https://www.sott.net/category/4-Earth-Changes Signs of the Times: The World for People who Think. Featuring independent, unbiased, alternative news and commentary on world events. en-us Original content Copyright 2026 by Signs of the Times/Sott.net. For other content, see our Fair Use Policy at www.sott.net. Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:24:54 +0000 https://www.sott.net/images/sottlogo_rss.jpg SOTT.net https://www.sott.net https://www.sott.net/article/505813-Storm-chaos-in-La-Pampa-Argentina-Massive-flooding-submerged-Santa-Rosa-cars-stranded Extreme weather has struck Santa Rosa, La Pampa, turning the capital city into a flood zone. On Friday, April 17, 2026, a massive storm dumped over 90mm of rain in just hours, overwhelming drainage systems and leaving several neighborhoods underwater. In this video, we cover the dramatic impact of the Santa Rosa flash floods. With wind gusts reaching 78 km/h, the storm toppled power lines and trees, causing widespread blackouts. From the flooding on Avenida Uruguay to the submerged classrooms at the National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), we look at the chaos that has gripped the city. ⚠️ Disclaimer: Thumbnail images are generated by AI. They are for illustration purposes only. https://www.sott.net/article/505813-Storm-chaos-in-La-Pampa-Argentina-Massive-flooding-submerged-Santa-Rosa-cars-stranded Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:11:25 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505797-Lightning-strike-kills-two-children-at-school-yard-in-Turkiye Two children were killed and one person was seriously injured after lightning struck a tree in the yard of a primary school in the Ergani district of Türkiye's Diyarbakir province, Habertürk reported. The incident occurred in the morning. According to reports, lightning struck a tree located in the school yard. At that moment, 13-year-old Serkan Yıldırım, 14-year-old Kasım Yıldırım and another child who were under the tree were injured. Emergency medical teams dispatched to the scene transported the injured to hospital. Despite doctors' efforts, Serkan Yıldırım and Kasım Yıldırım died. It was reported that the condition of the other injured child, who is receiving treatment at Diyarbakir Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, remains serious. It was noted that the children who lost their lives were cousins. An investigation into the incident is underway. https://www.sott.net/article/505797-Lightning-strike-kills-two-children-at-school-yard-in-Turkiye Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:39:12 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505791-A-bulging-lobe-of-polar-vortex-madness-targets-US-east-region Mother Nature across the Mid-Atlantic can only be described by the Katy Perry lyric, "You're hot, then you're cold," as a meteorologist warns that a "tropospheric polar vortex" will sweep across the Lower 48 this weekend into early next week, abruptly ending the summer-like conditions in Washington, D.C. "A bulging lobe of the tropospheric 'polar vortex' will be tracking through the Lower 48, bringing a cold front and much cooler air to the Eastern U.S.," meteorologist Ryan Maue wrote on X. He added, "We'll wave goodbye to the nearly unprecedented mid-April heat wave." https://www.sott.net/article/505791-A-bulging-lobe-of-polar-vortex-madness-targets-US-east-region Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:10:48 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505785-Lightning-strike-kills-11-cattle-in-Assam-India A lightning strike resulted in the deaths of 11 cattle in Dipuchara village in Harinagar area of Cachar district in Assam on Thursday. This incident caused severe distress for the farmers who worked in that area. Reports indicate that the incident took place during a sudden period of heavy rain which accompanied thunderstorms in the region. As the weather worsened, a group of cattle took shelter under a tree to escape the downpour. A lightning bolt struck the tree which resulted in the instant death of 11 cattle while one animal suffered severe injuries. The cattle that died in the incident belonged to multiple farmers who belong to the economically disadvantaged group which depends on farming and animal husbandry for their primary income. The loss has become a major financial blow to the affected families because it has taken away their essential income source. Meanwhile, the affected families have requested the district authorities to deliver instant compensation and disaster... https://www.sott.net/article/505785-Lightning-strike-kills-11-cattle-in-Assam-India Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:31:51 