Europe has now been battered by powerful storms and 12 people have died. Most of the deaths were a result of falling trees. Meanwhile, mobile homes have been damaged in Corsica.

WION Climate Tracker: Powerful storms kill 12 in Europe

After heatwave, wildfires and drought, Europe has now been battered by powerful storms. France, Italy and Austria have been affected, at least 12 people have died. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: After heatwave, wildfires and drought, powerful storms now batter Europe

Five people died due to floods in Southern China. Severe mudslides and storms in the rural areas of the country left residents stranded. As per weather forecast, heavy rains to persist till next week.

Five die due to floods and storms in Southern China

In recent years, Ocean temperatures have gone up due to climate change leading to more destructive storms. The Atlantic hurricane season is once again poised to deliver another round of above-normal storms this year in the United States

US may witness 3 to 6 major hurricanes

The death toll from powerful storms that lashed eastern Canada over the weekend has risen to at least eight, authorities said Sunday.

Police in the province of Ontario announced on CTVNews the deaths of seven people, killed Saturday by falling trees and branches.

The eighth victim was a woman who drowned when her boat capsized in the Ottawa River, near Gatineau, a Quebec suburb of the federal capital of Ottawa.

Strong winds, with gusts of more than 140 kilometres (87 miles) per hour, battered eastern Canada on Saturday, the national weather service said, adding that the storm was a rare phenomenon called "derecho".&nbsp;

"This storm was almost about 1,000 kilometers" long, Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips told local station CFRA on Sunday.

"That's what a derecho is, it's a long line of very active thunderstorms or microburst kind of situations," he said.

"Nothing can deter it. It just marches along."

Some 900,000 homes lost electricity Saturday night, with hundreds of thousands of households still in the dark by Sunday evening, local energy providers Hydro One and Hydro-Quebec said on Twitter, as they worked to restore power.

Roads remained strewn with branches and debris, with authorities saying it would take several days to clear.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The death toll from powerful storms that lashed eastern Canada over the weekend has risen to at least eight, authorities said Sunday. Police in the province of Ontario announced on CTVNews the deaths of seven people, killed Saturday by falling trees and branches.

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

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

The Panorama Music House was the entertainment hub in the Lake Charles city in the US state of Louisiana but the Centre was damaged by hurricane Laura. One year on, the renovation work is still underway.

Frequent storms take a toll on US, 3 hurricanes hit Lake Charles in a year

The reason behind using names of storms, cyclones and hurricanes have always puzzled people. WION explains the logic behind it.

Declassifying the mystery behind names of storms

Troubled with rising temperatures, the calls for naming of the heatwaves are rising among the scientists in Greece. &nbsp;

The scientists of the country have begun discussing the need to name and rank heatwaves. They are better known for their invisibility.&nbsp;

The rampant wildfires, which are triggered by the heatwaves, have made the realities of the climate crisis come to fore.&nbsp;

The move could act as a preventative measure to enable policymakers and affected populations to get prepared for the 'silent killer’ heatwaves.&nbsp;

Since June, Greece has witnessed two bouts of extreme heat. Both were unusually prolonged and intense.&nbsp;

Last week, a new rise in temperatures saw Athens once again fall victim to fires as devastating blazes broke out north-west of the capital. &nbsp;

Dr Kostas Lagouvardos, research director, National Observatory, Athens told the Observer, “It is clear the extreme heat has been underestimated.”&nbsp;

It is essential that people are aware of the dangers posed by it. “We believe people will be more prepared to face an upcoming weather event when the event has a name. They’ll become more aware of the possible problems it could cause to their lives and to their properties … heatwaves cause a lot of deaths; they don’t make noise and they may not be visible but they’re a silent killer,” Lagouvardos said.&nbsp;

Troubled with rising temperatures, the calls for naming of the heatwaves are rising among the scientists in Greece. The scientists of the country have begun discussing the need to name and rank heatwaves.

Troubled with rising temperatures, the calls for naming of the heatwaves are rising among the scientists in Greece. The scientists of the country have begun discussing the need to name and rank heatwaves. They are better known for their invisibility. The rampant wildfires, which are triggered by the heatwaves, have made the realities of the climate crisis come to fore. The move could act as a preventative measure to enable policymakers and affected populations to get prepared for the 'silent killer’ heatwaves. Since June, Greece has witnessed two bouts of extreme heat. Both were unusually prolonged and intense. Last week, a new rise in temperatures saw Athens once again fall victim to fires as devastating blazes broke out north-west of the capital. Dr Kostas Lagouvardos, research director, National Observatory, Athens told the Observer, “It is clear the extreme heat has been underestimated.” It is essential that people are aware of the dangers posed by it. “We believe people will be more prepared to face an upcoming weather event when the event has a name. They’ll become more aware of the possible problems it could cause to their lives and to their properties … heatwaves cause a lot of deaths; they don’t make noise and they may not be visible but they’re a silent killer,” Lagouvardos said.

Greece scientists look to name heatwaves in line with storms

By Heather Connolly

A week of strikes and coordinated action across the world is planned for September 20-27 to demand that governments around the world take decisive action to combat climate change, ahead of a major United Nations summit in New York on September 27. Millions are expected to take to the streets across the world in this collective call to action.

If you’re thinking of striking, there are a few things to bear in mind, particularly if your employer is not supportive of you taking to the streets during working hours. Here, would-be strikers can look to trade unions for support and inspiration, and understand that in order to achieve progressive change and combat the climate crisis, workers need to help build a movement powerful enough to challenge the status quo.

Some organisations – both public and private employers – have come out in support of their workforce taking action against climate change. In the UK, this includes local councils, universities and employers in the creative industries. But the level of support varies, with some employers telling workers they need to take time off if they want to support the action, or arranging activities during sanctioned work breaks to coincide with the action.

