New Delhi, India
Bulgarian blind mystic Baba Vanga, also known as Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova, who died at the age of 85 in 1996, made some terrific prophecies for 2025. 
Known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans,' Baba Vanga is believed to have developed the gift of prophecy after losing her eyesight at the age of 12. 
One of the most prominent predictions of Baba Vanga that turned out to be true was the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York.
<h2>Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025</h2>
A lot of chilling predictions were made by Baba Vanga for 2025, many of which included destruction and death. Here are a few of her chilling prophecies: 
<h3>Europe's destruction</h3>
As reported by the Daily Star, Baba Vanga had predicted the West's absolute destruction and war. 
"As soon as Syria falls, expect a great war between the West and the East. In the spring, a war in the East will begin, and there will be a Third World War. A war in the East that will destroy the West," she said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/merriam-websters-2024-word-of-the-year-is-polarisation-783010">Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year is 'polarisation'</a>
"Syria will fall at the feet of the winner, but the winner will not be the one," Baba Vanga said in another prediction. 
<h3>Establishing contact with aliens</h3>
According to the report published in the Daily Star, Vanga had warned: "Humanity will make contact with extraterrestrial life, possibly leading to a global crisis or apocalypse."
<h3>Humanity to develop telepathy </h3>
Baba Vanga said that telepathy would be developed by humanity by 2025, which will allow direct mind-to-mind communication and will revolutionise human interaction.
<h3>Scientific breakthroughs in 2025</h3>
If one goes by the predictions of Baba Vanga, 2025 will be the year of major scientific and medical breakthroughs, which will include advancements in nanotechnology. 
However, she warned against the misuse of technologies for destructive purposes. 
<h3>Beginning of apocalypse</h3>
Baba Vanga had issued a warning that a series of catastrophic events will take place in 2025, which will mark the “beginning of the apocalypse.” 
(With inputs from agencies)

The predictions made by Baba Vanga for 2025 include the establishment of contact with aliens and catastrophic war between the East and West

 



New Delhi, India Bulgarian blind mystic Baba Vanga, also known as Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova, who died at the age of 85 in 1996, made some terrific prophecies for 2025. Known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans,' Baba Vanga is believed to have developed the gift of prophecy after losing her eyesight at the age of 12. One of the most prominent predictions of Baba Vanga that turned out to be true was the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York. Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025 A lot of chilling predictions were made by Baba Vanga for 2025, many of which included destruction and death. Here are a few of her chilling prophecies: Europe's destruction As reported by the Daily Star, Baba Vanga had predicted the West's absolute destruction and war. "As soon as Syria falls, expect a great war between the West and the East. In the spring, a war in the East will begin, and there will be a Third World War. A war in the East that will destroy the West," she said. Also Read: Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year is 'polarisation' "Syria will fall at the feet of the winner, but the winner will not be the one," Baba Vanga said in another prediction. Establishing contact with aliens According to the report published in the Daily Star, Vanga had warned: "Humanity will make contact with extraterrestrial life, possibly leading to a global crisis or apocalypse." Humanity to develop telepathy Baba Vanga said that telepathy would be developed by humanity by 2025, which will allow direct mind-to-mind communication and will revolutionise human interaction. Scientific breakthroughs in 2025 If one goes by the predictions of Baba Vanga, 2025 will be the year of major scientific and medical breakthroughs, which will include advancements in nanotechnology. However, she warned against the misuse of technologies for destructive purposes. Beginning of apocalypse Baba Vanga had issued a warning that a series of catastrophic events will take place in 2025, which will mark the “beginning of the apocalypse.” (With inputs from agencies)

Europe's destruction, contact with aliens: Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025

Bulgarian blind mystic Baba Vanga, also known as Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova, who died at the age of 85 in 1996, made some terrific prophecies for 2025.&nbsp;

Known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans,' Baba Vanga is believed to have developed the gift of prophecy after losing her eyesight at the age of 12.&nbsp;

One of the&nbsp;most prominent predictions of Baba Vanga that turned out to be true was the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York.

<h2>Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025</h2>

A lot of chilling predictions were made by Baba Vanga for 2025, many of which included destruction and death. Here are a few of her chilling prophecies:&nbsp;

<h3>Europe's destruction</h3>

As reported by the Daily Star, Baba Vanga had predicted the West's absolute destruction and war.&nbsp;

"As soon as Syria falls, expect a great war between the West and the East. In the spring, a war in the East will begin, and there will be a Third World War. A war in the East that will destroy the West," she said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/merriam-websters-2024-word-of-the-year-is-polarisation-783010">Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year is 'polarisation'</a>

"Syria will fall at the feet of the winner, but the winner will not be the one," Baba Vanga said in another prediction.&nbsp;

<h3>Establishing contact with aliens</h3>

According to the report published in the Daily Star, Vanga had warned: "Humanity will make contact with extraterrestrial life, possibly leading to a global crisis or apocalypse."

<h3>Humanity to develop telepathy&nbsp;</h3>

Baba Vanga said that telepathy would be developed by humanity by 2025, which will allow direct mind-to-mind communication and will revolutionise human interaction.

<h3>Scientific breakthroughs in 2025</h3>

If one goes by the predictions of Baba Vanga, 2025 will be the year of major scientific and medical breakthroughs, which will include advancements in nanotechnology.&nbsp;

However, she warned against the misuse of technologies for destructive purposes.&nbsp;

<h3>Beginning of apocalypse</h3>

Baba Vanga had issued a warning that a series of catastrophic events will take place in 2025, which will mark the “beginning of the apocalypse.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Bulgarian blind mystic Baba Vanga, also known as Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova, who died at the age of 85 in 1996, made some terrific prophecies for 2025. Known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans,' Baba Vanga is believed to have developed the gift of prophecy after losing her eyesight at the age of 12.

