A flash flood alert has been issued in the northern and eastern districts of India's Sikkim state. The floods have reportedly occurred due to a sudden cloud burst over Lho-nak Lake in the state's Mangan district.

Sikkim flash floods: How Sikkim Flash Flood Happened

Flash floods in the India's northeastern state of Sikkim have claimed at least 14 lives in the state while over 100 remain missing in the region, including 22 army personnel. The national disaster response force teams have also been deployed. The Indian army has started three helplines for families of the missing.

Sikkim flash floods: over a dozen dead, hundreds missing

Sikkim flash floods: Neglected red flags triggered flash floods in Sikkim

Typhoon Koinu batters Taiwan with 'record-breaking winds'

Sikkim flash floods: 102 missing,14 dead in sudden cloud burst in India's Sikkim

Sikkim flash floods: Heavy rainfall hampers search for missing Indian troops

Warming on earth’s third pole is leading to rapid loss of ice and is now posing a severe threat to downstream communities. For years, numerous studies have highlighted the sensitivity of glaciers to climate change and experts now say that the possible cause of flash floods in India's Sikkim could be a combination of excess rainfall and a glacial lake outburst flood.

Glacial lake outburst floods: a new climate-related threat

Floodwaters have inundated more than 4,000 homes in Thailand, after a river overflowed following torrential rain. While the kingdom's rainy season brings months of daily deluges, scientists say that human-induced climate change has only made matters worse.

Over 5,000 people affected as floods lash Thailand provinces

Sikkim flood: 23 Army personnel missing

In pics| Sikkim: Cloud burst-triggered flash floods washes away buildings, highways; 15,000 affected

Less than 24 hours since residents in parts of&nbsp;Australia's Victoria state fled bush fires, authorities warned on Wednesday of flooding as heavy rain douses flames and swells rivers in the southeastern state.

Flash flooding is expected through Wednesday afternoon in northeastern Victoria, according to the&nbsp;Australian Bureau of Meteorology, as rain drenched parts of the state where as recently as Tuesday about 17,000 hectares were ablaze.

First responders overnight rescued a farmer in the area who got trapped after driving through floodwaters, according to chief officer operations Tim Wiebusch at Victoria state emergency service.

Parts of the state had received up to 150 mm of rain, almost eight times the state's average in September, with more expected on Wednesday, he said.

"Fortunately we have seen some rainfall across those two fires," said Wiebusch.

"But over these next 24, 48 hours flash flooding, riverine flooding, is really the key risk. We can't emphasise enough, people need to be alert to their conditions."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-spotlight-bogus-applicants-trigger-australia-ban-on-indian-students-583763">WION Spotlight | Bogus applicants trigger Australia ban on Indian students</a>

The rain comes during an unseasonably dry&nbsp;Australian spring, which began in September. Last month was the driest September on record, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, with rainfall 71% below the 1961-1990 average.

Firefights are working to contain bush fires in two parts of Victoria state but authorities said there was no immediate threat to residents.

Across the border in New South Wales state, a 5,200 hectare bush fire was out of control near the town of Bermagui, roughly 300 km (186 miles) southwest of Sydney.

"I just feel anxious and a bit on edge because we don’t really know yet what's next," Sheena Boughen, a resident of a nearby town, told state broadcaster ABC.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on a visit to the area that the severity of the fires would likely bring back memories of the catastrophic fire season in the summer of 2019-2020.

"This must be an incredibly traumatic experience," he said.

"We're standing here, we can smell, we can see the impact that these fires are having."

State fire authorities said conditions eased overnight although several properties were lost and firefighters were working to contain the blaze.

&nbsp;

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Less than 24 hours since residents in parts of Australia's Victoria state fled bush fires, authorities warned on Wednesday of flooding as heavy rain douses flames and swells rivers in the southeastern state.

