Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Thursday (Jan 9) took into custody a man in connection with one of the fires devastating LA. The suspect, as per reports, is a homeless man and is believed to have intentionally lighted the Kenneth fire which is tearing through Los Angeles' West Hills at a rapid rate.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-wildfires-gather-loved-ones-officials-mistakenly-send-emergency-evacuation-order-to-entire-county-8606427" aria-label="LA wildfires: &lsquo;Gather loved ones&hellip;&rsquo;: Officials mistakenly send evacuation order to entire county">LA wildfires: &lsquo;Gather loved ones&hellip;&rsquo;: Officials mistakenly send evacuation order to entire county</a>
<h2>Suspect arrested</h2>
As per reports, the suspect was arrested on Thursday (Jan 10) around 4:40 pm local time (1230 am GMT on Friday) as police responded to reports of a man attempting to start a fire.
The would-be arsonist was detained by the officers with the help of residents who reported him. He was then taken to the Topanga station.&nbsp;
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Police are yet to reveal the identity of the suspected arsonist and have not confirmed if he's directly responsible for any of the fires currently rampaging through Los Angeles.
Talking to NewsNation, LAPD senior lead officer Charles Dinsel said that the suspect's attempt to start a fire &ldquo;is being investigated as a crime&rdquo;.
When asked if the police believed the Kenneth fire was set intentionally, Dinsel said: &ldquo;At this time, that's what we believe. Yes.&rdquo;
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However, LAPD's Drake Madison, as per a DailyMail report, cautioned they &ldquo;cannot confirm any connection to any fire at this time.&rdquo;
<h2>The Kenneth Fire</h2>
As per reports, the massive Kenneth Fire started around 2 pm local time (10 pm GMT) on Thursday in an area of dry bush in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space just north of the 101 Freeway. By 6 pm, it had spread to over 600 acres. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-men-and-dog-trapped-in-house-as-los-angeles-wildfire-rage-8605336" aria-label="Video: Men and dog trapped in house as Los Angeles wildfire rage">Video: Men and dog trapped in house as Los Angeles wildfire rage</a>
Talking to NewsNation, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman vowed that if the fire did turn out to be caused by arson, &ldquo;Justice will be swift. It will be firm, and the maximum punishment will be sought&rdquo;.
In Lost Angeles, several fires continue to devastate the area.
As per the county coroner, at least 10 people have died in the fires and over 10,000 structures destroyed according to local officials.
&ldquo;The Department of Medical Examiner received notification of 10 fire-related deaths as of 9 pm on January 9,&rdquo; said a statement, adding: &ldquo;All cases are currently pending identification and legal next of kin notification.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Police are yet to reveal the identity of the suspected arsonist and have not confirmed if he's directly responsible for any of the fires currently rampaging through Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Thursday (Jan 9) took into custody a man in connection with one of the fires devastating LA. The suspect, as per reports, is a homeless man and is believed to have intentionally lighted the Kenneth fire which is tearing through Los Angeles' West Hills at a rapid rate. Also read | LA wildfires: ‘Gather loved ones…’: Officials mistakenly send evacuation order to entire county Suspect arrested As per reports, the suspect was arrested on Thursday (Jan 10) around 4:40 pm local time (1230 am GMT on Friday) as police responded to reports of a man attempting to start a fire. The would-be arsonist was detained by the officers with the help of residents who reported him. He was then taken to the Topanga station. Also read | LA wildfires: Biden pledges federal aid as death toll rises to 10; National Guard called in to battle 'nightmare' Police are yet to reveal the identity of the suspected arsonist and have not confirmed if he's directly responsible for any of the fires currently rampaging through Los Angeles. Talking to NewsNation, LAPD senior lead officer Charles Dinsel said that the suspect's attempt to start a fire “is being investigated as a crime”. When asked if the police believed the Kenneth fire was set intentionally, Dinsel said: “At this time, that's what we believe. Yes.” Also read | Meghan and Harry speak about LA wildfires, might have to evacuate their home However, LAPD's Drake Madison, as per a DailyMail report, cautioned they “cannot confirm any connection to any fire at this time.” The Kenneth Fire As per reports, the massive Kenneth Fire started around 2 pm local time (10 pm GMT) on Thursday in an area of dry bush in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space just north of the 101 Freeway. By 6 pm, it had spread to over 600 acres. Also read | Video: Men and dog trapped in house as Los Angeles wildfire rage Talking to NewsNation, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman vowed that if the fire did turn out to be caused by arson, “Justice will be swift. It will be firm, and the maximum punishment will be sought”. In Lost Angeles, several fires continue to devastate the area. As per the county coroner, at least 10 people have died in the fires and over 10,000 structures destroyed according to local officials. “The Department of Medical Examiner received notification of 10 fire-related deaths as of 9 pm on January 9,” said a statement, adding: “All cases are currently pending identification and legal next of kin notification.” (With inputs from agencies)

LA wildfires: Police detain 'homeless suspect' for starting Kenneth fire

According to a new study, a quarter of freshwater animals, including fish and insects, are at high risk of extinction due to threats such as pollution, dams, and farming. Freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands, cover less than 1% of Earth's surface, but they host more than 10% of known species. These ecosystems also support the livelihoods of billions of people...Watch in for more details!