Bulgarian blind mystic Baba Vanga, also known as Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova, who died at the age of 85 in 1996, made some terrific prophecies for 2025. Known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans,' Baba Vanga is believed to have developed the gift of prophecy after losing her eyesight at the age of 12. One of the most prominent predictions of Baba Vanga that turned out to be true was the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York. Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025 A lot of chilling predictions were made by Baba Vanga for 2025, many of which included destruction and death. Here are a few of her chilling prophecies: Europe's destruction As reported by the Daily Star, Baba Vanga had predicted the West's absolute destruction and war. "As soon as Syria falls, expect a great war between the West and the East. In the spring, a war in the East will begin, and there will be a Third World War. A war in the East that will destroy the West," she said. Also Read: Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year is 'polarisation' "Syria will fall at the feet of the winner, but the winner will not be the one," Baba Vanga said in another prediction. Establishing contact with aliens According to the report published in the Daily Star, Vanga had warned: "Humanity will make contact with extraterrestrial life, possibly leading to a global crisis or apocalypse." Humanity to develop telepathy Baba Vanga said that telepathy would be developed by humanity by 2025, which will allow direct mind-to-mind communication and will revolutionise human interaction. Scientific breakthroughs in 2025 If one goes by the predictions of Baba Vanga, 2025 will be the year of major scientific and medical breakthroughs, which will include advancements in nanotechnology. However, she warned against the misuse of technologies for destructive purposes. Beginning of apocalypse Baba Vanga had issued a warning that a series of catastrophic events will take place in 2025, which will mark the “beginning of the apocalypse.” (With inputs from agencies)

The Philippines has raised a fresh weather alert on Monday, days after more than 100 people lost their lives by the worst storm of the year Trami. Now the National Weather agency has said that another tropical storm will bring heavy rain and severe wind. Watch this report to know more.

Storm Trami: Heavy Rainfall To Continue In China's Hainan

Trami swamped Philippine cities and towns. Causing widespread flooding and massive destruction. The storm's aftermath claimed at least 82 lives, with several still reported to be missing.

Storm Trami Batters Philippines: 82 Dead

Storm Trami: Chinese Coastal Cities On High Alert

Torrential rain set off by tropical storm Trami swamped eastern Philippine cities and towns. Causing widespread flooding and massive destruction. The storm's aftermath claimed at least 26 lives, with several still reported to be missing.

Storm Trami: Tropical Storm Impacts Five Districts

Five people were killed, including an infant, and several others were injured in multiple wild tornadoes that created havoc in the central United States over the weekend.

Five people were killed, including an infant, and several others were injured in multiple wild tornadoes that created havoc in the central United States over the weekend. The residents of Oklahoma and nearby Great Plains states woke up to scenes of ravage and devastation as reports emerged of closed highways, power blackouts and structural damage. Throughout Saturday night, 35 tornadoes destroyed the area. The weather system carried 35 tornadoes from northern Texas and Oklahoma to Missouri on Sunday (April 28), after 78 tornadoes were reported mostly in Nebraska and Iowa on Friday (April 26) and levelled homes and buildings in six states, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Catastrophic damage in Sulphur, Oklahoma, after an overnight tornado. Sending my thoughts and prayers to this community, these tornados are devastating! pic.twitter.com/BP9Nu4mwvG — Skyleigh Heinen-Uhrich (@Sky_Lee_1) April 28, 2024 × In the storms, seven inches (18 centimetres) of rainfall was recorded within hours in some places and meteorologists issued warnings of extreme weather, which includes flash flooding, hail and more tornadoes. Also Read: Get away from windows! 'Gorilla hail' threatens United States Midwest. What is it? Oklahoma Governor declares 30-day state of emergency In south-central Oklahoma, Sulphur was especially harshly hit late on Sunday (April 28) as images and videos shared on social media platforms showed multiple buildings ripped apart. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, speaking at a press conference, said that the destruction in Sulphur, where one woman died because of the tornado, was the worst he had seen in his six years in office. "It seems like every business in downtown has been destroyed now," the governor said, adding, "Thank goodness... there weren't a lot of people here at 10:30 at night." Aerial views of the devastation in Sulphur, OK after a tornado tore through the town last night. Search and rescue still ongoing. Multiple tornadoes in Oklahoma last night with 2 reported fatalities in Holdenville at this time. Please keep the people impacted in your thoughts and… pic.twitter.com/h8IizhEDto — Charles Peek (@CharlesPeekWX) April 28, 2024 × "Definitely the most damage since I've been governor that I've seen. I've seen a lot of damage. I've been around the state for, this is my sixth year, but what I saw in downtown Sulphur is unbelievable," Stitt said. The state's Department of Emergency Management (OEM) said that at least two people were killed in the Oklahoma town of Holdenville, as the local media reported a four-month-old baby also died. According to OEM, a fourth person died on a highway in Marietta, where several battered cars were lying over each other and two semi-trucks had overturned. Watch: US: Spring storm batters Northeast, heavy snow forecast | WION Climate Tracker A man who was earlier reported to be injured in Iowa later died at the hospital, his family confirmed while speaking to local outlet KETV NewsWatch 7. The National Weather Service stated in their preliminary investigation that the tornadoes which hit Sulphur and Marietta were at least EF-3 on the five-level Enhanced Fujita Scale. Stitt announced a 30-day state of emergency for expediting aid to 12 counties which were the hardest hit and that he had connected with the federal authorities for assistance. There was a power outage in more than 25,000 homes in Texas and more than 19,000 in Oklahoma, according to poweroutage.us. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Tornados hit Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, killing 5 including infant

On Friday afternoon (April 26), Omaha, Nebraska, and Iowa were struck by destructive tornadoes, causing significant damage to hundreds of homes and structures in the two states.

Three people were injured as a result of the tornadoes. Reports indicate that multiple tornadoes were seen&nbsp;in at least five US states, with the most destructive storm moving from rural areas into the suburbs northwest of Omaha, a city with a population of 485,000.

Additionally, there were 19 severe squalls and 45 hailstorms reported following a major weather event on Friday.

Social media posts showed destroyed homes and toppled trees in rural areas near Omaha due to storms. Roads were blocked by law enforcement. Many houses in Omaha, especially in the Elkhorn area, were damaged, according to Omaha police. Police and firefighters searched door-to-door to help those trapped. Omaha Fire Chief stated that teams focused on the worst-hit area&nbsp;and had a plan to search for anyone trapped.

Watch the video here:

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DRONE VIDEO -- Miles Springer sent us drone video of the tornado damage Friday in Elkhorn. <a href="https://t.co/rP60wdM27y">pic.twitter.com/rP60wdM27y</a>
— 6 News WOWT (@WOWT6News) <a href="https://twitter.com/WOWT6News/status/1784053283364975090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“They’re going to be putting together a strategic plan for a detailed search of the area, starting with the properties with the most damage,” the AP said, quoting Bossman.

Homes in the Elkhorn neighborhood of Omaha experienced significant damage, with even newly constructed houses among those destroyed or flattened.

Emergency vehicles rushed to the affected areas, as residents described the tornado's impact as devastating.

Also watch |&nbsp;US Presidential Debate 2024: Biden agrees to debate Trump after months of evasion

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“We watched it touch down like 200 yards over there, and then we took shelter,” said another eyewitness, Pat Woods, who lives in Elkhorn. “We could hear it coming through. When we came up, our fence was gone, and we looked to the northwest and the whole neighbourhood was gone.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-largest-to-date-6-billion-military-aid-package-for-ukraine-715525">Also read |&nbsp;US announces 'largest to date' $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine</a>

Three people, including a child, were in the basement when the tornado hit their destroyed house, but they escaped safely. Only two people with minor injuries were taken for treatment, according to Bonacci. A local TV clip showed a woman being carried out on a stretcher from a damaged home in Blair, a city north of Omaha.

