Severe drought across northern Indiana after 3rd driest October in 127 years
The latest version of the U.S. Drought Monitor released on Thursday, October 31, 2024, showed most of northern Indiana is under severe drought conditions.
Ecuador’s energy crisis deepens amid historic drought and extended blackouts
Ecuador is facing a severe energy crisis caused by the worst drought in six decades drastically reducing water levels in reservoirs powering hydroelectric plants that supply over 70% of the nation’s electricity. Since October 23, 2024, power cuts have expanded from 8 to 14 hours per day, impacting cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, and causing economic losses of about $12 million per hour.
Widespread power cuts hit Ecuador as country battles severe energy crisis and worst drought in 61 years
Ecuador is experiencing a significant energy crisis, leading to widespread power outages and economic challenges. The crisis is primarily due to reduced water levels affecting hydroelectric power generation, which supplies a substantial portion of the country’s electricity.
Historic drought at Kariba Dam triggers severe power shortage in Zambia
Zambia is facing one of its worst electricity crises due to a severe drought affecting the region since January 2024. The drought has significantly reduced water levels at the Kariba Dam, leaving most of the hydroelectric turbines inoperable.
Rio Negro falls to record levels amid the Amazon drought
Ongoing drought and reduced rainfall in the Amazon Basin caused the water levels of the Rio Negro River to fall to 12.66 m (41.5 feet) on Friday, October 4, 2024, the lowest on record since 1902 when records began.
Amazon River basin experiencing worst drought on record
The Amazon River basin is experiencing its worst drought on record, with several riverbeds that were once waterways now drying up.
Natural disaster declared in 22 counties due to prolonged drought, Ohio
Twenty-two counties in Ohio have been officially designated as primary natural disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, due to prolonged drought conditions, allowing farmers to seek emergency loans for recovery efforts. Twenty-two counties in Ohio have been designated as a primary natural disaster area due to prolonged…
Crops failing as heatwave and extreme drought intensify in central and northern China
Central and northern China continues to grapple with a scorching summer, with temperatures in Henan and Hebei provinces reaching 43 °C (109 °F) or higher. An extreme drought warning is in effect and local governments were urged to take emergency measures and disperse all available water sources in the affected areas.
Historic floods, tenfold increase in wildfires and now a potential extreme drought make triple suffering for Brazil
After historic floods recently claimed 172 lives in coastal Brazil, the country now faces a new crisis as fires rage through the Pantanal wetlands. These fires have surged nearly tenfold compared to the same period last year, setting the stage for a potential catastrophe worse than the devastating fires of 2020. With severe to extreme drought conditions expected, the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
Historic drought impacting over 1 million ha (2.5 million acres) of crops, Zambia
Zambia is in the throes of an unprecedented drought, prompted by El Niño, resulting in the driest February recorded since 1981. This natural disaster has compelled the President to declare a state of emergency, with 84 districts suffering and over 1 million ha (2.47 million acres) of crops devastated, causing widespread shortages in essential resources including food and water.