Less than 24 hours since residents in parts of Australia's Victoria state fled bush fires, authorities warned on Wednesday of flooding as heavy rain douses flames and swells rivers in the southeastern state. Flash flooding is expected through Wednesday afternoon in northeastern Victoria, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, as rain drenched parts of the state where as recently as Tuesday about 17,000 hectares were ablaze. First responders overnight rescued a farmer in the area who got trapped after driving through floodwaters, according to chief officer operations Tim Wiebusch at Victoria state emergency service. Parts of the state had received up to 150 mm of rain, almost eight times the state's average in September, with more expected on Wednesday, he said. "Fortunately we have seen some rainfall across those two fires," said Wiebusch. "But over these next 24, 48 hours flash flooding, riverine flooding, is really the key risk. We can't emphasise enough, people need to be alert to their conditions." Also read | WION Spotlight | Bogus applicants trigger Australia ban on Indian students The rain comes during an unseasonably dry Australian spring, which began in September. Last month was the driest September on record, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, with rainfall 71% below the 1961-1990 average. Firefights are working to contain bush fires in two parts of Victoria state but authorities said there was no immediate threat to residents. Across the border in New South Wales state, a 5,200 hectare bush fire was out of control near the town of Bermagui, roughly 300 km (186 miles) southwest of Sydney. "I just feel anxious and a bit on edge because we don’t really know yet what's next," Sheena Boughen, a resident of a nearby town, told state broadcaster ABC. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on a visit to the area that the severity of the fires would likely bring back memories of the catastrophic fire season in the summer of 2019-2020. "This must be an incredibly traumatic experience," he said. "We're standing here, we can smell, we can see the impact that these fires are having." State fire authorities said conditions eased overnight although several properties were lost and firefighters were working to contain the blaze. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australia state swings from bush fires to flash floods in 24 hours

Heavy rain in Thailand has turned streets into rivers. Over 2,000 households in Sukhothai have been affected by flooding. This after embankments along the Yom river burst due to heavy rain. Residents say that these are the worst floods they have ever experienced. The water levels in the yom river have gone up significantly. Local residents and officials are using sandbags to hold back the flood waters and minimise the damage caused to their homes. Thailand's prime minister, srettha thavisin, has ordered state agencies to pay special attention to areas affected by the overflow from yom river. Thavisin has also urged the government to prepare for more rainfall in the coming days.

Heavy rain in Thailand turn streets into rivers

The torrential downpours have unleashed chaos in the United States. Financial capital in New York as relentless rainfall has triggered flash floods.

New York: Heavy rain floods streets, strands car; emergency announced

The Earth is heating up, and soon it may reach temperatures&nbsp;and humidity that after a few hours of exposure could prove fatal for humans, even young ones. Based on recent research, scientists have identified the maximum mix of heat and humidity a human body can take.&nbsp;

<h2>Wet bulb temperature</h2>

Previously scientists thought that a young, healthy person will die after enduring around six hours of temperatures close to 35 degree&nbsp;Celsius (95 degree Fahrenheit), and 100 per cent humidity. However, new research argues that the actual threshold could be much lower.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ocean-temperatures-set-new-record-scientists-warn-were-in-hot-soup-622413">Ocean temperatures set new record, scientists warn we are in hot soup</a>

Researchers at United States' Pennsylvania State University decided to put the theorised "wet bulb temperature" to the test — the point at which sweat no longer evaporates off the skin, leading to heatstroke and eventually death. This was earlier measured using wet cloth and thermometers.

Measuring the core temperatures of healthy, young people inside a heat chamber, researchers found that the study participants reached their "critical environmental limit" at a wet bulb temperature of 30.6 degree&nbsp;Celsius, much lower than previously theorised.

Climate change and temperature rise

The previously thought heat, humidity-bearing capacity of humans (35 degrees Celsius) as per an AFP report has only been breached a few times, particularly in South Asia and the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;

Climate change, however, is leading to an increase in dangerous wet bulb events, with the frequency of such events doubling over the past 40 years, said Colin Raymond of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory while talking to AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-pandemic-pushed-number-of-grey-divorces-in-us-heres-what-it-means-623892">Explained | Pandemic pushed number of 'grey divorces' in US, here's what it means</a>

Raymond's research indicates that if the world warms 2.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, these wet bulb events will get even more frequent.