If companies claim to be ethical and responsible employers they may want to be seen to be supporting their staff’s wishes – even if this means taking the hit on productivity in the short term. Workers can use their company’s claims about social responsibility to leverage them to support striking.

From the perspective of managing human resources, there is evidence that supporting these campaigns could lead to better recruitment and retention of staff and even behaviour at work. But this is more likely in professional occupations than low-skilled jobs where this is less of a concern as workers are easily replaceable.

Taking Up the Call

Trade unions in many countries have taken up the call. The International and European Trade Union Confederations spoke out in favour of solidarity actions under the banner of a “just transition” – moving to a carbon-neutral economy in a way that is fair to people working in industries that will be required to change.

But the International Trade Union Confederation clearly frames action as taking place “within the constraint of the law” and that strikes, stoppages and demonstrations should take place “where the law allows”. This makes things difficult in many countries that have heavily restrictive strike laws – including the UK.

Laws introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1980s were designed to curb industrial action. Secondary or sympathy action – which is where workers go on strike in sympathy with people who work for a different employer – are illegal, and so is striking for a wider political or social interests. The Trade Union Bill in 2016 put further restrictions on industrial action by requiring trade unions to meet a voter turnout threshold when holding ballots to strike and must give employers a fortnight’s notice.

In light of this, the Trades Union Congress passed a motion to support workers engaging in a “30-minute working campaign action” on September 20. The Universities College Union tabled a motion calling for trade unions to support a 30-minute workday stoppage to coincide with the global school student strike.

The wording is significant here. Other unions were concerned about the legality of saying “stoppage” without a ballot. Union laws make it difficult to obtain a legal ballot over climate change and even if a union could find a way (such as its impact on health and safety) they would need to adhere to 50% voter turnout thresholds and strict timetables before being able to take industrial action.

Another worry is that taking strike action could put union members at risk of victimisation by their employers. This is a legitimate worry. Union members going on strike risk being a breach of contract if they take action (especially without holding a ballot), and losing their jobs. Workers who are not union members risk having no immunity at all.

Trade Union Support 
 
One thing trade unions can do to back those who want to strike demonstrates that there is widespread support for this action. This will make employers less likely to take action against workers for striking for fear of looking bad in the eyes of employees and the wider public.

Unions can do this by framing climate change both as a class issue – the poorest in the world are the most likely to suffer from the effects of climate change – and as a moral imperative. It is not a given that the issue of climate change will trump the desire for profit at any cost. “Greenwashing”, where companies pay lip service to environmentalism, may be as far as some companies go, but this could be unsustainable if workers become more climate-conscious.

All of us experience the effects of climate change. If employers fail to support this cause, it is a bleak day – not for workers, but for the human race.

The Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group argues that “Trade union history is filled with examples of workers breaking laws to ensure that society can progress. When a law is unjust it’s the duty of the trade union movement to challenge that law”.

History shows the power of trade unions for progressive change, from the Ford Dagenham women’s strike and its influence on the Equal Pay Act in 1970 to the understated work by UNISON to scrap employment tribunal fees, allowing greater access to justice for all workers. Trade unions need to take bold action once again – not only to embed climate change as a union issue, but also to shift the balance of power in favour of those promoting a more sustainable future.

(Heather Connolly is Associate Professor of Employment Relations, University of Leicester)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/climate-strikes-how-to-take-part-and-how-trade-unions-can-help-123627">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Heather Connolly A week of strikes and coordinated action across the world is planned for September 20-27 to demand that governments around the world take decisive action to combat climate change, ahead of a major United Nations summit in New York on September 27.

By Heather Connolly A week of strikes and coordinated action across the world is planned for September 20-27 to demand that governments around the world take decisive action to combat climate change, ahead of a major United Nations summit in New York on September 27. Millions are expected to take to the streets across the world in this collective call to action. If you’re thinking of striking, there are a few things to bear in mind, particularly if your employer is not supportive of you taking to the streets during working hours. Here, would-be strikers can look to trade unions for support and inspiration, and understand that in order to achieve progressive change and combat the climate crisis, workers need to help build a movement powerful enough to challenge the status quo. Some organisations – both public and private employers – have come out in support of their workforce taking action against climate change. In the UK, this includes local councils, universities and employers in the creative industries. But the level of support varies, with some employers telling workers they need to take time off if they want to support the action, or arranging activities during sanctioned work breaks to coincide with the action. If companies claim to be ethical and responsible employers they may want to be seen to be supporting their staff’s wishes – even if this means taking the hit on productivity in the short term. Workers can use their company’s claims about social responsibility to leverage them to support striking. From the perspective of managing human resources, there is evidence that supporting these campaigns could lead to better recruitment and retention of staff and even behaviour at work. But this is more likely in professional occupations than low-skilled jobs where this is less of a concern as workers are easily replaceable. Taking Up the Call Trade unions in many countries have taken up the call. The International and European Trade Union Confederations spoke out in favour of solidarity actions under the banner of a “just transition” – moving to a carbon-neutral economy in a way that is fair to people working in industries that will be required to change. But the International Trade Union Confederation clearly frames action as taking place “within the constraint of the law” and that strikes, stoppages and demonstrations should take place “where the law allows”. This makes things difficult in many countries that have heavily restrictive strike laws – including the UK. Laws introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1980s were designed to curb industrial action. Secondary or sympathy action – which is where workers go on strike in sympathy with people who work for a different employer – are illegal, and so is striking for a wider political or social interests. The Trade Union Bill in 2016 put further restrictions on industrial action by requiring trade unions to meet a voter turnout threshold when holding ballots to strike and must give employers a fortnight’s notice. In light of this, the Trades Union Congress passed a motion to support workers engaging in a “30-minute working campaign action” on September 20. The Universities College Union tabled a motion calling for trade unions to support a 30-minute workday stoppage to coincide with the global school student strike. The wording is significant here. Other unions were concerned about the legality of saying “stoppage” without a ballot. Union laws make it difficult to obtain a legal ballot over climate change and even if a union could find a way (such as its impact on health and safety) they would need to adhere to 50% voter turnout thresholds and strict timetables before being able to take industrial action. Another worry is that taking strike action could put union members at risk of victimisation by their employers. This is a legitimate worry. Union members going on strike risk being a breach of contract if they take action (especially without holding a ballot), and losing their jobs. Workers who are not union members risk having no immunity at all. Trade Union Support One thing trade unions can do to back those who want to strike demonstrates that there is widespread support for this action. This will make employers less likely to take action against workers for striking for fear of looking bad in the eyes of employees and the wider public. Unions can do this by framing climate change both as a class issue – the poorest in the world are the most likely to suffer from the effects of climate change – and as a moral imperative. It is not a given that the issue of climate change will trump the desire for profit at any cost. “Greenwashing”, where companies pay lip service to environmentalism, may be as far as some companies go, but this could be unsustainable if workers become more climate-conscious. All of us experience the effects of climate change. If employers fail to support this cause, it is a bleak day – not for workers, but for the human race. The Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group argues that “Trade union history is filled with examples of workers breaking laws to ensure that society can progress. When a law is unjust it’s the duty of the trade union movement to challenge that law”. History shows the power of trade unions for progressive change, from the Ford Dagenham women’s strike and its influence on the Equal Pay Act in 1970 to the understated work by UNISON to scrap employment tribunal fees, allowing greater access to justice for all workers. Trade unions need to take bold action once again – not only to embed climate change as a union issue, but also to shift the balance of power in favour of those promoting a more sustainable future. (Heather Connolly is Associate Professor of Employment Relations, University of Leicester) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Climate strikes: how to take part and how trade unions can help

