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Ocean warmed by climate change fed intense rainfall and deadly floods in Asia, study finds

Ocean warmed by climate change fed intense rainfall and deadly floods in Asia, study finds

Ocean temperatures warmed by human-caused climate change fed the intense rainfall that triggered deadly floods and landslides across Asia in recent weeks, according to an analysis released Wednesday
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Severe Flooding in Asia Highlights Climate Change Impact

Severe Flooding in Asia Highlights Climate Change Impact

Heavy tropical storms and monsoon rains have caused massive flooding and landslides across South and Southeast Asia, affecting countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The natural disasters have resulted in over 1,800 deaths and significant displacement, with millions affected. The Asian Development Bank's recent report warns that climate change is exacerbating these events, threatening water systems and livelihoods across the region. The floods have destroyed homes, infrastructure, and forested areas, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.
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Early Arctic Ice Halts Russian LNG Shipments, Impacting Energy Exports

Early Arctic Ice Halts Russian LNG Shipments, Impacting Energy Exports

An early onset of thick winter ice in the Arctic has forced a Russian LNG carrier, the Buran, to retreat after multiple attempts to navigate the Northern Sea Route. The vessel, part of a fleet managed by Russia's Novatek, was attempting to transport LNG from the Arctic LNG 2 site to China. The early ice formation has disrupted shipping operations, highlighting the challenges of Arctic navigation. Russia has deployed its icebreaker fleet to assist, but the Buran's inability to complete its journey underscores the difficulties posed by the harsh Arctic environment.
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FEMA Council Proposes Major Overhaul to Shift Disaster Response to States

FEMA Council Proposes Major Overhaul to Shift Disaster Response to States

A task force established by President Trump is set to recommend a significant restructuring of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The proposed changes include reducing FEMA's workforce by 50% and implementing a new block grant system to expedite aid distribution. The recommendations aim to streamline operations and shift more disaster response responsibilities to state and local governments. The council's report, which has been obtained by CNN, suggests rebranding FEMA as 'FEMA 2.0' and maintaining its core missions while emphasizing state-managed emergency management. The council is expected to vote on these recommendations, which will then be reviewed by President Trump. The report also proposes raising the criteria for states to qualify for federal assistance, potentially increasing the financial burden on states for disaster management.
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Cyclone in Sri Lanka Disrupts Garment Factories, Affecting Workers and Operations

Cyclone in Sri Lanka Disrupts Garment Factories, Affecting Workers and Operations

A recent cyclone in Sri Lanka has caused significant disruption to the country's garment industry, impacting 15 large factories. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the main industry body, reported damage to buildings, machinery, and inventory in the western and southern provinces. The cyclone and subsequent flash floods have led to power outages and unsafe working conditions, forcing several factories to temporarily halt operations. Transport disruptions have also prevented thousands of employees from returning to work, with an estimated 20% of workers in flood-affected areas still unable to resume their duties. While most factories have resumed operations, some areas continue to face access and infrastructure challenges, delaying full recovery.
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Cyclone in Sri Lanka Disrupts Garment Factories, Affecting Workers and Production

Cyclone in Sri Lanka Disrupts Garment Factories, Affecting Workers and Production

A recent cyclone in Sri Lanka has caused significant disruption to the country's garment industry, impacting 15 large factories. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) reported that facilities in the western and southern provinces experienced damage to buildings, machinery, and inventory. The cyclone led to power outages and unsafe working conditions, forcing some factories to temporarily halt operations. Additionally, transport disruptions have prevented many employees from returning to work, with an estimated 20% of workers in flood-affected areas still unable to resume their duties. While most factories have resumed operations, some continue to face challenges related to access and infrastructure, delaying full recovery. The JAAF is collaborating with government authorities to provide emergency support and aid to displaced workers and their families.
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Cyclone in Sri Lanka Disrupts Garment Factories, Affecting Global Supply Chains

Cyclone in Sri Lanka Disrupts Garment Factories, Affecting Global Supply Chains

A recent cyclone in Sri Lanka has caused significant disruption to 15 large garment factories, primarily located in the western and southern provinces. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the main industry body in Sri Lanka, reported damage to buildings, machinery, and inventory due to the cyclone and subsequent flash floods. The severe weather conditions led to temporary halts in operations at several factories due to power outages and unsafe working conditions. Additionally, transport disruptions have prevented many employees from returning to work, with an estimated 20% of workers in flood-affected areas still unable to resume their duties. While most factories have resumed operations, some continue to face challenges related to access and infrastructure, delaying full recovery.
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638 Confirmed Dead as Cyclone Ditwah Wreaks Havoc

638 Confirmed Dead as Cyclone Ditwah Wreaks Havoc

Cyclone Ditwah has claimed 638 lives in Sri Lanka, with 191 people still missing, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) reports. Kandy district has suffered the highest fatalities, totaling 234. The cyclone has affected over 1.7 million people from nearly 502,000 families across the island. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and working to provide relief and support to impacted communities as recovery efforts continue amid widespread damage from the severe weather.
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Indonesia Faces $3 Billion Rebuild After Devastating Floods

Indonesia Faces $3 Billion Rebuild After Devastating Floods

Indonesia is grappling with the aftermath of severe floods and landslides in Sumatra, requiring an estimated $3.2 billion for reconstruction. The disaster, exacerbated by a rare cyclone, has resulted in over 900 deaths, with hundreds missing and nearly a million displaced. The government is providing financial support to affected regions, with President Prabowo Subianto visiting the impacted areas. Relief efforts are ongoing, with supplies being distributed and temporary communication networks established.
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Flood Crisis: Sri Lanka Sends More Troops for Relief

Flood Crisis: Sri Lanka Sends More Troops for Relief

Sri Lanka has nearly doubled its military deployment to aid regions devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed 627 and affected over two million people. The army is assisting with rescue, recovery, and cleanup, including rebuilding roads, bridges, and contaminated water sources. Heavy monsoon rains and landslide risks continue, particularly in the central tea-growing region. Over 75,000 homes were damaged, and nearly 5,000 destroyed. The government has launched a relief package and appealed for international assistance, with reconstruction costs estimated at $7 billion.
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Wildfires in Australia Claim Firefighter's Life and Destroy 40 Homes

Wildfires in Australia Claim Firefighter's Life and Destroy 40 Homes

A series of wildfires in Australia have resulted in the death of a firefighter and the destruction of approximately 40 homes across two states. The 59-year-old firefighter was killed by a falling tree while battling a blaze near Bulahdelah in New South Wales, which has already consumed 3,500 hectares of woodlands. In addition to the homes lost in New South Wales, 19 homes were destroyed in Tasmania's Dolphin Sands community. Firefighters are continuing to combat the fires, with several blazes still out of control.
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Storm Bram Causes Severe Weather Disruptions Across the UK

Storm Bram Causes Severe Weather Disruptions Across the UK

Storm Bram is causing significant disruptions across the UK, with heavy rain and strong winds leading to 'danger to life' warnings. The Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings for wind and rain, particularly affecting Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and parts of England. The storm has already resulted in power outages, transportation cancellations, and flooding in several areas. The severe weather follows months of unusually wet conditions, exacerbating the impact of the current storm.