A recent report by&nbsp;European Union's climate change service Copernicus shows that oceans&nbsp;have hit their hottest-ever recorded temperature.&nbsp;Beating a 2016 record, the daily global sea surface temperatures have reached 20.96C, which is far above the average for this time of the year, reports BBC. In 2016, a record was set when the naturally occurring El Niño was in full swing.

Experts warn that extreme heat events, even below the 35-degree limit, can be deadly. They say that different people have different thresholds based on factors such as age, health, and even socioeconomic conditions.&nbsp;They point out that people least able to protect themselves from extreme heat will suffer the most.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Earth is heating up, and soon it may reach temperatures and humidity that after a few hours of exposure could prove fatal for humans, even young ones. Based on recent research, scientists have identified the maximum mix of heat and humidity a human body can take.

The Earth is heating up, and soon it may reach temperatures and humidity that after a few hours of exposure could prove fatal for humans, even young ones. Based on recent research, scientists have identified the maximum mix of heat and humidity a human body can take. Wet bulb temperature Previously scientists thought that a young, healthy person will die after enduring around six hours of temperatures close to 35 degree Celsius (95 degree Fahrenheit), and 100 per cent humidity. However, new research argues that the actual threshold could be much lower. Also read | Ocean temperatures set new record, scientists warn we are in hot soup Researchers at United States' Pennsylvania State University decided to put the theorised "wet bulb temperature" to the test — the point at which sweat no longer evaporates off the skin, leading to heatstroke and eventually death. This was earlier measured using wet cloth and thermometers. Measuring the core temperatures of healthy, young people inside a heat chamber, researchers found that the study participants reached their "critical environmental limit" at a wet bulb temperature of 30.6 degree Celsius, much lower than previously theorised. Climate change and temperature rise The previously thought heat, humidity-bearing capacity of humans (35 degrees Celsius) as per an AFP report has only been breached a few times, particularly in South Asia and the Persian Gulf. Climate change, however, is leading to an increase in dangerous wet bulb events, with the frequency of such events doubling over the past 40 years, said Colin Raymond of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory while talking to AFP. Also read | Explained | Pandemic pushed number of 'grey divorces' in US, here's what it means Raymond's research indicates that if the world warms 2.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, these wet bulb events will get even more frequent. A recent report by European Union's climate change service Copernicus shows that oceans have hit their hottest-ever recorded temperature. Beating a 2016 record, the daily global sea surface temperatures have reached 20.96C, which is far above the average for this time of the year, reports BBC. In 2016, a record was set when the naturally occurring El Niño was in full swing. Experts warn that extreme heat events, even below the 35-degree limit, can be deadly. They say that different people have different thresholds based on factors such as age, health, and even socioeconomic conditions. They point out that people least able to protect themselves from extreme heat will suffer the most. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Survival and climate change: Scientists identify 'deadly' heat and humidity combo

The torrential downpours have unleashed chaos in the United States. Financial capital in New York as Relentless rainfall has triggered flash floods.

State of emergency announced in New York

Heavy rains in the nation have turned roads into rivers. Some Hanoi districts recorded up to ten inches of rain. Weather agencies are warning of possible landslides. According to the national weather agency, floods have now become a common phenomenon in Vietnam. The country's drainage systems are struggling to accommodate the rapidly growing population. In Hanoi, the heavy downpour has led to a rapid rise in water levels. Forcing residents to evacuate their homes.

Vietnam records up to 10 inches of rain

Severe floods lashed several parts of Vietnam on Wednesday. as per local media reports, residents in the affected region were stranded for hours without food, drinking water and electricity.

Floods leave residents stuck without food, water & electricity

At least eight people, including four children, died by electrocution in two separate incidents after days of heavy rain-triggered floods in informal settlements near the South African city of Cape Town, according to media reports citing local officials, on Tuesday (Sep 26). This comes amid reports of record levels of rain in the larger Western Cape region.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

According to the Cape Town Disaster Risk Management service, the deaths occurred on the outskirts of the southern port city. Four people died in the Driftsands settlement on the eastern outskirts after floods caused issues with the electricity connections and four children were electrocuted and died in the Klipfontein settlement, said the officials.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Intense storm wreaks havoc in Cape Town; widespread flooding after extreme weather in South Africa

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These incidents, as per media reports, have been attributed to illegal power connections in many homes in the poor townships on the outskirts of the country’s second-biggest city and while these makeshift electricity connections are deemed dangerous they are relatively widespread.

