rain
Newsletter
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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.
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Heavy rains threaten traditional Oneida corn harvest
Torrential spring rains devastated the Oneida Nation’s white corn crop in Wisconsin, posing challenges for Indigenous farmers as they face increasingly unpredictable weather linked to climate change.
In short:
- Unseasonable rains wiped out much of the white corn, a culturally significant crop, leaving little to harvest.
- The Oneida community is adapting by using sustainable farming techniques like cover crops to improve soil resilience.
- Despite their efforts, traditional methods struggle against the unpredictable climate, impacting both crops and cultural traditions.
Key quote:
“We’re really up against some pretty serious odds with climate change. There’s a lot at stake.”
— Lea Zeise, co-coordinator of Ohe·láku, a non-profit that works with the families planting crops
Why this matters:
The Oneida people rely on white corn not just for food, but for cultural and communal events. As climate change worsens, Indigenous farming practices, though rooted in sustainability, may not fully protect crops from extreme weather, threatening both food security and cultural preservation.
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Heavy rains trigger deadly landslides in Kerala, India
Landslides from torrential rains in Kerala's Wayanad district killed 93 people, leaving many others trapped and in need of rescue.
In short:
- Heavy rains caused multiple landslides in Kerala, killing 93 and trapping many more.
- Rescuers struggle with blocked roads and unstable terrain as they work to save those buried under debris.
- More than 3,000 people have been moved to relief camps, and more rain is expected.
Key quote:
“Monsoon patterns are increasingly erratic and the quantum of rainfall that we receive in a short spell of time has increased. As a result, we see frequent instances of landslides and floods along the Western Ghats.”
— Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
Why this matters:
Increased rainfall intensity over short periods overwhelms the natural drainage systems, causing rivers to swell rapidly and resulting in severe flooding. These floods can lead to loss of agricultural land, contamination of water sources and destruction of infrastructure, disrupting the lives of thousands. The Western Ghats are crucial for their role in regulating the climate and hydrology of peninsular India, and these environmental changes are a stark reminder of the broader impacts of climate change.
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Landslides in Ethiopia claim 229 lives
A double landslide in southwestern Ethiopia killed 229 people on Monday, burying rescuers who rushed to help those initially trapped.
Lynsey Chutel and Kumerra Gemechu report for The New York Times.
In short:
- The first landslide struck Geze district, killing many villagers; a second landslide hit rescuers an hour later.
- Continuous heavy rains had saturated the land, leading to the deadly mudslides.
- The region is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing severe weather patterns and more frequent natural disasters.
Key quote:
“They had no clue that the land they were standing on was about to swallow them.”
— Habtamu Fetena, local government emergency response head
Why this matters:
Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events in East Africa, leading to more frequent and severe natural disasters. Understanding these impacts is crucial for improving disaster preparedness and response
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Torrential rains lead to severe flooding in the Midwest
Record-setting floods have inundated the Midwest, leading to significant disruptions and evacuations across multiple states.
In short:
- Heavy rains caused record floods in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota, surpassing previous records.
- Floodwaters collapsed a key railroad bridge and forced evacuations from hospitals and care facilities.
- The region experienced extreme rain rates, with predictions of continued flooding as rivers crest.
Key quote:
“Businesses are shuttered, main streets have been impacted. Hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities were evacuated.”
— Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa
Why this matters:
The intense flooding disrupts essential services, endangering residents and infrastructure. Climate change is intensifying weather patterns and making extreme events more frequent and severe. For scientists and policymakers, these floods are a clarion call to accelerate efforts in climate adaptation and infrastructure modernization to better protect vulnerable communities.
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Unpredictable rainfall challenges Indian farmers
Farmers in India struggle to adapt to erratic monsoons caused by climate change, threatening their livelihoods and the country's agriculture.
In short:
- Climate change is causing India’s monsoons to become more unpredictable, with either too much rain in short periods or prolonged dry spells.
- Farmers are facing crop failures due to these erratic patterns, impacting their economic stability and leading to increased debts and suicides.
- Experts suggest solutions like growing less water-intensive crops, localized weather forecasting, and policy changes to support affected farmers.
Key quote:
“We planted our cotton seeds after a good monsoon was predicted but it rained just two days and stopped after, so now we’re worried our crops will fail again.”
— Vijay Jawandhia, farmer
Why this matters:
Erratic monsoons threaten the livelihoods of 120 million Indian farmers, contributing to economic instability and food security issues. Effective adaptation strategies and policy changes are essential to mitigate these impacts and support the agricultural sector.
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Credit: Rafael Urdaneta Rojas/Pixabay
Rain-induced flooding devastates Black communities in southern Brazil
Severe flooding in Porto Alegre, Brazil, disproportionately impacted the city's Black residents, exacerbating existing inequalities and causing widespread displacement and damage.
In short:
- Torrential rains flooded Marcelo Moreira Ferreira’s home in Porto Alegre, forcing him and his family to evacuate.
- Research shows the hardest-hit areas have a high proportion of Afro-Brazilian residents, highlighting systemic inequality.
- Brazil’s federal government has announced aid, but many affected, including Ferreira, find it insufficient.
Key quote:
“I’m afraid the water will rise again, but we came back because it’s the only place we have.”
— Marcelo Moreira Ferreira, resident
Why this matters:
Flooding in Porto Alegre reveals deep-seated racial and socio-economic disparities, with Black communities facing the harshest consequences. Rising global temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are contributing to more extreme and unpredictable weather, posing a growing threat to vulnerable populations.
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