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Argentina Declares National Mourning as Flash Floods Claim 16 Lives

March 10, 2025, 4:18 pm

President of Argentina Javier Milei announced three days of national mourning after a devastating flash flood in Bahía Blanca killed at least 16 people. Authorities believe the number of fatalities will grow as rescue efforts are increased.

Beginning Friday, Bahía Blanca was lashed with a record 300 millimeters (12 inches) of rain over a few days, more than double the city’s average for a month, which is 129 millimeters (5 inches). The heavy rain flooded streets, houses, and infrastructure, bringing the city to a standstill and derailing daily activities.

Fatalities and Extensive Damage in Argentina

Emergency services in Argentina verified that five of the victims were pinned in their cars as floodwaters rushed through the streets. The tragedy has heavily affected hospitals, roads, and bridges, isolating entire neighborhoods. Power outages compelled city officials to temporarily disconnect electricity to avoid further danger.

Rescue workers keep looking for people missing, among them two young girls, one and four years old, believed to have been swept away by the rising water. More than 1,450 residents, including hospital patients, have been rescued, with the military helping with relief efforts.

The José Penna Hospital, which is among the largest health centers in the city, was severely hit. Rising water led to the shifting of patients, including babies, to safer grounds.

Government Announces Emergency Funds

In the aftermath of the destruction, the Argentine government has released 10 billion pesos ($9.2 million) for emergency relief and reconstruction efforts. Economy Minister Luis Caputo affirmed that the funds would be directed towards repairing damaged infrastructure and assisting displaced residents.

Bahía Blanca Mayor Federico Susbielles put the overall damage at around $400 million. He stressed that the situation is still critical and more assessments are needed to determine the full extent of the disaster.

The national government has assured that all federal agencies will remain focused on providing aid. President Milei’s office stated, “All areas of the national government will remain dedicated to assisting the victims in this moment of sorrow for all Argentines.” However, the government has yet to announce when the mourning period will officially begin.

Authorities Warn of Rising Death Toll

National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich said that the city lay in shambles and warned that the toll might rise. Provincial Security Minister Javier Alonso deemed the flooding as “unprecedented.” He pointing out that heavy rains cut off broad areas of coastline and inflicted irremediable damage.

Bahía Blanca residents are still reeling from the disaster. Several of them have lost their homes, businesses, and loved ones. Humanitarian groups and volunteers have rushed to deliver assistance, such as those that include food, clean water, and temporary housing for the displaced residents.

Climate Change Concerns and Urgent Need for Preparedness

The weather phenomenon has brought back to the fore issues of climate change. Environmental officer Andrea Dufourg said, “This is a clear example of climate change. Unfortunately, such events will continue. We must prepare our cities, educate citizens, and establish effective early warning systems.”

Bahía Blanca has a record of disasters caused by the weather. In December 2023, there was a storm that claimed 13 lives and did considerable damage. The recent floods have highlighted the need for enhanced infrastructure, a better drainage system, and more effective disaster preparedness in the area.

As the city starts to recover, officials are calling on people to be vigilant and follow safety protocols. Rescue squads continue searching for missing people, to avert more deaths in this ongoing crisis.

Flash Floods Hits Australia Leave One Dead, Thousands Evacuated Amid Rising Waters

February 3, 2025, 1:35 am

A deadly flash flood disaster has struck Australia’s northeast, killing one person and forcing thousands to evacuate after intense rain caused widespread flooding across the region. Since Friday, large parts of Queensland’s North Coast were submerged, and Ingham and the city of Townsville nearby were hardest hit.

The authorities ordered people to evacuate in low-lying areas, especially in the most vulnerable suburbs of Townsville. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli confirmed on Sunday that one person had been killed in the Ingham region, a woman who drowned when a rescue boat overturned as it tried to navigate floodwaters. Five others were rescued from the boat. His heart was with the bereaved family, according to Premier Crisafulli.