<h2>Torrential rainfall and floods in South Africa</h2>

Anton Bredell, the provincial minister for environmental affairs, reported that the Western Cape region witnessed record levels of rain on Sunday (Sep 24) and Monday, as per AFP.&nbsp;

In the last three days, a storm front hit the Cape Town area and the larger Western Cape province caused rivers to burst their banks and flooding residential areas and major roads, both in coastal regions and inland.&nbsp;

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This has since prompted the evacuations of hundreds of residents. On Tuesday, Bredell said that things were “under control” and that they were busy “with the mop up, the recovery phase.”&nbsp;

The flood-hit regions also witnessed widespread power outages affecting as many as 80,000 across the province, the national power utility had said previously. However, this number was revised to 15,000, as of Tuesday after the rain eased.&nbsp;

Overall, at least 1,500 structures and 6,000 people were affected by flooding, said the provincial minister.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unprecented-floods-battter-south-africa-death-toll-rises-to-443-471722">'Unprecedented' floods battter South Africa, death toll rises to 443</a>

The recent floods have been attributed to the cold fronts which are a common phenomenon in the Cape Town region and the Western Cape province.&nbsp;

On Monday (Sep 25), the South African Weather Services issued an ‘Orange level 9’ warning and indicated the possibility of further flooding as the weather system moves east across South Africa.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
 
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At least eight people, including four children, died by electrocution in two separate incidents after days of heavy rain-triggered floods in informal settlements near the South African city of Cape Town, according to media reports citing local officials, on Tuesday (Sep 26).

At least eight people, including four children, died by electrocution in two separate incidents after days of heavy rain-triggered floods in informal settlements near the South African city of Cape Town, according to media reports citing local officials, on Tuesday (Sep 26). This comes amid reports of record levels of rain in the larger Western Cape region. What happened? According to the Cape Town Disaster Risk Management service, the deaths occurred on the outskirts of the southern port city. Four people died in the Driftsands settlement on the eastern outskirts after floods caused issues with the electricity connections and four children were electrocuted and died in the Klipfontein settlement, said the officials. WATCH | Intense storm wreaks havoc in Cape Town; widespread flooding after extreme weather in South Africa These incidents, as per media reports, have been attributed to illegal power connections in many homes in the poor townships on the outskirts of the country’s second-biggest city and while these makeshift electricity connections are deemed dangerous they are relatively widespread. Torrential rainfall and floods in South Africa Anton Bredell, the provincial minister for environmental affairs, reported that the Western Cape region witnessed record levels of rain on Sunday (Sep 24) and Monday, as per AFP. In the last three days, a storm front hit the Cape Town area and the larger Western Cape province caused rivers to burst their banks and flooding residential areas and major roads, both in coastal regions and inland. ALSO READ | South Korea court finds ban on anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets ‘unconstitutional’ This has since prompted the evacuations of hundreds of residents. On Tuesday, Bredell said that things were “under control” and that they were busy “with the mop up, the recovery phase.” The flood-hit regions also witnessed widespread power outages affecting as many as 80,000 across the province, the national power utility had said previously. However, this number was revised to 15,000, as of Tuesday after the rain eased. Overall, at least 1,500 structures and 6,000 people were affected by flooding, said the provincial minister. ALSO READ | 'Unprecedented' floods battter South Africa, death toll rises to 443 The recent floods have been attributed to the cold fronts which are a common phenomenon in the Cape Town region and the Western Cape province. On Monday (Sep 25), the South African Weather Services issued an ‘Orange level 9’ warning and indicated the possibility of further flooding as the weather system moves east across South Africa. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

South Africa: At least 8 killed amid heavy rains, floods in Cape Town

Homes and cars were washed away or destroyed by mud and floodwater, after a river bank burst and heavy rainfall hit South Africa's Cape Town area. Western cape local government has activated their disaster management centre across the province.

