flooding
Newsletter
Credit: Markus Distelrath/Pixabay
Raging fires and deadly floods show climate change impacts worldwide
Record droughts, wildfires, and extreme floods are devastating countries across the globe as climate change intensifies.
In short:
- Wildfires in Portugal, Peru, and California have killed dozens and destroyed homes, with firefighters struggling to contain hundreds of blazes.
- Severe drought in Brazil and neighboring countries has led to historic low water levels, disrupting livelihoods and transport.
- Catastrophic floods in Southeast Asia, Central Europe, and West Africa have left thousands dead and displaced millions due to extreme storms and heavy rains.
Key quote:
“The effects of climate change are intensifying conditions that help spread fire.”
— Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR)
Why this matters:
Rising global temperatures are fueling more frequent and severe natural disasters. Without stronger climate policies, these life-threatening events are expected to increase, displacing more communities and harming ecosystems worldwide.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Mika Baumeister/Unsplash
Heavy storm floods Central Europe, leading to deaths and widespread damage
A rare combination of weather patterns led to Storm Boris, which unleashed record rainfall, flooding, and snowfall across central Europe, killing at least 12 people.
In short:
- Storm Boris dropped several months' worth of rain in a few days, causing catastrophic flooding in Romania, Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
- The storm was fueled by an unusual mix of Arctic air, warm eastern air, and record-high Mediterranean sea temperatures, intensified by climate change.
- Emergency efforts continue as the storm persists, with flood warnings and high risks of dam failures across several countries.
Key quote:
“Nothing can ease the suffering of the people of Pechea.”
— Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.
Why this matters:
Storms like Boris demonstrate how climate change is amplifying extreme weather events. The unprecedented flooding and snowfall show how quickly and severely weather patterns can shift, leading to major disasters across large regions.
Related:
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Credit: Erik Mclean/Unsplash
Floods displace nearly a million in West and Central Africa
Severe floods in West and Central Africa have killed more than 1,000 people and displaced close to a million, with entire communities submerged and aid falling short.
In short:
- Torrential rains have caused widespread flooding across Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Mali, destroying homes and displacing millions.
- Affected areas, already grappling with conflict and poverty, lack resources to handle the crisis, leaving survivors stranded without food or shelter.
- Experts link the disaster to climate change, warning that poor infrastructure and inadequate planning will worsen future floods.
Key quote:
“The impact of climate change is what we’re witnessing right now. There’s no way we can prevent major disasters from happening, but there are steps we can take to lessen the effect.”
— Olasunkanmi Okunola, flood risk management scientist
Why this matters:
Floods in West and Central Africa are exacerbated by climate change, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Lack of international funding and poor infrastructure compound the region’s struggle to address both immediate and long-term needs.
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Credit: Pixabay
Hurricanes like Francine are more dangerous as the Gulf Coast sinks
Hurricane Francine slammed southern Louisiana with 100 mph winds and an intense storm surge, made worse by climate change and subsidence along the Gulf Coast.
In short:
- Hurricane Francine struck Louisiana as a Category 2 storm, pushing a massive storm surge inland.
- Rising sea levels from climate change and subsidence make future hurricanes more dangerous.
- Scientists found some areas of the Gulf Coast are sinking by more than half an inch annually, exacerbating storm surge risks.
Key quote:
“Once that land surface is lost...that actually loses some of the protective barriers, so the storm surge can move further inland.”
— Ann Jingyi Chen, geophysicist at the University of Texas at Austin
Why this matters:
As subsidence and rising sea levels worsen, Gulf Coast communities face higher risks of flooding and storm surges during hurricanes. Better planning and data collection are critical to mitigate future damage.
Related: LISTEN: Robbie Parks on why hurricanes are getting deadlier
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Typhoon Yagi devastates Vietnam, leaving dozens dead and damaging factories
Typhoon Yagi has killed 46 people, damaged factories and caused widespread power outages in northern Vietnam as it moved westward.
In short:
- Typhoon Yagi triggered floods and landslides, leaving 46 dead and 22 missing in northern Vietnam.
- Factories, including an LG Electronics plant, sustained significant damage, with power outages affecting millions.
- Authorities warn of continued risks from landslides and flooding as the storm weakens.
Key quote:
"Everyone is scrambling to make sites safe and stocks dry."
— Bruno Jaspaert, head of DEEP C industrial zones.
Why this matters:
The typhoon’s impact on critical manufacturing hubs, including foreign companies like LG Electronics, highlights the economic vulnerabilities and human toll of severe storms in the region. With ongoing risks, recovery will be a challenge.
Related: Southeast Asia leads in disaster preparedness despite vulnerability
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Credit: GreenThumbShots/Big Stock Photo
Floods once again devastate Pakistan, two years after 2022 disaster
As monsoon rains lash Pakistan, millions still recovering from the catastrophic 2022 floods face renewed damage and uncertainty.
In short:
- Heavy monsoon rains are striking Pakistan, affecting those still recovering from the 2022 floods, which killed more than 1,700 people.
- Reconstruction efforts are lagging, with limited aid and poor infrastructure, leaving many in makeshift shelters.
- Climate change is linked to the intensified monsoon seasons, with experts warning that flooding may worsen in the future.
Key quote:
"Our children are terrified of the rain now. Whenever it rains or the wind picks up, they cling to us and cry, ‘We will drown.’"
— Fauzia, flood survivor
Why this matters:
Pakistan’s recurring floods highlight the growing impact of climate change, which is displacing rural communities and crippling agriculture. Without significant intervention, millions face ongoing displacement and economic instability.
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Los Angeles adapts to heavy storms by becoming a 'sponge city'
A supercharged February storm brought record rainfall to Los Angeles, testing and validating new infrastructure designed to absorb water and prevent catastrophic flooding.
In short:
- Los Angeles received up to 10 inches of rain in one day, overwhelming typical city infrastructure.
- The city captured over 8 billion gallons of stormwater, thanks to retrofitting efforts aimed at making the landscape more absorbent.
- These measures help reduce flood risks and keep pollutants out of the ocean by absorbing water into the ground.
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies storms, cities must adapt by integrating green infrastructure to manage water more effectively and mitigate flood risks.
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