Due to the devastating floods in Assam, 70 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park and its 95 camps was submerged in water and keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, forest officers were asked to remain on duty and their leaves cancelled.

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Other animals like tigers and elephants are also found in the forest.

With floods wreaking havoc in Assam, officials said animals residing in the national park were taken to the highlands.

The forest department is fully alert on the National Highway (NH) 37 in order to avoid any poaching chances by hunters.

This highway starts from Sutarakandi near Karimganj in Assam and terminates at Bhali in Manipur.

Time cards are being provided to vehicles coming from both sides of the Kaziranga National Park to provide utmost security to animals from being hunted.

Forest guards have also been put on duty at night.

Meanwhile, troops of Indian Army along with SDRF and Civil Administration conducted rescue operations and evacuated around 150 villagers who were stranded in Balipur Char of Baksa district in the state.

The villagers were shifted to flood relief shelters temporarily constructed in Odalguri village. Those rescued include 55 women, 40 men, 25 senior citizens and 30 children.

The village Balipur Char was inundated as the Beki River flowed above danger level due to incessant rains for the last few days.&nbsp;

Due to the devastating floods in Assam, 70 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park and its 95 camps was submerged in water and keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, forest officers were asked to remain on duty and their leaves cancelled.

Due to the devastating floods in Assam, 70 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park and its 95 camps was submerged in water and keeping in mind the gravity of the situation, forest officers were asked to remain on duty and their leaves cancelled. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Other animals like tigers and elephants are also found in the forest. With floods wreaking havoc in Assam, officials said animals residing in the national park were taken to the highlands. The forest department is fully alert on the National Highway (NH) 37 in order to avoid any poaching chances by hunters. This highway starts from Sutarakandi near Karimganj in Assam and terminates at Bhali in Manipur. Time cards are being provided to vehicles coming from both sides of the Kaziranga National Park to provide utmost security to animals from being hunted. Forest guards have also been put on duty at night. Meanwhile, troops of Indian Army along with SDRF and Civil Administration conducted rescue operations and evacuated around 150 villagers who were stranded in Balipur Char of Baksa district in the state. The villagers were shifted to flood relief shelters temporarily constructed in Odalguri village. Those rescued include 55 women, 40 men, 25 senior citizens and 30 children. The village Balipur Char was inundated as the Beki River flowed above danger level due to incessant rains for the last few days.

Assam floods: 70% of Kaziranga National Park submerged, animals taken to highlands

The death till has risen up to 60 in Nepal on Sunday due to the floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall.

According to the Nepal police, more than 33 people have gone missing in the Himalayan nation.

A total of 27,380 police personnel have been deployed across the country for search and rescue operations. Around 8,856 personnel were deployed in Kathmandu valley, the police told The Himalayan Times on Sunday.

The incessant rains since Thursday have created havoc across the country.

Transportation has also been disrupted in all major highways.

Meteorological Forecasting Division has said rainfall will continue for two to three days in most places across the country.

The death till has risen up to 60 in Nepal on Sunday due to the floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall. According to the Nepal police, more than 33 people have gone missing in the Himalayan nation.

The death till has risen up to 60 in Nepal on Sunday due to the floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall. According to the Nepal police, more than 33 people have gone missing in the Himalayan nation. A total of 27,380 police personnel have been deployed across the country for search and rescue operations. Around 8,856 personnel were deployed in Kathmandu valley, the police told The Himalayan Times on Sunday. The incessant rains since Thursday have created havoc across the country. Transportation has also been disrupted in all major highways. Meteorological Forecasting Division has said rainfall will continue for two to three days in most places across the country.

Death toll rises to 60 in Nepal due to floods, landslides

At least 47 people were killed in landslide in Nepal due to heavy rainfall and flooding.133 people are rescued from the settlements on high risk. Watch this video to know more.

Nepal floods: 47 killed in landslide, 133 people rescued

At least 32 people have been killed and 18 others are missing due to landslides and floods triggered by incessant rainfall in Nepal in the last two days, police said on Saturday.

The casualties were reported from different places in Nepal, including capital Kathmandu.

Five people lost their lives in Lalitpur, three people each died in Kathmandu, Khotang, Bhojpur, Kavre and Makwanpur and two each in Sindhuli and Dhading, the Nepal Police said in a statement.

One person each died in Illam, Jhapa, Okhaldhunga, Sunsari, Bara, Parsa, Ramechhap and Chitwan districts.

At least 50 people have been rescued from various places across the country so far, the police had said earlier.

In its special bulletin, the Meteorological Forecasting Division on Saturday has warned of widespread rain from moderate to heavy scale which is likely to continue till Sunday.

It is worth mentioning that the monsoon trough is presently based in the vicinity of Tarai of eastern Nepal and hilly territory of western Nepal.

"There are chances of heavy rainfall at a few places of the eastern and central regions and at one or two places of the western Tarai region today. Heavy rainfall is expected at a few places of the eastern and central hilly regions and at one or two places of the western hilly region has been predicted," the Division stated.

On July 15, widespread rain from moderate to heavy scale has been forecast and the extremely heavy downpour is likely to hit few places of the eastern region and some parts of the western hilly region.

According to the weather agency's latest details, the Kathmandu Valley has received 18 mm of rainfall and other places like Dhangadhi saw 26.5 mm of downpour, Nepalgunj 24.5 mm, Birendranagar 24 mm, Dang 23.4 mm, Pokhara 21.9 mm and Jumla 15.6 mm.

Heavy rains since Thursday have hit 20 of Nepal's 77 districts, in the hills as well as in southern plains.

Officials said that the Kosi river in eastern Nepal, which flows into the eastern Indian state of Bihar, had risen above the danger mark.

At least 32 people have been killed and 18 others are missing due to landslides and floods triggered by incessant rainfall in Nepal in the last two days, police said on Saturday.

At least 32 people have been killed and 18 others are missing due to landslides and floods triggered by incessant rainfall in Nepal in the last two days, police said on Saturday. The casualties were reported from different places in Nepal, including capital Kathmandu. Five people lost their lives in Lalitpur, three people each died in Kathmandu, Khotang, Bhojpur, Kavre and Makwanpur and two each in Sindhuli and Dhading, the Nepal Police said in a statement. One person each died in Illam, Jhapa, Okhaldhunga, Sunsari, Bara, Parsa, Ramechhap and Chitwan districts. At least 50 people have been rescued from various places across the country so far, the police had said earlier. In its special bulletin, the Meteorological Forecasting Division on Saturday has warned of widespread rain from moderate to heavy scale which is likely to continue till Sunday. It is worth mentioning that the monsoon trough is presently based in the vicinity of Tarai of eastern Nepal and hilly territory of western Nepal. "There are chances of heavy rainfall at a few places of the eastern and central regions and at one or two places of the western Tarai region today. Heavy rainfall is expected at a few places of the eastern and central hilly regions and at one or two places of the western hilly region has been predicted," the Division stated. On July 15, widespread rain from moderate to heavy scale has been forecast and the extremely heavy downpour is likely to hit few places of the eastern region and some parts of the western hilly region. According to the weather agency's latest details, the Kathmandu Valley has received 18 mm of rainfall and other places like Dhangadhi saw 26.5 mm of downpour, Nepalgunj 24.5 mm, Birendranagar 24 mm, Dang 23.4 mm, Pokhara 21.9 mm and Jumla 15.6 mm. Heavy rains since Thursday have hit 20 of Nepal's 77 districts, in the hills as well as in southern plains. Officials said that the Kosi river in eastern Nepal, which flows into the eastern Indian state of Bihar, had risen above the danger mark.

Nepal: Death toll rises to 32 due to landslides, floods

Thousands have been displaced within the Rohingya refugee camps of Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh over the last few days after heavy monsoon rains started causing flooding and landslides. Watch this video to know more.

Bangladesh: Floods hits refugee camps, UN assisting in relief work

Floods hits Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh

More than 20 people have been killed or are missing due to landslides and floods as monsoon rains lashed Nepal, the government said on Friday.

Heavy rains since Thursday have hit 20 of Nepal's 77 districts, in the hills as well as in southern plains.

A Home Ministry statement said 15 people had been killed, while six others were missing and 13 were injured as incessant rains caused landslides and triggered flash floods in rivers originating in the Himalayas.

In the capital, Kathmandu, three members of a family were killed when the wall of their house collapsed.

Television channels showed police evacuating residents from flooded homes in rubber boats in some parts of Kathmandu where roads were flooded. Families carrying their belongings on their heads waded through waist-deep water.

"We have evacuated more than 150 people and are on the standby for rescue in different areas," army spokesman Bigyan Dev Pandey said.

Officials said the Kosi River in eastern Nepal, which flows into the eastern Indian state of Bihar, had risen above the danger mark.

The weather office asked residents to remain alert saying heavy rains were expected to continue through the weekend.

The annual monsoon rains, which normally start in June and continue through September often result in casualties in Nepal, a country of 30 million people.

More than 20 people have been killed or are missing due to landslides and floods as monsoon rains lashed Nepal, the government said on Friday. Heavy rains since Thursday have hit 20 of Nepal's 77 districts, in the hills as well as in southern plains.

More than 20 people have been killed or are missing due to landslides and floods as monsoon rains lashed Nepal, the government said on Friday. Heavy rains since Thursday have hit 20 of Nepal's 77 districts, in the hills as well as in southern plains. A Home Ministry statement said 15 people had been killed, while six others were missing and 13 were injured as incessant rains caused landslides and triggered flash floods in rivers originating in the Himalayas. In the capital, Kathmandu, three members of a family were killed when the wall of their house collapsed. Television channels showed police evacuating residents from flooded homes in rubber boats in some parts of Kathmandu where roads were flooded. Families carrying their belongings on their heads waded through waist-deep water. "We have evacuated more than 150 people and are on the standby for rescue in different areas," army spokesman Bigyan Dev Pandey said. Officials said the Kosi River in eastern Nepal, which flows into the eastern Indian state of Bihar, had risen above the danger mark. The weather office asked residents to remain alert saying heavy rains were expected to continue through the weekend. The annual monsoon rains, which normally start in June and continue through September often result in casualties in Nepal, a country of 30 million people.

Floods and landslides kill 15 in Nepal, six others missing

Rain accompanied by heavy wind lashed several parts of the city on Monday night, bringing the mercury down by a few notches.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-all-time-high-of-48-degree-celsius-226013">Delhi records all-time high of 48 degree Celsius</a>

Heavy rain showers were witnessed in some areas of Churchgate, Kandiwali West, Vile Parle and Thane, giving much-needed respite from the sultry heat.

People were seen playing on the streets and getting drenched in the downpour.

On Sunday too there were rains and thunder in some parts of the city including Wadala, Ghatkopar, Mankhurd, Govandi, Bhandup to Mulund area.

