Pakistan saw its "wettest April since 1961" with rainfall measuring 59.3 millimetres, more than double the usual average of 22.5 millimetres for the month, according to the country's meteorological department. The report also noted at least 144 fatalities from thunderstorms and house collapses caused by the heavy rain, marking it as the "wettest April since 1961."

Pakistan experiences ‘wettest April’ in over 60 years

Brazil floods: Death toll from rains in southern Brazil climbs to 57. The state government declared a state of public calamity to handle the dramatic situation. The storms, which have caused the greatest devastation in the state in recent years also left people missing and displaced in 154 cities, according to Rio Grande do Sul's civil defense.

Brazil floods: Heavy rains lash Southern state of Rio Grande Do Su

Pakistan records 'wettest April' since 1961

Brazil floods: Death toll from rains in southern Brazil climbs to 56. The state government declared a state of public calamity to handle the dramatic situation. The storms, which have caused the greatest devastation in the state in recent years also left people missing and displaced in 154 cities, according to Rio Grande do Sul's civil defense.

Brazil floods: Heavy rains lash Southern state of Rio Grande Do Sul

Heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the UAE on Thursday (May 2), leading to the cancellation of several international flights, two weeks after Dubai was hit by unprecedented storms that paralysed the emirate for days. Watch in for more details!

Flights to Dubai disrupted as heavy rains return to UAE

In parts of Indonesia, heavy rainfall is triggering floods and landslides. Like most parts of South Asia and East Asia Indonesia which is an equatorial nation is seeing above-normal summer temperatures but the southern parts of Indonesia are grappling with floods and landslides.

Indonesia floods: Heavy rains pound Indonesia, roads, bridges, homes damaged

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Kenya floods death toll crosses 200 - Cameron promises $3 bn aid to Kyiv - UK: Tories suffer worst loss in 40 years - China launches Chang'e 6 lunar probe - Iran releases crew of ship MSC Aries

Kenya floods death toll crosses 200 | Cameron promises $3 billion aid to Kyiv

Weeks after Dubai came to a standstill due to heavy downpour, United Arab Emirates witnessed rains across various areas in the country the scale and intensity of rainfall was lower this time... However, unstable weather conditions are set to continue till Friday according to the National Centre of Meteorology....

Heavy rains return to United Arab Emirates

The death toll from the devastating floods that have hit Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande Do Sul has climbed to 29. Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva flew to the affected areas to take stock of the infrastructure damage.

Heavy rains kill at least 29 in Brazil, many displaced in Southern Brazil

Weeks after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed a record-breaking storm, the oil-rich country once again witnessed heavy rains and flooded roads, on Thursday (May 2). The officials also issued an orange alert on Thursday. The unsettled weather has led to the cancellation of around 13 flights and prompted the closure of schools and offices.&nbsp;

<h2>Flights cancelled, schools and offices closed&nbsp;</h2>

Gulf country’s officials had already asked schools and universities to implement distance learning and advised employers to switch to remote work, on Wednesday (May 1) due to the forecast of heavy rains and thunderstorms on Thursday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, confirmed that due to unsettled weather conditions, 13 flights – nine arrivals and four outbound flights – were cancelled, and five inbound flights were diverted overnight.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Dubai floods: UAE braces for more rain weeks after record-breaking storm

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On Wednesday, UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) ramped up readiness and preparedness levels of the national system to deal with the situation, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The officials also said that while these rains are expected to be less severe than last month’s unprecedented downpour, people have been asked to be cautious.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/19-dead-after-highway-road-collapses-in-south-chinas-guangdong-716902">48 dead after highway road collapses in south China's Guangdong, rescue operations on</a>

On Thursday, little traffic was seen on Dubai’s typically busy six-lane highways, with some cars reportedly abandoned on the flooded roads.&nbsp;

<h2>Dubai rains: Weather update</h2>

A report by Khaleej Times citing officials from UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology said that the country has been witnessing heavy rains since midnight, with showers and lightning observed in Dubai since around 2:35 am (local time), on Thursday.&nbsp;