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505783-Six-pit-bulls-kill-young-girl-after-babysitter-53-died-of-medical-emergency-in-Huntingburg-Indiana A woman died from a medical emergency inside her Indiana home before the four-year-old girl she was babysitting was mauled and ultimately killed by six pit bulls. When Gina Flores asked her aunt to watch her young daughter, she never would have thought it would be the last time she saw either of them alive. On Monday, Oliva Mora Regalado, 53, reportedly died from a medical emergency stemming from a pre-existing condition, leaving Flores' daughter Evelynn Lopez alone with seven dogs - six pit bulls and one poodle mix. Evelynn was then viciously attacked by the animals, according to a statement from the Huntingburg Police Department. It is unclear what caused the animals to turn violent on the small girl. https://www.sott.net/article/505783-Six-pit-bulls-kill-young-girl-after-babysitter-53-died-of-medical-emergency-in-Huntingburg-Indiana Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:32:01 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505778-2-feet-of-snow-falls-on-Mt-Bachelor-Oregon-in-48-hours As of Thursday morning, Mt. Bachelor ski area had received 17 inches of snow in 24 hours and a total of 48 inches over a two-day period. This mid-April storm brought 11 inches of snow overnight causing snow immersion suffocation and tree well risk at the ski area for what seems like the first time this season. It must've been quite the powder day, hopefully all who partook stayed safe. The ski area announced last week that this would be its final weekend, culminating on its end of season celebration, RendezVan. As for this weekend, the weather looks like it will clear up on the mountain. The mid-mountain forecast on Snow-forecast.com predicts that to be the last of the snow this season. Temperatures could reach into the mid-40s Saturday and Sunday. Winds are expected to die down and the sun could break through the clouds. The ski area has seen a total of 206 inches of snow this season, according to its mountain report. Its snow base was up to 43 inches Thursday. https://www.sott.net/article/505778-2-feet-of-snow-falls-on-Mt-Bachelor-Oregon-in-48-hours Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:53:18 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505777-Natural-disaster-in-Saudi-Arabia-Large-hailstones-wipes-out-livestock-in-seconds Witness the shocking and heartbreaking aftermath of the historic hailstorm that recently struck large areas of Saudi Arabia. Unprecedentedly large hailstones (Giant Hail) fell with devastating force, causing a catastrophe for livestock farmers and resulting in the deaths of large numbers of animals in a truly breathtaking scene. In this video, we document the extent of the devastation and the sheer power of this unprecedented natural phenomenon. We share the suffering of the farmers and images of the livestock that perished as a result of the hailstorm. We pray that God will compensate those affected. Nature's Fury: Massive and devastating hailstorm hits Saudi Arabia, causing a tragic die-off of livestock. This is truly apocalyptic weather. (Translated by Google) https://www.sott.net/article/505777-Natural-disaster-in-Saudi-Arabia-Large-hailstones-wipes-out-livestock-in-seconds Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:10:58 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505775-Hail-covers-parts-of-Tunisia-and-Algeria-like-snow Severe thunderstorms have affected the Mediterranean this week. On Monday, a surface low-pressure system in the Mediterranean in conjunction with an upper air cut-off low, led to thunderstorms over north Africa. Their intensity was aided by the hot precursor conditions. Algeria and Tunisia were notably affected by the thunderstorms, with some hail accumulation layers as a result. When so much hail forms, it starts to lay down sheets of hail, covering the ground like snow. Hail accumulations of up to 3cm were reported in Oum Ladjoul and Hammam Sokhna in Algeria, and there were hailstones of up to 3cm in diameter in Makthar, Tunisia. Thunderstorms continued in the region through the following day, with further hail accumulations, notably in Ouled Bousmir, Tunisia, where there was a layer about 2cm deep. Later in the week, another surface low developed, this time over Sicily. Thunderstorms broke out across parts of central Italy on Wednesday morning. These led to some severe... https://www.sott.net/article/505775-Hail-covers-parts-of-Tunisia-and-Algeria-like-snow Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:43:30 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505774-Large-hail-of-7cms-diameter-batters-northern-Vietnam In the early morning of April 16th, a powerful hailstorm unexpectedly