Widespread flooding after extreme weather in South Africa

The prosecutor general of Libya on Monday (September 25) gave orders for the arrest of eight officials, which included the mayor of Derna, as part of his inquiry into the recent floods in which thousands were killed.&nbsp;

The flash flood, which according to witnesses appeared like a tsunami, broke two dams on September 10 after the area around the port city of Derna was lashed by a hurricane-strength storm.&nbsp;

The officials have been suspected of negligence and "bad management", said the prosecutor general's office in a statement, adding that they worked previously or currently in offices which are responsible for dam management and water resources.

The official death toll due to floods crossed 3,800 on Saturday and international aid groups stated that 10,000 or more people are feared to be missing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-libya-hundreds-protest-against-authorities-in-flood-hit-derna-637310">Libya: Hundreds protest against authorities in flood-hit Derna</a>

After starting an investigation, Libya's prosecutor general Al-Seddik al-Sur said that there were cracks in the two dams, upstream from Derna, since 1998.

The repair work, which was started by a Turkish company in 2010, was suspended after some months when Libya's 2011 revolution flared. After this, the dam's repair work never resumed, said the prosecutor on September 16, as he vowed to firmly deal with those responsible. &nbsp;

<h2>Collapse of dams</h2>

In the disaster, the first dam which collapsed was the Abu Mansur dam, which is 13 kilometres (eight miles) from Derna and whose reservoir contained 22.5 million cubic metres (nearly 800 million cubic feet) of water.&nbsp;

The second dam which broke in the deluge was Al Biladm which had a capacity of 1.5 million cubic metres and was only a kilometre away from the coastal city.&nbsp;

The debris and flooding water swept through the normally dry riverbed or wadi which cuts through the city centre.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Libya's flood survivors demand accountability, hold protests

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A Yugoslav company had constructed both dams in the 1970s, "not to collect water but to protect Derna from floods", Sour stated earlier.

After Libya's 2011 revolution, the government allocated a budget every year to repair the two dams, however, the repair work was not undertaken by any of the successive governments, as per an official.&nbsp;

In a 2021 report prepared by the Libyan audit bureau, officials slammed "procrastination" on the resumption of repair work at the two dams.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The prosecutor general of Libya on Monday (September 25) gave orders for the arrest of eight officials, which included the mayor of Derna, as part of his inquiry into the recent floods in which thousands were killed.

The prosecutor general of Libya on Monday (September 25) gave orders for the arrest of eight officials, which included the mayor of Derna, as part of his inquiry into the recent floods in which thousands were killed. The flash flood, which according to witnesses appeared like a tsunami, broke two dams on September 10 after the area around the port city of Derna was lashed by a hurricane-strength storm. The officials have been suspected of negligence and "bad management", said the prosecutor general's office in a statement, adding that they worked previously or currently in offices which are responsible for dam management and water resources. The official death toll due to floods crossed 3,800 on Saturday and international aid groups stated that 10,000 or more people are feared to be missing. ALSO READ | Libya: Hundreds protest against authorities in flood-hit Derna After starting an investigation, Libya's prosecutor general Al-Seddik al-Sur said that there were cracks in the two dams, upstream from Derna, since 1998. The repair work, which was started by a Turkish company in 2010, was suspended after some months when Libya's 2011 revolution flared. After this, the dam's repair work never resumed, said the prosecutor on September 16, as he vowed to firmly deal with those responsible. Collapse of dams In the disaster, the first dam which collapsed was the Abu Mansur dam, which is 13 kilometres (eight miles) from Derna and whose reservoir contained 22.5 million cubic metres (nearly 800 million cubic feet) of water. The second dam which broke in the deluge was Al Biladm which had a capacity of 1.5 million cubic metres and was only a kilometre away from the coastal city. The debris and flooding water swept through the normally dry riverbed or wadi which cuts through the city centre. WATCH | Libya's flood survivors demand accountability, hold protests A Yugoslav company had constructed both dams in the 1970s, "not to collect water but to protect Derna from floods", Sour stated earlier. After Libya's 2011 revolution, the government allocated a budget every year to repair the two dams, however, the repair work was not undertaken by any of the successive governments, as per an official. In a 2021 report prepared by the Libyan audit bureau, officials slammed "procrastination" on the resumption of repair work at the two dams. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Libya floods aftermath: Arrest orders for Derna mayor, 7 other officials