After moving through the airport, the tornado crossed the Missouri River into Iowa, north of Council Bluffs.

Forecasters issued tornado warnings for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas for Saturday, also cautioning about the possibility of large hail and strong winds.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Friday afternoon (April 26), Omaha, Nebraska, and Iowa were struck by destructive tornadoes, causing significant damage to hundreds of homes and structures in the two states.

On Friday afternoon (April 26), Omaha, Nebraska, and Iowa were struck by destructive tornadoes, causing significant damage to hundreds of homes and structures in the two states. Three people were injured as a result of the tornadoes. Reports indicate that multiple tornadoes were seen in at least five US states, with the most destructive storm moving from rural areas into the suburbs northwest of Omaha, a city with a population of 485,000. Additionally, there were 19 severe squalls and 45 hailstorms reported following a major weather event on Friday. Social media posts showed destroyed homes and toppled trees in rural areas near Omaha due to storms. Roads were blocked by law enforcement. Many houses in Omaha, especially in the Elkhorn area, were damaged, according to Omaha police. Police and firefighters searched door-to-door to help those trapped. Omaha Fire Chief stated that teams focused on the worst-hit area and had a plan to search for anyone trapped. Watch the video here: DRONE VIDEO -- Miles Springer sent us drone video of the tornado damage Friday in Elkhorn. pic.twitter.com/rP60wdM27y — 6 News WOWT (@WOWT6News) April 27, 2024 × “They’re going to be putting together a strategic plan for a detailed search of the area, starting with the properties with the most damage,” the AP said, quoting Bossman. Homes in the Elkhorn neighborhood of Omaha experienced significant damage, with even newly constructed houses among those destroyed or flattened. Emergency vehicles rushed to the affected areas, as residents described the tornado's impact as devastating. Also watch | US Presidential Debate 2024: Biden agrees to debate Trump after months of evasion “We watched it touch down like 200 yards over there, and then we took shelter,” said another eyewitness, Pat Woods, who lives in Elkhorn. “We could hear it coming through. When we came up, our fence was gone, and we looked to the northwest and the whole neighbourhood was gone.” Also read | US announces 'largest to date' $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine Three people, including a child, were in the basement when the tornado hit their destroyed house, but they escaped safely. Only two people with minor injuries were taken for treatment, according to Bonacci. A local TV clip showed a woman being carried out on a stretcher from a damaged home in Blair, a city north of Omaha. After moving through the airport, the tornado crossed the Missouri River into Iowa, north of Council Bluffs. Forecasters issued tornado warnings for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas for Saturday, also cautioning about the possibility of large hail and strong winds. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Tornadoes flatten homes in Nebraska, leave trail of damage in Iowa

Multiple people have died and rescue efforts are underway after a tornado ripped through Southeast Missouri overnight. Hem Soraya brings you the report.

Missouri tornado leaves trail of destruction, kills at least 5

Africa is no stranger to floods, drought, cyclones & storms. From deadly floods to a devastating drought. Africa has faced a run of severe & sometimes unprecedented extreme weather events. Floods, droughts & cyclones are the most commonly occurring.

Cyclone Freddy aftermath: A look at Africa's deadliest storms

In Pics | Death, destruction and dying hope. How Ukraine survived one year of Russia's offensives

Cyclone Freddy, an intense tropical weather system battered Madagascar's east coast with heavy rain and powerful winds tearing roofs off houses and triggering a storm surge. According to reports at least one person has been killed in the cyclone.

Madagascar hit by Cyclone Freddy

Following a huge weekend downpour, hundreds of rescuers search for survivors of landslides and flooding that killed at least 46 people along the coast of Brazil's southern state of Sao Paulo.

Search on for Brazil landslide survivors

The war in Ukraine is going to complete a year on the 24th of February. But over this period, the war also impacted the nature. @eriknjoka tells you what Ukraine is doing to keep a tab on this devastation.

Ukraine counts war's cost for nature

New Zealand which was battered by Cyclone Gabrielle has warned the final cost of the damage caused by devastating cyclone which has left at least 11 people dead could rise above $8 billion as authorities announced emergency funding to help the recovery efforts.

New Zealand: Cyclone damage could exceed $8bn

World’s one of the largest freestanding aquariums placed in a hotel in central Berlin burst on Friday, spilling one&nbsp;million litres of water and debris onto a major road in the busy Mitte district.

The 14-metre-high cylindrical aquarium housed 1,500 tropical fish of 80 different species.

According to reports, the incident at the AquaDom aquarium happened around 5.50 am (local time). The cause of the burst is being investigated.

There are claims that freezing temperatures had contributed to the leak, but police spokesman Martin Stralau the cause of the incident was still being investigated, reports AP news agency.

Berlin police on Twitter said, “In addition to the unbelievable maritime damage... two people were injured by glass splinters.”

Berlin's public transport office said on Twitter that the nearby Karl-Liebknecht street has been partially closed off because there is "an extreme amount of water on the road".

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Berlin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Berlin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Germany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Germany</a>🇩🇪- AquaDom Sea Life, the world's largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium bursts at the Radisson Blu Hotel in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mitte?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mitte</a>; large volume of water and up to 1,500 tropical fish spilling out including onto the streets, VIZ and police have said (📹<a href="https://twitter.com/niklas_scheele?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@niklas_scheele</a>) <a href="https://t.co/yZltPtLzL1">pic.twitter.com/yZltPtLzL1</a>
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The Berlin fire brigade has been rushed to the site even as there are reports of emergency responders being unable to access the ground floor of the building due to the debris.

A spokesperson of the Berlin fire brigade said that search and rescue dogs have also been sent to the scene.

More than 350 people, who are said to be staying at the hotel in the complex, have been asked to leave the premises immediately.

Police said that buses were dispatched to the complex to provide shelter for people leaving the hotel as outside temperatures in Berlin were around minus 7 degrees Celsius.

According to the operators, the aquarium has the biggest cylindrical tank in the world. It was last modernized in 2020 and is a major tourist magnet in Berlin.

One of the major highlights of the attraction was the 10-minute elevator ride through the tank.

(With inputs from agencies)

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World’s one of the largest freestanding aquariums placed in a hotel in central Berlin burst on Friday, spilling one million litres of water and debris onto a major road in the busy Mitte district.

