Earth ChangesS


Snowflake

Early snowfall hits China's Gansu, Shanxi Provinces - earliest in 73 years for the latter

Early snowfall hits China’s Gansu, Shanxi Provinces
Early snowfall hits China’s Gansu, Shanxi Provinces
Cold spells have swept through parts of China recently, bringing unexpected snowfall to various regions.

In Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province, a section of National Highway 248, known as the "Locke Road," was hit by a sudden snow, with local authorities responding swiftly to ensure safety and smooth traffic on the road.

The Locke Road, starting from Zhuoni County and ending at Zhagana scenic area in Diebu County, experienced continuous snowfall from Saturday night. Heavy snow accumulation and ice on the road disrupted traffic.


Cloud Lightning

Storm Nadine kills at least two in southeast Mexico

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At least two people died as Tropical Storm "Nadine" in Southeast Mexico, reported France Press, quoted by BTA.

The storm caused floods, overflowing rivers and landslides in the state of Chapas, which borders Guatemala. Roads, homes and various facilities were damaged by the storm.

This is at least the fourth such event in Mexico this hurricane season. The most devastating was Cyclone John, which claimed the lives of 16 people in the state of Guerrero, in southern Mexico, and caused numerous material damages in the resort of Acapulco, devastated last year by the powerful hurricane Otis.


Tsunami

2 dead in Roswell, New Mexico flooding after record rainfall - the most ever in a single day

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Two people were confirmed dead and hundreds have been rescued in Roswell and surrounding areas after a record-breaking deluge of rainfall led to "dangerous" flooding in the Eastern New Mexico town over the weekend.

New Mexico State Police confirmed two people died as a result of a storm that on Saturday brought 5.78 inches of rain to the town the most ever recorded in a single day in Roswell, breaking a record set in 1901.

Police did not offer any additional details about the deaths by late Sunday night.

The heavy rainfall caused the Spring River channel to overflow, leading to flash flooding in Roswell which meteorologists described as "extreme." The National Weather Service in Albuquerque predicted a 40% chance of additional rainfall overnight Sunday.

The New Mexico National Guard had rescued nearly 300 people from floodwaters by Sunday morning, the agency said. Of those rescued, 38 were taken to nearby hospitals.


Cloud Lightning

Hurricane Oscar makes landfall in Cuba amid huge power outage - at least 6 dead (UPDATE)

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Hurricane Oscar made landfall on Sunday evening in Cuba, where residents were preparing for more chaos and misery as the country grapples with a nearly nationwide power outage in its third day.

The arrival of Oscar, after the Friday collapse of Cuba's largest power plant crippled the whole national grid, piles pressure on a country already battling sky-high inflation and shortages of food, medicine, fuel and water.

Cuba's government said power would be reinstated for the majority of the country by Monday evening, with President Miguel Diaz-Canel warning his government would not tolerate public disturbances during the outage.

Oscar, a Category 1 storm, made landfall in eastern Cuba at 5:50 pm local time (2150 GMT) on Sunday, the US National Hurricane Center said.


Comment: Update October 22

AP reports:
Hurricane Oscar causes at least 6 deaths in Cuba amid days-long power outage

Cuba's capital remained largely paralyzed on Monday and the rest of the island braced for the fourth night of a massive blackout that has generated a handful of small protests and a stern government warning that any unrest will be punished.

Hurricane Oscar made landfall Sunday before crossing the island's eastern coast as a tropical storm Monday with winds and heavy rain, leaving at least six dead after a night that saw protests by several dozen people in urban neighborhoods like Santos Suárez and central Havana.

Some banged pots and pans in the streets, while others demonstrated from their balconies. Protesters who said they have no water blocked at least one street with garbage.

"The country has completely halted," said homemaker Mayde Quiñones, 55. She cares for her mother-in-law, who is in her 80s. "This hurts everyone, but the elderly most of all."



Tsunami

Onlookers drenched as waves crash on street in western France

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People laughed and cheered as high tide sent waves crashing onto a street in Saint-Malo, after weather warnings of strong waves in parts of western France.



Video credit: Meteodelafleche.com

Comment: Related: Storm Ashley hits UK and Ireland with monster waves, 130km/h wind and major flooding


Windsock

Storm Ashley hits UK and Ireland with monster waves, 130km/h wind and major flooding

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On October 20, 2024, Storm Ashley wreaked widespread havoc across the United Kingdom and Ireland, marking the first named storm of the season with its ferocious winds, heavy rains, and significant disruptions.

Wind speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour caused chaos, particularly in Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales, and North West England, prompting the local authorities to issue danger to life warnings.


Comment: Related: Onlookers drenched as waves crash on street in western France


Doberman

Pitbull mauls worker to death in South Africa

Police say the dog has since been put down following the fatal incident.
© SAPSPolice say the dog has since been put down following the fatal incident.
A probe is under way after a 58-year-old man was mauled to death by his employer's pitbull.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the fatal incident took place in Marapyane in Mmametlhake on Friday.

The deceased worked as a caretaker in his employer's yard and looked after the dogs.

"The dogs were often locked up and only released between 1am and 4.30am for patrols on the premises," Mdhluli said.

He said the man went out on Thursday and was believed to have been attacked by the dog as he returned in the early hours of Friday morning.

Tsunami

Flooding in Metro Vancouver: Videos show huge floods, street kayaking

The Metro Vancouver weather forecast has more rain on Oct. 20, 2024, following flooding in West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and more.
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast has more rain on Oct. 20, 2024, following flooding in West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and more.
Metro Vancouverites captured images and videos of extensive flooding and damage on Saturday, Oct. 19.

An atmospheric river soaked the Lower Mainland on election day, bringing over 150 mm of rain to cities across the region. Flooding prevented BC Hydro crews from accessing some areas where customers lost power.

On Sunday, a second pulse of rain could bring 20 to 40 mm of precipitation to the Lower Mainland, with 40 to 60 mm possible over the North Shore Mountains.

The Vancouver Police Department issued road closures and advised locals to slow down on roads and use caution.

West Vancouver police warned locals to avoid areas impacted by heavy flooding, advising them to allow emergency services the room to work.

Creeks, including MacDonald and Marr, continue "to run high and fast" through Saturday night, and more rain is expected Sunday.


Arrow Down

Six bodies found after avalanche in Kyrgyzstan

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The Kyrgyzstan Emergency Situations Ministry announced on Saturday that the bodies of all six individuals missing after an avalanche have been recovered. Three bodies were found on Friday, with the remaining three located on Saturday morning.

The group of 14 people had ventured into the mountains of the Chatkal district in the Jalal-Abad region on October 9 to collect medicinal plants. After an avalanche struck on Sunday, rescuers were able to locate eight members of the group alive on Wednesday.

Avalanches, which can rapidly flow down slopes, are often triggered by various factors, including heavy snowfall or human activity.

Tsunami

Sicily hit by heavy flooding

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Sicily is currently experiencing severe flooding after the heavy rainfall which has hit the island, and turned the roads into rivers.

This marks a dramatic change after months of no rain especially in Catania where there was a large amount of rainfall in a number of cities, including Via Etnea.

Firefighters in Catania carried out 50 rescue operations. In Misterbianco, divers had to rescue the trapped drivers. In Licata in Agrigento the river bank also broke and as a result, the residents had to be evacuated.

The Civil Protection in Sicily is dispatching a number of its staff to give assistance. Meanwhile in the small village of Ginostra, mudslides blocked the roads and caused damage to homes which has continued to complicate the situation.

Despite Sicily's desperate need for rain, the heavy rainfall brought about more damage than expected and left many areas at risk because of the unstable weather.