Officials at NCEMA forecasted moderate to heavy rain across several parts of the country, on Thursday accompanied by lightning, thunder, and small hailstones concentrated in the western regions, on the coasts, and in some eastern areas. &nbsp;

The unstable weather would reportedly continue to affect residents on Friday (May 3), according to officials.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-elects-ex-foreign-minister-jeremiah-manele-as-new-pm-hes-china-friendly-717264">Solomon Islands elects ex-foreign minister Jeremiah Manele as new PM</a>

The public has been asked to “stay away from these areas and adhere to safety standards and guidelines, avoid mountainous, desert, and coastal areas,” said a statement by the Ministry of Interior.&nbsp;

The ministry in coordination with the NCEMA, also decided to close all roads leading to areas prone to flash floods, water accumulations, and dams during the weather conditions.&nbsp;

The recent downpour comes less than a month after the Gulf country was brought to a standstill after torrential rains brought severe flooding which disrupted air traffic in Dubai and trapped residents in traffic, in their offices and homes.&nbsp;

On April 14 and 15, heavy rains battered the Arabian Peninsula, with Dubai experiencing the heaviest rains on record since 1949. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Weeks after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed a record-breaking storm, the oil-rich country once again witnessed heavy rains and flooded roads, on Thursday (May 2).

Weeks after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed a record-breaking storm, the oil-rich country once again witnessed heavy rains and flooded roads, on Thursday (May 2). The officials also issued an orange alert on Thursday. The unsettled weather has led to the cancellation of around 13 flights and prompted the closure of schools and offices. Flights cancelled, schools and offices closed Gulf country’s officials had already asked schools and universities to implement distance learning and advised employers to switch to remote work, on Wednesday (May 1) due to the forecast of heavy rains and thunderstorms on Thursday. Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, confirmed that due to unsettled weather conditions, 13 flights – nine arrivals and four outbound flights – were cancelled, and five inbound flights were diverted overnight. WATCH | Dubai floods: UAE braces for more rain weeks after record-breaking storm On Wednesday, UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) ramped up readiness and preparedness levels of the national system to deal with the situation, reported news agency PTI. The officials also said that while these rains are expected to be less severe than last month’s unprecedented downpour, people have been asked to be cautious. Also Read | 48 dead after highway road collapses in south China's Guangdong, rescue operations on On Thursday, little traffic was seen on Dubai’s typically busy six-lane highways, with some cars reportedly abandoned on the flooded roads. Dubai rains: Weather update A report by Khaleej Times citing officials from UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology said that the country has been witnessing heavy rains since midnight, with showers and lightning observed in Dubai since around 2:35 am (local time), on Thursday. Officials at NCEMA forecasted moderate to heavy rain across several parts of the country, on Thursday accompanied by lightning, thunder, and small hailstones concentrated in the western regions, on the coasts, and in some eastern areas. The unstable weather would reportedly continue to affect residents on Friday (May 3), according to officials. Also Read | Solomon Islands elects ex-foreign minister Jeremiah Manele as new PM The public has been asked to “stay away from these areas and adhere to safety standards and guidelines, avoid mountainous, desert, and coastal areas,” said a statement by the Ministry of Interior. The ministry in coordination with the NCEMA, also decided to close all roads leading to areas prone to flash floods, water accumulations, and dams during the weather conditions. The recent downpour comes less than a month after the Gulf country was brought to a standstill after torrential rains brought severe flooding which disrupted air traffic in Dubai and trapped residents in traffic, in their offices and homes. On April 14 and 15, heavy rains battered the Arabian Peninsula, with Dubai experiencing the heaviest rains on record since 1949. (With inputs from agencies)

Dubai: Over a dozen flights cancelled; schools, offices closed amid heavy rains and floods

Weeks after a record-breaking storm, the United Arab Emirates experienced rainfall on Thursday (May 2) across various areas, with officials implementing distance learning for schools and universities, while advising businesses to switch to remote work.

Dubai floods: UAE braces for more rain weeks after record-breaking storm

Saudi Arabian authorities shut schools in several regions, as flash floods inundate roads. This is the latest instance of heavy rains disrupting life in the desert state.

