In less than six months Sydney, Australia has received more than a year’s worth of its average rainfall, making this the start of its sixth wettest winter since 1859. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts more rain over the next 7 days.
On Monday morning, June 24, 2024, flooding on the Blue Earth River breached the Rapidan Dam, prompting officials to declare an “imminent failure condition.” This followed debris accumulation identified on June 23, 2024, which led to emergency measures in North Mankato, including road closures and levee construction, with potential downstream impacts predicted to raise river levels by 15 to 60 cm (6 inches to 2 feet) toward Mankato.
On June 23, 2024, Europe experienced an unexpected outbreak of noctilucent clouds (NLCs) despite high solar activity, which typically inhibits NLC formation. Earth-orbiting satellites also detected the display, noting NLCs down to a latitude of 55° N over the British Isles.
Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall caused devastating floods and landslides in southeastern Switzerland on June 22, 2024, heavily impacting the canton of Grisons, particularly the Mesolcina Valley. The event left 1 person dead, 2 missing, and extensive damage to infrastructure.
South Dakota’s governor Kristi Noem confirmed one death on June 23, 2024, as record rainfall caused devastating floods across the Upper Midwest from June 22 to 24. Torrential rains across the region led to record-breaking river levels, extensive property damage, and evacuations. Iowa and Minnesota have declared emergencies, with Iowa’s floods surpassing 1993 levels. Numerous rivers, including the Big Sioux, are at historic highs, forcing evacuations and emergency rescues. Authorities warn that more rain could exacerbate the already severe flooding.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit Vanuatu at 08:03 UTC on June 24, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 156.7 km (97.4 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
In the pre-dawn hours of June 22, 2024, Rock Valley, Iowa, awoke to sirens and rising waters as the Rock River burst its banks, leaving the town scrambling to evacuate.
Heavy monsoon rains affecting Bangladesh since Wednesday, June 19, 2024, have left over 2 million people stranded and at least 10 dead. Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicts continued heavy rains which could potentially worsen the situation.
Heavy rains impacted several provinces in central China on June 23, 2024, causing floods and landslides that affected hundreds of thousands of people. At least 8 fatalities were reported after a landslide in Hunan Province. Local authorities have issued several alerts and are currently carrying out disaster control and rescue operations in high-risk regions.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit near the coast of Venezuela at 03:58 UTC on June 23, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 87.4 km (54.3 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 98 km (60 miles).
