In recent weeks, the world has witnessed a series of extreme weather events that have left a trail of destruction in their wake. From floods in Brazil to a heatwave in India, and heavy rainfall in the United Arab Emirates, the impact of these weather phenomena has been devastating.
In southern Brazil, heavy rains have worsened an already dire situation, claiming the lives of at least 100 individuals and displacing over 230,000 people. The floods, triggered by unusually heavy rainfall, have cut off much of the region, causing extensive damage to infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in India, a record-breaking heatwave has been affecting voter turnout during the ongoing elections. Temperatures in Andhra Pradesh reached a scorching 46.3 degrees Celsius, leading to health emergencies such as Union minister Nitin Gadkari collapsing during a campaign event and a presiding officer succumbing to heatstroke.
In the United Arab Emirates, unprecedented rainfall caused flooding on major highways and disrupted flights at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub for international travel. The heavy downpour, the heaviest in 75 years, left cars stranded in Dubai and claimed lives in Oman as well.
In Kenya, the death toll from flooding and heavy rains has risen to 228, with over 212,000 people displaced across the country. The adverse weather conditions are forecasted to worsen in the coming weeks, posing a significant threat to the region.
Lastly, a tornado struck Guangzhou city in southern China, resulting in at least five fatalities and 33 injuries. The extreme weather event damaged approximately 140 factories in the capital of Guangdong province, highlighting the destructive power of these weather phenomena.
As experts continue to study the impact of human-induced climate change and the El Niño phenomenon on these extreme weather events, it is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate their effects and protect vulnerable communities around the world.