New Orleans residents braces for flooded streets as harsh weather conditions hit the city. Louisiana declares flood emergency in Louisiana across the state as it prepares for a storm which might become hurricane.

Severe storms trigger flood emergency in Louisiana

At least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured after stormy weather hit southern Nepal, destroying houses, uprooting trees and toppling electricity poles, officials said.

The thunderstorm swept through the district of Bara and adjoining areas late Sunday, Bara's police chief Sanu Ram Bhattarai told AFP.

"At least 25 people have been killed and many injured. Search and rescue workers have been deployed," Bhattarai said, warning that the toll may rise, with information about the disaster still coming in.

Prime minister KP Sharma Oli expressed his condolences in a tweet and said that as well as the 25 killed, around 400 were injured.&nbsp;

"Helicopters are on standby for necessary rescue and relief tomorrow morning," Oli said.&nbsp;

Storms causing such high casualties in spring are rare in Nepal. 
&nbsp;

At least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured after stormy weather hit southern Nepal, destroying houses, uprooting trees and toppling electricity poles, officials said.

At least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured after stormy weather hit southern Nepal, destroying houses, uprooting trees and toppling electricity poles, officials said. The thunderstorm swept through the district of Bara and adjoining areas late Sunday, Bara's police chief Sanu Ram Bhattarai told AFP. "At least 25 people have been killed and many injured. Search and rescue workers have been deployed," Bhattarai said, warning that the toll may rise, with information about the disaster still coming in. Prime minister KP Sharma Oli expressed his condolences in a tweet and said that as well as the 25 killed, around 400 were injured. "Helicopters are on standby for necessary rescue and relief tomorrow morning," Oli said. Storms causing such high casualties in spring are rare in Nepal.

At least 25 dead, around 400 injured in Nepal storms: KP Oli

A freak storm tore down houses and overturned cars and trucks as it swept across southern Nepal &nbsp;killing at least 27 people and leaving more than 600 injured, officials said Monday.

The rare spring storm battered the rural district of Bara and adjoining areas late Sunday. Five children were among the dead, the home ministry said, and a major operation was underway Monday to get relief supplies to the region and evacuate injured.

The winds were so fierce that they overturned a bus carrying passengers, witnesses said. Houses, trees and electricity pylons were all toppled in the storm.

Injured victims flocked to local hospitals who were unable to cope and at least seven people were airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment.

"I've never seen anything like this. The winds took away everything, my home and my family," Ram Babu Patel, 45, whose wife was killed in the storm, told AFP by telephone.

"I was at home getting ready for dinner when the storm hit -- it was unbelievable. We have nothing left."&nbsp;

Many of the victims were crushed to death under the debris of their houses or by fallen trees and poles. The strong winds overturned parked cars on the roads.&nbsp;

Prakash Tharu, a volunteer in Bara district hit hard by the storm, described the scene of devastation in the villages.

"The storm destroyed everything in its path. Houses have no roofs and trees are all down," Tharu said.

"There is a desperate need for food and relief."

Rescuers struggled to reach many settlements blocked by fallen trees and electricity poles.&nbsp;

"Security bodies including the army have been working intensely since Sunday night on rescues and relief," said Rajesh Poudel, Bara's district chief.

Every year hundreds die in landslides and floods during Nepal's monsoon season, but storms causing such high casualties in spring are rare.

Nepal's difficult terrain and limited infrastructure often leaves emergency workers struggling to reach far-flung areas.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed his condolences and said that the government would do its best for treatment of the injured.&nbsp;

The provincial government has announced free treatment and a financial assistance of 300,000 rupees ($2,710) for families of the dead. 
&nbsp;

A freak storm tore down houses and overturned cars and trucks as it swept across southern Nepal killing at least 27 people and leaving more than 600 injured, officials said Monday.