World’s one of the largest freestanding aquariums placed in a hotel in central Berlin burst on Friday, spilling one million litres of water and debris onto a major road in the busy Mitte district. The 14-metre-high cylindrical aquarium housed 1,500 tropical fish of 80 different species. According to reports, the incident at the AquaDom aquarium happened around 5.50 am (local time). The cause of the burst is being investigated. There are claims that freezing temperatures had contributed to the leak, but police spokesman Martin Stralau the cause of the incident was still being investigated, reports AP news agency. Berlin police on Twitter said, “In addition to the unbelievable maritime damage... two people were injured by glass splinters.” Berlin's public transport office said on Twitter that the nearby Karl-Liebknecht street has been partially closed off because there is "an extreme amount of water on the road". #Berlin #Germany🇩🇪- AquaDom Sea Life, the world's largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium bursts at the Radisson Blu Hotel in #Mitte; large volume of water and up to 1,500 tropical fish spilling out including onto the streets, VIZ and police have said (📹@niklas_scheele) pic.twitter.com/yZltPtLzL1 — CyclistAnons🚲 (@CyclistAnons) December 16, 2022 × The Berlin fire brigade has been rushed to the site even as there are reports of emergency responders being unable to access the ground floor of the building due to the debris. A spokesperson of the Berlin fire brigade said that search and rescue dogs have also been sent to the scene. More than 350 people, who are said to be staying at the hotel in the complex, have been asked to leave the premises immediately. Police said that buses were dispatched to the complex to provide shelter for people leaving the hotel as outside temperatures in Berlin were around minus 7 degrees Celsius. According to the operators, the aquarium has the biggest cylindrical tank in the world. It was last modernized in 2020 and is a major tourist magnet in Berlin. One of the major highlights of the attraction was the 10-minute elevator ride through the tank. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World’s largest freestanding aquarium bursts in Berlin, leaving trail of destruction, 1500 fish lost

Corroding vehicles, bombed-out buildings and dead bodies littered the recently retaken Ukrainian city of Lyman on Wednesday (October 5).

Watch: Abandoned tanks, destruction in Ukraine's recaptured town of Lyman

US President Joe Biden flew over the devastation left by Hurricane Ian in Florida on Wednesday that marked a truce with bitter Republican critic and potential 2024 opponent, Governor Ron DeSantis.

US President Joe Biden visits hurricane-hit Florida to review destruction

Typhoon Nanmadol continues to wreak havoc in Japan claiming the lives of two people and forcing millions to evacuate. One of the biggest storms to strike Japan in years, it has brought ferocious winds and record rainfall to the west of the country.

WION Climate Tracker | Japan battered by one of the worst typhoons ever

A rare tornado ripped through the western Dutch city of Zierikzee, leaving one person dead and at least ten injured. The storm tore through the roofs and pulled down trees, leaving a trail of destruction.

Rare tornado leaves one dead in Netherlands

The death toll from powerful storms that lashed eastern Canada over the weekend has risen to at least eight, authorities said Sunday.

Police in the province of Ontario announced on CTVNews the deaths of seven people, killed Saturday by falling trees and branches.

The eighth victim was a woman who drowned when her boat capsized in the Ottawa River, near Gatineau, a Quebec suburb of the federal capital of Ottawa.

Strong winds, with gusts of more than 140 kilometres (87 miles) per hour, battered eastern Canada on Saturday, the national weather service said, adding that the storm was a rare phenomenon called "derecho".&nbsp;

"This storm was almost about 1,000 kilometers" long, Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips told local station CFRA on Sunday.

"That's what a derecho is, it's a long line of very active thunderstorms or microburst kind of situations," he said.

"Nothing can deter it. It just marches along."

Some 900,000 homes lost electricity Saturday night, with hundreds of thousands of households still in the dark by Sunday evening, local energy providers Hydro One and Hydro-Quebec said on Twitter, as they worked to restore power.

Roads remained strewn with branches and debris, with authorities saying it would take several days to clear.

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The death toll from powerful storms that lashed eastern Canada over the weekend has risen to at least eight, authorities said Sunday. Police in the province of Ontario announced on CTVNews the deaths of seven people, killed Saturday by falling trees and branches.

The death toll from powerful storms that lashed eastern Canada over the weekend has risen to at least eight, authorities said Sunday. Police in the province of Ontario announced on CTVNews the deaths of seven people, killed Saturday by falling trees and branches. The eighth victim was a woman who drowned when her boat capsized in the Ottawa River, near Gatineau, a Quebec suburb of the federal capital of Ottawa. Strong winds, with gusts of more than 140 kilometres (87 miles) per hour, battered eastern Canada on Saturday, the national weather service said, adding that the storm was a rare phenomenon called "derecho". "This storm was almost about 1,000 kilometers" long, Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips told local station CFRA on Sunday. "That's what a derecho is, it's a long line of very active thunderstorms or microburst kind of situations," he said. "Nothing can deter it. It just marches along." Some 900,000 homes lost electricity Saturday night, with hundreds of thousands of households still in the dark by Sunday evening, local energy providers Hydro One and Hydro-Quebec said on Twitter, as they worked to restore power. Roads remained strewn with branches and debris, with authorities saying it would take several days to clear. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Storms kill at least 8 in Canada, leave half a million without power

A strong tornado hit the Michigan's Gaylord on Friday in which two died and 44 got injured. Tornado caused fire and a lot of destruction in the city. The National Weather Service rated the tornado an EF3 with maximum winds of 140mph

Tornado cause fire, destruction in Michigan's Gaylord

A massive tornado tore through the town of Fort Stockton in Texas. Eyewitnesses recorded footage that showed the destruction caused in the region.

Central US faces severe storms and tornadoes

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko recorded a video of himself standing in the middle of destroyed buildings as he said, "That's what Russians' war against civilians looks like."

In the video, he showed a city bus that just got hit by a rocket. "Lives are getting lost. There's the war that Russia started," he said. He also said that just like Kyiv, many other Ukrainian cities were destroyed.&nbsp;

"That's the truth. These images are the truth of Russian war against Ukraine. That's what it looks like," he said.

"Putin's dream of creating a Greater Russia is my country's nightmare," he wrote in the caption.

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Putin's dream of creating a Greater Russia is my country's nightmare. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaveUkraine</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kyiv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopPutinsWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopPutinsWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Standtogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Standtogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeUkraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreAllUkrainians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreAllUkrainians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopTheWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopTheWar</a> <a href="https://t.co/EKw3K6BsbZ">pic.twitter.com/EKw3K6BsbZ</a>
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) <a href="https://twitter.com/Klitschko/status/1503349955091701767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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After laying siege to southern port city Mariupol, Russian forces are reportedly heading towards the capital Kyiv city even as Ukrainian officials have said that they are “ready to fight”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">Also read |&nbsp;Live | EU sanctioning Abramovich among other Russians over Ukraine invasion</a>

On early Saturday morning, air raid sirens and shellings were heard over Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities, local media reported.&nbsp;

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine had “already reached a strategic turning point”.