Libya Floods: Residents of Derna wake up to yet another day in their devastated city

Libya: 12 days on, search operations continue

In Thailand's picturesque Chonburi Province, the seawater of the Upper Gulf has an enchanting jade-green hue. However, the picturesque waters hide a dark secret—dense and slimy, it hides the stink of grass and decaying fish.

The green hue is a telltale sign pointing to a plankton bloom in progress. Here's why this is bad news.

<h2>Plankton, fish and more</h2>

While marine creatures like fish and whales rely on plankton as a food source, excessive blooms can deplete oxygen from the water, leading to the death of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life.&nbsp;

This disruption sets off a chain reaction, wreaking havoc on the natural food chains and also fisheries in the area.

Marine scientist Tanuspong Pokavanich, as quoted by Reuters, says, "This is the first time that I've seen this much (plankton) since I was born, which means it is very severe this year."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-push-to-save-flower-that-smells-like-dead-bodies-heres-all-you-need-to-know-637981">Why are scientists pushing to save a flower that smells like dead bodies? Here's all you need to know</a>

Approximately a quarter of Thailand's Upper Gulf is presently affected, with roughly half appearing green, while the other portion nearer the shore has turned brown due to pollution and the presence of deceased plankton, notes the scientist.

Tanuspong explains the fate of the plankton: "The plankton in the water will (either) consume all the nutrients and thrive, or they will die due to a lack of light. Their carcasses will then sink to the seabed and decompose." This decomposition process contributes to low oxygen conditions in the water, further impacting marine life.

<h3>Fisheries impacted</h3>

Along this coastline, more than 260 mussel farming plots float, and over 80 per cent of them have already borne the brunt of the bloom, reports an official from the Chonburi Fisheries Association.

According to data from the Department of Fisheries in 2021, Chonburi typically produces 2,086 tonnes (4.6 million lbs) of mussels annually, valued at 26,655,000 Thai Baht ($1 million).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humans-are-driving-loss-of-entire-branches-of-tree-of-life-warn-scientists-study-637690">Humans are driving loss of entire branches of ‘Tree of Life,’ warn scientists</a>

Suchat Buawat, a 47-year-old local fisherman with over 10 farming plots, points to the devastation: "The damage appears to be 100 percent. See, they just fall off when you shake it. There are no live ones left, they're all dead, including the oysters too. Normally, they would cling (to the rope) here." He estimates that he has already borne losses that surpass 500,000 baht ($14,000).

The precise cause behind the emerald-hued seawater remains under investigation. Scientists like Tanuspong are reportedly exploring potential links to climate change and natural phenomena like El Niño.&nbsp;

The scientist emphasised that addressing the consequences of such blooms goes beyond science. He said, "If we don't start contributing (to conserve the Earth), nothing will change."

In Thailand's picturesque Chonburi Province, the seawater of the Upper Gulf has an enchanting jade-green hue. However, the picturesque waters hide a dark secret—dense and slimy, it hides the stink of grass and decaying fish.