struck Bac Ha commune, Lao Cai province, lasting approximately 15-30 minutes and causing significant damage to both people and property. Initial reports indicate that large hailstones, with diameters ranging from 5-7 cm, fell densely, injuring four people, damaging many roofs, destroying vehicles, and ruining crops. Many local residents stated that this was a rare hailstorm, with a higher intensity than in recent years, even exceeding the level of the hailstorm that occurred in Lao Cai in 2013. https://www.sott.net/article/505774-Large-hail-of-7cms-diameter-batters-northern-Vietnam Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:45:02 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505773-Biblical-plague-of-bees-swarm-Israel-as-locals-warned-to-stay-indoors A Biblical plague of bees have been spotted swarming Israel, leading authorities instructing locals to stay indoors. A massive bombardment of the insects descended upon the commercial centre of Netivot in southern Israel on Wednesday, local media reported. The settlement experienced what locals described as an "invasion" of the insects, spreading beyond the shopping district into other parts of the town. Residential neighbourhoods have also been affected by the bee incursion - while locals have been urged to close doors and windows to stay safe. https://www.sott.net/article/505773-Biblical-plague-of-bees-swarm-Israel-as-locals-warned-to-stay-indoors Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:02:58 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505763-Heavy-spring-snowstorm-blankets-Calgary-and-southern-Alberta Snowfall warnings in effect for much of southern Alberta Calgarians were in for another slippery commute Thursday after a spring snowstorm plunged the city back into winter driving conditions. Heavy snow is expected to continue to fall throughout the day, with total accumulations of 15 to 30 centimetres, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. "Poor visibility due to blowing snow is occurring in some areas and will continue until mid-morning," the agency said in its yellow-level snowfall warning for the city. Yellow-level snowfall warnings are also in effect for much of southwestern Alberta. Calgary Transit has put all of its snow detour routes into effect and is asking riders to check if their route is affected while planning their trips. "We are working hard to get you to your destination safely, so please be patient and give yourself extra travel time," Calgary Transit said on its website. https://www.sott.net/article/505763-Heavy-spring-snowstorm-blankets-Calgary-and-southern-Alberta Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:10:33 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505762-Drone-captures-flooding-in-Northern-Michigan Heavy rains and storms are staying in the forecast as floodwaters swamped areas across Northern Michigan on April 14, 2026. The dangerously rising waters have prompted evacuations in some residential areas, triggered the failure of small dams, and has state and local officials closely monitoring larger dams near populated areas as high water threatens to overtop them and flood areas downstream. The Little Traverse Conservancy flew a drone over some of its preservation areas to monitor flooding in Petoskey, Conway, Alanson, Indian River and Pigeon River. (Video provided by Charles Dawley and Little Traverse Conservancy) Read more: https://www.mlive.com/environment/202... https://www.sott.net/article/505762-Drone-captures-flooding-in-Northern-Michigan Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:35:12 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505760-Woman-in-her-70s-killed-by-dogs-in-Wolverhampton-UK-3rd-fatal-dog-attack-in-a-week-for-the-country A woman in her 70s has died after being attacked by two dogs in a house in Wolverhampton. West Midlands Police said officers were called to Willis Pearson Avenue at around 11.30pm on Wednesday but the victim died at the scene. A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury resulting in death. He was taken to hospital after his hand was injured in the incident. https://www.sott.net/article/505760-Woman-in-her-70s-killed-by-dogs-in-Wolverhampton-UK-3rd-fatal-dog-attack-in-a-week-for-the-country Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:15:13 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505759-Man-killed-by-lightning-in-Waukesha-Wisconsin A man was killed by lightning on Wednesday night, according to the Waukesha police. Police said the man, who was in his 40s, was believed to have been struck when he was walking through a parking lot during last night's storms. It happened at about 7:40 p.m. outside a business in the 2000 block of Golf Road. Police said a caller reported a man down on the ground during heavy rain with thunder and lightning. https://www.sott.net/article/505759-Man-killed-by-lightning-in-Waukesha-Wisconsin Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:50:42 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505758-Shallow-magnitude-6-0-earthquake-South-of-the-Kermadec-Islands-New-Zealand A very strong magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean 188 km (117 mi) from Gisborne, New Zealand, in the early morning of Friday, Apr 17, 2026 at 1.30 am local time (GMT +12). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow. The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so). Earthquake details Date & time Apr 16, 2026 13:30:01 UTC Local time at epicenter Friday, Apr 17, 2026, at 01:30 am (GMT +12) Status confirmed (manually revised) Magnitude 6.00 Depth 10 km https://www.sott.net/article/505758-Shallow-magnitude-6-0-earthquake-South-of-the-Kermadec-Islands-New-Zealand Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:43:27 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505756-Floods-in-Dominican-Republic-and-Haiti-kill-at-least-19 Heavy rains and flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti have killed at least 19 people and displaced thousands more, according to the latest toll by officials and the Red Cross. Powerful storms that began April 7 have continued dumping rain on the neigboring Caribbean nations -- which share the island of Hispaniola -- with authorities staying vigilant despite ebbing intensity of rainfall in recent hours. Haiti's civil protection agency on Tuesday reported 12 deaths across several departments. Dominican authorities on Wednesday put the death toll in the country at seven. "Five bodies have been recovered," civil defense director Juan Salas told AFP, adding to two deaths confirmed last week. https://www.sott.net/article/505756-Floods-in-Dominican-Republic-and-Haiti-kill-at-least-19 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:37:14 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505732-Severe-storms-produce-tornadoes-baseball-sized-hail-in-southern-Minnesota-National-Weather-Service-says Severe storms that produced several tornadoes and widespread hail rolled through southern Minnesota on Monday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service said there were at least three confirmed tornadoes that swept through the region. A viewer captured photos of what the WCCO Next Weather team said was a confirmed tornado near Amboy, Minnesota, in Blue Earth County around 6:30 p.m. Several southern and southeast Minnesota counties were under a tornado warning at different times throughout the evening. A resident near Northfield saw golfball-sized hail on Monday while others saw various sizes of hail falling in Dennison and Faribault. https://www.sott.net/article/505732-Severe-storms-produce-tornadoes-baseball-sized-hail-in-southern-Minnesota-National-Weather-Service-says Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:44:08 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505720-Monster-typhoon-bears-down-on-US-controlled-islands-in-the-western-Pacific-Ocean-185-mph-sustained-winds-reported A dangerous typhoon bore down on two U.S. territories in the western Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, bringing strong winds and life-threatening flooding. Typhoon Sinlaku was downgraded from a super typhoon early Wednesday local time as it battered the Northern Mariana Islands, according to the latest advisory from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Guam. The center of the powerful storm was pulling away from Tinian and Saipan, moving northwest at 5 mph. Forecasters said it is expected to pass just west of the islands of Almagan, Pagan and Agrihan in the latter half of the week. As of the latest advisory, maximum sustained winds had decreased to 145 mph, with typhoon-force winds extending up to 75 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 265 miles. https://www.sott.net/article/505720-Monster-typhoon-bears-down-on-US-controlled-islands-in-the-western-Pacific-Ocean-185-mph-sustained-winds-reported Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:44:59 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505712-Palisades-Tahoe-California-snow-report-22-inches-in-24-hours-and-43-inch-3-day-storm-total The latest Palisades Tahoe, California, snow report tells a story of remarkable late-season resurgence. A sustained storm cycle has transformed conditions on the upper mountain, logging a foot of new snow overnight and driving the three-day storm total to 43 inches. The resort is now among the last Tahoe areas still operating. Most ski areas across the western U.S. have endured one of their worst