“It is impossible to say how many days we still have (ahead of us) to free Ukrainian land. But we can say we will do it,” he said. "We are already moving towards our goal, our victory."

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has announced that around 12,000 US troops have been moved along the borders with Russia such as Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Romania, even as he ruled out sending forces to Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko recorded a video of himself standing in the middle of destroyed buildings as he said, "That's what Russians' war against civilians looks like.

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko recorded a video of himself standing in the middle of destroyed buildings as he said, "That's what Russians' war against civilians looks like." In the video, he showed a city bus that just got hit by a rocket. "Lives are getting lost. There's the war that Russia started," he said. He also said that just like Kyiv, many other Ukrainian cities were destroyed. "That's the truth. These images are the truth of Russian war against Ukraine. That's what it looks like," he said. "Putin's dream of creating a Greater Russia is my country's nightmare," he wrote in the caption. Putin's dream of creating a Greater Russia is my country's nightmare. #SaveUkraine#kyiv #StopPutinsWar #Standtogether #FreeUkraine #WeAreAllUkrainians #StandWithUkraine #StopTheWar pic.twitter.com/EKw3K6BsbZ — Klitschko (@Klitschko) March 14, 2022 × After laying siege to southern port city Mariupol, Russian forces are reportedly heading towards the capital Kyiv city even as Ukrainian officials have said that they are “ready to fight”. Also read | Live | EU sanctioning Abramovich among other Russians over Ukraine invasion On early Saturday morning, air raid sirens and shellings were heard over Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities, local media reported. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine had “already reached a strategic turning point”. “It is impossible to say how many days we still have (ahead of us) to free Ukrainian land. But we can say we will do it,” he said. "We are already moving towards our goal, our victory." Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has announced that around 12,000 US troops have been moved along the borders with Russia such as Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Romania, even as he ruled out sending forces to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Kyiv mayor records himself as he shows the scale of destruction caused by Russian forces

A week after Houthis conducted a drone attack, the United Arab Emirates has now intercepted and destroyed two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting the Gulf country, its defence ministry stated.

UAE intercepts two ballistic missiles, confirms its destruction

At least 23 people have been killed and over 300,000 displaced in what has been described as the strongest typhoon that hit the Philippines this year, according to local reports.

Officials said that more than 300,000 have sought shelter homes as Typhoon Rai ravaged the southern and central regions of the island. About 18,000 had yet to return home, news agency AFP reported.

Communications and electricity have been cut off, with officials reporting “alarming” levels of destruction.

Philippine Coast Guard shared photos and videos on Twitter to show&nbsp;the extent&nbsp;of damage caused by the super typhoon, especially in popular tourist destination Surigao island.&nbsp;

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SIARGAO ISLAND MULA SA HIMPAPAWID 
 
Kuha ang video na ito sa aerial survey na isinagawa ng PCG sakay ng Cessna Caravan 2081 para malaman ang lawak ng pinsalang iniwan ng Bagyong <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OdettePH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OdettePH</a> sa isa sa pinakasikat na isla ng Surigao del Norte ngayong araw, ika-17 ng Disyembre 2021. <a href="https://t.co/NDuEC3hOsz">pic.twitter.com/NDuEC3hOsz</a>
— Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) <a href="https://twitter.com/coastguardph/status/1471772137925283840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Mark Timbal, spokesman for the national disaster agency, said that over 18,000 military police have been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations in the affected areas.

“There has been severe damage” in Surigao and Siargao, Timbal said, referring to the areas that bore the brunt of the typhoon.

The storm also lashed the popular tourist destination of Palawan island after ravaging the Visayas and the southern island of Mindanao.

Scores of flights have been cancelled across the country and dozens of ports temporarily closed, after the weather bureau warned several-metre-high storm surges could cause “life-threatening flooding” in low-lying coastal areas.

Watch |&nbsp;Typhoon Rai batters Philippines, thousands evacuated from coastal areas

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/typhoon-rai-batters-philippines-thousands-evacuated-from-coastal-areas-437747/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Among the worst-affected regions was the popular tourist island of Siargao where the storm gathered wind speed of 195 kilometres per hour and it into a super typhoon, Rai.

Alberto Bocanegra, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Philippines, told AFP, “This is indeed one of the most powerful storms that has hit the Philippines in the month of December in the last decade."

Bocanegra added that the information and pictures that they were receiving were “very alarming.”

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 23 people have been killed and over 300,000 displaced in what has been described as the strongest typhoon that hit the Philippines this year, according to local reports.

At least 23 people have been killed and over 300,000 displaced in what has been described as the strongest typhoon that hit the Philippines this year, according to local reports. Officials said that more than 300,000 have sought shelter homes as Typhoon Rai ravaged the southern and central regions of the island. About 18,000 had yet to return home, news agency AFP reported. Communications and electricity have been cut off, with officials reporting “alarming” levels of destruction. Philippine Coast Guard shared photos and videos on Twitter to show the extent of damage caused by the super typhoon, especially in popular tourist destination Surigao island. SIARGAO ISLAND MULA SA HIMPAPAWID Kuha ang video na ito sa aerial survey na isinagawa ng PCG sakay ng Cessna Caravan 2081 para malaman ang lawak ng pinsalang iniwan ng Bagyong #OdettePH sa isa sa pinakasikat na isla ng Surigao del Norte ngayong araw, ika-17 ng Disyembre 2021. pic.twitter.com/NDuEC3hOsz — Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) December 17, 2021 × Mark Timbal, spokesman for the national disaster agency, said that over 18,000 military police have been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations in the affected areas. “There has been severe damage” in Surigao and Siargao, Timbal said, referring to the areas that bore the brunt of the typhoon. The storm also lashed the popular tourist destination of Palawan island after ravaging the Visayas and the southern island of Mindanao. Scores of flights have been cancelled across the country and dozens of ports temporarily closed, after the weather bureau warned several-metre-high storm surges could cause “life-threatening flooding” in low-lying coastal areas. Watch | Typhoon Rai batters Philippines, thousands evacuated from coastal areas Among the worst-affected regions was the popular tourist island of Siargao where the storm gathered wind speed of 195 kilometres per hour and it into a super typhoon, Rai. Alberto Bocanegra, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Philippines, told AFP, “This is indeed one of the most powerful storms that has hit the Philippines in the month of December in the last decade." Bocanegra added that the information and pictures that they were receiving were “very alarming.” (With inputs from agencies)

Super Typhoon Rai wreaks havoc as at least 23 killed, over 300,000 displaced in Philippines

In Pics | Mass destruction caused as several tornadoes rip through the US

Typhoon Phanfone smashed into the central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bombings-rock-southern-philippines-over-a-dozen-injured-269594">Philippines</a> on Tuesday, leaving thousands of people unable to get home for the Christmas holidays and forcing many others to evacuate in the face of the onslaught.