Mumbai would witness monsoon officially by June 16 to 17, while pre-monsoon showers are likely to occur by next week, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Maximum temperature touched 36.6 degrees Celsius on Monday, while the minimum temperature was a normal 25.8 degrees Celsius, as per the weather department.

Many parts of Maharashtra are still under the grip of acute water crisis and drought-like-situation.&nbsp;

To counter the prevalent issue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has allocated Rs 30 crore for cloud seeding.

Rain accompanied by heavy wind lashed several parts of the city on Monday night, bringing the mercury down by a few notches. Also read: Delhi records all-time high of 48 degree Celsius Heavy rain showers were witnessed in some areas of Churchgate, Kandiwali West, Vile Parle and Thane, giving much-needed respite from the sultry heat.

Rain accompanied by heavy wind lashed several parts of the city on Monday night, bringing the mercury down by a few notches. Also read: Delhi records all-time high of 48 degree Celsius Heavy rain showers were witnessed in some areas of Churchgate, Kandiwali West, Vile Parle and Thane, giving much-needed respite from the sultry heat. People were seen playing on the streets and getting drenched in the downpour. On Sunday too there were rains and thunder in some parts of the city including Wadala, Ghatkopar, Mankhurd, Govandi, Bhandup to Mulund area. Mumbai would witness monsoon officially by June 16 to 17, while pre-monsoon showers are likely to occur by next week, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Maximum temperature touched 36.6 degrees Celsius on Monday, while the minimum temperature was a normal 25.8 degrees Celsius, as per the weather department. Many parts of Maharashtra are still under the grip of acute water crisis and drought-like-situation. To counter the prevalent issue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has allocated Rs 30 crore for cloud seeding.

Rain lashes different parts of Mumbai

A heat wave with record-breaking potential gripped the southeastern United States on Monday, while the Central Plains will get a respite from the deadly weather that has pounded and flooded the region since last week, forecasters said.

But the conditions for violent weather that spawned numerous tornadoes and drenching rains that prompted several riverfront evacuations will return in the coming week, they said. A tornado in Oklahoma killed two people on Saturday.

As Americans celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said 14 cities in South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida could tie or top their previous high temperatures for this date in a hot spell that could remain in place through the week.

They include Atlanta with an expected high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) and Jacksonville, Florida, and Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina, where highs could hit about 100 degrees F (38 C).

"We are expecting triple-digit readings for a good chunk of the southeast United States," said meteorologist Brian Hurley at the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.

Severe thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes pose a risk for northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, Hurley added.

River city flooding

In Oklahoma, where the city of El Reno is still cleaning up from the tornado that killed two people and injured 29 on Saturday, chances for violent thunderstorms have diminished until late Monday or early Tuesday, he said.

The pattern of drenching thunderstorms and tornadoes, which has been recurring in the Central Plains states since last week, has caused flooding in several river cities.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, officials are monitoring the rain-swollen Arkansas River after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers raised the flow at the upriver Keystone Dam by 65% since last week to 275,000 cubic feet per second.

The heavier flow, which is testing two aging levees in Tulsa, is still less than the 300,000 cubic feet per second high flow for the dam in 1986, the City of Tulsa said.

All 77 Oklahoma counties are under a state of emergency, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said.

A heat wave with record-breaking potential gripped the southeastern United States on Monday, while the Central Plains will get a respite from the deadly weather that has pounded and flooded the region since last week, forecasters said.

A heat wave with record-breaking potential gripped the southeastern United States on Monday, while the Central Plains will get a respite from the deadly weather that has pounded and flooded the region since last week, forecasters said. But the conditions for violent weather that spawned numerous tornadoes and drenching rains that prompted several riverfront evacuations will return in the coming week, they said. A tornado in Oklahoma killed two people on Saturday. As Americans celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said 14 cities in South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida could tie or top their previous high temperatures for this date in a hot spell that could remain in place through the week. They include Atlanta with an expected high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) and Jacksonville, Florida, and Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina, where highs could hit about 100 degrees F (38 C). "We are expecting triple-digit readings for a good chunk of the southeast United States," said meteorologist Brian Hurley at the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. Severe thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes pose a risk for northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, Hurley added. River city flooding In Oklahoma, where the city of El Reno is still cleaning up from the tornado that killed two people and injured 29 on Saturday, chances for violent thunderstorms have diminished until late Monday or early Tuesday, he said. The pattern of drenching thunderstorms and tornadoes, which has been recurring in the Central Plains states since last week, has caused flooding in several river cities. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, officials are monitoring the rain-swollen Arkansas River after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers raised the flow at the upriver Keystone Dam by 65% since last week to 275,000 cubic feet per second. The heavier flow, which is testing two aging levees in Tulsa, is still less than the 300,000 cubic feet per second high flow for the dam in 1986, the City of Tulsa said. All 77 Oklahoma counties are under a state of emergency, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said.

Record heat hits US Southeast, threat of flooding remains in Central states

The minaret of Jam, a revered Afghan historical treasure, has been saved from imminent danger after hundreds of workers diverted surging floodwaters that were gnawing at the 12th-century tower, officials said Monday.

Torrential rains last week sent churning water roaring down the narrow valley that is home to the minaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor.

Dramatic video footage showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190 and is the pinnacle of a surrounding archaeological site.

The Afghan government hired a local crew who worked for three days to channel water away from the minaret.

"Now the flow of water has been diverted but the flood has destroyed some 15 metres (50 feet) of protection wall around the minaret," Abdul Hai Khatebi, a spokesman for the governor of Ghor, told AFP.

Fakhruddin Ariapur -- the Ghor province director of information and culture -- said a team of experts is urgently needed to clean the base of the minaret and construct proper defensive walls.

"There is no danger to it now, but if it rains and floods again, the minaret has become too exposed and vulnerable," he told AFP.

The Jam minaret, located in an area largely under Taliban control, is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet).

It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries.

In 2002, the minaret and its archaeological remains became the first site in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-ied-blast-targets-bus-in-kabul-at-least-10-wounded-221867"> Afghanistan </a>to be added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.

UNESCO said it had not yet been able to access the minaret.&nbsp;

"As soon as the conditions on site allow, a mission will be organised... in order for experts to properly assess the situation and the condition of the minaret," UNESCO said in a statement.

Built on an octagonal base, the minaret has a double staircase on the inside and is elaborately decorated.

Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage has faced decades of catastrophic neglect, mismanagement and looting, as well as deliberate destruction at the hands of the Taliban.

Afghanistan chief executive Abdullah Abdullah said in a cabinet meeting that the government needs "to take more serious measures to prevent future threats to the minaret".

The minaret of Jam, a revered Afghan historical treasure, has been saved from imminent danger after hundreds of workers diverted surging floodwaters that were gnawing at the 12th-century tower, officials said Monday.

The minaret of Jam, a revered Afghan historical treasure, has been saved from imminent danger after hundreds of workers diverted surging floodwaters that were gnawing at the 12th-century tower, officials said Monday. Torrential rains last week sent churning water roaring down the narrow valley that is home to the minaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor. Dramatic video footage showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190 and is the pinnacle of a surrounding archaeological site. The Afghan government hired a local crew who worked for three days to channel water away from the minaret. "Now the flow of water has been diverted but the flood has destroyed some 15 metres (50 feet) of protection wall around the minaret," Abdul Hai Khatebi, a spokesman for the governor of Ghor, told AFP. Fakhruddin Ariapur -- the Ghor province director of information and culture -- said a team of experts is urgently needed to clean the base of the minaret and construct proper defensive walls. "There is no danger to it now, but if it rains and floods again, the minaret has become too exposed and vulnerable," he told AFP. The Jam minaret, located in an area largely under Taliban control, is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet). It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries. In 2002, the minaret and its archaeological remains became the first site in Afghanistan to be added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. UNESCO said it had not yet been able to access the minaret. "As soon as the conditions on site allow, a mission will be organised... in order for experts to properly assess the situation and the condition of the minaret," UNESCO said in a statement. Built on an octagonal base, the minaret has a double staircase on the inside and is elaborately decorated. Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage has faced decades of catastrophic neglect, mismanagement and looting, as well as deliberate destruction at the hands of the Taliban. Afghanistan chief executive Abdullah Abdullah said in a cabinet meeting that the government needs "to take more serious measures to prevent future threats to the minaret".

12th-century Afghan minaret saved, for now, after floods

As many as 22 NDRF teams were deployed in Tripura’s Dharmanagar on Sunday following heavy rainfall that resulted in a devastating flash flood in the area. The rainfall led to an increase in the water levels of river Juri and river Kakti close to the danger level. Watch this video to know more.

Flash floods hit Indian state of Tripura

The voters of a village on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh have boycotted the Lok Sabha poll as the government "failed" to find a permanent solution to frequent floods they face.

Located at an altitude of 10,000 feet and around 350 km from state capital Shimla, voters at Geu village in Lahaul and Spiti district said they had been demanding their resettlement but their demands remained unheard.

"We have to take the decision as none of the governments have found a permanent solution to frequent floods due to a nearby nullah," a villager said.

According to the district election office, there are 167 voters registered at the village and none of them have voted so far.

The district officials and election staff is in the village to persuade them to withdraw the boycott and exercise their franchise.

Only five votes have been cast at the Geu polling station, that too were cast by the poll staff, a district spokesperson said.

The five members of the poll staff do not belong to the village but they cast their votes on the basis of election duty certificates issued to them by AROs concerned, he added.

The voters of a village on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh have boycotted the Lok Sabha poll as the government "failed" to find a permanent solution to frequent floods they face.

The voters of a village on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh have boycotted the Lok Sabha poll as the government "failed" to find a permanent solution to frequent floods they face. Located at an altitude of 10,000 feet and around 350 km from state capital Shimla, voters at Geu village in Lahaul and Spiti district said they had been demanding their resettlement but their demands remained unheard. "We have to take the decision as none of the governments have found a permanent solution to frequent floods due to a nearby nullah," a villager said. According to the district election office, there are 167 voters registered at the village and none of them have voted so far. The district officials and election staff is in the village to persuade them to withdraw the boycott and exercise their franchise. Only five votes have been cast at the Geu polling station, that too were cast by the poll staff, a district spokesperson said. The five members of the poll staff do not belong to the village but they cast their votes on the basis of election duty certificates issued to them by AROs concerned, he added.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Villagers boycott voting in Himachal as government failed to find solution to frequent floods

At least 10 people are dead and eight are missing after days of heavy rain-triggered floods and landslides on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, authorities said Sunday. &nbsp;

Some 12,000 people have been evacuated while hundreds of buildings, bridges and roads have been damaged by the severe weather which affected nine districts or towns across Bengkulu province, officials said.

The waters have receded in some places but officials warned the full extent of the damage was not yet known and some areas were still cut off.

"The impact of this disaster may increase," national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said, adding that several people were also injured in the flooding.

"Landslides and floods could happen again if rainfall is high," he said.

