flooding

Hurricane Erick made landfall on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, early today, raising concerns among authorities regarding the potential for intense rains, floods, and mudslides that could pose significant risks to life and property. The storm made its entrance around 5:30 AM local time in the town of Santiago Pinotepa Nacional as a Category 3 hurricane, boasting maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h. This was reported by Mexico's National Water Commission (Conagua). As scientists have noted, "Early…

Tragically, at least ten lives have been lost due to severe flooding caused by heavy rains in Texas, with several individuals still unaccounted for. On Thursday morning, intense downpours struck the city of San Antonio, resulting in flash flooding that pushed vehicles off the roads and into a nearby creek bed, as noted by local broadcaster KENS5. According to the station, the San Antonio Fire Department is actively searching for at least four additional individuals who are missing. By yesterday afternoon, city officials…

Burundian Troops Withdraw from Xawaadley Amidst Flood and Operational Challenges MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a recent announcement, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed the strategic withdrawal of Burundian Defence Forces from Xawaadley, a pivotal town located northwest of Mogadishu. This decision comes in the wake of severe flooding that has affected the area. Interestingly, the narrative took a turn when the Al-Shabaab militants declared that they had seized the…

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…