Saudi Arabia Floods: heavy rains force schools closure in Riyadh, Medina

Floods and landslides across Kenya have killed 181 people since March. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to leave their homes, and dozens more were killed in neighbouring Tanzania and Burundi. Torrential rain and floods have destroyed homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure across the region.

Kenya: Torrential rain and floods destroy homes, roads & bridges

Torrential rain shuts schools in Saudi

Kenya is witnessing deadly floods. Devastating rainfall lashed Kenya since March. It is one of the most catastrophic in recent years. At least 169 people died with several still missing. Watch this video for all details.

Kenya floods: Why is Kenya witnessing deadly floods?

Scores reported missing as Kenya ravaged by mass flooding. So far, 71 people were killed when a dam burst in Kenya's rift valley region. East Africa has been hit by the worst effects of the El Nino phenomenon which has affected Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi with over 250 deaths reported in a week in all the three nations, and approximately 300,000 people displaced.

Kenya Floods: Dam burst kills over 70 in Kenya's rift valley

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed incessant rainfall in the last three days resulting in flash floods. Schools have been shut in many districts after fresh snowfall in higher reaches and rains lashed the plains.

Kashmir Floods: Torrential rains trigger landslides, flash floods in Jammu & Kashmir

A new tax proposal which targets fossil fuel giants within the world's richest economies could raise hundreds of billions of dollars to aid vulnerable nations grappling with the adverse effects of climate change.&nbsp;

The "Climate Damages Tax" report, unveiled on Monday (Apr 29), advocates for an additional levy on carbon emissions by fossil fuel entities located in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.&nbsp;

<h2>Would the tax make significant contributions to the fight against climate change?</h2>

As per the Guardian, projections suggest that the levy could potentially raise $720 billion (£580 billion) by the end of this decade.

The authors of the report calculate that if the tax takes effect in 2024, initially at $5 per tonne of CO2 equivalent, escalating by $5 annually, by 2030 it would raise around $900 billion in total.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deaths-due-to-heat-at-all-time-high-heatwaves-in-europe-linked-to-30-increase-in-fatalities-713795">Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities</a>

Of the forecasted revenue, $720 billion would be earmarked for the international loss and damage fund, they propose. The remaining $180 billion could be redistributed as a "domestic dividend," supporting communities within richer nations with a fair climate transition.

As per David Hillman, the director of the Stamp Out Poverty campaign and co-author of the report, this "demonstrates that the richest, most economically powerful countries, with the greatest historical responsibility for climate change, need look no further than their fossil fuel industries to collect tens of billions a year in extra income by taxing them far more rigorously."

"This is surely the fairest way to boost revenues for the loss and damage fund to ensure that it is sufficiently financed as to be fit for purpose," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-to-suspend-in-person-classes-in-public-schools-due-to-heat-wave-jeepney-drivers-strike-715906">Philippines to suspend in-person classes in public schools due to heat wave, jeepney drivers' strike</a>

The report&nbsp;has the backing of dozens of climate organisations worldwide, including Greenpeace, Stamp Out Poverty, Power Shift Africa and Christian Aid.&nbsp;

The proposed tax, as per Areeba Hamid, a joint director at Greenpeace UK, is an equitable strategy to compel the fossil fuel sector "to stop drilling and start paying for the damage they are causing around the world".

(With inputs from agencies)

A new tax proposal which targets fossil fuel giants within the world's richest economies could raise hundreds of billions of dollars to aid vulnerable nations grappling with the adverse effects of climate change.