A "secondary disaster" in the form of skin diseases and acute respiratory infection due to poor hygiene and a lack of clean water was possible, he added.

Aerial images showed swollen rivers that had burst their banks and inundated settlements in some parts of the province.

Public kitchens and evacuation shelters have been set up to cater to some 13,000 people affected by the flooding, while search and rescue teams try to reach hard-hit areas with rubber boats.

"The distribution of aid has been hampered because road access has been cut off by the floods and landslides," Nugroho said, adding excavators were being used to clear debris from roads.

Landslides and floods are common in Indonesia, especially during the monsoon season between October and April, when rains lash the vast Southeast Asian archipelago.

Flooding in parts of the Indonesian capital Jakarta this week killed at least two people and forced more than 2000 to evacuate their homes.

Residents of Bogor, a satellite city of Jakarta, had to contend with some 14 pythons that were set loose from a private property due to the high waters.

Six of the snakes -- which were as long as four metres -- have been found, but the remaining eight remain on the loose, officials said.

At least 10 people are dead and eight are missing after days of heavy rain-triggered floods and landslides on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, authorities said Sunday.

At least 10 people are dead and eight are missing after days of heavy rain-triggered floods and landslides on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, authorities said Sunday. Some 12,000 people have been evacuated while hundreds of buildings, bridges and roads have been damaged by the severe weather which affected nine districts or towns across Bengkulu province, officials said. The waters have receded in some places but officials warned the full extent of the damage was not yet known and some areas were still cut off. "The impact of this disaster may increase," national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said, adding that several people were also injured in the flooding. "Landslides and floods could happen again if rainfall is high," he said. A "secondary disaster" in the form of skin diseases and acute respiratory infection due to poor hygiene and a lack of clean water was possible, he added. Aerial images showed swollen rivers that had burst their banks and inundated settlements in some parts of the province. Public kitchens and evacuation shelters have been set up to cater to some 13,000 people affected by the flooding, while search and rescue teams try to reach hard-hit areas with rubber boats. "The distribution of aid has been hampered because road access has been cut off by the floods and landslides," Nugroho said, adding excavators were being used to clear debris from roads. Landslides and floods are common in Indonesia, especially during the monsoon season between October and April, when rains lash the vast Southeast Asian archipelago. Flooding in parts of the Indonesian capital Jakarta this week killed at least two people and forced more than 2000 to evacuate their homes. Residents of Bogor, a satellite city of Jakarta, had to contend with some 14 pythons that were set loose from a private property due to the high waters. Six of the snakes -- which were as long as four metres -- have been found, but the remaining eight remain on the loose, officials said.

At least 10 dead, thousands displaced after severe Indonesia floods

The death toll from floods and mudslides that crushed homes in the South African port of Durban on Tuesday has risen to 33, with reports of children missing and scores of people displaced, authorities said.

"Heavy rains have since claimed 33 lives so far," Nomusa Dube-Ncube, a KwaZulu-Natal provincial minister said in a statement.

Among those killed were a six-month-old baby and a child aged around 10.

She added that 10 children are missing in Durban and 42 people have been injured.

An AFP photographer saw two of the nine bodies -- including that of a small child -- being pulled out of a house belonging to a school caretaker in Westcliff, a working class suburb on the outskirts of Durban.

The victims were buried under a wall that had collapsed on them while they were sleeping.

At least 145 people have been displaced, the government said.

A Hindu temple in the city was entirely flooded with water levels of up to 10 metres (33 feet), the photographer reported.

Heavy rains have lashed South Africa in recent days, with the southern and eastern parts of the country badly hit since the start of Easter weekend.

"Last night the weather conditions worsened significantly," Dube-Ncube said.

The government said dozens of incidents of collapsed walls and flooded homes were reported throughout the night, as roads were also flooded.

Those killed were either crushed to death by mudslides or drowned in flood waters, Rescue Care spokesman Garrith Jamieson told AFP.

Search and rescue operations have combed the debris for those who might be trapped underneath.

In addition to collapsed buildings and flooded roads, sewer lines were blocked and electricity pylons had toppled over.

South African military personnel have been dispatched to help rescue and evacuation efforts.

Government, political and religious groups were Tuesday handing out food parcels to the affected people.

The South African Weather Services warned that more heavy rain and gale force winds were expected until Wednesday, which could threaten low-lying bridges and roads.&nbsp;

The death toll from floods and mudslides that crushed homes in the South African port of Durban on Tuesday has risen to 33, with reports of children missing and scores of people displaced, authorities said.

The death toll from floods and mudslides that crushed homes in the South African port of Durban on Tuesday has risen to 33, with reports of children missing and scores of people displaced, authorities said. "Heavy rains have since claimed 33 lives so far," Nomusa Dube-Ncube, a KwaZulu-Natal provincial minister said in a statement. Among those killed were a six-month-old baby and a child aged around 10. She added that 10 children are missing in Durban and 42 people have been injured. An AFP photographer saw two of the nine bodies -- including that of a small child -- being pulled out of a house belonging to a school caretaker in Westcliff, a working class suburb on the outskirts of Durban. The victims were buried under a wall that had collapsed on them while they were sleeping. At least 145 people have been displaced, the government said. A Hindu temple in the city was entirely flooded with water levels of up to 10 metres (33 feet), the photographer reported. Heavy rains have lashed South Africa in recent days, with the southern and eastern parts of the country badly hit since the start of Easter weekend. "Last night the weather conditions worsened significantly," Dube-Ncube said. The government said dozens of incidents of collapsed walls and flooded homes were reported throughout the night, as roads were also flooded. Those killed were either crushed to death by mudslides or drowned in flood waters, Rescue Care spokesman Garrith Jamieson told AFP. Search and rescue operations have combed the debris for those who might be trapped underneath. In addition to collapsed buildings and flooded roads, sewer lines were blocked and electricity pylons had toppled over. South African military personnel have been dispatched to help rescue and evacuation efforts. Government, political and religious groups were Tuesday handing out food parcels to the affected people. The South African Weather Services warned that more heavy rain and gale force winds were expected until Wednesday, which could threaten low-lying bridges and roads.

South Africa floods, mudslides kill 33, children missing

At least six people were killed and 23 injured, including eight women, in recent flash floods and torrential rains in northwest Pakistan, officials said.

A spokesman for provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) said that at least four people were killed and eight injured while 11 houses were damaged in incidents of roof collapse due to rains in Dikhan, Karak, Charsadda and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Peshawar received over 28 millimetres of rains in the last 24 hours. The PDMA also issued a weather alert to all the district administrations in the province.

A spokesman for the Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) said that two children were killed and 12 others, including eight women, injured in recent torrential rains in merged districts North Waziristan and Bajaur.

A total of 14 people have been killed, 33 injured and 18 houses damaged in merged districts alone in rain-related incidents since April 4 in northwest Pakistan.&nbsp;

At least six people were killed and 23 injured, including eight women, in recent flash floods and torrential rains in northwest Pakistan, officials said. A spokesman for provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) said that at least four people were killed and eight injured while 11 houses were damaged in incidents of roof collapse due to rains in Dikhan, Karak, Charsadda and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least six people were killed and 23 injured, including eight women, in recent flash floods and torrential rains in northwest Pakistan, officials said. A spokesman for provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) said that at least four people were killed and eight injured while 11 houses were damaged in incidents of roof collapse due to rains in Dikhan, Karak, Charsadda and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Peshawar received over 28 millimetres of rains in the last 24 hours. The PDMA also issued a weather alert to all the district administrations in the province. A spokesman for the Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) said that two children were killed and 12 others, including eight women, injured in recent torrential rains in merged districts North Waziristan and Bajaur. A total of 14 people have been killed, 33 injured and 18 houses damaged in merged districts alone in rain-related incidents since April 4 in northwest Pakistan.

6 killed, 23 injured in flash floods in northwest Pakistan

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/floods-force-evacuation-of-hospital-in-southwest-iran-208785&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwirruqQrs_hAhVML48KHZgbAuwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tH0TlYAuUtomUMbuChjaz">Floods</a> in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-flood-death-toll-rises-to-70-several-towns-and-villages-evacuated-208288&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwirruqQrs_hAhVML48KHZgbAuwQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PMwtYEy7IEZznhJZP3boM">Iran</a> have killed 76 people and caused more than $2.2 billion in damages in recent weeks, officials said Sunday, with warnings still in place for large swathes of the country.

"With the death of five people in the Khuzestan province flood and another person in Ilam province the death toll has now reached 76" since March 19, according to a statement published online by the coroner's office.

The two southwestern provinces are the latest overwhelmed by floods that first hit the northeast of the usually arid country, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate from cities and villages.

Officials have again issued flood warnings for the east of Iran with heavy rains that began on Saturday forecasted to continue.

The floods have caused immense damage with homes, roads, infrastructure and agriculture all hit.

"Twenty-five provinces and more than 4,400 villages across the country were affected by the floods," Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli told parliament, according to the official IRNA news agency.

He said the damages amount to between 300 and 350 trillion rials -- between $2.2 and $2.6 billion at the free market rate.

Transport minister Mohammad Eslami meanwhile told lawmakers "725 bridges have been totally destroyed."

"More than 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles) of roads have been damaged," he said, according to IRNA.

The head of Iran's meteorology service told the same parliamentary session that the floods do not necessarily mean that a decades-long drought has ended.

"The recent floods were due to climate change and global warming," Sahar Tajbakhsh said according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.

The Islamic Republic has received aid from neighbouring countries and further afield, with France on Saturday donating 210 tents and 114 pumps.

Floods in Iran have killed 76 people and caused more than $2.2 billion in damages in recent weeks, officials said Sunday, with warnings still in place for large swathes of the country.

Floods in Iran have killed 76 people and caused more than $2.2 billion in damages in recent weeks, officials said Sunday, with warnings still in place for large swathes of the country. "With the death of five people in the Khuzestan province flood and another person in Ilam province the death toll has now reached 76" since March 19, according to a statement published online by the coroner's office. The two southwestern provinces are the latest overwhelmed by floods that first hit the northeast of the usually arid country, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate from cities and villages. Officials have again issued flood warnings for the east of Iran with heavy rains that began on Saturday forecasted to continue. The floods have caused immense damage with homes, roads, infrastructure and agriculture all hit. "Twenty-five provinces and more than 4,400 villages across the country were affected by the floods," Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli told parliament, according to the official IRNA news agency. He said the damages amount to between 300 and 350 trillion rials -- between $2.2 and $2.6 billion at the free market rate. Transport minister Mohammad Eslami meanwhile told lawmakers "725 bridges have been totally destroyed." "More than 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles) of roads have been damaged," he said, according to IRNA. The head of Iran's meteorology service told the same parliamentary session that the floods do not necessarily mean that a decades-long drought has ended. "The recent floods were due to climate change and global warming," Sahar Tajbakhsh said according to the semi-official ISNA news agency. The Islamic Republic has received aid from neighbouring countries and further afield, with France on Saturday donating 210 tents and 114 pumps.