Freshwater diversity under substantial stress: Study

The death toll from the devastating wildfires rampaging the United States Los Angeles area has risen to five, said officials on Wednesday (Jan 8), warning that it may rise further.
In America's second-biggest city, over 1,000 buildings have been incinerated by wildfires that have left firefighters overwhelmed by their speed and ferocity. In the upmarket Pacific Palisades, an area known for its luxurious and celebrity residents, winds have led to fireballs leaping from one house to the next, destroying some of the most desirable real estate.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-fire-2-dead-several-significantly-injured-as-palisades-fire-spreads-across-2000-acres-8603147">Los Angeles fire: 2 dead, several 'significantly' injured as Palisades fire spreads across 2,000 acres</a>
<h2>Death toll grows</h2>
Updating the media on the death toll, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that his crews were overwhelmed by the scale and the speed of the disastrous fires.
&ldquo;We're doing the very best we can. But no, we don't have enough fire personnel in LA County between all the departments to handle this,&rdquo; he said.
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Talking to radio station KNX, Luna said that the death toll has unfortunately &ldquo;grown to five,&rdquo; warning it could rise further.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Remember, this is still a very fluid situation. There's zero containment on this fire. I'm really praying we don't find more, but I don't think that's going to be the case,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>Evacuations amid dire conditions&nbsp;</h2>
Around 70,000 residents are under evacuation orders, but some who stayed behind have sustained &ldquo;significant injuries,&rdquo; said LA County Fire Chief Marrone.&nbsp;
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Fire crews are also battling resource challenges, with hydrants in Pacific Palisades running dry.&nbsp;
Janisse Quinones, head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, urged residents to conserve water. &ldquo;We're fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging,&rdquo; she said.
<h2>Primed for disaster</h2>
According to scientists, human-caused climate change is behind the altering weather patterns that are responsible for the disaster.&nbsp;
Years of drought, followed by unusually wet seasons that spurred rampant vegetation growth, have left the region primed to burn.&nbsp;
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Meteorologist Daniel Swain noted the unprecedented dryness over recent months, combined with extreme winds, is a key driver of the fires.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The winds are the driver, but the real catalyst&hellip; is this incredible antecedent dryness,&rdquo; Swain explained.
&ldquo;The lack of rain and the anomalous warmth and dryness that we've seen the past six months. That's something that we haven't seen in records going back to the 1800s.&rdquo;&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World news | Fire crews face resource challenges; Pacific Palisades hydrants run dry. Residents urged to conserve water as urban systems struggle against wildfires.

The death toll from the devastating wildfires rampaging the United States Los Angeles area has risen to five, said officials on Wednesday (Jan 8), warning that it may rise further. In America's second-biggest city, over 1,000 buildings have been incinerated by wildfires that have left firefighters overwhelmed by their speed and ferocity. In the upmarket Pacific Palisades, an area known for its luxurious and celebrity residents, winds have led to fireballs leaping from one house to the next, destroying some of the most desirable real estate. Also read | Los Angeles fire: 2 dead, several 'significantly' injured as Palisades fire spreads across 2,000 acres Death toll grows Updating the media on the death toll, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that his crews were overwhelmed by the scale and the speed of the disastrous fires. “We're doing the very best we can. But no, we don't have enough fire personnel in LA County between all the departments to handle this,” he said. Also read | Denmark says Greenland can be 'independent' but not part of United States Talking to radio station KNX, Luna said that the death toll has unfortunately “grown to five,” warning it could rise further. “Remember, this is still a very fluid situation. There's zero containment on this fire. I'm really praying we don't find more, but I don't think that's going to be the case,” he added. Evacuations amid dire conditions Around 70,000 residents are under evacuation orders, but some who stayed behind have sustained “significant injuries,” said LA County Fire Chief Marrone. Also read | Mexico President mocks Trump’s 'Gulf of America' proposal, suggests 'Mexican America' instead Fire crews are also battling resource challenges, with hydrants in Pacific Palisades running dry. Janisse Quinones, head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, urged residents to conserve water. “We're fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging,” she said. Primed for disaster According to scientists, human-caused climate change is behind the altering weather patterns that are responsible for the disaster. Years of drought, followed by unusually wet seasons that spurred rampant vegetation growth, have left the region primed to burn. Also read | Tibet earthquake: Aftershocks continue to rattle region Meteorologist Daniel Swain noted the unprecedented dryness over recent months, combined with extreme winds, is a key driver of the fires. “The winds are the driver, but the real catalyst… is this incredible antecedent dryness,” Swain explained. “The lack of rain and the anomalous warmth and dryness that we've seen the past six months. That's something that we haven't seen in records going back to the 1800s.” (With inputs from agencies)

LA wildfires: Five dead as fires continue to burn with 'zero containment'

The year 2024 was the warmest on record in India since 1901, with the average minimum temperature settling 0.90 degrees Celsius above the long-period average, the IMD said on Wednesday.
The annual mean temperature in 2024 was 25.75 degrees Celsius, 0.65 degrees above the long-period average.
The average maximum temperature stood at 31.25 degrees Celsius, 0.20 degrees above normal. The average minimum temperature was 20.24 degrees Celsius, 0.90 degrees above normal, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
The year 2024 surpassed 2016, which recorded a mean land surface air temperature of 0.54 degrees Celsius above normal, making it the warmest year since 1901.
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The average minimum temperature was the highest on record for July, August, September and October, and the second highest for February, the IMD chief said.
According to the European climate agency Copernicus, 2024 likely ended as the warmest year globally and the first with average temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial (1850-1900) levels.
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According to a yearly review by two independent groups of climate scientists -- World Weather Attribution and Climate Central --, the world experienced 41 additional days of dangerous heat in 2024.
Mohapatra said the rise in minimum temperatures in 2024 was "quite high".
"Long-term data shows most parts of the country are witnessing a rising trend in minimum temperatures, particularly in post-monsoon and winter seasons," he said.
The IMD said La Nina conditions, characterised by cooler ocean surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean and usually associated with colder winters in north India, were expected to develop in January but would be short-lived.
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"It is unlikely to significantly impact the warming trend," an IMD scientist told PTI.
June 2023 marked the first instance of a monthly global temperature crossing the 1.5-degree threshold, a trend that persisted throughout the year, except for July 2024.
Under the Paris Agreement, a permanent breach of the 1.5-degree limit refers to sustained warming over 20-30 years.
Experts warn that the world is now entering a phase during which temperatures will consistently exceed this threshold.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-weather-update-check-out-todays-predicted-minimum-and-maximum-temperatures-784094" rel="dofollow">Delhi weather update: Check out today's predicted minimum and maximum temperatures</a>
The global average temperature has already risen by 1.3 degrees Celsius compared to the 1850-1900 baseline, driven by the rapid accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India news: The average minimum temperature was the highest on record for July, August, September and October, and the second highest for February, the IMD chief said.