A freak storm tore down houses and overturned cars and trucks as it swept across southern Nepal killing at least 27 people and leaving more than 600 injured, officials said Monday. The rare spring storm battered the rural district of Bara and adjoining areas late Sunday. Five children were among the dead, the home ministry said, and a major operation was underway Monday to get relief supplies to the region and evacuate injured. The winds were so fierce that they overturned a bus carrying passengers, witnesses said. Houses, trees and electricity pylons were all toppled in the storm. Injured victims flocked to local hospitals who were unable to cope and at least seven people were airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment. "I've never seen anything like this. The winds took away everything, my home and my family," Ram Babu Patel, 45, whose wife was killed in the storm, told AFP by telephone. "I was at home getting ready for dinner when the storm hit -- it was unbelievable. We have nothing left." Many of the victims were crushed to death under the debris of their houses or by fallen trees and poles. The strong winds overturned parked cars on the roads. Prakash Tharu, a volunteer in Bara district hit hard by the storm, described the scene of devastation in the villages. "The storm destroyed everything in its path. Houses have no roofs and trees are all down," Tharu said. "There is a desperate need for food and relief." Rescuers struggled to reach many settlements blocked by fallen trees and electricity poles. "Security bodies including the army have been working intensely since Sunday night on rescues and relief," said Rajesh Poudel, Bara's district chief. Every year hundreds die in landslides and floods during Nepal's monsoon season, but storms causing such high casualties in spring are rare. Nepal's difficult terrain and limited infrastructure often leaves emergency workers struggling to reach far-flung areas. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed his condolences and said that the government would do its best for treatment of the injured. The provincial government has announced free treatment and a financial assistance of 300,000 rupees ($2,710) for families of the dead.

At least 27 dead, over 600 injured after storm hit southern Nepal

The message emerging out of last year is loud and clear. Extreme weather events are on a rise in the country and we must plan and prepare for erratic weather patterns that are the new ‘normal’.&nbsp;

Almost every month of the last year had one or the other “unprecedented” weather events. We had hailstorms, unseasonal rainfall, strong thunderstorms and lightning, floods and droughts, long dry spells, cyclones, and both our monsoons — southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon — were below normal. Also, average temperature over the country was “significantly above normal”, making 2018 the sixth warmest year on record since 1901.

Early last year, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh were hit by unseasonal rains and hailstorms that damaged standing rabi (winter) crops in over 4.76 lakh hectares. Maharashtra is prone to hailstorms, as documented in a countrywide analysis of hailstorms between 1985 and 2015 by the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Pune office.&nbsp;

But, as scientists at the Met department point out, “From 2013, there is prolonged persistence of hailstorms in the state, causing extensive damage.” Hailstorms now affect a larger area in the state over several days. There are concerns over the increasing size of hail too.

After hailstorms, large parts of the country faced a series of extremely strong thunderstorms and dust storms. Down To Earth, a fortnightly documented how 44 intense thunderstorms struck over 16 states killing 423 people, which was “unprecedented”. Thunderstorms were accompanied by lightning strikes that destroyed properties and killed people. Data of the National Crime Records Bureau shows the average number of people dying of lightning strikes every year between 2006 and 2015 was about 50 per cent higher than the decade before. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune have examined satellite data between 1990 and 2013 and found a two to three per cent increase in lightning strikes in the country.

Last year witnessed another set of extremities — floods and droughts. Flood and heavy rain-related incidents killed over 800 people during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. In its long-range forecast of the southwest monsoon (June to September) and northeast monsoon (October to December), the Met department had predicted normal monsoon rainfall. However, a ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall, along with erratic rains induced floods and droughts in several states. For instance, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, etc., suffered floods during the southwest monsoon season. But, these states are now staring at an acute drought. Several other states — Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc — have officially declared a drought too. Also, the last northeast monsoon rainfall has been “substantially below normal” and sixth lowest since 1901.

M Rajeevan, secretary, Union ministry of earth sciences, rightly points out that 2018 has been a year of many disasters. And as global warming continues, there should be an increase in the frequency of these disasters because of larger variability on both the sides. Therefore, we should expect more floods as well as more deficient rains (droughts), and need to prepare for such a state of the climate.

&nbsp;Interestingly, in spite of both monsoons being deficient, 15 depressions and four cyclones hit the Indian coast last year. There are several research studies that link changing the climate to an increasing frequency of intense tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean. Data of 122 years of tropical cyclone frequency over the north Indian Ocean from 1877 to 1998 shows “there is indeed a trend in the enhanced cyclogenesis during November and May”. There has been a two-fold increase in the tropical cyclone frequency over the Bay of Bengal, a 17 per cent increase in the intensification rate of cyclonic disturbances to the cyclone stage, and a 25 per cent increase to severe cyclone stage over the north Indian Ocean during November in the past 122 years, the study noted.

Analysis by Down To Earth suggests that extreme weather events have increased from just one during 1900-1910 to 61 during 1971-80. And that number almost tripled to 162 during 2001-2010.

Whereas no single extreme weather event can be attributed to climate change, it is also true that the increased frequency and intensity of these extreme events are due to human-induced climate change. Extreme rainfall, extreme heat, extreme thunderstorms, extreme cold waves, extreme tropical storms are the new “normal”. And we need adaptation strategies and disaster response plans to face exigencies arising out of this new ‘normal’.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-extreme-weather-events-have-become-the-new-normal-2713527">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The message emerging out of last year is loud and clear. Extreme weather events are on a rise in the country and we must plan and prepare for erratic weather patterns that are the new ‘normal’.