In Thailand's picturesque Chonburi Province, the seawater of the Upper Gulf has an enchanting jade-green hue. However, the picturesque waters hide a dark secret—dense and slimy, it hides the stink of grass and decaying fish. The green hue is a telltale sign pointing to a plankton bloom in progress. Here's why this is bad news. Plankton, fish and more While marine creatures like fish and whales rely on plankton as a food source, excessive blooms can deplete oxygen from the water, leading to the death of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life. This disruption sets off a chain reaction, wreaking havoc on the natural food chains and also fisheries in the area. Marine scientist Tanuspong Pokavanich, as quoted by Reuters, says, "This is the first time that I've seen this much (plankton) since I was born, which means it is very severe this year." Also read | Why are scientists pushing to save a flower that smells like dead bodies? Here's all you need to know Approximately a quarter of Thailand's Upper Gulf is presently affected, with roughly half appearing green, while the other portion nearer the shore has turned brown due to pollution and the presence of deceased plankton, notes the scientist. Tanuspong explains the fate of the plankton: "The plankton in the water will (either) consume all the nutrients and thrive, or they will die due to a lack of light. Their carcasses will then sink to the seabed and decompose." This decomposition process contributes to low oxygen conditions in the water, further impacting marine life. Fisheries impacted Along this coastline, more than 260 mussel farming plots float, and over 80 per cent of them have already borne the brunt of the bloom, reports an official from the Chonburi Fisheries Association. According to data from the Department of Fisheries in 2021, Chonburi typically produces 2,086 tonnes (4.6 million lbs) of mussels annually, valued at 26,655,000 Thai Baht ($1 million). Also read | Humans are driving loss of entire branches of ‘Tree of Life,’ warn scientists Suchat Buawat, a 47-year-old local fisherman with over 10 farming plots, points to the devastation: "The damage appears to be 100 percent. See, they just fall off when you shake it. There are no live ones left, they're all dead, including the oysters too. Normally, they would cling (to the rope) here." He estimates that he has already borne losses that surpass 500,000 baht ($14,000). The precise cause behind the emerald-hued seawater remains under investigation. Scientists like Tanuspong are reportedly exploring potential links to climate change and natural phenomena like El Niño. The scientist emphasised that addressing the consequences of such blooms goes beyond science. He said, "If we don't start contributing (to conserve the Earth), nothing will change."

Thailand's picturesque emerald-hued waters hide this dark secret

The Libyan Red Crescent released a statement on Sunday, denying that last week's catastrophic flooding in Derna claimed the lives of 11,300 people after the United Nations shared the death toll in an update citing the rescue group.

Libya Earthquake: Libyan Red Crescent denies 11,300 death toll cited by UN

Storm Lee made landfall in a far western part of Canada's Nova Scotia province on Saturday, flooding roads, downing trees and leaving thousands of residents powerless. Now a post-tropical cyclone packing hurricane-force winds, lee is expected to weaken steadily during the next couple of days.

Storm Lee floods roads, topples trees & leaves thousands without power

Libya's chief prosecutor has taken the initiative to investigate the recent collapse of the two dams that led to catastrophic floods, focusing on whether improved maintenance practices could have prevented this disaster, media reports said. “I reassure citizens that whoever made mistakes or negligence, prosecutors will certainly take firm measures, file a criminal case against him, and send him to trial,” Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said at a news conference.&nbsp; 
 
He disclosed that approximately $8 million had been allocated for dam maintenance. The allocation and spending of maintenance funds will also be investigated.

This comes as the United Nations, on September 14, highlighted that many deaths in Libya's Derna resulting from the floods could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had been functioning properly.

In the aftermath of heavy rains brought by Mediterranean storm Daniel, eastern Libya experienced widespread flooding. This led to the collapse of two dams near the port city of Derna earlier in the week, resulting in severe damage to a quarter of the area, which was subsequently declared a disaster zone.

Media reports quoting&nbsp;Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said that decades-old studies revealed cracks in the two dams. The dams were primarily built to safeguard the city from floods.

These studies indicated cracks and subsidence that could have eventually led to dam collapse, said Al-Sour.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-aid-groups-warn-of-disease-risk-as-country-struggles-to-recover-from-flood-636487">Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood</a>

A team comprising 26 prosecutors will be dispatched to Derna to document victims and ascertain the causes of death, he said. As investigations are ongoing, an accurate count of the fatalities remains unavailable.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/up-to-south-to-change-rules-of-game-g77china-urges-for-new-global-order-at-cuba-summit-636568">'Up to South to change rules of game': G77+China urges for new global order at Cuba Summit</a>

<h2>Staggering number of deaths</h2>

The Libyan Red Crescent reported that, as of Friday (September 15), at least 11,300 people have lost their lives, and an additional 10,100 were still missing in the wake of the devastating floods.