The year 2024 was the warmest on record in India since 1901, with the average minimum temperature settling 0.90 degrees Celsius above the long-period average, the IMD said on Wednesday. The annual mean temperature in 2024 was 25.75 degrees Celsius, 0.65 degrees above the long-period average. The average maximum temperature stood at 31.25 degrees Celsius, 0.20 degrees above normal. The average minimum temperature was 20.24 degrees Celsius, 0.90 degrees above normal, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. The year 2024 surpassed 2016, which recorded a mean land surface air temperature of 0.54 degrees Celsius above normal, making it the warmest year since 1901. Also read: UN report highlights extreme weather and heat fuelled by climate change in 2024 The average minimum temperature was the highest on record for July, August, September and October, and the second highest for February, the IMD chief said. According to the European climate agency Copernicus, 2024 likely ended as the warmest year globally and the first with average temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial (1850-1900) levels. Also read: India weather update: Cold wave grips north, rainfall expected in south According to a yearly review by two independent groups of climate scientists -- World Weather Attribution and Climate Central --, the world experienced 41 additional days of dangerous heat in 2024. Mohapatra said the rise in minimum temperatures in 2024 was "quite high". "Long-term data shows most parts of the country are witnessing a rising trend in minimum temperatures, particularly in post-monsoon and winter seasons," he said. The IMD said La Nina conditions, characterised by cooler ocean surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean and usually associated with colder winters in north India, were expected to develop in January but would be short-lived. Also read: Cold weather hits Delhi with 4.5° chill and 'very poor' AQI amid coldwave "It is unlikely to significantly impact the warming trend," an IMD scientist told PTI. June 2023 marked the first instance of a monthly global temperature crossing the 1.5-degree threshold, a trend that persisted throughout the year, except for July 2024. Under the Paris Agreement, a permanent breach of the 1.5-degree limit refers to sustained warming over 20-30 years. Experts warn that the world is now entering a phase during which temperatures will consistently exceed this threshold. Also read: Delhi weather update: Check out today's predicted minimum and maximum temperatures The global average temperature has already risen by 1.3 degrees Celsius compared to the 1850-1900 baseline, driven by the rapid accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

2024 warmest year in India since 1901, says IMD

New Delhi, India
The year 2024 was marked by a surprisingly high number of natural disasters that underscored the growing devastating effect of climate change on planet Earth.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
From catastrophic flooding to disastrous storms, these are the five biggest disasters of 2024.
<h2>Afghanistan&ndash;Pakistan floods</h2>
<img alt="Afghan floods" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a172edeb-2f56-44a5-af69-10fe3d1aaeef" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T141351.649.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
Between March and August 2024, unseasonably heavy rains and subsequent flash flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the lives of 1084 people, while over 2000 were injured.
<h2>Typhoon Yagi</h2>
<img alt="Typhoon Yagi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42498da3-8b5b-4ead-9c37-b21d629a9621" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T141656.752.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
Typhoon Yagi (known as Severe Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines), was a tropical storm in September 2024 in Southeast Asia and South China.
Yagi was the first super typhoon&mdash;classified as category 5&mdash;of the annual typhoon season and was the most powerful storm ever to hit Northern Vietnam. It was also the strongest typhoon to batter Hainan during the meteorological autumn, surpassing all others since the devastating Rammasun in 2014.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-tragedy-to-triumph-five-personalities-who-defined-2024-785783">From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024</a>
The toll from Yagi was staggering. As per official records, 844 lives were lost, 2,279 people were injured, and 129 others were reported missing. Additionally, the storm, as per reports, caused damages of over $16.7 billion. This makes Yagi the third-costliest Pacific typhoon on record.&nbsp;
<h2>Enga landslide</h2>
<img alt="Enga landslide" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73023189-c5b7-4778-8ee6-958faa76173f" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T141912.206.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
On May 24, 2024, a devastating landslide struck Papua New Guinea's Mulitaka. The massive landslide buried thousands under the debris. While the official death toll stands at 640, estimates suggest that there might actually have been over 2,000 fatalities.&nbsp;
The landslide, as per some theories, was caused by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 18, 2024. However, the Red Cross blamed gold mining or heavy rainfall in the region for the disaster.
<h2>Wayanad landslides</h2>
<img alt="Wayanad landslides" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ded522a6-28af-4a54-a9ed-3c7bcaf0546b" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T142042.407.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
In India's Kerala, a series of landslides on July 30, 2024, killed 254 people, and injured 397, while 254 went missing.&nbsp;
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rewind-2024-a-reminder-climate-change-is-impacting-us-more-than-we-think-785892">2024 was a reminder that climate change impacts us more than we think</a>
The landslides were caused by heavy rains that led to the collapse of hillsides. They affected&nbsp;Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk in Wayanad district.
It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerala's history.
<h2>Hurricane Helene</h2>
<img alt="Hurricane Helene" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6825e893-3312-427b-a39f-54abadd050c4" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T142204.833.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
The devastating Hurricane Helene hit the Southeast United States in September 2024. The tropical cyclone was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest to strike the mainland US since Katrina in 2005.
Helene caused 235 deaths and total damage of around $124 billion.
(With inputs from agencies)

A recap of atastrophic events of 2024, including the Afghanistan-Pakistan floods and Typhoon Yagi, emphasising the severe consequences of climate change worldwide.