Life-threatening conditions have mounted, with Townsville suburb of Bluewater becoming an area which the authorities declared emergency alerts yesterday. Residents around the city, who are to be most concerned by the devastating floodwaters rise, were moved out by lunchtime yesterday to evacuate from threatened areas. Together with the threatening flood, local residents are given caution to alert themselves to also be aware for the presence of crocodiles as they move out in anticipation of flood due to displacement on areas where water flows.

Torrential rain from two tropical low-pressure systems has already led to 24-hour rainfall totals of over 600 millimeters or 23 inches in some areas. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology also warned of continued heavy rain and strong winds that could lead to further flash flooding.

The Herbert River is near Ingham and will hit levels that have not been seen in 60 years. Queensland authorities warned that preparation and evacuation advice must be taken seriously to mitigate the impact of this unfolding disaster.

Indonesia’s Java Island: Tragic Flash Floods And Landslides Triggered, 16 Dead, 9 Missing

January 21, 2025, 1:41 pm

In a tragic event, Indonesian rescuers have recovered at least 16 bodies following flash floods and landslides that struck hilly villages in Central Java’s Pekalongan regency. Torrential rains on Monday led to rivers overflowing, sweeping away homes and causing mud, rocks, and trees to tumble down mountainsides, devastating several villages. The worst-hit village, Petungkriyono, has been the focus of rescue operations as officials continue their search for survivors.

The local Disaster Management Agency reported that 16 bodies had been pulled from the debris by Tuesday, but nine villagers remain unaccounted for. In addition, ten people who were injured managed to escape the flooding and landslides and have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue teams are working around the clock, aided by local residents, in the hope of finding the missing villagers and providing aid to those affected.

Indonesia is no stranger to seasonal floods and landslides, particularly during the rainy season, which lasts from October to March. The archipelago, made up of over 17,000 islands, is home to millions of people living in mountainous areas or near fertile floodplains. The frequent occurrence of natural disasters in these areas poses ongoing challenges for both local communities and disaster management authorities.

Tragedy Strikes Indonesia: Flash Floods And Landslides Claim 16 Lives, Dozens Missing

November 25, 2024, 4:55 pm

Rescue teams in Indonesia have recovered 16 bodies and are continuing their search for missing individuals after flash floods and landslides struck villages in North Sumatra over the weekend. Torrential rain caused rivers to overflow, triggering massive mudslides that swept through four mountainous districts in the province. Authorities confirmed that six people are still missing.

The deadly floods and landslides, which took place in several areas including the Semangat Gunung resort in Karo district, washed away homes and destroyed farmlands. Local police, soldiers, and rescue workers, aided by excavators and farm equipment, have been working tirelessly to search for victims amid the rubble.

The worst-hit area was a resort town in Karo district, where six bodies were recovered after a landslide buried two houses and a cottage late Sunday. In South Tapanuli district, flash floods swept away at least 10 homes and left about 150 buildings damaged. Two bodies were pulled from the river, and several people were reported injured.

The flash floods also took lives in Deli Serdang and Padang Lawas districts. In Harang Julu village, a landslide killed four members of a family, including two children. Rescuers managed to extract survivors from the village, where families gathered in grief as the mud-covered bodies of victims were recovered.

This disaster highlights the annual risk of flooding and landslides that Indonesia faces between October and March, especially in mountainous regions. Last year, similar weather events caused the deaths of 12 people, and several remain missing. The affected regions, including Lake Toba, a popular tourist destination, are prone to natural disasters due to their geography and the dense population living in vulnerable areas.

Australia Faces Chaos: Bushfires, Flash Floods, And Wild Winds Strike East

November 17, 2024, 3:33 pm

Two major bushfires in Victoria have forced evacuations and destroyed at least one home, while wild winds and storms continue to cause chaos across eastern Australia. Firefighters are battling to control the fires in Victoria’s west, with potential flash flooding and heavy rainfall affecting parts of Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania.

In Victoria, fire warnings were issued for areas near the Grampians and the Otway Ranges, including Lavers Hill, where it remains unsafe for residents to return. Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugget called it an “incredibly challenging day,” with strong winds and high temperatures fueling over 80 grassfires. As of Sunday, two major fires at Chapple Vale and Kadnook are still out of control, burning over 1,900 hectares combined. One home was confirmed destroyed in Kadnook, with the possibility of two more homes lost.