The message emerging out of last year is loud and clear. Extreme weather events are on a rise in the country and we must plan and prepare for erratic weather patterns that are the new ‘normal’. Almost every month of the last year had one or the other “unprecedented” weather events. We had hailstorms, unseasonal rainfall, strong thunderstorms and lightning, floods and droughts, long dry spells, cyclones, and both our monsoons — southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon — were below normal. Also, average temperature over the country was “significantly above normal”, making 2018 the sixth warmest year on record since 1901. Early last year, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh were hit by unseasonal rains and hailstorms that damaged standing rabi (winter) crops in over 4.76 lakh hectares. Maharashtra is prone to hailstorms, as documented in a countrywide analysis of hailstorms between 1985 and 2015 by the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Pune office. But, as scientists at the Met department point out, “From 2013, there is prolonged persistence of hailstorms in the state, causing extensive damage.” Hailstorms now affect a larger area in the state over several days. There are concerns over the increasing size of hail too. After hailstorms, large parts of the country faced a series of extremely strong thunderstorms and dust storms. Down To Earth, a fortnightly documented how 44 intense thunderstorms struck over 16 states killing 423 people, which was “unprecedented”. Thunderstorms were accompanied by lightning strikes that destroyed properties and killed people. Data of the National Crime Records Bureau shows the average number of people dying of lightning strikes every year between 2006 and 2015 was about 50 per cent higher than the decade before. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune have examined satellite data between 1990 and 2013 and found a two to three per cent increase in lightning strikes in the country. Last year witnessed another set of extremities — floods and droughts. Flood and heavy rain-related incidents killed over 800 people during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. In its long-range forecast of the southwest monsoon (June to September) and northeast monsoon (October to December), the Met department had predicted normal monsoon rainfall. However, a ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall, along with erratic rains induced floods and droughts in several states. For instance, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, etc., suffered floods during the southwest monsoon season. But, these states are now staring at an acute drought. Several other states — Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc — have officially declared a drought too. Also, the last northeast monsoon rainfall has been “substantially below normal” and sixth lowest since 1901. M Rajeevan, secretary, Union ministry of earth sciences, rightly points out that 2018 has been a year of many disasters. And as global warming continues, there should be an increase in the frequency of these disasters because of larger variability on both the sides. Therefore, we should expect more floods as well as more deficient rains (droughts), and need to prepare for such a state of the climate. Interestingly, in spite of both monsoons being deficient, 15 depressions and four cyclones hit the Indian coast last year. There are several research studies that link changing the climate to an increasing frequency of intense tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean. Data of 122 years of tropical cyclone frequency over the north Indian Ocean from 1877 to 1998 shows “there is indeed a trend in the enhanced cyclogenesis during November and May”. There has been a two-fold increase in the tropical cyclone frequency over the Bay of Bengal, a 17 per cent increase in the intensification rate of cyclonic disturbances to the cyclone stage, and a 25 per cent increase to severe cyclone stage over the north Indian Ocean during November in the past 122 years, the study noted. Analysis by Down To Earth suggests that extreme weather events have increased from just one during 1900-1910 to 61 during 1971-80. And that number almost tripled to 162 during 2001-2010. Whereas no single extreme weather event can be attributed to climate change, it is also true that the increased frequency and intensity of these extreme events are due to human-induced climate change. Extreme rainfall, extreme heat, extreme thunderstorms, extreme cold waves, extreme tropical storms are the new “normal”. And we need adaptation strategies and disaster response plans to face exigencies arising out of this new ‘normal’. (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)

Extreme weather events have become the new ‘normal’

Big Pacific storms are set to dump up to seven feet (2.1 meters) of snow in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/california-police-use-genealogy-websites-to-arrest-suspect-in-1990s-rapes-189698&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjb5bjWvPHfAhXLgI8KHaO_DNAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1LDPW6_X1njSfGUVNduApC">California</a>'s Sierra Nevada mountains and several inches of rain elsewhere in the state, forcing evacuations in areas at risk to mudslides.

The first storm moved over Southern California on Tuesday, with rainfall of up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) expected in parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and up to 4.5 inches (11.4) in the Santa Monica Mountains, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported.

Police in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties ordered evacuations from areas damaged by last year's wildfires because of the risk heavy rain would trigger mud and debris flows on charred hillsides.

Significant road closures and travel delays were possible in the Los Angeles area given risks of flash flooding and rockslides, the NWS reported.

An even bigger storm was brewing out at sea and set to hit the coast on Wednesday, Accuweather reported.

Areas north of Santa Barbara were likely to see up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) of rain. As much as seven feet of snow was possible over 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

"The big one is still out in the middle of the Pacific," said AccuWeather meteorologist John Gresiak. "It`s a very powerful storm."

The weather is a boon for California`s farmers and ski areas, given most of the state is recovering from years of drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor.&nbsp;

The wild weather is the result of moisture-laden winds from the Pacific known as "atmospheric rivers."&nbsp;

The first storm will reach the U.S. Midwest and Northeast on Thursday and Friday, gathering more moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. The second storm will hit the central and eastern United States through the weekend, Gresiak said.

Big Pacific storms are set to dump up to seven feet (2.1 meters) of snow in California's Sierra Nevada mountains and several inches of rain elsewhere in the state, forcing evacuations in areas at risk to mudslides.