New Delhi, India The year 2024 was marked by a surprisingly high number of natural disasters that underscored the growing devastating effect of climate change on planet Earth. From catastrophic flooding to disastrous storms, these are the five biggest disasters of 2024. Afghanistan–Pakistan floods (Image courtesy: AFP) Between March and August 2024, unseasonably heavy rains and subsequent flash flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the lives of 1084 people, while over 2000 were injured. Typhoon Yagi (Image courtesy: AFP) Typhoon Yagi (known as Severe Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines), was a tropical storm in September 2024 in Southeast Asia and South China. Yagi was the first super typhoon—classified as category 5—of the annual typhoon season and was the most powerful storm ever to hit Northern Vietnam. It was also the strongest typhoon to batter Hainan during the meteorological autumn, surpassing all others since the devastating Rammasun in 2014. Also read | From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024 The toll from Yagi was staggering. As per official records, 844 lives were lost, 2,279 people were injured, and 129 others were reported missing. Additionally, the storm, as per reports, caused damages of over $16.7 billion. This makes Yagi the third-costliest Pacific typhoon on record. Enga landslide (Image courtesy: AFP) On May 24, 2024, a devastating landslide struck Papua New Guinea's Mulitaka. The massive landslide buried thousands under the debris. While the official death toll stands at 640, estimates suggest that there might actually have been over 2,000 fatalities. The landslide, as per some theories, was caused by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 18, 2024. However, the Red Cross blamed gold mining or heavy rainfall in the region for the disaster. Wayanad landslides (Image courtesy: AFP) In India's Kerala, a series of landslides on July 30, 2024, killed 254 people, and injured 397, while 254 went missing. Also read | 2024 was a reminder that climate change impacts us more than we think The landslides were caused by heavy rains that led to the collapse of hillsides. They affected Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk in Wayanad district. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerala's history. Hurricane Helene (Image courtesy: AFP) The devastating Hurricane Helene hit the Southeast United States in September 2024. The tropical cyclone was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest to strike the mainland US since Katrina in 2005. Helene caused 235 deaths and total damage of around $124 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

Year in review: From floods in Afghanistan to Typhoon Yagi, the deadliest natural disasters in 2024

As the year comes to an end, the United Nations has urged the world to pull back from the road to ruin, warning that climate change sparked a trail of extreme weather and record heat in 2024. The UN's weather and climate agency has said that the outgoing year is set to be the warmest ever recorded, capping a decade of unprecedented heat. Watch in for more details!

Top 10 Hottest Years On Record Have Happened In Last 10 Years: UN

Climate change sparked a trail of extreme weather and record heat in 2024, the United Nations said on Monday, urging the world to pull back from the "road to ruin".
The outgoing year is set to be the warmest ever recorded, the UN's weather and climate agency said, capping a decade of unprecedented heat.
Meanwhile emissions of greenhouse gases grew to new record highs, locking in more heat for the future, the World Meteorological Organization said.
"Climate change plays out before our eyes on an almost daily basis in the form of increased occurrence and impact of extreme weather events," WMO secretary general Celeste Saulo said.
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"This year we saw record-breaking rainfall and flooding events and terrible loss of life in so many countries, causing heartbreak to communities on every continent.
"Tropical cyclones caused a terrible human and economic toll, most recently in the French overseas department of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean.
"Intense heat scorched dozens of countries, with temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) on a number of occasions. Wildfires wreaked devastation."
<h2>Climate breakdown</h2>
The 2015 Paris climate accords aimed to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels -- and to 1.5C if possible.
In November, the WMO said the January-September mean surface air temperature was 1.54C above the pre-industrial average measured between 1850 and 1900.
That puts 2024 comfortably on course to surpass the record set in 2023.
Last year temperatures were 1.45C hotter than before the industrial revolution, when humanity started burning large amounts of fossil fuels.
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The WMO is set to publish the consolidated global temperature figure for 2024 in January, with its full State of the Global Climate 2024 report to follow in March.
In his New Year message, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres reflected on the record temperatures witnessed over the past decade.
"Today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024," he said.
"This is climate breakdown in real time.&nbsp;
"We must exit this road to ruin -- and we have no time to lose," he said.&nbsp;
"In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future.
"It is essential, and it is possible."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

World: The outgoing year is set to be the warmest ever recorded, the UN's weather and climate agency said, capping a decade of unprecedented heat.

Climate change sparked a trail of extreme weather and record heat in 2024, the United Nations said on Monday, urging the world to pull back from the "road to ruin". The outgoing year is set to be the warmest ever recorded, the UN's weather and climate agency said, capping a decade of unprecedented heat. Meanwhile emissions of greenhouse gases grew to new record highs, locking in more heat for the future, the World Meteorological Organization said. "Climate change plays out before our eyes on an almost daily basis in the form of increased occurrence and impact of extreme weather events," WMO secretary general Celeste Saulo said. Also Read | Study reveals too much sitting can undermine exercise benefits "This year we saw record-breaking rainfall and flooding events and terrible loss of life in so many countries, causing heartbreak to communities on every continent. "Tropical cyclones caused a terrible human and economic toll, most recently in the French overseas department of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. "Intense heat scorched dozens of countries, with temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) on a number of occasions. Wildfires wreaked devastation." Climate breakdown The 2015 Paris climate accords aimed to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels -- and to 1.5C if possible. In November, the WMO said the January-September mean surface air temperature was 1.54C above the pre-industrial average measured between 1850 and 1900. That puts 2024 comfortably on course to surpass the record set in 2023. Last year temperatures were 1.45C hotter than before the industrial revolution, when humanity started burning large amounts of fossil fuels. Also Read | Single cigarette cuts 20 minutes from life expectancy, study reveals The WMO is set to publish the consolidated global temperature figure for 2024 in January, with its full State of the Global Climate 2024 report to follow in March. In his New Year message, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres reflected on the record temperatures witnessed over the past decade. "Today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024," he said. "This is climate breakdown in real time. "We must exit this road to ruin -- and we have no time to lose," he said. "In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. "It is essential, and it is possible." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UN report highlights extreme weather and heat fuelled by climate change in 2024

The Earth almost appears to be sending a distress call to limit planetary global warming. The world experienced an average of 41 additional days of extreme heat in 2024 due to the climate crisis. The impact of human-caused global heating was far worse for some people, as revealed in a study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central. Watch in for more details!