The tropical storm was upgraded to a typhoon shortly before it made landfall on Christmas Eve in the mainly Catholic nation, but early reports indicate there had been no casualties so far.

It struck the southern tip of the impoverished island of Samar in the afternoon with gusts of up to 150 kilometres an hour that snapped branches off trees and knocked down power pylons and mobile phone relay towers.

"(There are) no signs of heavy damage except for houses made of light materials," Ben Evardone, the governor of Eastern Samar province, adding there were no casualties there.

Just under 1,700 people were evacuated from coastal areas as well as those prone to flooding and landslides, according to sources.

"Some families are reluctant to evacuate because they want to celebrate Christmas at home, but local officials will force them out if they refuse to heed our warnings," said regional civil defence official Reyden Cabrigas.

The state weather service said homes made of wood, straw or bamboo risked "heavy damage", though there were so far no reports of giant waves crashing onto coastal communities as the state weather service earlier warned.

Phanfone, Laotian for "animal", was forecast to cut across the central islands through Christmas Day Wednesday before roaring out to the South China Sea.

All boats on the storm's projected path through the central islands were ordered to stay in port and many commercial flights were cancelled, stranding thousands of people who were trooping to their hometowns.

Though much weaker, Phanfone was tracking a similar path as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-thousands-flee-as-typhoon-kammuri-expected-to-make-landfall-265636">Super Typhoon Haiyan</a>, the country's deadliest cyclone on record which left more than 7,300 people dead or missing in 2013.

More than 23,000 ferry passengers trying to get home for the Christmas holidays have been stranded at ports as shipping shut down, the coast guard said Tuesday.

The state weather service said Phanfone would bring moderate to strong winds over the capital Manila on Christmas Day.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eleven-dead-after-coconut-wine-poisoning-in-philippines-269754">Philippines</a> is the first major landmass facing the Pacific cyclone belt.

As such, the archipelago gets hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year.

Strong winds and associated dangers such as floods, landslides, and -- more rarely -- giant walls of seawater kill scores of people each year, wipe out harvests and destroy roads, bridges, power lines and other infrastructure.

A July 2019 study by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank said the most frequent storms lop one percent off the Philippine economic output, with the stronger ones cutting output by nearly three percent.

Typhoon Phanfone smashed into the central Philippines on Tuesday, leaving thousands of people unable to get home for the Christmas holidays and forcing many others to evacuate in the face of the onslaught.

Typhoon Phanfone smashed into the central Philippines on Tuesday, leaving thousands of people unable to get home for the Christmas holidays and forcing many others to evacuate in the face of the onslaught. The tropical storm was upgraded to a typhoon shortly before it made landfall on Christmas Eve in the mainly Catholic nation, but early reports indicate there had been no casualties so far. It struck the southern tip of the impoverished island of Samar in the afternoon with gusts of up to 150 kilometres an hour that snapped branches off trees and knocked down power pylons and mobile phone relay towers. "(There are) no signs of heavy damage except for houses made of light materials," Ben Evardone, the governor of Eastern Samar province, adding there were no casualties there. Just under 1,700 people were evacuated from coastal areas as well as those prone to flooding and landslides, according to sources. "Some families are reluctant to evacuate because they want to celebrate Christmas at home, but local officials will force them out if they refuse to heed our warnings," said regional civil defence official Reyden Cabrigas. The state weather service said homes made of wood, straw or bamboo risked "heavy damage", though there were so far no reports of giant waves crashing onto coastal communities as the state weather service earlier warned. Phanfone, Laotian for "animal", was forecast to cut across the central islands through Christmas Day Wednesday before roaring out to the South China Sea. All boats on the storm's projected path through the central islands were ordered to stay in port and many commercial flights were cancelled, stranding thousands of people who were trooping to their hometowns. Though much weaker, Phanfone was tracking a similar path as Super Typhoon Haiyan, the country's deadliest cyclone on record which left more than 7,300 people dead or missing in 2013. More than 23,000 ferry passengers trying to get home for the Christmas holidays have been stranded at ports as shipping shut down, the coast guard said Tuesday. The state weather service said Phanfone would bring moderate to strong winds over the capital Manila on Christmas Day. The Philippines is the first major landmass facing the Pacific cyclone belt. As such, the archipelago gets hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year. Strong winds and associated dangers such as floods, landslides, and -- more rarely -- giant walls of seawater kill scores of people each year, wipe out harvests and destroy roads, bridges, power lines and other infrastructure. A July 2019 study by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank said the most frequent storms lop one percent off the Philippine economic output, with the stronger ones cutting output by nearly three percent.

Typhoon Phanfone slams Philippines during Christmas rush

At least 31 people have died in eastern Zimbabwe while dozens were missing as homes and bridges were swept away by a tropical storm, state television reported on Saturday.

Cyclone Idai, which brought floodwater and destruction to areas of Mozambique and Malawi, hit Zimbabwe on Friday, cutting off power and communications.

Pictures shared on Twitter and television footage showed roads, houses and bridges that were washed away while communication towers were knocked down and electricity cables blocked roads in Chimanimani district, 410 kilometres (255 miles) east of the capital Harare.

State television ZBC said 31 people had died in the district while more than 70 people were missing.

The information ministry said the army had moved in to rescue 197 pupils trapped at a local school.

"This a very challenging operation as it's being undertaken as a ground effort because of unsafe weather conditions for air efforts," the ministry said in a statement.

Joshua Sacco, a member of parliament in Chimanimani earlier told Reuters the district had been cut off from the rest of the country as the storm left a trail of destruction reminiscent of Cyclone Eline in February 2000, which devastated southern Zimbabwe.

Sacco said the death toll was expected to rise as rescue efforts continued.

Chimanimani, which borders Mozambique, has been worst affected, with the storm causing floods as well as destroying crops and plantations, Zimbabwe's Ministry of Information said.

Air force helicopters were rescuing people, but flights were being slowed by heavy winds.

Zimbabwe has faced a severe drought this year that has damaged crops and a United Nations humanitarian agency says 5.3 million people will require food aid.

The country's meteorological services expect rains to continue throughout the weekend.

At least 31 people have died in eastern Zimbabwe while dozens were missing as homes and bridges were swept away by a tropical storm, state television reported on Saturday.