76 dead in Iran floods as Tehran weighs costs

Iran moved on Saturday to evacuate more towns and villages threatened by floods after forecasts for more rains in the southwest of the country, state television reported, as the nationwide toll from the flooding reached 70.

Many residents of Susangerd, with a population of about 50,000, and five other communities in the oil-rich southwestern province of Khuzestan were being moved to safer areas as officials released water from major river dams, the television reported.

"An evacuation order has been issued and we are recommending women and children to leave but we are asking the men and youth to stay and help us (in the rescue effort)," the provincial governor, Gholamreza Shariati, told state TV.

In the neighbouring Lorestan province, seven villages threatened by landslides were to be evacuated, the television reported.

At least 70 people have been killed, the head of the country's emergency services, Pirhossein Koulivand, told the state news agency IRNA.

About 1,900 cities and villages have been affected by floods after exceptionally heavy rains since March 19.

The disaster has left aid agencies struggling to cope and seen 86,000 people moved to emergency shelters.

The government has told citizens, and especially flood-affected farmers, that all losses will be compensated.

Iran's state budget is already stretched under US&nbsp;sanctions on energy and banking sectors that have halved its oil exports and restricted access to some revenues abroad.

As waters continue to submerge villages, the government said it had deployed more mobile medical units to the southern provinces. Around 1,000 people have been airlifted by emergency helicopters to safety in recent days.

The head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards reiterated that the armed forces "were using all their power" to minimise damages in Khuzestan. Iranian drilling companies and other energy firms have been assisting rescue efforts in flooded areas, using pumps to remove water.

Iran moved on Saturday to evacuate more towns and villages threatened by floods after forecasts for more rains in the southwest of the country, state television reported, as the nationwide toll from the flooding reached 70.

Iran moved on Saturday to evacuate more towns and villages threatened by floods after forecasts for more rains in the southwest of the country, state television reported, as the nationwide toll from the flooding reached 70. Many residents of Susangerd, with a population of about 50,000, and five other communities in the oil-rich southwestern province of Khuzestan were being moved to safer areas as officials released water from major river dams, the television reported. "An evacuation order has been issued and we are recommending women and children to leave but we are asking the men and youth to stay and help us (in the rescue effort)," the provincial governor, Gholamreza Shariati, told state TV. In the neighbouring Lorestan province, seven villages threatened by landslides were to be evacuated, the television reported. At least 70 people have been killed, the head of the country's emergency services, Pirhossein Koulivand, told the state news agency IRNA. About 1,900 cities and villages have been affected by floods after exceptionally heavy rains since March 19. The disaster has left aid agencies struggling to cope and seen 86,000 people moved to emergency shelters. The government has told citizens, and especially flood-affected farmers, that all losses will be compensated. Iran's state budget is already stretched under US sanctions on energy and banking sectors that have halved its oil exports and restricted access to some revenues abroad. As waters continue to submerge villages, the government said it had deployed more mobile medical units to the southern provinces. Around 1,000 people have been airlifted by emergency helicopters to safety in recent days. The head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards reiterated that the armed forces "were using all their power" to minimise damages in Khuzestan. Iranian drilling companies and other energy firms have been assisting rescue efforts in flooded areas, using pumps to remove water.

Iran flood death toll rises to 70; several towns and villages evacuated

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday blamed Iran for the level of devastation from major floods, and said Washington was ready to help.

Pompeo issued a statement in implicit response to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who on Twitter blamed "economic terrorism" by the United States whose sanctions have led to a chronic shortage of rescue helicopters.

"These floods once again show the level of Iranian regime mismanagement in urban planning and in emergency preparedness. The regime blames outside entities when, in fact, it is their mismanagement that has led to this disaster," Pompeo said in a statement.

"The United States stands ready to assist and contribute to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which would then direct the money through the Iranian Red Crescent for relief," he said.

Vast stretches of Iran have been inundated since mid-March, killing some 50 people and disrupting major transportation and communications. The Iranian Red Crescent said Tuesday it was preparing to accommodate 100,000 people as rain hits southwestern Khuzestan province.

The disaster struck just as Iran was reeling from the reimposition of sweeping US sanctions with President Donald Trump hoping to curb the clerical regime's influence around the Middle East.

In contrast with earlier disasters such as the 2003 Bam earthquake, foreign assistance has been minimal amid fear of US penalties for dealings with Iran.

Pompeo in his statement also highlighted Iran's targeting of environmentalists "for attempting to help Iran prepare for these very issues."

Eight environmentalists appeared in court earlier this year on charges they were spying on military bases. 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday blamed Iran for the level of devastation from major floods, and said Washington was ready to help. Pompeo issued a statement in implicit response to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who on Twitter blamed "economic terrorism" by the United States whose sanctions have led to a chronic shortage of rescue helicopters.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday blamed Iran for the level of devastation from major floods, and said Washington was ready to help. Pompeo issued a statement in implicit response to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who on Twitter blamed "economic terrorism" by the United States whose sanctions have led to a chronic shortage of rescue helicopters. "These floods once again show the level of Iranian regime mismanagement in urban planning and in emergency preparedness. The regime blames outside entities when, in fact, it is their mismanagement that has led to this disaster," Pompeo said in a statement. "The United States stands ready to assist and contribute to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which would then direct the money through the Iranian Red Crescent for relief," he said. Vast stretches of Iran have been inundated since mid-March, killing some 50 people and disrupting major transportation and communications. The Iranian Red Crescent said Tuesday it was preparing to accommodate 100,000 people as rain hits southwestern Khuzestan province. The disaster struck just as Iran was reeling from the reimposition of sweeping US sanctions with President Donald Trump hoping to curb the clerical regime's influence around the Middle East. In contrast with earlier disasters such as the 2003 Bam earthquake, foreign assistance has been minimal amid fear of US penalties for dealings with Iran. Pompeo in his statement also highlighted Iran's targeting of environmentalists "for attempting to help Iran prepare for these very issues." Eight environmentalists appeared in court earlier this year on charges they were spying on military bases.

US blames Iran for flood toll, says ready to help

Villagers in western Afghanistan began cleaning up Sunday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/flash-floods-kill-at-least-35-in-afghanistan-officials-206798">worst floods in a decade</a> swept away houses and forced many families -- already displaced by drought -- to abandon damaged homes.

Heavy rains that started early Friday and continued for two days caused flash floods in at least five provinces in western and northern parts of Afghanistan, killing at least 35 people.&nbsp;

Aside from washing away houses, the floods destroyed some internally displaced people's shelters and cut off access to remote villages across several parts of the country.

In Herat province in the west, at least 10 districts and some parts of Herat city were affected.

Video footage from Herat province showed crumpled cars buried deep in mud, collapsed walls, mud houses strewn with debris, fallen trees and people trying to rescue whatever was left of their property from the mud.

"We have lost everything here and have nothing left to survive on," Bibi Gul, a resident of Herat who had lost her house, told AFP.

Fazel Ahmad, another resident, described a similar sense of loss.

"Cows, sheep and even our pigeons are under the debris," Ahmad said.&nbsp;

Mohammad Hanif Arbabzada said about 80 per cent of the houses in his village were destroyed.

In all, more than 3,000 houses were either partially or completely destroyed, according to Hashmat Bahaduri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority.

Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan this winter raised fears of severe flooding as spring approaches, following years of devastating drought.

Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed by flash floods caused by heavy rains that swept away thousands of homes and vehicles in southern Kandahar province.

&nbsp;

Villagers in western Afghanistan began cleaning up Sunday after the worst floods in a decade swept away houses and forced many families -- already displaced by drought -- to abandon damaged homes.

Villagers in western Afghanistan began cleaning up Sunday after the worst floods in a decade swept away houses and forced many families -- already displaced by drought -- to abandon damaged homes. Heavy rains that started early Friday and continued for two days caused flash floods in at least five provinces in western and northern parts of Afghanistan, killing at least 35 people. Aside from washing away houses, the floods destroyed some internally displaced people's shelters and cut off access to remote villages across several parts of the country. In Herat province in the west, at least 10 districts and some parts of Herat city were affected. Video footage from Herat province showed crumpled cars buried deep in mud, collapsed walls, mud houses strewn with debris, fallen trees and people trying to rescue whatever was left of their property from the mud. "We have lost everything here and have nothing left to survive on," Bibi Gul, a resident of Herat who had lost her house, told AFP. Fazel Ahmad, another resident, described a similar sense of loss. "Cows, sheep and even our pigeons are under the debris," Ahmad said. Mohammad Hanif Arbabzada said about 80 per cent of the houses in his village were destroyed. In all, more than 3,000 houses were either partially or completely destroyed, according to Hashmat Bahaduri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority. Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan this winter raised fears of severe flooding as spring approaches, following years of devastating drought. Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed by flash floods caused by heavy rains that swept away thousands of homes and vehicles in southern Kandahar province.

'We have lost everything': Afghans describe deadly floods

Flash floods caused by heavy rains have killed at least 35 people in Afghanistan, washing away houses and cutting off access to remote villages across parts of the country, officials said Saturday.

Heavy flooding that started early Friday killed at least 12 people in the northern province of Faryab and 10 people in the western province of Herat, said Hashmat Bahaduri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA).

Eight people were killed in Badghis province in the west and five in Balkh province in the north, Bahaduri told AFP, adding that more than 3,000 houses had been destroyed.

In Herat, 10 districts and some parts of Herat city were impacted, said Jailani Farhad, spokesman for the province's governor.

"Hundreds of houses have been destroyed and thousands displaced," he said.

Mir Gulabuddin Miri, director of the Afghan Red Crescent in Herat, said access to some areas had been cut off, preventing teams from reaching affected people.

"The destruction is huge. Over 12 areas in the province have been badly hit, people have lost their houses. We've only been able to provide them with some food and blankets so far," he said.

Aid workers in the northern provinces of Faryab and Balkh have also been struggling to deliver humanitarian assistance to affected families.

"We have dispatched our food and non-food assistance for the affected families, but the scale of the disaster is massive. We need more humanitarian assistance," an ANDMA spokesman in northern Afghanistan told AFP.

Rescue and aid delivery efforts after disasters such as avalanches and flash floods -- which often hit as snow melts in the spring -- are frequently hampered by a lack of equipment in Afghanistan.

Poor infrastructure also makes it difficult for aid workers to reach isolated areas.

Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed by flash floods caused by heavy rains that swept away thousands of homes and vehicles in southern Kandahar province.

Flash floods caused by heavy rains have killed at least 35 people in Afghanistan, washing away houses and cutting off access to remote villages across parts of the country, officials said Saturday.