Derna's mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi has&nbsp;expressed concerns that the death toll in Derna alone could exceed 20,000, given the extent of the damage.

WATCH | Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue

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<h2>Extreme rainfall&nbsp;</h2>

Libya's National Center of Meteorology reported that more than 16 inches of rain fell within a 24-hour period in the northeastern city of Bayda. Climate experts have reportedly linked this disaster to the impacts of a warming planet, exacerbated by years of political instability and deteriorating infrastructure in the country.

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Libya's chief prosecutor has taken the initiative to investigate the recent collapse of the two dams that led to catastrophic floods, focusing on whether improved maintenance practices could have prevented this disaster, media reports said.

Libya's chief prosecutor has taken the initiative to investigate the recent collapse of the two dams that led to catastrophic floods, focusing on whether improved maintenance practices could have prevented this disaster, media reports said. “I reassure citizens that whoever made mistakes or negligence, prosecutors will certainly take firm measures, file a criminal case against him, and send him to trial,” Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said at a news conference. He disclosed that approximately $8 million had been allocated for dam maintenance. The allocation and spending of maintenance funds will also be investigated. This comes as the United Nations, on September 14, highlighted that many deaths in Libya's Derna resulting from the floods could have been averted if early warning and emergency management systems had been functioning properly. In the aftermath of heavy rains brought by Mediterranean storm Daniel, eastern Libya experienced widespread flooding. This led to the collapse of two dams near the port city of Derna earlier in the week, resulting in severe damage to a quarter of the area, which was subsequently declared a disaster zone. Media reports quoting Libya's Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour said that decades-old studies revealed cracks in the two dams. The dams were primarily built to safeguard the city from floods. These studies indicated cracks and subsidence that could have eventually led to dam collapse, said Al-Sour. Also Read | Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood A team comprising 26 prosecutors will be dispatched to Derna to document victims and ascertain the causes of death, he said. As investigations are ongoing, an accurate count of the fatalities remains unavailable. Also Read | 'Up to South to change rules of game': G77+China urges for new global order at Cuba Summit Staggering number of deaths The Libyan Red Crescent reported that, as of Friday (September 15), at least 11,300 people have lost their lives, and an additional 10,100 were still missing in the wake of the devastating floods. Derna's mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi has expressed concerns that the death toll in Derna alone could exceed 20,000, given the extent of the damage. WATCH | Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue × Extreme rainfall Libya's National Center of Meteorology reported that more than 16 inches of rain fell within a 24-hour period in the northeastern city of Bayda. Climate experts have reportedly linked this disaster to the impacts of a warming planet, exacerbated by years of political instability and deteriorating infrastructure in the country. 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. ×

Libya dam collapse: Probe launched into allocation of maintenance funds

On 10 September 2023, Storm Daniel made landfall in Libya causing severe weather conditions, including strong winds and sudden heavy rainfall affecting several areas in the country. Massive flooding has killed more than 1,000 people, with hundreds more still missing.

Libya: Thousands killed, displaced in floods | Latest News | WION

On 10 September 2023, Storm Daniel made landfall in Libya causing severe weather conditions, including strong winds and sudden heavy rainfall affecting several areas in the country. Massive flooding has killed many, with hundreds still missing.

Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue

Libya's port city Derna is becoming a wasteland after a deadly storm caused floods. But who is responsible? Is it a natural or man-made disaster? Watch this video to find out.

Libya floods: Natural or man-made disaster?

Libya floods death toll hits 11,300: red crescent

What is behind Libya’s catastrophic flooding? Experts say extreme weather, vulnerable geography, and crumbling infrastructure made it worse.

Libya's calamity-induced humanitarian crisis

Heavy rain brings flash flooding in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and as the US hits record of costly climate disasters, the Red Cross plans a $1bn effort.

‘Catastrophic flooding’ batters Massachusetts

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