More than 200 assistance requests have been made across the state due to storms causing hail, lightning, fallen trees, and power outages. In Shepparton, 70 requests have been made, primarily for building damage and downed power lines. The Bureau of Meteorology reported a significant temperature drop in the Grampians, easing conditions slightly, but a moderate to high fire danger remains as winds persist.

Elsewhere, severe weather warnings are in place for parts of Victoria’s north-east, central NSW, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and north-east Tasmania. A cold front has brought heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and the threat of flash floods, particularly in high alpine areas. Winds of up to 148km/h have been recorded in Victoria, with gusts reaching 131km/h at Mount Buller.

A total fire ban is in effect for parts of New South Wales and southern Queensland as temperatures in some areas rise into the low 40s. Severe thunderstorms are also hitting central NSW, including Parkes and Nyngan, with damaging winds and large hailstones expected.

As the cold front moves through the region, weather conditions are predicted to ease by Sunday evening, though the risk of further storms and fires remains high. Residents are urged to stay informed and take precautions as severe weather continues to impact large parts of the country.

Flash Floods In Spain: Death Toll Reaches 95; Valencia Suffers Major Impact

October 31, 2024, 5:45 am

At least 95 people have died following severe flash floods in Spain, with emergency teams actively searching for others still missing, according to authorities, CNN reported on Wednesday. The hardest-hit region was Valencia, where 92 fatalities were confirmed by Spain’s Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Angel Victor Torres, CNN reported. Additionally, two deaths occurred in Castile-La Mancha, and one in Andalusia.

In the town of Paiporta, Valencia, 40 people, including six retirement home residents, lost their lives, as reported by Mayor Maribel Albalat, citing the Spanish state news agency EFE.

Parts of southern and eastern Spain saw nearly 12 inches of rain within a few hours on Tuesday, marking the heaviest rainfall Valencia has experienced in 28 years, according to the state weather agency AEMET. The region was thrown into disarray as major highways became impassable, with abandoned vehicles swept away by floodwaters.

Must Read: Indian, Chinese Troops Disengage, Patrols To Start Soon

According to CNN, videos from rescue agencies show streets underwater, people stranded on rooftops, and overturned cars. Rescue efforts are ongoing in Valencia, Malaga, and Castile-La-Mancha.

Emiliano Garcia-Page, president of Castile-La-Mancha’s regional government, described the flooding as catastrophic: “It’s not a rain pour; it was like a dam burst.”

Train services between Madrid and Valencia have been suspended, along with other public services in the affected areas. Schools, museums, and public libraries in Valencia are expected to remain closed on Thursday.

Reports indicate that approximately 1,200 people are still stranded on various stretches of highway in Valencia, and 5,000 vehicles are immobilized due to the flooding, CNN reported. In towns near rivers, like Utiel and Paiporta, overflowing waters inundated streets, sweeping away vehicles and debris, according to CNN en Español.

The weather phenomenon, known as a “cold drop,” has triggered the most severe flooding in Valencia this century. However, it remains unclear if climate change played a role, CNN reported, citing AEMET.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez promised that the government would “utilise all available resources” to aid those affected and urged citizens to remain cautious. He is set to visit Valencia on Thursday.

Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles called the floods an “unprecedented phenomenon” and announced that over 1,000 military personnel had been deployed for rescue efforts. The Spanish government has declared three days of official mourning for the victims, beginning on Thursday.

Also Read: Floods Leave 51 Dead in Valencia, Spain

Punjab: Car With 9 Swept Away By Flash Floods

August 11, 2024, 7:26 pm

Nine persons were swept away by flash floods in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur on Sunday. The deceased belonged to Una district in Himachal Pradesh and were on their way to a marriage when disaster struck. As the car approaching the road in Gadshankar’s Joija, strong floodwaters overtook the vehicle and whirled it away. While one person was saved by rescue teams, bodies of nine other persons were retrieved subsequently.

