• Severe storms unleash tornadoes and extreme floods across Texas and Louisiana, U.S.

    A deadly severe weather outbreak hit the Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi Valley on April 10, 2024, with tornadoes, heavy rains, and high wind gusts. The storms caused at least one fatality in Mississippi and widespread destruction, including in New Orleans, which faced a Flash Flood Emergency. Investigations suggest the event might qualify as a serial derecho — a significant meteorological phenomenon.

  • 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.

  • Strong M6.5 earthquake hits northern Molucca Sea, Indonesia

    A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.5 hit the northern Molucca Sea, Indonesia at 09:48 UTC on April 9, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 33 km (20.5 miles); EMSC M6.6 at a depth of 35 km (21.7 miles).

  • Widespread record floods hit parts of Russia, flooding over 10 500 homes

    Severe flooding struck Russia’s Ural Mountains and Siberia, alongside parts of neighboring Kazakhstan since April 3, 2024, caused by rapid snow melt and heavy rainfall. The situation worsened after two dams broke near Orsk City on April 5, leading to record flood levels by April 7. The crisis has resulted in at least three deaths in Russia and more than 10 500 homes flooded. In Kazakhstan, two fatalities and nearly 75 000 displacements have been reported.