Climate crisis exposed people to 6 weeks of dangerous heat: Report

From tiny and impoverished Mayotte to oil-rich behemoth Saudi Arabia, prosperous European cities to overcrowded slums in Africa, nowhere was spared the devastating impact of supercharged climate disasters in 2024.
This year is the hottest in history, with record-breaking temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans acting like fuel for extreme weather around the world.
World Weather Attribution, experts on how global warming influences extreme events, said nearly every disaster they analysed over the past 12 months was intensified by climate change.
"The impacts of fossil fuel warming have never been clearer or more devastating than in 2024. We are living in a dangerous new era," said climate scientist Friederike Otto, who leads the WWA network.
<h2>Heat</h2>
That was tragically evident in June when more than 1,300 people died during the Muslim hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia where temperatures hit 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit).
Extreme heat -- sometimes dubbed the 'silent killer' -- also proved deadly in Thailand, India, and United States.
Conditions were so intense in Mexico that howler monkeys dropped dead from the trees, while Pakistan kept millions of children at home as the mercury inched above 50C.
Greece recorded its earliest ever heatwave, forcing the closure of its famed Acropolis and fanning terrible wildfires, at the outset of Europe's hottest summer yet.
<h2>Floods</h2>
Climate change isn't just sizzling temperatures -- warmer oceans mean higher evaporation, and warmer air absorbs more moisture, a volatile recipe for heavy rainfall.
In April, the United Arab Emirates received two years worth of rain in a single day, turning parts of the desert-state into a sea, and hobbling Dubai's international airport.
Kenya was barely out of a once-in-a-generation drought when the worst floods in decades delivered back-to-back disasters for the East African nation.
Four million people needed aid after historic flooding killed more than 1,500 people across West and Central Africa. Europe -- most notably Spain -- also suffered tremendous downpours that caused deadly flash flooding.
Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, China, Nepal, Uganda, India, Somalia, Pakistan, Burundi and the United States were among other countries that witnessed flooding in 2024.
<h2>Cyclones</h2>
Warmer ocean surfaces feed energy into tropical cyclones as they barrel toward land, whipping up fierce winds and their destructive potential.
Major hurricanes pummelled the United States and Caribbean, most notably Milton, Beryl and Helene, in a 2024 season of above-average storm activity.
The Philippines endured six major storms in November alone, just two months after suffering Typhoon Yagi as it tore through Southeast Asia.
In December, scientists said global warming had helped intensify Cyclone Chino to a Category 4 storm as it collided head-on with Mayotte, devastating France's poorest overseas territory.
<h2>Droughts and wildfires</h2>
Some regions may be wetter as climate change shifts rainfall patterns, but others are becoming drier and more vulnerable to drought.
The Americas suffered severe drought in 2024 and wildfires torched millions of hectares in the western United States, Canada, and the Amazon basin -- usually one of Earth's wettest places.
Between January and September, more than 400,000 fires were recorded across South America, shrouding the continent in choking smoke.&nbsp;
The World Food Programme in December said 26 million people across southern Africa were at risk of hunger as a months-long drought parched the impoverished region.
<h2>Economic toll&nbsp;</h2>
Extreme weather cost thousands of lives in 2024 and left countless more in desperate poverty. The lasting toll of such disasters is impossible to quantify.
In terms of economic losses, Zurich-based reinsurance giant Swiss Re estimated the global damage bill at $310 billion, a statement issued early December.
Flooding in Europe -- particularly in the Spanish province of Valencia, where over 200 people died in October -- and hurricanes Helene and Milton drove up the cost, the company said.
As of November 1, the United States had suffered 24 weather disasters in 2024 with losses exceeding $1 billion each, government figures showed.
Drought in Brazil cost its farming sector $2.7 billion between June and August, while "climatic challenges" drove global wine production to its lowest level since 1961, an industry body said.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Climate change isn't just sizzling temperatures -- warmer oceans mean higher evaporation, and warmer air absorbs more moisture, a volatile recipe for heavy rainfall.

From tiny and impoverished Mayotte to oil-rich behemoth Saudi Arabia, prosperous European cities to overcrowded slums in Africa, nowhere was spared the devastating impact of supercharged climate disasters in 2024. This year is the hottest in history, with record-breaking temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans acting like fuel for extreme weather around the world. World Weather Attribution, experts on how global warming influences extreme events, said nearly every disaster they analysed over the past 12 months was intensified by climate change. "The impacts of fossil fuel warming have never been clearer or more devastating than in 2024. We are living in a dangerous new era," said climate scientist Friederike Otto, who leads the WWA network. Heat That was tragically evident in June when more than 1,300 people died during the Muslim hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia where temperatures hit 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit). Extreme heat -- sometimes dubbed the 'silent killer' -- also proved deadly in Thailand, India, and United States. Conditions were so intense in Mexico that howler monkeys dropped dead from the trees, while Pakistan kept millions of children at home as the mercury inched above 50C. Greece recorded its earliest ever heatwave, forcing the closure of its famed Acropolis and fanning terrible wildfires, at the outset of Europe's hottest summer yet. Floods Climate change isn't just sizzling temperatures -- warmer oceans mean higher evaporation, and warmer air absorbs more moisture, a volatile recipe for heavy rainfall. In April, the United Arab Emirates received two years worth of rain in a single day, turning parts of the desert-state into a sea, and hobbling Dubai's international airport. Kenya was barely out of a once-in-a-generation drought when the worst floods in decades delivered back-to-back disasters for the East African nation. Four million people needed aid after historic flooding killed more than 1,500 people across West and Central Africa. Europe -- most notably Spain -- also suffered tremendous downpours that caused deadly flash flooding. Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, China, Nepal, Uganda, India, Somalia, Pakistan, Burundi and the United States were among other countries that witnessed flooding in 2024. Cyclones Warmer ocean surfaces feed energy into tropical cyclones as they barrel toward land, whipping up fierce winds and their destructive potential. Major hurricanes pummelled the United States and Caribbean, most notably Milton, Beryl and Helene, in a 2024 season of above-average storm activity. The Philippines endured six major storms in November alone, just two months after suffering Typhoon Yagi as it tore through Southeast Asia. In December, scientists said global warming had helped intensify Cyclone Chino to a Category 4 storm as it collided head-on with Mayotte, devastating France's poorest overseas territory. Droughts and wildfires Some regions may be wetter as climate change shifts rainfall patterns, but others are becoming drier and more vulnerable to drought. The Americas suffered severe drought in 2024 and wildfires torched millions of hectares in the western United States, Canada, and the Amazon basin -- usually one of Earth's wettest places. Between January and September, more than 400,000 fires were recorded across South America, shrouding the continent in choking smoke. The World Food Programme in December said 26 million people across southern Africa were at risk of hunger as a months-long drought parched the impoverished region. Economic toll Extreme weather cost thousands of lives in 2024 and left countless more in desperate poverty. The lasting toll of such disasters is impossible to quantify. In terms of economic losses, Zurich-based reinsurance giant Swiss Re estimated the global damage bill at $310 billion, a statement issued early December. Flooding in Europe -- particularly in the Spanish province of Valencia, where over 200 people died in October -- and hurricanes Helene and Milton drove up the cost, the company said. As of November 1, the United States had suffered 24 weather disasters in 2024 with losses exceeding $1 billion each, government figures showed. Drought in Brazil cost its farming sector $2.7 billion between June and August, while "climatic challenges" drove global wine production to its lowest level since 1961, an industry body said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Year 2024 saw devastating impact of supercharged climate disasters

