The death toll from the devastating flash floods in the Turkish provinces of Şanlıurfa and Adıyaman has risen to 16. These provinces were severely affected by last month’s powerful earthquakes. Heavy rainfall since March 14, 2023, has disrupted normal life, with streets and hospitals being inundated and highways collapsing.
Northern Queensland is currently grappling with major flooding, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning of dangerously high levels in multiple rivers.
Peru has been hit hard by Cyclone Yaku over the past few days, with the country’s northern regions experiencing severe flooding and significant damage. The cyclone, which has caused at least six deaths, has been described by the director of civil defense, César Sierra, as an unusual phenomenon causing intensifying rains in the north.
Tropical Cyclone “Freddy” is delivering potentially catastrophic amounts of rainfall over the Quelimane region of Mozambique as the storm stalls just 30 km (18 miles) offshore with winds of 175 km/h (110 mph). Over the past couple of weeks, heavy rains and floods in Mozambique claimed the lives of at least 117 people.
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on March 7, 2023, leading to disrupted traffic, damaged roads, and casualties. As the city has been prone to flooding in recent years, officials have been discussing flood prevention measures, and President Mahama has emphasized the need for “drastic steps” to address the problem. However, with more heavy rainfall forecast over the next 24 hours, concerns remain about the potential for further damage and loss of life.
Heavy rain caused by Cyclone Yaku produced severe flooding and landslides in western Ecuador, resulting in the deaths of at least 3 people. The worst affected was Chone Canton in Manabí Province. The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru (Senamhi) described Yaku as an unusual and unorganized tropical cyclone.
Heavy rain and severe flooding in Malaysia have forced over 26 000 people to evacuate their homes, as rivers continue to rise above their danger marks. The southern state of Johor has been the worst hit, with more than 25 000 people moved to relief centers in schools and community halls. The country is experiencing its sixth episode of continuous heavy rain from the annual monsoon season that started in November, and the Meteorological Department has warned that the situation may continue until April.
Severe weather in Ecuador has led to the death of at least six people in recent days due to flooding and landslides, with a total of eleven fatalities recorded since the beginning of the year. The most affected provinces are Chimborazo, Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, Loja, Manabí, El Oro, and Guayas.
Remote communities in North Queensland are facing weeks of isolation as a “massive” logistical operation is underway to deliver supplies after heavy rainfall over the weekend. Despite being cut-off, graziers and locals have welcomed the rain, describing it as a “good flood.”
Heavy flooding in northern Romania caused severe damage to roads and disrupted rail services in Bistrita and Maramures counties. The deluge left homes and farmland flooded and triggered landslides.