At least 31 people have died in eastern Zimbabwe while dozens were missing as homes and bridges were swept away by a tropical storm, state television reported on Saturday. Cyclone Idai, which brought floodwater and destruction to areas of Mozambique and Malawi, hit Zimbabwe on Friday, cutting off power and communications. Pictures shared on Twitter and television footage showed roads, houses and bridges that were washed away while communication towers were knocked down and electricity cables blocked roads in Chimanimani district, 410 kilometres (255 miles) east of the capital Harare. State television ZBC said 31 people had died in the district while more than 70 people were missing. The information ministry said the army had moved in to rescue 197 pupils trapped at a local school. "This a very challenging operation as it's being undertaken as a ground effort because of unsafe weather conditions for air efforts," the ministry said in a statement. Joshua Sacco, a member of parliament in Chimanimani earlier told Reuters the district had been cut off from the rest of the country as the storm left a trail of destruction reminiscent of Cyclone Eline in February 2000, which devastated southern Zimbabwe. Sacco said the death toll was expected to rise as rescue efforts continued. Chimanimani, which borders Mozambique, has been worst affected, with the storm causing floods as well as destroying crops and plantations, Zimbabwe's Ministry of Information said. Air force helicopters were rescuing people, but flights were being slowed by heavy winds. Zimbabwe has faced a severe drought this year that has damaged crops and a United Nations humanitarian agency says 5.3 million people will require food aid. The country's meteorological services expect rains to continue throughout the weekend.

Cyclone Idai batters Zimbabwe, at least 31 people dead

Weary residents in Australia's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/record-breaking-floods-hit-north-australia-193199">flood-hit </a>northeast returned home Wednesday to begin a massive clean-up after almost<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/part-of-eastern-australia-hit-by-once-in-a-century-floods-braces-for-more-rain-194561"> two weeks of heavy rain</a>, as the wild weather moved south to inundate more towns.

Communities remain cut off and thousands are still without power in the state of Queensland, but the weather bureau said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/military-steps-in-as-australia-floods-bring-crocs-to-the-streets-194923">downpours</a> that have seen areas doused with more than 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain daily were easing.

"It looks like the worst is probably over," Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Vinord Anand told AFP.

"We are still seeing rainfall rates that are meeting our severe weather warning criteria, but rainfall totals are not high as they have been in the last five to 10 days."

The daily rainfall totals were falling below 250 millimetres and would "ease slightly" on Thursday and Friday as the monsoonal trough slowly moves offshore, he added.

Australia's tropical north typically experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season, but the recent downpours have seen some areas get a year's worth of rainfall in just a week.

The rains turned roads into rivers and were so incessant authorities were forced to open floodgates of a major dam on Sunday.

With floodwaters receding in some areas of the hard-hit city of Townsville, residents headed home to help each other clean up their mud-caked properties.

"Just coming up the driveway, looking at all the mud, that's when it hit home," resident Clayton Linning told national broadcaster ABC Wednesday.

"There are a lot of neighbours we've never met before and now we have, which is really nice. It's an unfortunate way to have to build community but it does."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Wednesday that officials were working to ensure affected locals would get access to recovery payments and support.

The Insurance Council of Australia added that claims were "rising by the hour", with losses of Aus$45 million (US$32 million) from 3,500 applications so far.

More than 100 extra police have been deployed to help with the disaster, while the army, which has a major base in Townsville, has also been active. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, police said they had launched an investigation into the deaths of two men aged 21 and 23 after their bodies were found in floodwaters, amid local media reports officers had been chasing them after an alleged liquor store break-in. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Weary residents in Australia's flood-hit northeast returned home Wednesday to begin a massive clean-up after almost two weeks of heavy rain, as the wild weather moved south to inundate more towns.

Weary residents in Australia's flood-hit northeast returned home Wednesday to begin a massive clean-up after almost two weeks of heavy rain, as the wild weather moved south to inundate more towns. Communities remain cut off and thousands are still without power in the state of Queensland, but the weather bureau said the downpours that have seen areas doused with more than 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain daily were easing. "It looks like the worst is probably over," Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Vinord Anand told AFP. "We are still seeing rainfall rates that are meeting our severe weather warning criteria, but rainfall totals are not high as they have been in the last five to 10 days." The daily rainfall totals were falling below 250 millimetres and would "ease slightly" on Thursday and Friday as the monsoonal trough slowly moves offshore, he added. Australia's tropical north typically experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season, but the recent downpours have seen some areas get a year's worth of rainfall in just a week. The rains turned roads into rivers and were so incessant authorities were forced to open floodgates of a major dam on Sunday. With floodwaters receding in some areas of the hard-hit city of Townsville, residents headed home to help each other clean up their mud-caked properties. "Just coming up the driveway, looking at all the mud, that's when it hit home," resident Clayton Linning told national broadcaster ABC Wednesday. "There are a lot of neighbours we've never met before and now we have, which is really nice. It's an unfortunate way to have to build community but it does." Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Wednesday that officials were working to ensure affected locals would get access to recovery payments and support. The Insurance Council of Australia added that claims were "rising by the hour", with losses of Aus$45 million (US$32 million) from 3,500 applications so far. More than 100 extra police have been deployed to help with the disaster, while the army, which has a major base in Townsville, has also been active. Meanwhile, police said they had launched an investigation into the deaths of two men aged 21 and 23 after their bodies were found in floodwaters, amid local media reports officers had been chasing them after an alleged liquor store break-in.

Australia begins cleanup after two weeks of heavy rain

Nearly a week after a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-dam-collapse-death-toll-reaches-99-259-people-still-missing-194168">dam storing mining waste collapsed in southeast Brazil</a>, the human cost is clear, with nearly 350 killed or missing, but the environmental impact is still being evaluated.

Authorities fear the mineral-laced slurry released by the collapse could eventually pollute the Sao Francisco River, the second-longest in Brazil, which hosts various species of fish and has many towns on its banks.

Daily tests carried out by Brazil's national water agency ANA in the Paraopeba tributary, muddied along 200 kilometres&nbsp;by the dam burst, show the presence of metals in the water has spiked to unhealthy levels.

Residents along the riverbanks have already said fish they relied on for food were floating to the surface, dead.

"Most of us here are very rural, riverside people, so we use the Paraopeba River to feed ourselves. It gives us fish, we use it to water our plants, and now we can't do this anymore, so many people have been affected by the dam breaking," one local, Leda de Oliveira, 31, told AFP.

Worst industrial disaster

The latest ANA results showed iron, magnesium and aluminium at worrying levels.

It added that, while trace levels of lead and mercury had initially spiked, they had since fallen to normal counts. Arsenic — another impurity often found in iron ore waste — was not a problem, according to the tests.