Big Pacific storms are set to dump up to seven feet (2.1 meters) of snow in California's Sierra Nevada mountains and several inches of rain elsewhere in the state, forcing evacuations in areas at risk to mudslides. The first storm moved over Southern California on Tuesday, with rainfall of up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) expected in parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and up to 4.5 inches (11.4) in the Santa Monica Mountains, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported. Police in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties ordered evacuations from areas damaged by last year's wildfires because of the risk heavy rain would trigger mud and debris flows on charred hillsides. Significant road closures and travel delays were possible in the Los Angeles area given risks of flash flooding and rockslides, the NWS reported. An even bigger storm was brewing out at sea and set to hit the coast on Wednesday, Accuweather reported. Areas north of Santa Barbara were likely to see up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) of rain. As much as seven feet of snow was possible over 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) in the Sierra Nevada mountains. "The big one is still out in the middle of the Pacific," said AccuWeather meteorologist John Gresiak. "It`s a very powerful storm." The weather is a boon for California`s farmers and ski areas, given most of the state is recovering from years of drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor. The wild weather is the result of moisture-laden winds from the Pacific known as "atmospheric rivers." The first storm will reach the U.S. Midwest and Northeast on Thursday and Friday, gathering more moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. The second storm will hit the central and eastern United States through the weekend, Gresiak said.

California storms to dump up to 7 feet snow

Thousands of people displaced by California's most destructive wildfire, including hundreds living in tents and cars, face heavy rains next week that could trigger dangerous floods and mudslides, while helping douse the flames.

At least 300 people who fled the Camp Fire were sheltering on Friday in the flood-prone parking lot of a Walmart in Chico, about 15 miles (24 km) west of where the blaze consumed the mountain town of Paradise on November&nbsp;8.

More than 1,000 are missing, according to police. The remains of at least 71 people have been identified so far.

A rain storm is forecast to hit next week and so authorities are asking people to leave the Walmart lot by Sunday afternoon, said Bryan May, a spokesman for the California Office of Emergency Services.

Hillsides that have been scorched by a wildfire are at risk for mudslides when it rains, experts say. The flames burn away vegetation that holds the soil in place and bake a waxy layer into the earth that prevents water from sinking more than a few inches into the ground.

Authorities say they have enough shelter space to provide a bed for everyone who wants one, but they acknowledge challenges ahead in finding more long-term housing for the displaced.

May said it was not clear exactly how many people are in need of housing, but at the height of the Camp Fire authorities had ordered more than 52,000 people to evacuate.

A survey found only 100 housing units available for rent in all of Butte County, where the fire has been burning, May said.

Already, more than 1,100 people are bunking at shelters in the area, according to the Red Cross, and countless more are staying with friends and family.

The fire forced caregiver Robin Tompkins, 43, and her family from their home in the town of Magalia, north of Paradise. Friends let them stay for a week, but now the family needs to find other accommodation, she said at an evacuee relief station in the Chico Walmart parking lot.

Her husband Timothy, who works as a cook at a Chico cafe, was frustrated by the lack of information about how long he might be kept from returning to Magalia.

"I keep hearing different things: a month, four months, a year. We just want to get home," he said.

Randy Greb, 61, was camping in a tent in the parking lot after his home in Paradise was destroyed.

"I lost everything. I've got the clothes I got, but people have been nice and really helping us," Greb said. "Everybody has been doing their best."

The Walmart tent village is the largest of several outdoor encampments of refugees from the Camp Fire.

Some displaced people prefer to remain outdoors because they want to stay with their pets, which many shelters say they cannot accept, or are concerned about losing their privacy, May said.

But authorities are encouraging them to camp near a shelter so they can access services for hygiene and other needs, such as free diapers and Clorox wipes.

Given the shortage of suitable housing, attention has turned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

It has said that it is working with state and local officials to evaluate options, and is considering using travel trailers to house some of the displaced.

Last year, after a deadly wildfire destroyed hundreds of homes in the San Francisco Bay Area town of Santa Rosa, FEMA trailers were used to house some of the displaced.

Among the thousands who have applied for help from FEMA is Linda Harned, 63, a retired caregiver who lost the home that she shared with her husband and several relatives in Magalia.

"I'm depressed and upset," Harned said at the relief station outside the Walmart in Chico. "It's hard. I never knew how much I loved my house."

Thousands of people displaced by California's most destructive wildfire, including hundreds living in tents and cars, face heavy rains next week that could trigger dangerous floods and mudslides, while helping douse the flames.

Thousands of people displaced by California's most destructive wildfire, including hundreds living in tents and cars, face heavy rains next week that could trigger dangerous floods and mudslides, while helping douse the flames. At least 300 people who fled the Camp Fire were sheltering on Friday in the flood-prone parking lot of a Walmart in Chico, about 15 miles (24 km) west of where the blaze consumed the mountain town of Paradise on November 8. More than 1,000 are missing, according to police. The remains of at least 71 people have been identified so far. A rain storm is forecast to hit next week and so authorities are asking people to leave the Walmart lot by Sunday afternoon, said Bryan May, a spokesman for the California Office of Emergency Services. Hillsides that have been scorched by a wildfire are at risk for mudslides when it rains, experts say. The flames burn away vegetation that holds the soil in place and bake a waxy layer into the earth that prevents water from sinking more than a few inches into the ground. Authorities say they have enough shelter space to provide a bed for everyone who wants one, but they acknowledge challenges ahead in finding more long-term housing for the displaced. May said it was not clear exactly how many people are in need of housing, but at the height of the Camp Fire authorities had ordered more than 52,000 people to evacuate. A survey found only 100 housing units available for rent in all of Butte County, where the fire has been burning, May said. Already, more than 1,100 people are bunking at shelters in the area, according to the Red Cross, and countless more are staying with friends and family. The fire forced caregiver Robin Tompkins, 43, and her family from their home in the town of Magalia, north of Paradise. Friends let them stay for a week, but now the family needs to find other accommodation, she said at an evacuee relief station in the Chico Walmart parking lot. Her husband Timothy, who works as a cook at a Chico cafe, was frustrated by the lack of information about how long he might be kept from returning to Magalia. "I keep hearing different things: a month, four months, a year. We just want to get home," he said. Randy Greb, 61, was camping in a tent in the parking lot after his home in Paradise was destroyed. "I lost everything. I've got the clothes I got, but people have been nice and really helping us," Greb said. "Everybody has been doing their best." The Walmart tent village is the largest of several outdoor encampments of refugees from the Camp Fire. Some displaced people prefer to remain outdoors because they want to stay with their pets, which many shelters say they cannot accept, or are concerned about losing their privacy, May said. But authorities are encouraging them to camp near a shelter so they can access services for hygiene and other needs, such as free diapers and Clorox wipes. Given the shortage of suitable housing, attention has turned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It has said that it is working with state and local officials to evaluate options, and is considering using travel trailers to house some of the displaced. Last year, after a deadly wildfire destroyed hundreds of homes in the San Francisco Bay Area town of Santa Rosa, FEMA trailers were used to house some of the displaced. Among the thousands who have applied for help from FEMA is Linda Harned, 63, a retired caregiver who lost the home that she shared with her husband and several relatives in Magalia. "I'm depressed and upset," Harned said at the relief station outside the Walmart in Chico. "It's hard. I never knew how much I loved my house."