A new tax proposal which targets fossil fuel giants within the world's richest economies could raise hundreds of billions of dollars to aid vulnerable nations grappling with the adverse effects of climate change. The "Climate Damages Tax" report, unveiled on Monday (Apr 29), advocates for an additional levy on carbon emissions by fossil fuel entities located in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Would the tax make significant contributions to the fight against climate change? As per the Guardian, projections suggest that the levy could potentially raise $720 billion (£580 billion) by the end of this decade. The authors of the report calculate that if the tax takes effect in 2024, initially at $5 per tonne of CO2 equivalent, escalating by $5 annually, by 2030 it would raise around $900 billion in total. Also read | Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities Of the forecasted revenue, $720 billion would be earmarked for the international loss and damage fund, they propose. The remaining $180 billion could be redistributed as a "domestic dividend," supporting communities within richer nations with a fair climate transition. As per David Hillman, the director of the Stamp Out Poverty campaign and co-author of the report, this "demonstrates that the richest, most economically powerful countries, with the greatest historical responsibility for climate change, need look no further than their fossil fuel industries to collect tens of billions a year in extra income by taxing them far more rigorously." "This is surely the fairest way to boost revenues for the loss and damage fund to ensure that it is sufficiently financed as to be fit for purpose," he added. Also read | Philippines to suspend in-person classes in public schools due to heat wave, jeepney drivers' strike The report has the backing of dozens of climate organisations worldwide, including Greenpeace, Stamp Out Poverty, Power Shift Africa and Christian Aid. The proposed tax, as per Areeba Hamid, a joint director at Greenpeace UK, is an equitable strategy to compel the fossil fuel sector "to stop drilling and start paying for the damage they are causing around the world". (With inputs from agencies)

Newly proposed tax on fossil fuel giants could raise $900bn by 2030

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Myanmar hits record 48.2°C - Blinken in Saudi for talks on Gaza - Israel-Lebanon border heats up - Xi on Europe tour from May 5-10 - UK to start detaining Asylum seekers - At least 43 killed in Kenya Dam Burst

Kenya Dam Bursts: At least 43 killed in Central Kenya | Myanmar hits record 48.2°

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Kenya Floods: 76 killed in Kenya flood havoc - Israel-Hezbollah tensions at new peak - US: Joe Biden roasts Donald Trump - Spain: Show of support for PM Sanchez - Police cracks down at US Universities - Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal push

76 killed in Kenya flood havoc | Israel-Hezbollah tensions at new peak

Heavy rains swept through the homes of residents in Kenya. At least 13 people have died, nearly 3,000 households displaced.

Kenya Floods: 44 people killed, thousands displaced by raging floods

An expert group of scientists have said that, global warming caused by fossil fuel emissions is probably responsible for the intense rains that lashed the UAE and Oman last week.

Climate change caused deluge in UAE-Oman

Heavy rain storms that swept across Southern China over the weekend threatened to append the lives of tens of millions of Rescuers and are racing against rain, rising flood waters and time to evacuate trapped residents of Guangdong Province.

China floods: China evacuates residents from Guangdong

Floods swamped cities in southern China's densely populated Pearl River Delta following record-breaking rains, sparking worries about the region's defences against bigger deluges induced by extreme weather events.

China's Guangdong province faces severe floods

In Southern China, the highest level rainstorm warning has been sounded, with torrential rains leading to swelling rivers and raising fears of severe flooding.

<h2>Once-a-century floods</h2>

With the looming threat of severe flooding, which as per state media reports could be the sort only "seen around once a century," more than 100,000 people have been evacuated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-helicopters-collide-mid-air-during-royal-malaysian-navy-celebration-event-rehearsals-714045">Two helicopters collide mid-air during Royal Malaysian Navy celebration event rehearsals</a>

On Tuesday, the megacity of Shenzhen was one of the areas experiencing "heavy to very heavy downpours". Shenzhen's meteorological observatory in a warning said&nbsp;the risk of flash floods was "very high".

Authorities in Shenzhen sounded a red alert on Tuesday (Apr 23), cautioning people: "Please quickly take precautions and stay away from dangerous areas such as low-lying areas prone to flooding."

"Pay attention to heavy rains and resulting disasters such as water logging, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and ground caving in," added the statement.

From Qingyuan, located near the Bei River tributary, more than 45,000 people have been evacuated, according to official media reports.

Across Guangdong, 110,000 residents have been relocated since the rains started over the weekend, reported state news agency Xinhua.

<h2>Death toll</h2>

According to an AFP report, four people have died due to the rains, while another 10 remain missing.