This is a developing story.

T20 World Cup News: Pakistani Cricket Team Face Elimination Due To “State Of Emergency”, Internet Reacts With ‘Qudrat Ka Nizam'”

June 13, 2024, 2:38 pm

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has declared a state of emergency following life-threatening flash floods, disrupting travel and leaving the Sri Lankan cricket team stranded amidst their participation in the T20 World Cup.Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Fort Lauderdale, leading to a state of emergency declaration as flash floods threaten critical infrastructure, including major highways and airports. Local authorities have grounded hundreds of flights, impacting travel to and from South Florida airports.

The Sri Lankan cricket team, in the city for the T20 World Cup, has faced significant delays due to the adverse weather conditions. Their scheduled departure to the Caribbean islands has been postponed, affecting their preparations for a crucial match against Netherlands in St Lucia on Monday, June 17. Despite challenges, Sri Lanka retains hopes of advancing to the Super 8 stage, having won one of their three group matches.

Floods in Florida has left Sri Lankan team stranded in US. The team was supposed to fly out from Fort Lauderdale this evening to Caribbean, but now are staying back in US. A state of emergency has been issued by Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. The team is expected to fly out tomorrow.

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) June 13, 2024

Fort Lauderdale’s Central Broward Regional Park, a key venue for the T20 World Cup, has seen disruptions with the first scheduled game, Sri Lanka vs Nepal, washed out due to heavy rains.

The “Qudrat Ka Nizam” is working to eliminate Pakistan from the tournament ??pic.twitter.com/kJlt46UcNQ

— CrickSachin (@Sachin_Gandhi7) June 13, 2024

In Group A of the tournament, Pakistan and USA are battling for advancement. USA, currently second with four points but a reduced Net Run Rate (NRR), face Ireland on Friday. Pakistan, on the other hand, will confront Ireland on Sunday, needing a win and favorable results elsewhere to progress.

India leads Group A, having secured their spot in the Super 8 stage. The unfolding weather conditions in Fort Lauderdale add a layer of uncertainty to the tournament, with Pakistan eyeing a pathway to the next round despite the challenging circumstances.

As Fort Lauderdale grapples with emergency measures and weather-related disruptions, the T20 World Cup faces logistical challenges, impacting teams and tournament dynamics alike. The situation continues to evolve, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the event.

TN: Teen Dies In Flash Flood Reported In Tenkasi’s Old Courtallam Waterfalls

May 17, 2024, 8:08 pm

A teenager lost his life in a sudden flash flood at the Old Courtallam waterfalls in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, on Friday. The teen, named Ashwin, went missing during the flood and was later found dead during a search operation by the Fire and Rescue Department. His body was discovered in the Irattai Kalvai (dual canal).

Tamil Nadu has experienced moderate rainfall over the past few days following a scorching summer. In the last 24 hours, Kanniyakumari district received 7 cm of rain, while Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi, Valparai, and Thiruvarur each recorded 6 cm, and Tenkasi recorded 3 cm.

The Regional Meteorology Department has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall tomorrow in isolated areas of Theni, Dindigul, and Tenkasi districts. Additionally, heavy rain is expected in isolated locations across Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tiruppur, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, and Madurai districts over the next five days.

Watch: Flash Floods Reported In TN’s Tenkasi

May 17, 2024, 7:01 pm

Chennai: Flash Floods in Old Courtallam waterfalls in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi were reported on Friday.

The public was not allowed to enter the waterfalls temporarily. A team from Tamil Nadu Fire and rescue department was dispatched to the scene.

#WATCH | Sudden flash flood in Old Courtallam waterfalls in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi

The public is prohiitied from entering the waterfall temporarily. A team of Tamil Nadu Fire and rescue department is present on the spot. pic.twitter.com/lahkoPNjVp

— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2024

Northern Afghanistan Hit by Deadly Flash Floods, Hundreds Dead or Missing

May 12, 2024, 7:47 pm

Upon receiving news of flash floods engulfing the outskirts of a provincial capital in northern Afghanistan, shopkeeper Nazer Mohammad hurried back home. Upon arrival, he discovered that everything, including his family of five, had been swept away by the floods.