Many people dream of a white Christmas, but unfortunately, we may have to become used to a sodden Christmas instead due to climate change. Driven primarily by humanity’s mass burning of fossil fuels, that decline in days below freezing threatens tourism, the economy, and cultures. But how does climate change impact white Christmases?

Are the chances of a white Christmas changing?

As climate change reshapes the world, its impact on Christmas celebrations is becoming increasingly evident. From snowy landscapes to tropical warmth, extreme weather patterns are altering how people experience the holiday season.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/kate-middleton-joins-king-charles-and-royal-family-for-christmas-celebrations-after-a-brutal-year-8567639" rel="dofollow">Kate Middleton joins King Charles and royal family for Christmas celebrations after a 'brutal year'</a>
In traditionally cold regions, warmer winters are diminishing the chance of a white Christmas, making once-popular activities like ice skating less feasible. For instance, skiing in the Swiss Alps and other winter destinations has been delayed consecutively this year due to insufficient snow, highlighting the broader effects of rising temperatures.
<h2>White Christmas turns &lsquo;green&rsquo; in some countries</h2>
For instance, this year, like many places across the world, Christmas in the UK is unlikely to be a white one, as milder temperatures and shifting weather patterns continue to impact traditional winter conditions. Experts attribute the lack of snow to the broader effects of climate change, which is causing warmer winters and unpredictable weather events across the globe. The UK has experienced relatively high temperatures for December, with the Met Office forecasting above-average warmth throughout the festive period. While snowfall is still possible in some regions, it remains unlikely, especially in southern parts of the country, where rain and frost are more common than snow. In recent years, the frequency of &ldquo;white Christmases&rdquo; in the UK has been decreasing, a trend that experts warn could become more pronounced as global temperatures rise. The changing climate is also affecting other winter activities, such as skiing in the Scottish Highlands, which has faced delays due to insufficient snow.
<h2>Christmas on Thin Ice: How climate change is reshaping holiday traditions</h2>
Climate change is increasingly impacting Christmas traditions, from snowy celebrations to festive foods. Rising temperatures are turning white Christmases into green ones, while &ldquo;Christmas typhoons&rdquo; are becoming more frequent in places like the Philippines, which has seen a rise of more than 200% since 2012. Christmas trees, too, are struggling, with warmer weather causing them to turn brown earlier.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-never-had-christmas-dinner-with-family-says-a-teenager-with-a-rare-condition-called-misophonia-786680" rel="dofollow">'I never had Christmas dinner with family', says teenager with rare condition called 'misophonia&rsquo;</a>
Food and drink, staples of the holiday season, are also affected. Climate change is altering the flavour profiles of popular items like Sriracha sauce, beer, and coffee, impacting their taste and availability. For example, coffee production in regions like Brazil is suffering due to unpredictable weather patterns, with droughts and excessive rainfall reducing the quality and yield of coffee beans.&nbsp;
<h2>Foggy mornings and snowy peaks, says the IMD</h2>
As India and the world are celebrating Christmas and the New Year approaches, Himachal Pradesh has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a winter retreat. The state's stunning hills are now a winter wonderland. These extreme weather conditions are expected to persist until Thursday, posing challenges for both tourists and locals, drawing visitors from all over India. However, the recent snowfall has caused road disruptions, including the closure of key national highways. Major tourist spots like Shimla, Manali, Kullu, and Dharamshala are witnessing a surge in visitors, with snow-covered landscapes being the primary attraction. The tourism sector has been significantly affected, with hotel occupancy in Shimla rising to over 70% and room bookings increasing by 30% following the snowfall. The picturesque scenes of snow-covered streets and hills have gone viral on social media, bringing even more tourists to the region.&nbsp;
Apart from Himachal, Kashmir also has severe winter conditions, with fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and temperatures plunging well below freezing. Srinagar recorded a low of minus -7.5 degrees Celsius, while other areas like Pahalgam and Gulmarg reported even colder temperatures. The extreme cold has caused water supply lines to freeze and ice to form on water bodies. The region is currently experiencing 'Chillai-Kalan,' the harshest winter phase, expected to last until December 31. The Meteorological Department has forecast further temperature drops, worsening the already intense winter conditions.
<h2>Not-So-Winter Wonderland: How climate change is melting the magic of northern India&rsquo;s Christmas</h2>
Due to climate change, snowfall patterns have become increasingly unpredictable. A 2019 study by the IMD revealed a 40% decrease in snowfall in key hill stations like Shimla and Manali over the past 50 years, and warmer temperatures have made it less likely for these areas to experience consistent snowfalls during the Christmas period. As a result, while a white Christmas remains a possibility in certain northern regions, it is not a reliable event, with decreasing snowfall observed over the years.
<h2>Southern India is bearing the brunt, too!</h2>
Climate change is affecting Christmas in Southern India by bringing higher temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and more extreme weather events. The usual cool December weather is warming, with temperatures increasing by 1-2&deg;C in several areas. Unstable rainfall and severe storms, including cyclones and floods, disrupt outdoor festivities and travel. Additionally, changing climate patterns impact local agriculture, raising the cost of essential holiday ingredients. Coastal tourism is also at risk due to rising sea levels and erosion. These shifts are making the Christmas season less reliable and altering the traditional festive experience in Southern India.