Flash floods caused by heavy rains have killed at least 35 people in Afghanistan, washing away houses and cutting off access to remote villages across parts of the country, officials said Saturday. Heavy flooding that started early Friday killed at least 12 people in the northern province of Faryab and 10 people in the western province of Herat, said Hashmat Bahaduri, a spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA). Eight people were killed in Badghis province in the west and five in Balkh province in the north, Bahaduri told AFP, adding that more than 3,000 houses had been destroyed. In Herat, 10 districts and some parts of Herat city were impacted, said Jailani Farhad, spokesman for the province's governor. "Hundreds of houses have been destroyed and thousands displaced," he said. Mir Gulabuddin Miri, director of the Afghan Red Crescent in Herat, said access to some areas had been cut off, preventing teams from reaching affected people. "The destruction is huge. Over 12 areas in the province have been badly hit, people have lost their houses. We've only been able to provide them with some food and blankets so far," he said. Aid workers in the northern provinces of Faryab and Balkh have also been struggling to deliver humanitarian assistance to affected families. "We have dispatched our food and non-food assistance for the affected families, but the scale of the disaster is massive. We need more humanitarian assistance," an ANDMA spokesman in northern Afghanistan told AFP. Rescue and aid delivery efforts after disasters such as avalanches and flash floods -- which often hit as snow melts in the spring -- are frequently hampered by a lack of equipment in Afghanistan. Poor infrastructure also makes it difficult for aid workers to reach isolated areas. Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed by flash floods caused by heavy rains that swept away thousands of homes and vehicles in southern Kandahar province.

Flash floods kill at least 35 in Afghanistan: Officials

Heavy rains caused flash floods in western Afghanistan that killed at least 17 people, destroying homes and sweeping through makeshift shelters that housed displaced families, a government official said on Saturday.

The floods, which started on Thursday, worsen an already desperate situation. Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced in western Afghanistan from last year's severe drought. Floods in early March caused further destruction and put this year's wheat harvest at risk.

A spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority said two people had been killed in Herat, but officials there but the death toll higher. Dr. Abdul Hakim Tamana, head of public health for the province, said eight people were killed and nine injured.

Floods have destroyed hundreds of homes, some historic sites, thousands of acres of farmland, bridges and highways, said Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for Herat province. Aid organization World Vision said in a statement it appeared tens of thousands of Afghans were affected. Some Badghis residents were calling it the worst storm in 20 years, it said.

Heavy rains caused flash floods in western Afghanistan that killed at least 17 people, destroying homes and sweeping through makeshift shelters that housed displaced families, a government official said on Saturday.

Heavy rains caused flash floods in western Afghanistan that killed at least 17 people, destroying homes and sweeping through makeshift shelters that housed displaced families, a government official said on Saturday. The floods, which started on Thursday, worsen an already desperate situation. Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced in western Afghanistan from last year's severe drought. Floods in early March caused further destruction and put this year's wheat harvest at risk. A spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority said two people had been killed in Herat, but officials there but the death toll higher. Dr. Abdul Hakim Tamana, head of public health for the province, said eight people were killed and nine injured. Floods have destroyed hundreds of homes, some historic sites, thousands of acres of farmland, bridges and highways, said Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for Herat province. Aid organization World Vision said in a statement it appeared tens of thousands of Afghans were affected. Some Badghis residents were calling it the worst storm in 20 years, it said.

Afghanistan floods kill 17, worsen already desperate situation

Afghanistan's summer harvest will be one of the most critical in years, especially of wheat, its biggest cereal crop, as the country recovers from floods and the worst drought in decades, government and aid organization officials say.

Ample snow and rain during winter partly replenished soil moisture and raised hopes for a better wheat crop, which is a food source for rural families who turn their harvested grain into bread. Last year, however, drought displaced hundreds of thousands of people and also forced farmers who stayed in their homes to sell livestock and tools to survive, making recovery a multi-year challenge.

Many farmers were unable to plant crops last year because of parched conditions.

Jabbar, 44, a farmer in Balkh province in northern Afghanistan, sold sheep, cows and one camel at discounted prices to buy food for his family of 12. Recent floods washed away some of his land that had been planted with peas and wheat.

"I have a big family so it's my responsibility to feed them. If it rains or not, it is harmful to us," he said, referring to the double damage inflicted by drought and flood.

"I hope I can get good results this year."

Floods in March complicated the recovery. Heavy rains killed at least 63 people and destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 homes, affecting 119,600 people, according to the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Some 243,000 people remain displaced from last year's drought in the western provinces of Herat, Badghis and Ghor, according to OCHA. Many have moved to urban areas where they live in tents on public and private lands, creating tensions with landowners.

"If the harvest is OK, that will help communities come out of a terribly bleak period. If it's not OK, we'll need a massive injection of food quickly," said Toby Lanzer, the UN's deputy special representative for Afghanistan.

The winter wheat harvested in June and July will need to help feed displaced people and some 10.6 million people who are struggling to find enough food where they live, Lanzer said.

Farming accounts for one-third of the country's economy, although only 12 per cent of its land is arable.

The wheat crop's outlook remains uncertain, said Agriculture Minister Nasir Ahmad Durrani, in an interview on March 20. If the temperature warms too rapidly, melting snow could create floods that wipe out ripe crops, he said.

It is also unclear how many wheat farmers were able to plant last autumn, said Rajendra Aryal, the representative in Afghanistan for the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Many farmers used the wheat seed to make bread to survive, rather than save it for planting, Aryal said.

"The people were already poor," he said. "It will be very difficult if the harvest fails, so I don't even want to think that way."

The floods also damaged critical farm infrastructures, such as irrigation canals, reservoirs and wells. The Afghan government is working to repair damaged infrastructure, especially in the provinces of Kandahar and Farah, Durrani said.

Afghanistan produced 3.6 million tonnes of wheat last year, down 25 per cent from the five-year average, according to the FAO.

The country dipped into its grain reserve last year for 190,000 tonnes of wheat, leaving just 50,000 tonnes left, Durrani said.

The expected shortfall between supply and demand this year will be made up through wheat imports from countries including Pakistan and Kazakhstan, he said.

Abdul Majid Khan, who coordinates aid related to food security and agriculture for the UN, said a plan is in place to assist families who return home as the drought abates. It includes food assistance, cash for work and farm supplies, but the plan still requires approval from international donors.

"My biggest concern delays in funding," he said. "We can lose the trust of the people."

A significant number of families should be able to return, as long as it is safe, said Zlatan Milisic, country director for the World Food Programme.

"There are no more resilient people on Earth," UN Representative Lanzer said about Afghans. "But goodness me, it is being tested."

Afghanistan's summer harvest will be one of the most critical in years, especially of wheat, its biggest cereal crop, as the country recovers from floods and the worst drought in decades, government and aid organization officials say.

Afghanistan's summer harvest will be one of the most critical in years, especially of wheat, its biggest cereal crop, as the country recovers from floods and the worst drought in decades, government and aid organization officials say. Ample snow and rain during winter partly replenished soil moisture and raised hopes for a better wheat crop, which is a food source for rural families who turn their harvested grain into bread. Last year, however, drought displaced hundreds of thousands of people and also forced farmers who stayed in their homes to sell livestock and tools to survive, making recovery a multi-year challenge. Many farmers were unable to plant crops last year because of parched conditions. Jabbar, 44, a farmer in Balkh province in northern Afghanistan, sold sheep, cows and one camel at discounted prices to buy food for his family of 12. Recent floods washed away some of his land that had been planted with peas and wheat. "I have a big family so it's my responsibility to feed them. If it rains or not, it is harmful to us," he said, referring to the double damage inflicted by drought and flood. "I hope I can get good results this year." Floods in March complicated the recovery. Heavy rains killed at least 63 people and destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 homes, affecting 119,600 people, according to the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Some 243,000 people remain displaced from last year's drought in the western provinces of Herat, Badghis and Ghor, according to OCHA. Many have moved to urban areas where they live in tents on public and private lands, creating tensions with landowners. "If the harvest is OK, that will help communities come out of a terribly bleak period. If it's not OK, we'll need a massive injection of food quickly," said Toby Lanzer, the UN's deputy special representative for Afghanistan. The winter wheat harvested in June and July will need to help feed displaced people and some 10.6 million people who are struggling to find enough food where they live, Lanzer said. Farming accounts for one-third of the country's economy, although only 12 per cent of its land is arable. The wheat crop's outlook remains uncertain, said Agriculture Minister Nasir Ahmad Durrani, in an interview on March 20. If the temperature warms too rapidly, melting snow could create floods that wipe out ripe crops, he said. It is also unclear how many wheat farmers were able to plant last autumn, said Rajendra Aryal, the representative in Afghanistan for the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Many farmers used the wheat seed to make bread to survive, rather than save it for planting, Aryal said. "The people were already poor," he said. "It will be very difficult if the harvest fails, so I don't even want to think that way." The floods also damaged critical farm infrastructures, such as irrigation canals, reservoirs and wells. The Afghan government is working to repair damaged infrastructure, especially in the provinces of Kandahar and Farah, Durrani said. Afghanistan produced 3.6 million tonnes of wheat last year, down 25 per cent from the five-year average, according to the FAO. The country dipped into its grain reserve last year for 190,000 tonnes of wheat, leaving just 50,000 tonnes left, Durrani said. The expected shortfall between supply and demand this year will be made up through wheat imports from countries including Pakistan and Kazakhstan, he said. Abdul Majid Khan, who coordinates aid related to food security and agriculture for the UN, said a plan is in place to assist families who return home as the drought abates. It includes food assistance, cash for work and farm supplies, but the plan still requires approval from international donors. "My biggest concern delays in funding," he said. "We can lose the trust of the people." A significant number of families should be able to return, as long as it is safe, said Zlatan Milisic, country director for the World Food Programme. "There are no more resilient people on Earth," UN Representative Lanzer said about Afghans. "But goodness me, it is being tested."

After drought and floods, Afghanistan confronts critical harvest

Major<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-12-dead-in-iran-floods-emergency-services-205545"> floods across much of Iran have left 19 people dead and more than 70 injured</a>, blocking roads and triggering landslides with warnings of more heavy rain to come, emergency services said Monday.

Such a widespread flood threat is unprecedented in arid Iran, which until 2018 was dealing with decades of drought.

Seventeen people were killed and 74 injured in the southern city of Shiraz, and one person was killed in Sarpol-e Zahab in the western province of Kermanshah, the rescue services said.

The national emergency has struck in the middle of Iranian New Year holidays, with many relief workers also on vacation.

Many of those killed in Shiraz were holidaymakers caught in the flood as they entered the city in their cars.

With 25 of Iran's 31 provinces experiencing floods or facing an imminent threat, the country's National Crisis Management Committee was activated at the cabinet level.

"I have ordered all governors-general, all provincial managers and officials nationwide to stay at their posts throughout the next 72 hours which is the peak of the flood threat," First Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri said on state television after the committee's first meeting.

Since the flooding, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate, has been absent from public view, with his deputies and ministers taking his place in visiting disaster-struck areas.