“Everything happened just all of a sudden. I came home, but there was no home there, instead, I saw all the neighbourhood covered by mud and water,” said Mohammad. He recounted burying his wife and two sons, aged 15 and 8, but continues to search for his two daughters, aged approximately 6 and 11.

The UN food agency approximated that Afghanistan’s recent heavy seasonal rains have resulted in the deaths of more than 300 individuals and the destruction of over 1,000 homes, with the majority of casualties occurring in the northern province of Baghlan, which endured the worst of the downpours on Friday.

Mohammad disclosed on Sunday that he discovered the bodies of his wife and two sons late Friday evening on the outskirts of Puli Khumri, the capital of Baghlan province.

“I hope someone has found my daughters alive,” he said, holding back tears. “Just in the blink of an eye, I lost everything: family, home, belongings, now nothing is left to me.”

Save the Children, an aid organization, reported that approximately 600,000 individuals, with half of them being children, reside in the five districts in Baghlan severely affected by the floods. The organization mentioned dispatching a “clinic on wheels” equipped with mobile health and child protection teams to provide assistance to children and their families.

“Lives and livelihoods have been washed away,” said Arshad Malik, country director for Save the Children. “The flash floods tore through villages, sweeping away homes and killing livestock. Children have lost everything. Families who are still reeling from the economic impacts of three years of drought urgently need assistance.”

He emphasized that Afghanistan, being one of the countries least equipped to handle climate change patterns like the intensified seasonal rains, requires assistance from the international community.

In April alone, heavy rains and flash floods claimed the lives of at least 70 individuals in the country. Additionally, around 2,000 homes, three mosques, and four schools were destroyed as a result of the calamity.

33 Dead, 27 Injured in Afghanistan’s Severe Weather Havoc

April 15, 2024, 1:38 pm

According to TOLOnews, at least 33 individuals lost their lives due to the severe snow, rain, and ensuing floods that have devastated the country in the last three days. Additionally, flash floods have resulted in injuries to 27 people.

“According to preliminary statistics, unfortunately, thirty-three people have died and twenty-seven others have been injured due to the recent floods. Similarly, 606 homes have been either partially or completely destroyed,” spokesperson for the Taliban-controlled State Ministry of Disaster Management, Janan Saiq stated.

Saiq also mentioned that the provinces of Farah, Herat, Zabul, and Kandahar experienced significant losses. “The majority of the casualties were in the provinces of Farah, Herat, Zabul, and Kandahar, with most victims coming from Kandahar province,” he stated, according to TOLOnews.

Afghanistan ranks as one of the countries most susceptible to natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and droughts.The State Ministry for Disaster Management Affairs reported that over 22,000 families in need have been provided with national and international aid since the beginning of the current solar month.

The ministry has also issued a warning about the potential rise in flood-related casualties and the likelihood of additional snow and rain precipitation leading to floods in various provinces in the near future.

US: 5 killed in flash floods in eastern Pennsylvania

July 17, 2023, 11:55 am

Five individuals were kille wein eastern Pennsylvania, according to The Hill, citing officials.

Two little children from the same family, a 2-year-old girl and a 9-month-old boy, remained missing as of Sunday afternoon.

According to the Upper Makefield Township Police Department, the family from Charleston, S.C., came to visit family and friends in the region when they were caught in a flash flood.

While the mother has been confirmed dead, the father, 4-year-old boy, and grandmother all survived.

“This has been unbelievably devastating to all the families involved, all of our first responders, and to our community as a whole,” the police department said, according to The Hill. “We are all in grieving over the loss of life we have seen.”

“However, our commitment to finding the two children who are still missing is unwavering as we will do all that we can to bring them home to their loved ones,” the police department added.

At a news conference on Sunday morning, Tim Brewer, chief of the Upper Makefield Fire Company, claimed that three of the eleven cars on the road at the time of the flash flood were swept away.

Along with the eight people who were removed from their cars during the rescue effort, he noted that two additional persons were pulled from a nearby creek.