Explore

Kenyan Government Issues El Nino Alert, Prepares for Potential Disasters

Kenyan Government Issues El Nino Alert, Prepares for Potential Disasters

The Kenyan government has issued an alert for 18 counties at risk of being affected by a strong El Nino event expected to bring above-normal rainfall from October. The National Disaster Operations Centre has identified regions including the Coastal, Lake Basin, Rift Valley, and North Eastern areas as high-risk zones. Urban centers like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu are also on high alert due to potential flooding, infrastructure strain, and service disruptions. The government has mapped out areas vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, drought, and disease outbreaks, and is preparing response plans to mitigate these risks.

The Spokane fires are a warning, not a one-off | The Excerpt

The Spokane fires are a warning, not a one-off | The Excerpt

Recent deadly fires in Paradise, Lahaina, Los Angeles and now Spokane are a sign of the future for those living in or near fire-prone areas.

UK and France Brace for Fifth Heat Wave Amid Record Temperatures in Western Europe

UK and France Brace for Fifth Heat Wave Amid Record Temperatures in Western Europe

The U.K. and France are preparing for their fifth heat wave of the season, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C in southeastern France and 36°C in England. This follows a series of extreme heat events across Europe since May, contributing to wildfires, droughts, and record temperatures. The heat has led to thousands of projected heat-related deaths and significant impacts on health services. The year 2026 is on track to potentially become the hottest year on record, driven by human-caused global warming and a strong El Nino effect.

Flood Crisis in India's Assam Reaches Critical Point with 100 Deaths

Flood Crisis in India's Assam Reaches Critical Point with 100 Deaths

The flood situation in Assam, India, has reached a critical stage as the death toll has risen to 100. The floods, which began last month, have displaced over 700,000 people and submerged large areas of farmland, damaging infrastructure and disrupting livelihoods. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority reports that several rivers remain above danger levels, posing a risk of further flooding. Relief efforts are ongoing, with authorities assessing the damage and needs of affected populations. Many residents have started returning to their homes, although approximately 49,000 people remain in relief camps. The floods have also caused significant livestock losses, impacting rural communities and raising concerns about potential disease outbreaks.

Wildfires Near Reno, Nevada Force Thousands to Evacuate Amid High Temperatures and Drought

Wildfires Near Reno, Nevada Force Thousands to Evacuate Amid High Temperatures and Drought

Wildfires fueled by high temperatures and drought conditions have erupted near Reno, Nevada, leading to the evacuation of over 5,000 residents. The Bug Fire and Fred Mountain Fire have rapidly expanded, threatening homes and wildlife. Evacuation shelters are nearing capacity, and local hotels are offering discounted rates to those affected. The fires are part of a larger pattern of wildfires across the western United States, stretching firefighting resources thin.

France Faces Fifth Heat Wave Alert as Western Europe Sets New Temperature Records

France Faces Fifth Heat Wave Alert as Western Europe Sets New Temperature Records

France is preparing for its fifth heat wave alert of the season, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C in southeastern regions. This comes as part of a broader trend of extreme heat across Western Europe, which has been experiencing record-breaking temperatures since May. The persistent high-pressure systems have trapped heat over the region, exacerbating widespread drought conditions. In France, the heat waves have led to significant impacts, including thousands of excess deaths and severe agricultural damage. The situation is part of a larger pattern of climate change intensifying heat extremes, as noted by climate experts.

Pakistani Government Urged to Act as Hostages Held by Somali Pirates Issue Distress Call

Pakistani Government Urged to Act as Hostages Held by Somali Pirates Issue Distress Call

Pakistani hostages held by Somali pirates have issued a new distress message, appealing to the Pakistani government for their release. The hostages, including 10 Pakistanis, were aboard the MT Honour 25, a Palau-flagged oil tanker hijacked off the coast of Puntland, Somalia, on April 21. Despite over three months passing, negotiations or ransom payments have not progressed, and the hostages' health is reportedly deteriorating due to a lack of clean water, food, and medicine. The Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, expressed sympathy for the families and stated that efforts are being made for their release, involving various ministries and agencies. The situation is complicated by the autonomous region of Somalia where the hostages are held, and the tribal system influencing negotiations.

Netherlands Faces Severe Water Shortage Amid Drought and Heatwaves

Netherlands Faces Severe Water Shortage Amid Drought and Heatwaves

The Netherlands is grappling with a severe water shortage due to prolonged drought and heatwaves. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) reported that the country received only 13 millimeters of rainfall in July, significantly below the long-term average of 78 millimeters. The Rhine River, a major source of freshwater, is experiencing reduced water flow, with discharge levels at Lobith recorded at historic lows. The drought has led to the closure of locks on key waterways, disrupting inland shipping and causing economic losses. The situation is exacerbated by repeated heatwaves, increasing evaporation and further depleting water resources.

Puerto Rico Faces Severe Water Crisis Amid Drought Conditions

Puerto Rico Faces Severe Water Crisis Amid Drought Conditions

Puerto Rico is grappling with a severe water crisis as drought conditions persist across the island. Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon declared a state of emergency on July 31, citing falling reservoir levels and increased demand for potable water. FEMA has deployed water trailers to assist local efforts, with initial distribution planned for 30 days. Over 180,000 households are experiencing 48-hour water shutoffs and rationing in affected areas, including San Juan, Carolina, and Loiza. July marked the driest month in over 120 years for San Juan, and nearly 25% of the island is under severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Historic Wildfires Devastate Pacific Northwest Amid Prolonged Dry Conditions

Historic Wildfires Devastate Pacific Northwest Amid Prolonged Dry Conditions

The Pacific Northwest is grappling with an unprecedented wildfire season, with over 2.9 million acres (1.1 million hectares) burned across Washington and Oregon as of early August 2026. According to the US National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), 95 large blazes are currently active nationwide, with extreme fire behavior reported in multiple regions. Washington is experiencing its most destructive fire season, while Oregon has recorded its highest burned acreage in history. The fires have destroyed at least 846 structures in eastern Washington, including entire neighborhoods in Spokane. The region's dry conditions, exacerbated by climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, are expected to persist, with below-normal precipitation forecast through November. Firefighting resources are stretched thin, with the US at preparedness level 5, indicating full deployment of available resources.