Reports on the ultra-conservative Fars news agency that Rouhani has been vacationing on the southern Gulf island of Qeshm have triggered criticism from his political opponents.

Situation 'critical'

Iran's meteorological service has warned of more heavy showers until Wednesday, forecasting as much as 15 centimetres (almost six inches) of rainfall in some western provinces in the next 24 hours.

The situation is "critical" in the provinces of Khuzestan, Lorestan and Kohgiluyeh-Va-Boyerahmad, said Deputy Interior Minister Mehdi Jamalinejad, quoted by the ISNA news agency.

The latest floods follow major flooding on March 19 in the northeast's Golestan and Mazandaran provinces, for which no official casualty toll has been issued.

The police have advised against road trips in the coming days, with many roads blocked by flooding or landslides caused by heavy rains.

Tehran's Mehrabad Airport announced delays or cancellations of flights to the provinces.

The Crises Management Organisation and the health ministry, in charge of hospitals, have cancelled all leave and been placed on full alert.

Local media reported that hundreds of villages have lost electricity and water, many of them cut off as access roads were washed away.

'Climate change'

The army has been called in to help the worst affected areas, and villages are being evacuated for fear of rivers and dams overflowing.

Officials have gone on state television to broadcast urgent calls for holidaymakers as well nomadic tribes in western Iran to move to high ground and away from rivers.

Flood warnings have gone out for central provinces such as Isfahan and the capital Tehran.

"Climate change is forcing itself on our country," said Energy Minister Reza Ardekanian, who is in charge of dams and water supply.

"These unprecedented floods in our country are because of climate change worldwide," he said, quoted by Tasnim news agency.

Major floods across much of Iran have left 19 people dead and more than 70 injured, blocking roads and triggering landslides with warnings of more heavy rain to come, emergency services said Monday.

Major floods across much of Iran have left 19 people dead and more than 70 injured, blocking roads and triggering landslides with warnings of more heavy rain to come, emergency services said Monday. Such a widespread flood threat is unprecedented in arid Iran, which until 2018 was dealing with decades of drought. Seventeen people were killed and 74 injured in the southern city of Shiraz, and one person was killed in Sarpol-e Zahab in the western province of Kermanshah, the rescue services said. The national emergency has struck in the middle of Iranian New Year holidays, with many relief workers also on vacation. Many of those killed in Shiraz were holidaymakers caught in the flood as they entered the city in their cars. With 25 of Iran's 31 provinces experiencing floods or facing an imminent threat, the country's National Crisis Management Committee was activated at the cabinet level. "I have ordered all governors-general, all provincial managers and officials nationwide to stay at their posts throughout the next 72 hours which is the peak of the flood threat," First Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri said on state television after the committee's first meeting. Since the flooding, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate, has been absent from public view, with his deputies and ministers taking his place in visiting disaster-struck areas. Reports on the ultra-conservative Fars news agency that Rouhani has been vacationing on the southern Gulf island of Qeshm have triggered criticism from his political opponents. Situation 'critical' Iran's meteorological service has warned of more heavy showers until Wednesday, forecasting as much as 15 centimetres (almost six inches) of rainfall in some western provinces in the next 24 hours. The situation is "critical" in the provinces of Khuzestan, Lorestan and Kohgiluyeh-Va-Boyerahmad, said Deputy Interior Minister Mehdi Jamalinejad, quoted by the ISNA news agency. The latest floods follow major flooding on March 19 in the northeast's Golestan and Mazandaran provinces, for which no official casualty toll has been issued. The police have advised against road trips in the coming days, with many roads blocked by flooding or landslides caused by heavy rains. Tehran's Mehrabad Airport announced delays or cancellations of flights to the provinces. The Crises Management Organisation and the health ministry, in charge of hospitals, have cancelled all leave and been placed on full alert. Local media reported that hundreds of villages have lost electricity and water, many of them cut off as access roads were washed away. 'Climate change' The army has been called in to help the worst affected areas, and villages are being evacuated for fear of rivers and dams overflowing. Officials have gone on state television to broadcast urgent calls for holidaymakers as well nomadic tribes in western Iran to move to high ground and away from rivers. Flood warnings have gone out for central provinces such as Isfahan and the capital Tehran. "Climate change is forcing itself on our country," said Energy Minister Reza Ardekanian, who is in charge of dams and water supply. "These unprecedented floods in our country are because of climate change worldwide," he said, quoted by Tasnim news agency.

At least 19 dead, 70 injured as Iran faces unprecedented floods

At least 12 people were killed and 68 injured in floods that have swept across most Iranian provinces, the country's emergency services said Monday.

National Emergency Service chief Pir Hossein Koolivand told state television the initial casualty toll in the southern city of Shiraz was 11 dead and 68 wounded, while another person was killed in Sarpol-e Zahab in the western province of Kermanshah.

Iran has been facing unprecedented floods in 25 of its 31 provinces, the country's Crisis Management Organisation said.

The latest floods have struck mostly west and southwest Iran and follow major flooding on March 19 in the northeast's Golestan and Mazandaran provinces, for which no official casualty toll has been issued.

Emergency services have been hampered by Iranian New Year holidays, with many employees on vacation.

The Crises Management Organisation and the health ministry, in charge of hospitals, have cancelled all leave and been placed on full alert, while provincial chiefs have been ordered to remain at their posts.

Iran's meteorological service has warned that the rains will carry on into Wednesday.

At least 12 people were killed and 68 injured in floods that have swept across most Iranian provinces, the country's emergency services said Monday. National Emergency Service chief Pir Hossein Koolivand told state television the initial casualty toll in the southern city of Shiraz was 11 dead and 68 wounded, while another person was killed in Sarpol-e Zahab in the western province of Kermanshah.

At least 12 people were killed and 68 injured in floods that have swept across most Iranian provinces, the country's emergency services said Monday. National Emergency Service chief Pir Hossein Koolivand told state television the initial casualty toll in the southern city of Shiraz was 11 dead and 68 wounded, while another person was killed in Sarpol-e Zahab in the western province of Kermanshah. Iran has been facing unprecedented floods in 25 of its 31 provinces, the country's Crisis Management Organisation said. The latest floods have struck mostly west and southwest Iran and follow major flooding on March 19 in the northeast's Golestan and Mazandaran provinces, for which no official casualty toll has been issued. Emergency services have been hampered by Iranian New Year holidays, with many employees on vacation. The Crises Management Organisation and the health ministry, in charge of hospitals, have cancelled all leave and been placed on full alert, while provincial chiefs have been ordered to remain at their posts. Iran's meteorological service has warned that the rains will carry on into Wednesday.

At least 12 dead in Iran floods: Emergency services

About 15,000 people still need to be rescued from floods after central Mozambique was pounded by a cyclone last week, Land and Environmental Minister Celso Correia said Thursday.

"Yesterday we had counted 15,000 people that still need rescue today -- 15,000 people who are in bad shape. They are alive, we are communicating with them, delivering food, but we need to rescue them and take them out," he told reporters.&nbsp;

He said around 3,000 people have been rescued so far since Tropical Cyclone Idai struck the flood-prone impoverished southern African country.

"The bad news is that we have lost already 217 lives," he said.

"There's still a lot of people on the ground in need of rescue. We are working with 120 specialists and a lot of teams to keep on rescuing."

"Our priority now is to make sure we take food, shelter and medicine to the people that are isolated in small islands or in big islands and villages.&nbsp;

"We are working 24 hours to make sure we are taking the food and medicine to those people to make sure we avoid live losses because of sickness," the minister said at Beira airport, which has become the humanitarian relief coordination hub.

The cyclone made landfall last week in central Mozambique before hitting neighbouring Zimbabwe where at least 139 have been killed.

About 15,000 people still need to be rescued from floods after central Mozambique was pounded by a cyclone last week, Land and Environmental Minister Celso Correia said Thursday.

About 15,000 people still need to be rescued from floods after central Mozambique was pounded by a cyclone last week, Land and Environmental Minister Celso Correia said Thursday. "Yesterday we had counted 15,000 people that still need rescue today -- 15,000 people who are in bad shape. They are alive, we are communicating with them, delivering food, but we need to rescue them and take them out," he told reporters. He said around 3,000 people have been rescued so far since Tropical Cyclone Idai struck the flood-prone impoverished southern African country. "The bad news is that we have lost already 217 lives," he said. "There's still a lot of people on the ground in need of rescue. We are working with 120 specialists and a lot of teams to keep on rescuing." "Our priority now is to make sure we take food, shelter and medicine to the people that are isolated in small islands or in big islands and villages. "We are working 24 hours to make sure we are taking the food and medicine to those people to make sure we avoid live losses because of sickness," the minister said at Beira airport, which has become the humanitarian relief coordination hub. The cyclone made landfall last week in central Mozambique before hitting neighbouring Zimbabwe where at least 139 have been killed.

15,000 awaiting rescue in flood-stricken Mozambique

At least 50 people were reported dead and over 59 injured in floods that hit Indonesia's Papua on Saturday, news agency AFP reported quoting Indonesian officials.

The floods in Sentani, near the provincial capital of Jayapura, were triggered by torrential rain on Saturday.

Dozens of homes were damaged by floodwaters, national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.&nbsp;

"The number of casualties and impact of the disaster will likely increase as search and rescue teams are still trying to reach other affected areas," he added.

The floods have since receded, but officials are still trying to evacuate people.&nbsp;

Flooding is not uncommon in Indonesia, especially during the rainy season which runs from October to April.

Indonesia has over the past few months been hit by a series of natural disasters.&nbsp;

In January, floods and landslides killed at least 70 people on Sulawesi island, while earlier this month hundreds in West Java province were forced to evacuate when torrential rains triggered severe flooding.

The floods come just a month after the Indonesian authorities declared <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emergency-declared-on-indonesian-island-after-volcanic-eruption-196099">a state of emergency in February on Siau island</a> following the continuous eruption of lava and ash from Karangetang volcano.&nbsp;

The eruption had caused the evacuation of more than 100 people and cut off access to several villages. The flow of lava had cut off roads to the settlements of Batubulan and Beba, in the northwest of the island, AFP reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

At least 50 people were reported dead and over 59 injured in floods that hit Indonesia's Papua on Saturday, news agency AFP reported quoting Indonesian officials.