Recent years have seen China struggling with severe floods, record heatwaves and severe droughts. The intense weather events as per experts are driven by human-emitted greenhouse gases, of which China happens to be the biggest contributor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-small-towns-experience-renaissance-as-megacities-lose-lustre-says-bloomberg-report-714084">China's small towns experience renaissance as megacities lose lustre, says Bloomberg report</a>

Just last September, the nation experienced the heaviest rains since records began in 1952.

The nearby semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong also recorded its heaviest rainfall in nearly 140 years.

As per a United Nations report released recently, in 2023, Asia was the most disaster-hit region from climate and weather hazards.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Southern China, the highest level rainstorm warning has been sounded, with torrential rains leading to swelling rivers and raising fears of severe flooding. Once-a-century floods With the looming threat of severe flooding, which as per state media reports could be the sort only "seen around once a century," more than 100,000 people have been evacuated.

In Southern China, the highest level rainstorm warning has been sounded, with torrential rains leading to swelling rivers and raising fears of severe flooding. Once-a-century floods With the looming threat of severe flooding, which as per state media reports could be the sort only "seen around once a century," more than 100,000 people have been evacuated. Also read | Two helicopters collide mid-air during Royal Malaysian Navy celebration event rehearsals On Tuesday, the megacity of Shenzhen was one of the areas experiencing "heavy to very heavy downpours". Shenzhen's meteorological observatory in a warning said the risk of flash floods was "very high". Authorities in Shenzhen sounded a red alert on Tuesday (Apr 23), cautioning people: "Please quickly take precautions and stay away from dangerous areas such as low-lying areas prone to flooding." "Pay attention to heavy rains and resulting disasters such as water logging, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and ground caving in," added the statement. From Qingyuan, located near the Bei River tributary, more than 45,000 people have been evacuated, according to official media reports. Across Guangdong, 110,000 residents have been relocated since the rains started over the weekend, reported state news agency Xinhua. Death toll According to an AFP report, four people have died due to the rains, while another 10 remain missing. Recent years have seen China struggling with severe floods, record heatwaves and severe droughts. The intense weather events as per experts are driven by human-emitted greenhouse gases, of which China happens to be the biggest contributor. Also read | China's small towns experience renaissance as megacities lose lustre, says Bloomberg report Just last September, the nation experienced the heaviest rains since records began in 1952. The nearby semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong also recorded its heaviest rainfall in nearly 140 years. As per a United Nations report released recently, in 2023, Asia was the most disaster-hit region from climate and weather hazards. (With inputs from agencies)

Red alert sounded in China amid fears of massive 'once-a-century' floods

Floods have swamped cities in southern China's densely populated Pearl River delta. This follows record-breaking rains, sparking worries about the region's defences against bigger deluges induced by extreme weather events.

Floods swamp southern China

Several parts of the world are facing extreme weather conditions. Dubai is now recovering from the flash floods which hit the country last week. What worries the country now is the aftermath.

Dubai floods: Waterborne diseases increase after rains

In 2023, Asia earned a title that is anything but an achievement: the world's most disaster-hit region by climate-related hazards.

Asia was worst-hit with floods and storms causing the highest number of casualties last year,&nbsp;as per a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released on Tuesday (Apr 23).

As per the United Nations agency Asia reported 79 disasters linked to hydro-meteorological events in 2023. Of these, more than 80 per cent were related to floods and storms and collectively had a death toll of over 2,000, while another nine million people were directly affected, said the WMO.

<h2>Global Warming and Asia</h2>

According to&nbsp;WMO, last year global temperatures rose to record highs, and Asia was warming faster than the rest of the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-alert-sounded-in-china-amid-fears-of-massive-once-a-century-floods-714109">Red alert sounded in China amid fears of massive 'once a century' floods</a>

Last year, the continent recorded temperatures nearly two degrees Celsius above the 1961 to 1990 average, reported Reuters citing the WMO. Furthermore, Asia's annual mean near-surface temperature was the second-highest on record, at 0.91 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average.

Rising temperatures, coupled with melting glaciers, threaten the region's future water security, said WMO.

In a statement, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said: "The report's conclusions are sobering."

