flooding

Recent record-breaking floods in eastern Australia have tragically claimed at least four lives, leaving a trail of destruction that has affected countless homes and communities. The deluge has impacted around 50,000 residents, cutting them off from critical assistance. In northern New South Wales, an area rich in rivers and valleys situated approximately 400km north of Sydney, rescue teams have recovered four bodies from the vast seas of floodwater. As the waters slowly begin to recede, salvage crews are gearing up for a…

In eastern Australia, fast-moving floodwaters have surged, inundating homes and leaving residents stranded on their rooftops overnight. Authorities are warning that more rain is on the horizon. Recent storms have unleashed over four months' worth of rain in just two days across parts of New South Wales, engulfing homes, businesses, and roads in muddy waters. As the state’s emergency minister, Jihad Dib, explained, “We have a situation where the rain has been falling quite heavily and hard and it has not been moving away.…

Climate Crisis and Humanitarian Challenges in Somalia “Families are being battered on every front — flood, hunger, and neglect,” observed Etienne Peterschmitt, Somalia's representative for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This stark reality illustrates the multi-faceted struggles faced by households in Somalia today. With the remnants of what little they possessed receding like the floodwaters, a growing concern emerges: the international lifeline that has traditionally provided support to these communities…

Mogadishu (AX) — Since mid-April, heavy rains and flash floods have swept through parts of Somalia, impacting over 45,000 individuals and tragically claiming at least four lives. This unsettling news comes from a recent situation report released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). As we delve into the details of this situation, it’s essential to reflect on the resilience of Somalia's communities, even in the face of such overwhelming adversity. The report, issued on April 30,…

Devastating torrential rains have unleashed a torrent of destruction in Kinshasa, claiming the lives of at least 33 individuals, as confirmed by local reports. This number may sadly rise, with authorities still assessing the situation. The heart of Kinshasa has been particularly vulnerable, with neighborhoods like Mont-Ngafula, Ngaliema, Barumbu, Limete, Matete, and Masina bearing the brunt of the deluge. Each of these areas presents a different story of loss, resilience, and community struggle, painting a vivid picture of…

In recent weeks, the Rwanda Meteorology Agency has issued a stark alert regarding the impending weather conditions expected this month. The agency forewarns of severe rain, which could lead to significant flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable locales. Such warnings are not to be taken lightly; they serve as a call to action for residents to prepare diligently for what lies ahead. According to the agency's forecasts, precipitation levels in the upcoming weeks are anticipated to exceed the long-term average…

Hargeisa (AX) – In an unfortunate turn of events in Hargeisa, the bustling capital of North Western State of Somalia, tragedy befell a family from the Oromo community. On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday, amidst the unpredictable forces of nature, a young life was abruptly extinguished - a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. The rains had begun with earnest vigor, as if the skies themselves had decided to weep uncontrollably. Amidst this turmoil, seven-year-old Muscab Abdifatah Rashid lost his life, leaving a…

In Florence, heavy rainfall has caused rivers to swell and streets to flood, prompting authorities to issue a red weather alert for this historic Italian city and its surroundings. Residents have been advised to remain indoors for their safety. Eugenio Giani, President of the Tuscany region encompassing Florence and Pisa, has urged citizens to exercise "maximum care and attention." He warned of "intense and persistent rain" expected throughout the day, stressing the importance of staying vigilant. The fire service has…

The remnants of Cyclone Alfred have unleashed torrential rain across Australia's east coast, leading to significant flooding as emergency workers strive to restore power to over 190,000 homes and businesses. Despite the weather system losing its strength, authorities continue to issue a range of flood and severe weather warnings along a 400 km stretch of coastline that spans Queensland and New South Wales. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that Brisbane, Queensland's capital, received an alarming 30 cm of rain within just…

Over the weekend, KwaZulu-Natal bore the brunt of torrential rains that intensified the devastation from earlier floods, leaving more families displaced and disrupting everyday life. The tragic toll of these floods has reached at least 20 lives lost in the past two months alone. What would you do if your community was suddenly uprooted by nature’s fury? The South African Weather Service has elevated its caution to a level 5 warning, signifying an urgent call to attention. They forecast an impending threat of further…