At least 50 people were reported dead and over 59 injured in floods that hit Indonesia's Papua on Saturday, news agency AFP reported quoting Indonesian officials. The floods in Sentani, near the provincial capital of Jayapura, were triggered by torrential rain on Saturday. Dozens of homes were damaged by floodwaters, national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said. "The number of casualties and impact of the disaster will likely increase as search and rescue teams are still trying to reach other affected areas," he added. The floods have since receded, but officials are still trying to evacuate people. Flooding is not uncommon in Indonesia, especially during the rainy season which runs from October to April. Indonesia has over the past few months been hit by a series of natural disasters. In January, floods and landslides killed at least 70 people on Sulawesi island, while earlier this month hundreds in West Java province were forced to evacuate when torrential rains triggered severe flooding. The floods come just a month after the Indonesian authorities declared a state of emergency in February on Siau island following the continuous eruption of lava and ash from Karangetang volcano. The eruption had caused the evacuation of more than 100 people and cut off access to several villages. The flow of lava had cut off roads to the settlements of Batubulan and Beba, in the northwest of the island, AFP reported. (With inputs from AFP)

Indonesia: At least 50 dead in floods in Papua

A powerful, late-winter "bomb cyclone" storm pushed into the US Midwest and the Great Lakes region on Friday, causing flooding along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, stranding herds of cattle and raising alarms at a Nebraska nuclear power plant.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts issued an emergency declaration for the state, citing forecasts of up to 2 feet (0.61 m) of snow and high winds that are expected to make travel "difficult to impossible" on roads.&nbsp;

"Nebraskans should watch the forecast closely in the coming days and be prepared for severe weather events in conjunction with potential historic flooding," Ricketts said in the declaration. "As Nebraskans know, conditions can change quickly, and everyone needs to be prepared."

Ranchers posted images on social media of their cattle being dug out of snowdrifts or stranded in fields.&nbsp;

"Widespread and extremely dangerous flooding will continue today and tonight," the National Weather Service office in Omaha, Nebraska, said on Friday in a statement.

Many streams will see moderate to major flooding through the weekend, the service said, and flooding along the Missouri River will continue into next week.

Meteorologists referred to the storm as a "bomb cyclone," a winter hurricane that forms when the barometric pressure drops 24 millibars in 24 hours.

The Nebraska Public Power District declared an "unusual event" at its Cooper Nuclear Station power plant on Friday due to the possibility of flooding along the Missouri.

Workers filled sandbags along the river levee and procured other materials for flood protection, the agency said. It said the plant continued to operate safely and there was no immediate threat to plant employees or to the public.

In Iowa, a disaster proclamation by Governor Kim Reynolds, issued after reports of flooding on Thursday, remained in effect.

At the storm`s peak, 2 feet of snow was dumped on Colorado`s mountain regions, forcing the cancellation of more than 1,300 flights in Denver and stranding more than 1,000 motorists on roadsides. Many had to be rescued by police, who used school buses to ferry them to safety.&nbsp;

More than 1,200 flights were cancelled nationwide on Friday and nearly 17,000 were delayed, according to the flight-tracking website Flightaware.com.

Most power outages were cleared by early Friday, according to the tracking site PowerOutage.

A powerful, late-winter "bomb cyclone" storm pushed into the US Midwest and the Great Lakes region on Friday, causing flooding along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, stranding herds of cattle and raising alarms at a Nebraska nuclear power plant.

A powerful, late-winter "bomb cyclone" storm pushed into the US Midwest and the Great Lakes region on Friday, causing flooding along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, stranding herds of cattle and raising alarms at a Nebraska nuclear power plant. Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts issued an emergency declaration for the state, citing forecasts of up to 2 feet (0.61 m) of snow and high winds that are expected to make travel "difficult to impossible" on roads. "Nebraskans should watch the forecast closely in the coming days and be prepared for severe weather events in conjunction with potential historic flooding," Ricketts said in the declaration. "As Nebraskans know, conditions can change quickly, and everyone needs to be prepared." Ranchers posted images on social media of their cattle being dug out of snowdrifts or stranded in fields. "Widespread and extremely dangerous flooding will continue today and tonight," the National Weather Service office in Omaha, Nebraska, said on Friday in a statement. Many streams will see moderate to major flooding through the weekend, the service said, and flooding along the Missouri River will continue into next week. Meteorologists referred to the storm as a "bomb cyclone," a winter hurricane that forms when the barometric pressure drops 24 millibars in 24 hours. The Nebraska Public Power District declared an "unusual event" at its Cooper Nuclear Station power plant on Friday due to the possibility of flooding along the Missouri. Workers filled sandbags along the river levee and procured other materials for flood protection, the agency said. It said the plant continued to operate safely and there was no immediate threat to plant employees or to the public. In Iowa, a disaster proclamation by Governor Kim Reynolds, issued after reports of flooding on Thursday, remained in effect. At the storm`s peak, 2 feet of snow was dumped on Colorado`s mountain regions, forcing the cancellation of more than 1,300 flights in Denver and stranding more than 1,000 motorists on roadsides. Many had to be rescued by police, who used school buses to ferry them to safety. More than 1,200 flights were cancelled nationwide on Friday and nearly 17,000 were delayed, according to the flight-tracking website Flightaware.com. Most power outages were cleared by early Friday, according to the tracking site PowerOutage.

'Bomb cyclone' triggers flooding on Mississippi, Missouri rivers

Once-in-a-century flooding in part of the eastern Australian state of Queensland looks set to worsen as the nation's weather bureau on Saturday warned of more heavy rain in the area.

Some residents have already been evacuated after days of monsoon rains lashed the region around the coastal city of Townsville in north Queensland, a spokesman for the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Adam Blazak, a forecaster with the bureau, did not say how many people had been evacuated but added that some areas had reached "major" flood levels.

"Normally a monsoonal burst might last a few days, but this one's been going on over a week now and is set to continue for a few more days as well," he said.

Between 150 mm and 200 mm of rain is expected across Townsville on Saturday - equal to about a month's average rainfall.

Local authorities issued a number of flood warnings on Saturday morning and told residents to avoid using roads and consider moving to higher ground if conditions worsen.

North Queensland has significant zinc reserves as well as major deposits of silver, lead, copper and iron ore, with Townsville a major processing centre for the region's base metals.

In stark contrast, wildfires in the southern island state of Tasmania have burnt through close to 190,000 hectares of land, fire officials said.

Chris Arnold, the chief officer of the Tasmania Fire Service, said on Saturday that nearly 600 personnel were working to contain the fires, some of which have been burning for weeks and have destroyed homes.

Arnold told reporters that while the last few days have seen favourable conditions for battling the blazes, communities in part of the state were still under threat as expected hot and dry weather on Sunday could see bushfires escalate again.

Australia endured its hottest month on record in January, with sweltering conditions expected to persist through April. That scorching weather triggered power outages in some areas and sent electricity prices soaring.

Once-in-a-century flooding in part of the eastern Australian state of Queensland looks set to worsen as the nation's weather bureau on Saturday warned of more heavy rain in the area.

Once-in-a-century flooding in part of the eastern Australian state of Queensland looks set to worsen as the nation's weather bureau on Saturday warned of more heavy rain in the area. Some residents have already been evacuated after days of monsoon rains lashed the region around the coastal city of Townsville in north Queensland, a spokesman for the Bureau of Meteorology said. Adam Blazak, a forecaster with the bureau, did not say how many people had been evacuated but added that some areas had reached "major" flood levels. "Normally a monsoonal burst might last a few days, but this one's been going on over a week now and is set to continue for a few more days as well," he said. Between 150 mm and 200 mm of rain is expected across Townsville on Saturday - equal to about a month's average rainfall. Local authorities issued a number of flood warnings on Saturday morning and told residents to avoid using roads and consider moving to higher ground if conditions worsen. North Queensland has significant zinc reserves as well as major deposits of silver, lead, copper and iron ore, with Townsville a major processing centre for the region's base metals. In stark contrast, wildfires in the southern island state of Tasmania have burnt through close to 190,000 hectares of land, fire officials said. Chris Arnold, the chief officer of the Tasmania Fire Service, said on Saturday that nearly 600 personnel were working to contain the fires, some of which have been burning for weeks and have destroyed homes. Arnold told reporters that while the last few days have seen favourable conditions for battling the blazes, communities in part of the state were still under threat as expected hot and dry weather on Sunday could see bushfires escalate again. Australia endured its hottest month on record in January, with sweltering conditions expected to persist through April. That scorching weather triggered power outages in some areas and sent electricity prices soaring.

Part of eastern Australia hit by once-in-a-century floods, braces for more rain

Communities were cut off, farmers stranded and cows washed offshore as heavy rain pelted northeast Australia Sunday, with one major river breaking 118-year-old floodwater records.&nbsp;

The Bureau of Meteorology said Queensland’s Daintree River rose to 12.60 meters — a level not seen in over a century — and local authorities warned that some residents in remote areas could be cut off for days.&nbsp;

The heritage listed Daintree Rainforest received more than 300 millimetres of rain in just 24 hours and Northern Queensland is bracing for monsoonal conditions for the rest of the week. &nbsp;

Residents in this tropical region of Australia are used to a heavy wet season, but the recent deluge has cut off a ferry line that is the only means of accessing some areas.&nbsp;

Port Douglas Shire Council Mayor, Julia Leu, told AFP those who are still in their homes could be cut off for two days, with no power or phone service.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the conditions have caused havoc for farmers and livestock.&nbsp;

One family of four were stranded on the farm they manage, with live power lines falling into floodwaters. &nbsp;

Local paper Newsport Daily reported the caretakers of the "Tranquility" farm were stuck with their two children for 16 hours until the State Emergency Services helicopter could rescue them. &nbsp;

Residents rushed to a downstream beach to help a handful of livestock washed away by floodwaters. &nbsp;

A number of cows could be seen out at sea or struggling to find their feet on the soft sand of the coastline. &nbsp;

While much of the country has been experiencing a brutal heat wave with record temperatures, the Bureau of Meteorology said the monsoonal conditions will not be easing anytime soon, with thunderstorms and rain forecast for the rest of the week.

Communities were cut off, farmers stranded and cows washed offshore as heavy rain pelted northeast Australia Sunday, with one major river breaking 118-year-old floodwater records.

Communities were cut off, farmers stranded and cows washed offshore as heavy rain pelted northeast Australia Sunday, with one major river breaking 118-year-old floodwater records. The Bureau of Meteorology said Queensland’s Daintree River rose to 12.60 meters — a level not seen in over a century — and local authorities warned that some residents in remote areas could be cut off for days. The heritage listed Daintree Rainforest received more than 300 millimetres of rain in just 24 hours and Northern Queensland is bracing for monsoonal conditions for the rest of the week. Residents in this tropical region of Australia are used to a heavy wet season, but the recent deluge has cut off a ferry line that is the only means of accessing some areas. Port Douglas Shire Council Mayor, Julia Leu, told AFP those who are still in their homes could be cut off for two days, with no power or phone service. Meanwhile, the conditions have caused havoc for farmers and livestock. One family of four were stranded on the farm they manage, with live power lines falling into floodwaters. Local paper Newsport Daily reported the caretakers of the "Tranquility" farm were stuck with their two children for 16 hours until the State Emergency Services helicopter could rescue them. Residents rushed to a downstream beach to help a handful of livestock washed away by floodwaters. A number of cows could be seen out at sea or struggling to find their feet on the soft sand of the coastline. While much of the country has been experiencing a brutal heat wave with record temperatures, the Bureau of Meteorology said the monsoonal conditions will not be easing anytime soon, with thunderstorms and rain forecast for the rest of the week.