Rain storms could bring more misery for California fire evacuees

After the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-785-billion-down-payment-for-hurricane-harvey-relief-19800">devastating Hurricane Harvey in Texas</a>, Hurricane Irma took over Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and the northern Caribbean.

It is one of the most forceful <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-harvey-storm-emerges-in-texas-louisiana-19482">Atlantic storms in a century--a catastrophic blend</a> of ferocious winds, surf, and life-threatening rain.

The eye of the storm is packed with terrifying winds speeding at 295 km per hour. According to the US National Hurricane Center, Irma was expected to sweep through the northern Leeward Islands, east of Puerto Rico on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, making it to Florida landfall on Saturday.

This comes at a time when Texas and Louisiana still struggle to manage the damage done by Hurricane Harvey. The Category 4 hurricane hit Texas on August 25. An estimated 60 people were killed and more than 1 million were displaced.

According to the White House, President Trump has approved pre-landfall emergency declarations for the alerted areas, deploying federal disaster relief efforts in all jurisdictions ahead of Irma&#39;s arrival.

Workers in Puerto Rico&#39;s capital, San Juan, hurry to cover windows with plywood and corrugated metal shutters along Avenida Ashford, a stretch of restaurants, hotels and six-story apartments.

&quot;I am worried because this is the biggest storm we have seen here,&quot;Jonathan Negron, 41, told Reuters as he supervised workers boarding up his souvenir shop.

Irma has made tourists reconsider vacation plans.

&quot;I just got off the plane, and I already want to leave. I do not want to be here for this storm,&quot; Watkins said. Pointing to boarded-up oceanfront windows, she said, &quot;I see everything covered up like that and it makes me nervous,&quot; 52-year-old Denise Watkins from Texas told Reuters.

At 8 pm Eastern Time, Irma was 140 km east of Antigua in the eastern Caribbean and moving west at 24 km per hour. Maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, with hurricane-force winds extending 95 km from the storm&#39;s center.

A rare, Category 5 hurricane

The storm was upgraded to a Category 5, the highest NHC designation. While some fluctuations in intensity are likely, Irma is expected to remain a Category 4 or 5 for the next couple of days.

Only three Category 5 storms have ever hit the US. A category 5 Atlantic hurricane encompasses 32 tropical cyclones.

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello urged the 3.4 million residents to seek refuge in one of 460 hurricane shelters in advance of the storm. Police has been instructed to evacuate the flood-prone areas in the north and east of the island.

&quot;This is something without precedent,&quot; sad Rossello. Police later confirmed that a 75-year-old man died while preparing for the storm in the island&#39;s central mountains.

Authorities in the Florida Keys ordered a mandatory evacuation of the island. Public schools throughout South Florida were ordered closed.

Julia Nu&ntilde;ez Rodriguez, a single mother of three who lives north of Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, was most worried about the potentially high death toll. &quot;I&#39;m hoping and praying for the best,&quot; she told Reuters.

Flights to the region have been cancelled and American Airlines have added three extra flights to Miami from San Juan, St. Kitts and St. Maarten.

The Atlantic hurricane season ends on November 30.

The eye of the storm is packed with terrifying winds speeding at 295 km per hour

After the devastating Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Irma took over Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and the northern Caribbean. It is one of the most forceful Atlantic storms in a century--a catastrophic blend of ferocious winds, surf, and life-threatening rain. The eye of the storm is packed with terrifying winds speeding at 295 km per hour. According to the US National Hurricane Center, Irma was expected to sweep through the northern Leeward Islands, east of Puerto Rico on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, making it to Florida landfall on Saturday. This comes at a time when Texas and Louisiana still struggle to manage the damage done by Hurricane Harvey. The Category 4 hurricane hit Texas on August 25. An estimated 60 people were killed and more than 1 million were displaced. According to the White House, President Trump has approved pre-landfall emergency declarations for the alerted areas, deploying federal disaster relief efforts in all jurisdictions ahead of Irma's arrival. Workers in Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, hurry to cover windows with plywood and corrugated metal shutters along Avenida Ashford, a stretch of restaurants, hotels and six-story apartments. "I am worried because this is the biggest storm we have seen here,"Jonathan Negron, 41, told Reuters as he supervised workers boarding up his souvenir shop. Irma has made tourists reconsider vacation plans. "I just got off the plane, and I already want to leave. I do not want to be here for this storm," Watkins said. Pointing to boarded-up oceanfront windows, she said, "I see everything covered up like that and it makes me nervous," 52-year-old Denise Watkins from Texas told Reuters. At 8 pm Eastern Time, Irma was 140 km east of Antigua in the eastern Caribbean and moving west at 24 km per hour. Maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, with hurricane-force winds extending 95 km from the storm's center. A rare, Category 5 hurricane The storm was upgraded to a Category 5, the highest NHC designation. While some fluctuations in intensity are likely, Irma is expected to remain a Category 4 or 5 for the next couple of days. Only three Category 5 storms have ever hit the US. A category 5 Atlantic hurricane encompasses 32 tropical cyclones. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello urged the 3.4 million residents to seek refuge in one of 460 hurricane shelters in advance of the storm. Police has been instructed to evacuate the flood-prone areas in the north and east of the island. "This is something without precedent," sad Rossello. Police later confirmed that a 75-year-old man died while preparing for the storm in the island's central mountains. Authorities in the Florida Keys ordered a mandatory evacuation of the island. Public schools throughout South Florida were ordered closed. Julia Nuñez Rodriguez, a single mother of three who lives north of Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, was most worried about the potentially high death toll. "I'm hoping and praying for the best," she told Reuters. Flights to the region have been cancelled and American Airlines have added three extra flights to Miami from San Juan, St. Kitts and St. Maarten. The Atlantic hurricane season ends on November 30.

