intensify into hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November 30. This above-normal forecast is based on two critical climate indicators: warmer-than-average Atlantic sea surface temperatures and the current neutral phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). These conditions tip the scales toward a more active season though experts stress that forecasting does not equate to guarantees. Warmer Waters and ENSO Fuel Storm Formation Hurricanes feed off warm ocean waters, and current sea surface temperatures are above the 3...

May232025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Two Landslides Devastate Guizhou Province, China – 4 Dead, 17 Missing

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

A wave of deadly landslides triggered by torrential rains has struck China’s southwestern Guizhou province, killing at least four people and leaving 17 others missing, according to Chinese authorities. The disaster has prompted a large-scale rescue operation involving military personnel and national emergency teams as the region reels under the mounting effects of climate change. The landslides occurred in multiple locations across the province, including Changshi township and Qingyang village. In Changshi alone two people were killed, and several others remain trapped. In Guowa township, 19 residents from eight households were reported missing after homes were buried in debris and mud. As rainfall continues China’s Ministry of Natural Resources has increased the emergency respon...

May212025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Braces for Weather Extremes: Heatwaves in the Northwest Heavy Rains in the South and East

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

As the pre-monsoon season intensifies, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a mix of extreme weather events across the country. From severe heatwaves in Rajasthan and Haryana to torrential rains in the southern and northeastern states, the week ahead will test both infrastructure and resilience. Northwest India Swelters Under Heat and Dust Storms The IMD has warned that intense heatwave conditions will persist in parts of west Rajasthan from May 19 to 24, with east Rajasthan joining the heat spell until May 22. Haryana is also expected to sizzle between May 19 and 21. Adding to the discomfort, hot and humid weather will dominate Odisha on May 19 and 20, while unusually warm nights will prevail in isolated pockets of Haryana and Rajasthan. Meanwhile, dust storms w...

May202025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Record Heat Fuels Deadly Floods in Southern China Alerts Issued Across Multiple Provinces

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Southern China is reeling from deadly floods caused by torrential rainfall over the weekend, with at least five confirmed dead and several more missing in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. The National Meteorological Centre has issued multiple severe weather alerts, warning of continued heavy rains, flash floods, and potential landslides across regions including Jiangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, and parts of Xinjiang. The disaster comes as China records its warmest year on record in 2024, intensifying storm systems and sharply increasing national power demands. Authorities have raised a yellow alert for mountain flooding indicating high risk as rainfall is forecast to continue through Tuesday along the Tianshan Mountains and other areas. The worsening weather patterns highlight...

May192025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Devastating Windstorm Batters Nepal: Four Dead, Dozens Injured, and Infrastructure Severely Damaged

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Nepal faced a deadly natural calamity on Friday as a powerful windstorm swept through several regions, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm claimed the lives of at least four individuals, injured 28 more, and caused widespread damage estimated at over NPR 1.08 billion. Authorities and citizens alike were left reeling from the intensity and unexpected nature of the event. Lives Lost Across Multiple Districts Tragically, four people lost their lives in different parts of the country. The victims included 14-year-old Shukna Kewat from Kapilvastu, 54-year-old Rambha Devi Dhanuk from Bara, 30-year-old Mira Bayambu, and 40-year-old Durga Bahadur Pun from Nawalparasi West. Each death represents not only a personal loss for grieving families but also a stark reminder of the ...

May192025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Tornado Tragedy Deadly Storms Tear Through U.S. Midwest and South, Claiming 27 Lives

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

A series of violent storm systems tore through the U.S. Midwest and South this weekend, leaving at least 27 people dead and causing extensive destruction across multiple states. The most severe impact was reported in Kentucky, where 18 lives were lost, including a veteran firefighter, as tornadoes ripped through communities with devastating force. Kentucky Suffers the Heaviest Toll Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 17 of the Kentucky fatalities occurred in Laurel County, with another tragic death in Pulaski County. Homes were flattened, vehicles were overturned, and entire neighborhoods were left unrecognizable. Emergency responders are continuing search-and-rescue operations, with fears that the death toll may rise as debris is cleared and more victims are discovered. The ...