"Many countries in the region experienced their hottest year on record in 2023, along with a barrage of extreme conditions, from droughts and heatwaves to floods and storms".

"Climate change exacerbated the frequency and severity of such events, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and, most importantly, human lives and the environment that we live in," added the WMO chief.

<h2>World's most disaster-hit region</h2>

"Asia remained the world's most disaster-hit region from weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2023," said WMO, as reported by AFP.

Across Asia, particularly high average temperatures were recorded. Japan had its hottest summer on record. Meanwhile, the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountain range in Pakistan and Afghanistan saw below-normal precipitation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deaths-due-to-heat-at-all-time-high-heatwaves-in-europe-linked-to-30-increase-in-fatalities-713795">Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities</a>

China, meanwhile, suffered through a drought as it recorded below-normal precipitation levels nearly every month.

Furthermore, over the past several decades, the High-Mountain Asia region, centred on the Tibetan Plateau, recorded glaciers retreating at an increasingly accelerating rate.

Out of the 22 monitored glaciers in the region&nbsp;— which boasts the largest volume of ice outside the polar regions — 20 showed continued mass ice loss last year.

"It is imperative that our actions and strategies mirror the urgency of these times," stressed Saulo. "Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the evolving climate is not merely an option, but a fundamental necessity."

(With inputs from agencies)

In 2023, Asia earned a title that is anything but an achievement: the world's most disaster-hit region by climate-related hazards. Asia was worst-hit with floods and storms causing the highest number of casualties last year, as per a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released on Tuesday (Apr 23).

In 2023, Asia earned a title that is anything but an achievement: the world's most disaster-hit region by climate-related hazards. Asia was worst-hit with floods and storms causing the highest number of casualties last year, as per a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released on Tuesday (Apr 23). As per the United Nations agency Asia reported 79 disasters linked to hydro-meteorological events in 2023. Of these, more than 80 per cent were related to floods and storms and collectively had a death toll of over 2,000, while another nine million people were directly affected, said the WMO. Global Warming and Asia According to WMO, last year global temperatures rose to record highs, and Asia was warming faster than the rest of the world. Also read | Red alert sounded in China amid fears of massive 'once a century' floods Last year, the continent recorded temperatures nearly two degrees Celsius above the 1961 to 1990 average, reported Reuters citing the WMO. Furthermore, Asia's annual mean near-surface temperature was the second-highest on record, at 0.91 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average. Rising temperatures, coupled with melting glaciers, threaten the region's future water security, said WMO. In a statement, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said: "The report's conclusions are sobering." "Many countries in the region experienced their hottest year on record in 2023, along with a barrage of extreme conditions, from droughts and heatwaves to floods and storms". "Climate change exacerbated the frequency and severity of such events, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and, most importantly, human lives and the environment that we live in," added the WMO chief. World's most disaster-hit region "Asia remained the world's most disaster-hit region from weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2023," said WMO, as reported by AFP. Across Asia, particularly high average temperatures were recorded. Japan had its hottest summer on record. Meanwhile, the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountain range in Pakistan and Afghanistan saw below-normal precipitation. Also read | Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities China, meanwhile, suffered through a drought as it recorded below-normal precipitation levels nearly every month. Furthermore, over the past several decades, the High-Mountain Asia region, centred on the Tibetan Plateau, recorded glaciers retreating at an increasingly accelerating rate. Out of the 22 monitored glaciers in the region — which boasts the largest volume of ice outside the polar regions — 20 showed continued mass ice loss last year. "It is imperative that our actions and strategies mirror the urgency of these times," stressed Saulo. "Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the evolving climate is not merely an option, but a fundamental necessity." (With inputs from agencies)

Asia warming faster than rest of the world, was 'most disaster-hit region' in 2023: UN

Major rivers, waterways and reservoirs in China’s Guangdong province are threatening to unleash dangerous floods, forcing the government on April 21 to enact emergency response plans to protect more than 127 million people.

China raises emergency response level for flooding in Guangdong

Chinese province of Guangdong braces for historic floods

Massive floods threaten millions in China's Guangdong province

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