Hurricane Irma: Most ferocious Atlantic storm in history

At least 16 people have been killed after powerful weekend storms tore through the southeastern US state of Georgia, media reported on Sunday.

A rural part of south-central Georgia was hardest hit, including a trailer park where seven people were killed, Cook County coroner Tim Purvis told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Atlanta TV channel WSB reported, meanwhile, that another four people were killed elsewhere in the state, along with 23 others who were injured.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported extensive damage in some parts of Georgia, with numerous felled trees and downed power lines in several counties.

Although the storms have passed, authorities warned that a second line of severe weather is advancing, with the threat of more heavy rain and powerful winds.

The National Weather Service warned of an &quot;increased threat of strong, long-track tornadoes,&quot; that could hit northern and central Georgia Sunday evening.

Some areas have already received four inches (10 centimeters) of rain and could get up to three additional inches, the NWS said.

(AFP)

Although the storms have passed, authorities warned that a second line of severe weather is advancing

At least 16 people have been killed after powerful weekend storms tore through the southeastern US state of Georgia, media reported on Sunday. A rural part of south-central Georgia was hardest hit, including a trailer park where seven people were killed, Cook County coroner Tim Purvis told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta TV channel WSB reported, meanwhile, that another four people were killed elsewhere in the state, along with 23 others who were injured. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported extensive damage in some parts of Georgia, with numerous felled trees and downed power lines in several counties. Although the storms have passed, authorities warned that a second line of severe weather is advancing, with the threat of more heavy rain and powerful winds. The National Weather Service warned of an "increased threat of strong, long-track tornadoes," that could hit northern and central Georgia Sunday evening. Some areas have already received four inches (10 centimeters) of rain and could get up to three additional inches, the NWS said. (AFP)

At least 16 killed in powerful Georgia storms

Four people died and several more were injured in southern Germany after violent storms with torrential rains caused severe flooding, authorities said on Monday. 
 
One of those killed was a 13-year-old girl who was hit by a train Sunday while seeking shelter from the rains under a railway bridge. 
A boy, 12, who was with her was not physically injured but had to receive trauma counselling, said police in the southern city of Aalen.&nbsp; 
 
In Schwaebisch Gmuend near the city of Stuttgart, a volunteer firefighter died on Sunday trying to rescue a man trapped in a shaft of a flooded railway station, municipal authorities said. 
The man who was trapped was also presumed dead although neither body has been recovered, according to local police. 
 
In Weissbach, just to the north, a 60-year-old man died in a flooded underground garage on the same day.&nbsp; 
 
The regional authorities in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg put the number of injured at around 10. 
 
A number of people had to be rescued from cars trapped in the floods. 
 
National news agency DPA said a river broke its banks in Braunsbach, destroying one house and damaging several others. 
Eyewitnesses posted videos on social network sites showing cars being carried away by the floods and crashing into shop windows. 
&nbsp; 
The head of one rural district in Schwaebisch Hall, Michael Knaus, said that more rain fell in the space of a few hours than normally falls over several months.&nbsp; 
 
State authorities said that as many as 7,000 firefighters, police and rescue workers were called out in some 2,200 incidents.&nbsp;

Four people died and several more were injured in southern Germany after violent storms with torrential rains caused severe flooding, authorities said on Monday.

Four people died and several more were injured in southern Germany after violent storms with torrential rains caused severe flooding, authorities said on Monday. One of those killed was a 13-year-old girl who was hit by a train Sunday while seeking shelter from the rains under a railway bridge. A boy, 12, who was with her was not physically injured but had to receive trauma counselling, said police in the southern city of Aalen. In Schwaebisch Gmuend near the city of Stuttgart, a volunteer firefighter died on Sunday trying to rescue a man trapped in a shaft of a flooded railway station, municipal authorities said. The man who was trapped was also presumed dead although neither body has been recovered, according to local police. In Weissbach, just to the north, a 60-year-old man died in a flooded underground garage on the same day. The regional authorities in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg put the number of injured at around 10. A number of people had to be rescued from cars trapped in the floods. National news agency DPA said a river broke its banks in Braunsbach, destroying one house and damaging several others. Eyewitnesses posted videos on social network sites showing cars being carried away by the floods and crashing into shop windows. The head of one rural district in Schwaebisch Hall, Michael Knaus, said that more rain fell in the space of a few hours than normally falls over several months. State authorities said that as many as 7,000 firefighters, police and rescue workers were called out in some 2,200 incidents.

Four dead in Germany floods

storms

Storms, News on Storms, stories on Storms, articles on Storms, Storms stories at Wion, Storms news, Storms latest news