Climate change is increasingly impacting Christmas traditions, from snowy celebrations to festive foods. 

As climate change reshapes the world, its impact on Christmas celebrations is becoming increasingly evident. From snowy landscapes to tropical warmth, extreme weather patterns are altering how people experience the holiday season. Also read | Kate Middleton joins King Charles and royal family for Christmas celebrations after a 'brutal year' In traditionally cold regions, warmer winters are diminishing the chance of a white Christmas, making once-popular activities like ice skating less feasible. For instance, skiing in the Swiss Alps and other winter destinations has been delayed consecutively this year due to insufficient snow, highlighting the broader effects of rising temperatures. White Christmas turns ‘green’ in some countries For instance, this year, like many places across the world, Christmas in the UK is unlikely to be a white one, as milder temperatures and shifting weather patterns continue to impact traditional winter conditions. Experts attribute the lack of snow to the broader effects of climate change, which is causing warmer winters and unpredictable weather events across the globe. The UK has experienced relatively high temperatures for December, with the Met Office forecasting above-average warmth throughout the festive period. While snowfall is still possible in some regions, it remains unlikely, especially in southern parts of the country, where rain and frost are more common than snow. In recent years, the frequency of “white Christmases” in the UK has been decreasing, a trend that experts warn could become more pronounced as global temperatures rise. The changing climate is also affecting other winter activities, such as skiing in the Scottish Highlands, which has faced delays due to insufficient snow. Christmas on Thin Ice: How climate change is reshaping holiday traditions Climate change is increasingly impacting Christmas traditions, from snowy celebrations to festive foods. Rising temperatures are turning white Christmases into green ones, while “Christmas typhoons” are becoming more frequent in places like the Philippines, which has seen a rise of more than 200% since 2012. Christmas trees, too, are struggling, with warmer weather causing them to turn brown earlier. Also read | 'I never had Christmas dinner with family', says teenager with rare condition called 'misophonia’ Food and drink, staples of the holiday season, are also affected. Climate change is altering the flavour profiles of popular items like Sriracha sauce, beer, and coffee, impacting their taste and availability. For example, coffee production in regions like Brazil is suffering due to unpredictable weather patterns, with droughts and excessive rainfall reducing the quality and yield of coffee beans. Foggy mornings and snowy peaks, says the IMD As India and the world are celebrating Christmas and the New Year approaches, Himachal Pradesh has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a winter retreat. The state's stunning hills are now a winter wonderland. These extreme weather conditions are expected to persist until Thursday, posing challenges for both tourists and locals, drawing visitors from all over India. However, the recent snowfall has caused road disruptions, including the closure of key national highways. Major tourist spots like Shimla, Manali, Kullu, and Dharamshala are witnessing a surge in visitors, with snow-covered landscapes being the primary attraction. The tourism sector has been significantly affected, with hotel occupancy in Shimla rising to over 70% and room bookings increasing by 30% following the snowfall. The picturesque scenes of snow-covered streets and hills have gone viral on social media, bringing even more tourists to the region. Apart from Himachal, Kashmir also has severe winter conditions, with fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and temperatures plunging well below freezing. Srinagar recorded a low of minus -7.5 degrees Celsius, while other areas like Pahalgam and Gulmarg reported even colder temperatures. The extreme cold has caused water supply lines to freeze and ice to form on water bodies. The region is currently experiencing 'Chillai-Kalan,' the harshest winter phase, expected to last until December 31. The Meteorological Department has forecast further temperature drops, worsening the already intense winter conditions. Not-So-Winter Wonderland: How climate change is melting the magic of northern India’s Christmas Due to climate change, snowfall patterns have become increasingly unpredictable. A 2019 study by the IMD revealed a 40% decrease in snowfall in key hill stations like Shimla and Manali over the past 50 years, and warmer temperatures have made it less likely for these areas to experience consistent snowfalls during the Christmas period. As a result, while a white Christmas remains a possibility in certain northern regions, it is not a reliable event, with decreasing snowfall observed over the years. Southern India is bearing the brunt, too! Climate change is affecting Christmas in Southern India by bringing higher temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and more extreme weather events. The usual cool December weather is warming, with temperatures increasing by 1-2°C in several areas. Unstable rainfall and severe storms, including cyclones and floods, disrupt outdoor festivities and travel. Additionally, changing climate patterns impact local agriculture, raising the cost of essential holiday ingredients. Coastal tourism is also at risk due to rising sea levels and erosion. These shifts are making the Christmas season less reliable and altering the traditional festive experience in Southern India.

Hoping for a white Christmas: Well, it's turning green!

Many people dream of a white Christmas, but unfortunately, we may have to become used to a warm Christmas instead due to climate change. Driven primarily by humanity's mass burning of fossil fuels, the decline in days below freezing threatens tourism, the economy, and cultures. But how does climate change impact white Christmases?

Northern Hemisphere snow cover hits record low

Many people dream of a white Christmas, but unfortunately, we may have to become used to a sodden Christmas instead due to climate change. Driven primarily by humanity’s mass burning of fossil fuels, that decline in days below freezing threatens tourism, the economy, and cultures. But how does climate change impact white Christmases, lets talk about that.

Impact of climate change on white Christmas

Are The Chances Of A White Christmas Changing?

Northern Hemisphere Snow Cover Hits Record Low

The outbreak of Mpox cases, especially among children defined part of 2024 with climate disasters such as floods, drought,s and cyclones exacerbating the crises on the continent

Brunt of Climate Change Impacted Health & Economies

The outbreak of Mpox cases, especially among children  defined part of 2024 with climate disasters such as floods, drought,s and cyclones exacerbating the crises on the continent

The year 2024 was marked by a surprisingly high number of natural disasters that underscored the growing devastating effect of climate change on planet Earth.&nbsp;

From catastrophic flooding to disastrous storms, these are the five biggest disasters of this year.