But those measured just water quality, and not the way the elements were being absorbed in sediment, food chains and the general ecosystem.

Experts say the real long-term effects of the dam break at the mine, located near the town of Brumadinho and owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale, may not be evident for years.

"Right now there are many unknowns — how toxic is the waste? How mobile are the toxins? Will the waste move again? It is only when these things are known that we will really know how bad this will be," an expert in landslides, Professor David Petley at Britain's University of Sheffield, told AFP.

Immediate action, "very expensive if done properly," was needed to contain the pollution, he said, adding: "There is a lot of waste in the river. There is a risk that this now moves downstream in floods, or that toxins that it releases might move."

While Brumadinho is now considered Brazil's worst-ever industrial accident, given its high likely final death toll, a similar mining dam collapse three years earlier in the same region, near the town of Mariana, remains the country's worst environmental disaster. Its effects are still being measured today.

The dam near Mariana was part of a facility jointly owned by Vale. Nineteen people were killed. Pollution extended for &nbsp;650 kilometres (400 miles) along a river, to the Atlantic Ocean.

The 60 million tons of waste it released was more than four times greater than the 13 million tons held back by the Brumadinho dam. Whole ecosystems affected by the Mariana sludge were killed off.

Both disasters resulted from ruptures of tailings dams — reservoirs of detritus left over from the process of extracting iron ore. Such dams are the cheapest ways to store mining waste, but also the riskiest, as the two successive disasters showed.

Petley said it was to be hoped that measures to contain pollution were better now but added that both disasters were "scandalous failures."

'Recklessness'&nbsp;

Vale started decommissioning its tailings dams in Brazil after the 2015 Mariana disaster and has now accelerated the process for its remaining 10 dams.&nbsp;

But for Brumadinho, where many inhabitants worked at Vale, that process proved tragically slow.&nbsp;

Almost all of the dead and missing were workers at the mine, many buried by the sludge as they were having lunch in the facility's on-site cafeteria.

Many residents accuse the mining giant of putting profits over lives. Graffiti saying "Vale, murderer" has been scrawled on several walls in Brumadinho, and in mud at Vale's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

"We are all shaken. This should never have happened. There was a lot of recklessness. Today all of Brumadinho is in mourning," said Gustavo Franca, a 25-year-old real estate agent who lost many friends.

Vale paid dearly for Mariana. It and its partner in the joint venture, Anglo-Australian miner BHP, forked out $6 billion in compensation and fines. But, while 20 executives were charged, none ever went to trial and to date, no one was convicted.

Authorities have frozen $3 billion of Vale's assets to pay for damages from the latest disaster. Lawsuits are bound to follow.

It has also already lost around 20 per cent of its value on the stock market this week.

Nearly a week after a dam storing mining waste collapsed in southeast Brazil, the human cost is clear, with nearly 350 killed or missing, but the environmental impact is still being evaluated.

Nearly a week after a dam storing mining waste collapsed in southeast Brazil, the human cost is clear, with nearly 350 killed or missing, but the environmental impact is still being evaluated. Authorities fear the mineral-laced slurry released by the collapse could eventually pollute the Sao Francisco River, the second-longest in Brazil, which hosts various species of fish and has many towns on its banks. Daily tests carried out by Brazil's national water agency ANA in the Paraopeba tributary, muddied along 200 kilometres by the dam burst, show the presence of metals in the water has spiked to unhealthy levels. Residents along the riverbanks have already said fish they relied on for food were floating to the surface, dead. "Most of us here are very rural, riverside people, so we use the Paraopeba River to feed ourselves. It gives us fish, we use it to water our plants, and now we can't do this anymore, so many people have been affected by the dam breaking," one local, Leda de Oliveira, 31, told AFP. Worst industrial disaster The latest ANA results showed iron, magnesium and aluminium at worrying levels. It added that, while trace levels of lead and mercury had initially spiked, they had since fallen to normal counts. Arsenic — another impurity often found in iron ore waste — was not a problem, according to the tests. But those measured just water quality, and not the way the elements were being absorbed in sediment, food chains and the general ecosystem. Experts say the real long-term effects of the dam break at the mine, located near the town of Brumadinho and owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale, may not be evident for years. "Right now there are many unknowns — how toxic is the waste? How mobile are the toxins? Will the waste move again? It is only when these things are known that we will really know how bad this will be," an expert in landslides, Professor David Petley at Britain's University of Sheffield, told AFP. Immediate action, "very expensive if done properly," was needed to contain the pollution, he said, adding: "There is a lot of waste in the river. There is a risk that this now moves downstream in floods, or that toxins that it releases might move." While Brumadinho is now considered Brazil's worst-ever industrial accident, given its high likely final death toll, a similar mining dam collapse three years earlier in the same region, near the town of Mariana, remains the country's worst environmental disaster. Its effects are still being measured today. The dam near Mariana was part of a facility jointly owned by Vale. Nineteen people were killed. Pollution extended for 650 kilometres (400 miles) along a river, to the Atlantic Ocean. The 60 million tons of waste it released was more than four times greater than the 13 million tons held back by the Brumadinho dam. Whole ecosystems affected by the Mariana sludge were killed off. Both disasters resulted from ruptures of tailings dams — reservoirs of detritus left over from the process of extracting iron ore. Such dams are the cheapest ways to store mining waste, but also the riskiest, as the two successive disasters showed. Petley said it was to be hoped that measures to contain pollution were better now but added that both disasters were "scandalous failures." 'Recklessness' Vale started decommissioning its tailings dams in Brazil after the 2015 Mariana disaster and has now accelerated the process for its remaining 10 dams. But for Brumadinho, where many inhabitants worked at Vale, that process proved tragically slow. Almost all of the dead and missing were workers at the mine, many buried by the sludge as they were having lunch in the facility's on-site cafeteria. Many residents accuse the mining giant of putting profits over lives. Graffiti saying "Vale, murderer" has been scrawled on several walls in Brumadinho, and in mud at Vale's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. "We are all shaken. This should never have happened. There was a lot of recklessness. Today all of Brumadinho is in mourning," said Gustavo Franca, a 25-year-old real estate agent who lost many friends. Vale paid dearly for Mariana. It and its partner in the joint venture, Anglo-Australian miner BHP, forked out $6 billion in compensation and fines. But, while 20 executives were charged, none ever went to trial and to date, no one was convicted. Authorities have frozen $3 billion of Vale's assets to pay for damages from the latest disaster. Lawsuits are bound to follow. It has also already lost around 20 per cent of its value on the stock market this week.

Deadly Brazil dam collapse raises fears of environmental woes

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