Daily life disrupted as record-breaking floods hit northeast Australia

Floods and landslides in Indonesia have now killed at least 59 people, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-meet-trump-anytime-over-government-shutdown-nancy-pelosi-192580&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjr0-uciYjgAhUCSo8KHUKgCi8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CMrXNSXiAS2NT8P9wV_N6">government </a>said, Friday after heavy rain pounded Sulawesi island and forced thousands to flee their homes.

"I've never seen something this bad — this is the worst," Syamsibar, head of South Sulawesi disaster mitigation agency, told AFP, adding that 25 people were still missing.

Lashed by the heavy rain, rivers swelled and burst their banks, inundating dozens of communities in 11 districts of southern Sulawesi.&nbsp;

Parts of the provincial capital Makassar have also been affected.

Gowa district suffered the heaviest casualties, with 44 people found dead, said Syamsibar, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

Some 3,400 people have been evacuated from their homes and given refuge in schools, mosques, and tents.

Rescuers and residents waded through streets filled with waist-deep water, some carrying their possessions above their heads.

"I couldn't save all my belongings, my house was swept away," Makassar resident Ayu Fiskarina told AFP.

Authorities say floodwaters are receding but the impact of the disaster has ranged far and wide, damaging houses, government buildings, schools, and bridges.

The death toll stood at 30 on Thursday evening.

Landslides and floods are common in Indonesia, especially during the monsoon season between October and April, when rains lash the vast Southeast Asian archipelago.

In October, flash floods and landslides killed at least 22 people in several districts across Sumatra island.

Floods and landslides in Indonesia have now killed at least 59 people, the government said, Friday after heavy rain pounded Sulawesi island and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Floods and landslides in Indonesia have now killed at least 59 people, the government said, Friday after heavy rain pounded Sulawesi island and forced thousands to flee their homes. "I've never seen something this bad — this is the worst," Syamsibar, head of South Sulawesi disaster mitigation agency, told AFP, adding that 25 people were still missing. Lashed by the heavy rain, rivers swelled and burst their banks, inundating dozens of communities in 11 districts of southern Sulawesi. Parts of the provincial capital Makassar have also been affected. Gowa district suffered the heaviest casualties, with 44 people found dead, said Syamsibar, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Some 3,400 people have been evacuated from their homes and given refuge in schools, mosques, and tents. Rescuers and residents waded through streets filled with waist-deep water, some carrying their possessions above their heads. "I couldn't save all my belongings, my house was swept away," Makassar resident Ayu Fiskarina told AFP. Authorities say floodwaters are receding but the impact of the disaster has ranged far and wide, damaging houses, government buildings, schools, and bridges. The death toll stood at 30 on Thursday evening. Landslides and floods are common in Indonesia, especially during the monsoon season between October and April, when rains lash the vast Southeast Asian archipelago. In October, flash floods and landslides killed at least 22 people in several districts across Sumatra island.

Indonesia floods, landslides death toll climbs to 59

Extraordinary biodiversity richness is one of the reasons why India is incredible! Occupying just 2.5 per cent of the earth’s total land area, India holds 7 per cent flora and 6.5 per cent fauna of the world.&nbsp;

Western Ghats mountain range that extends over 1,500 km from River Tapi to Kanyakumari through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots.&nbsp;

The Ghats with an average elevation of 600m force the moisture-laden winds coming off the Arabian Sea to cause precipitation of 2,000 mm or more, with the western hill slopes receiving maximum rainfall while the eastern slopes remaining comparatively drier.&nbsp;

These typical conditions have evolved a wide range of habitat types like a tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous and dry deciduous forest, dry thorn forest, lateritic plateaus and grassland. Around 5,000 species of plants, 500 bird species, 220 amphibians, 120 mammals is just a glimpse of its species richness! The Ghats are a centre of endemism with over 2,000 species of flora and fauna found only in this stretch of 1500 km, out of which 325 species are globally threatened – Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Grey Hornbill to name a few. The UNESCO recognises 7,653.15 sq km of the Western Ghats as a World Heritage Site.

There is an inherent relationship between forests and water. Forests serve as natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainwater and releasing it slowly into streams and rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Koyna that originate and flow through the Ghats proving to be lifelines for the biodiversity and local people. 
 
India, a country with one of the oldest civilisations and a rich culture that respects and worships natural resources, protects large chunks of forests as ‘sacred groves’, where destructive activities like tree-cutting and hunting are disallowed. No person dares to break this system lest he is punished by the Almighty. This fear or respect has been largely responsible for conserving several areas such as forests around Sabarimala temple in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, and Lord Shiva temple in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra.

Recognising these ecological, cultural and economical values, Prof. Gadgil Committee and Dr Kasturirangan Committee constituted by the Government of India in 2011 and 2013, respectively, recommended measures for long-term preservation of this ecologically fragile landscape. Gadgil committee report recommended declaring the entire WG landscape as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), divided under three sub-zones, with a ban on mining, thermal power plants, polluting industries and large dams, and the inclusion of local communities in biodiversity conservation and promoting eco-friendly activities.&nbsp;

Since this report rubbed many the wrong ways, the Kasturirangan committee was set up to review the Gadgil committee report. The Kasturirangan committee recommended to incentivise green growth that promotes sustainable and equitable development bringing only around 37 per cent Ghats area under the ESA out of the entire 1,64,000 sq km. Although significantly reduced, as compared to Gadgil Committee report, the area of 56,000 sq km recommended by Kasturirangan Committee report includes around 68-odd existing Protected Areas covering around 17,000 sq km area. The Central Government tried to bring in three draft notifications for declaring this as the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (WGESA). 
 
However, none of the state governments concerned have shown any inclination to support this notification. Rajya Sabha Committee on Government Assurances has recently expressed its dissent over the insensitive approach of the concerned state governments as the mayhem caused by 2018 Kerala floods is believed to have resulted due to illegal quarrying and deforestation that triggered landslides in the Ghats. In 2014, a village named Malin was buried under a massive landslide at the foothills of Ghats in Maharashtra largely due to deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices on the hills above. 
 
Had the state governments adopted the WGESA notification, perhaps the above catastrophes costing thousands of human lives could have been avoided. There is an increasing trend to convert privately-owned forests to monoculture plantations of exotic species such as rubber causing severe loss of biodiversity and associated ecological services. Illegal hunting and indiscriminate plant collection by some local communities are other threats for the local biodiversity. Haphazard and unsustainable tourism development in existing ESAs such as Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani is playing havoc with natural ecosystems. Despite being one of the wettest areas, drinking water shortage and depletion of groundwater have emerged as major environmental issues.&nbsp;

India’s economic policies should be built on strong ecological foundations that ensure an environmentally sound and sustainable future to 50 million people and prevent species extinction of this beautiful landscape.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-protecting-the-western-ghats-is-in-national-interest-2710964">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Extraordinary biodiversity richness is one of the reasons why India is incredible! Occupying just 2.5 per cent of the earth’s total land area, India holds 7 per cent flora and 6.

Extraordinary biodiversity richness is one of the reasons why India is incredible! Occupying just 2.5 per cent of the earth’s total land area, India holds 7 per cent flora and 6.5 per cent fauna of the world. Western Ghats mountain range that extends over 1,500 km from River Tapi to Kanyakumari through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots. The Ghats with an average elevation of 600m force the moisture-laden winds coming off the Arabian Sea to cause precipitation of 2,000 mm or more, with the western hill slopes receiving maximum rainfall while the eastern slopes remaining comparatively drier. These typical conditions have evolved a wide range of habitat types like a tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous and dry deciduous forest, dry thorn forest, lateritic plateaus and grassland. Around 5,000 species of plants, 500 bird species, 220 amphibians, 120 mammals is just a glimpse of its species richness! The Ghats are a centre of endemism with over 2,000 species of flora and fauna found only in this stretch of 1500 km, out of which 325 species are globally threatened – Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Grey Hornbill to name a few. The UNESCO recognises 7,653.15 sq km of the Western Ghats as a World Heritage Site. There is an inherent relationship between forests and water. Forests serve as natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainwater and releasing it slowly into streams and rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Koyna that originate and flow through the Ghats proving to be lifelines for the biodiversity and local people. India, a country with one of the oldest civilisations and a rich culture that respects and worships natural resources, protects large chunks of forests as ‘sacred groves’, where destructive activities like tree-cutting and hunting are disallowed. No person dares to break this system lest he is punished by the Almighty. This fear or respect has been largely responsible for conserving several areas such as forests around Sabarimala temple in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, and Lord Shiva temple in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra. Recognising these ecological, cultural and economical values, Prof. Gadgil Committee and Dr Kasturirangan Committee constituted by the Government of India in 2011 and 2013, respectively, recommended measures for long-term preservation of this ecologically fragile landscape. Gadgil committee report recommended declaring the entire WG landscape as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), divided under three sub-zones, with a ban on mining, thermal power plants, polluting industries and large dams, and the inclusion of local communities in biodiversity conservation and promoting eco-friendly activities. Since this report rubbed many the wrong ways, the Kasturirangan committee was set up to review the Gadgil committee report. The Kasturirangan committee recommended to incentivise green growth that promotes sustainable and equitable development bringing only around 37 per cent Ghats area under the ESA out of the entire 1,64,000 sq km. Although significantly reduced, as compared to Gadgil Committee report, the area of 56,000 sq km recommended by Kasturirangan Committee report includes around 68-odd existing Protected Areas covering around 17,000 sq km area. The Central Government tried to bring in three draft notifications for declaring this as the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (WGESA). However, none of the state governments concerned have shown any inclination to support this notification. Rajya Sabha Committee on Government Assurances has recently expressed its dissent over the insensitive approach of the concerned state governments as the mayhem caused by 2018 Kerala floods is believed to have resulted due to illegal quarrying and deforestation that triggered landslides in the Ghats. In 2014, a village named Malin was buried under a massive landslide at the foothills of Ghats in Maharashtra largely due to deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices on the hills above. Had the state governments adopted the WGESA notification, perhaps the above catastrophes costing thousands of human lives could have been avoided. There is an increasing trend to convert privately-owned forests to monoculture plantations of exotic species such as rubber causing severe loss of biodiversity and associated ecological services. Illegal hunting and indiscriminate plant collection by some local communities are other threats for the local biodiversity. Haphazard and unsustainable tourism development in existing ESAs such as Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani is playing havoc with natural ecosystems. Despite being one of the wettest areas, drinking water shortage and depletion of groundwater have emerged as major environmental issues. India’s economic policies should be built on strong ecological foundations that ensure an environmentally sound and sustainable future to 50 million people and prevent species extinction of this beautiful landscape. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Protecting the Western Ghats is in national interest

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