<h2>Afghanistan–Pakistan floods</h2>

<img alt="Afghan floods" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a172edeb-2f56-44a5-af69-10fe3d1aaeef" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-24T141351.649.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

Between March and August 2024, unseasonably heavy rains and subsequent flash flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the lives of 1084 people, while over 2000 were injured.

<h2>Typhoon Yagi</h2>

<img alt="Typhoon Yagi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42498da3-8b5b-4ead-9c37-b21d629a9621" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-24T141656.752.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

Typhoon Yagi (known as Severe Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines), was a tropical storm in September 2024 in Southeast Asia and South China.

Yagi was the first super typhoon—it was a category 5 typhoon—of the annual typhoon season and was the most powerful storm ever to hit Northern Vietnam. It was also the strongest typhoon to batter Hainan during the meteorological autumn, surpassing all others since the devastating Rammasun in 2014.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-tragedy-to-triumph-five-personalities-who-defined-2024-785783">From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024</a>

The toll from Yagi was staggering. As per official records, 844 lives were lost, 2,279 people were injured, and 129 others were reported missing. Additionally, the storm, as per reports, caused damages of over $16.7 billion. This makes Yagi the third-costliest Pacific typhoon on record.&nbsp;

<h2>Enga landslide</h2>

<img alt="Enga landslide" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73023189-c5b7-4778-8ee6-958faa76173f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-24T141912.206.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

On May 24, 2024, a devastating landslide struck Papua New Guinea's Mulitaka. The massive landslide buried thousands under the debris. While the official death toll stands at 640, estimates suggest that there might actually have been over 2,000 fatalities.&nbsp;

The landslide, as per some theories, was caused by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 18, 2024. However, the Red Cross blamed gold mining or heavy rainfall in the region for the disaster.

<h2>Wayanad landslides</h2>

<img alt="Wayanad landslides" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ded522a6-28af-4a54-a9ed-3c7bcaf0546b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-24T142042.407.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

In India's Kerala, a series of landslides on July 30, 2024, killed 254 people, and injured 397, while 254 went missing.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rewind-2024-a-reminder-climate-change-is-impacting-us-more-than-we-think-785892">2024 was a reminder that climate change impacts us more than we think</a>

The landslides were caused by heavy rains that led to the collapse of hillsides. They affected&nbsp;Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk in Wayanad district.

It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerala's history.

<h2>Hurricane Helene</h2>

<img alt="Hurricane Helene" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6825e893-3312-427b-a39f-54abadd050c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202024-12-24T142204.833.jpg" />

(Image courtesy: AFP)

The devastating Hurricane Helene hit the Southeast United States in September 2024. The tropical cyclone was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest to strike the mainland US since Katrina in 2005.

Helene caused 235 deaths and total damage of around $124 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

The year 2024 was marked by a surprisingly high number of natural disasters that underscored the growing devastating effect of climate change on planet Earth. From catastrophic flooding to disastrous storms, these are the five biggest disasters of this year.

The year 2024 was marked by a surprisingly high number of natural disasters that underscored the growing devastating effect of climate change on planet Earth. From catastrophic flooding to disastrous storms, these are the five biggest disasters of this year. Afghanistan–Pakistan floods (Image courtesy: AFP) Between March and August 2024, unseasonably heavy rains and subsequent flash flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the lives of 1084 people, while over 2000 were injured. Typhoon Yagi (Image courtesy: AFP) Typhoon Yagi (known as Severe Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines), was a tropical storm in September 2024 in Southeast Asia and South China. Yagi was the first super typhoon—it was a category 5 typhoon—of the annual typhoon season and was the most powerful storm ever to hit Northern Vietnam. It was also the strongest typhoon to batter Hainan during the meteorological autumn, surpassing all others since the devastating Rammasun in 2014. Also read | From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024 The toll from Yagi was staggering. As per official records, 844 lives were lost, 2,279 people were injured, and 129 others were reported missing. Additionally, the storm, as per reports, caused damages of over $16.7 billion. This makes Yagi the third-costliest Pacific typhoon on record. Enga landslide (Image courtesy: AFP) On May 24, 2024, a devastating landslide struck Papua New Guinea's Mulitaka. The massive landslide buried thousands under the debris. While the official death toll stands at 640, estimates suggest that there might actually have been over 2,000 fatalities. The landslide, as per some theories, was caused by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 18, 2024. However, the Red Cross blamed gold mining or heavy rainfall in the region for the disaster. Wayanad landslides (Image courtesy: AFP) In India's Kerala, a series of landslides on July 30, 2024, killed 254 people, and injured 397, while 254 went missing. Also read | 2024 was a reminder that climate change impacts us more than we think The landslides were caused by heavy rains that led to the collapse of hillsides. They affected Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk in Wayanad district. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerala's history. Hurricane Helene (Image courtesy: AFP) The devastating Hurricane Helene hit the Southeast United States in September 2024. The tropical cyclone was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest to strike the mainland US since Katrina in 2005. Helene caused 235 deaths and total damage of around $124 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

The Mediterranean Sea is facing a growing environmental crisis as more plastic waste continues to accumulate in its waters. Experts warn that this pollution threatens marine life and ecosystems, calling for urgent action to reduce plastic waste and protect the region's delicate environment.



Rising Plastic Pollution Threatens Mediterranean Ecosystem

More Plastic Ending Up in the Mediterranean, Raising Environmental Concerns

As we approach the end of 2024... The world is facing an economic crisis driven by the escalating costs of climate-related disasters. From extreme heatwaves to devastating floods, the toll on global productivity is mounting. In this report... We explore the staggering financial impact of climate change and the urgent need for action to protect our future. Take a look...

Climate Change Could Cost Global Economy $38 Tn by 2049: Report

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