seasons in recent memory, with dry and mild conditions since November, leaving many resorts struggling to open meaningful terrain. Palisades has been an exception to that late-season trend this week. Sunny breaks are emerging across the mountain on Monday, though forecasters have not ruled out additional snow showers that could add another inch to the upper elevations before conditions settle. Long-range models continue to show troughing over the region through the third week of April, with additional storm systems possible and a cooler-than-normal pattern expected to persist. The weekend... https://www.sott.net/article/505712-Palisades-Tahoe-California-snow-report-22-inches-in-24-hours-and-43-inch-3-day-storm-total Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:53:48 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505711-Man-dies-after-being-attacked-by-three-pit-bulls-in-North-Jersey-police-say A man died on Saturday after he was attacked by three pit bulls in Newark. The man, whose name has not been released, intervened when he saw the three dogs fighting at the Georgia King Village affordable housing complex in Newark. The victim was known to the owner of the dogs, Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said in a statement. The three dogs then turned on the man, Miranda said. He managed to escape but soon lost consciousness from his injuries, authorities said Police and animal control officers responded to the area of Cabinet Street at 8:26 p.m. and found the man, who was pronounced dead about 40 minutes later, police said. It was unclear what happened to the dogs following the incident. https://www.sott.net/article/505711-Man-dies-after-being-attacked-by-three-pit-bulls-in-North-Jersey-police-say Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:10:16 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505701-SOTT-Earth-Changes-Summary-March-2026-Extreme-Weather-Planetary-Upheaval-Meteor-Fireballs Solar Cycle 25 continued to defy expectations in March, with activity ramping up in the "post-peak phase". On March 16, Active Region 4392 produced an M2.7 flare, triggering an R1 radio blackout over the Atlantic, Africa, and southern Europe, and a vivid auroral display visible at mid-latitudes. On March 26, the AR4403 unleashed an M3.9 flare, and the month closed with a dramatic exclamation point: an X1.4 flare from AR4405 on March 30, the strongest event of the month. The eruption prompted forecasters to issue watches for G3 (strong) to G4 (severe) geomagnetic storms - a development that also raised concerns for NASA's Artemis 2 mission, scheduled to launch just days later. March 2026 brought catastrophic flooding and severe storm activity spanning nearly every continent: https://www.sott.net/article/505701-SOTT-Earth-Changes-Summary-March-2026-Extreme-Weather-Planetary-Upheaval-Meteor-Fireballs Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:56:45 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505691-Unseasonal-rain-snow-hit-north-India-in-April-Crops-suffer-damage April in North India is defying expectations this year, with unseasonal rain, snowfall, and a sharp dip in temperatures replacing the usual summer heat. States like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are witnessing winter-like conditions, driven by persistent Western Disturbances. These moisture-laden systems, typically active in winter, have lingered into spring, bringing storms, hail, and cloudy skies. The unusual weather has disrupted daily life and raised concerns among farmers, with significant crop damage reported. Experts warn this could signal increasing climate variability, where shifting patterns blur seasonal boundaries and make weather more unpredictable and potentially more damaging. https://www.sott.net/article/505691-Unseasonal-rain-snow-hit-north-India-in-April-Crops-suffer-damage Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:41:50 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505690-Saudi-Arabia-suspends-in-person-classes-after-torrential-rains-floods-hit-Riyadh Saudi Arabia suspended in-person classes at several schools and universities Sunday after torrential rains and flooding swept through Riyadh and other parts of the kingdom. Footage shared on US social media company X showed torrents of water rushing through streets in the Saudi capital after intense rainfall late Saturday. The National Center for Meteorology said heavy rain affecting Riyadh would continue until early Sunday, though its intensity was expected to gradually ease. The Saudi Civil Defense urged residents in Riyadh and the Eastern Province to exercise caution and follow official safety instructions. Saudi state-run Alekhbariah said in-person classes were suspended Sunday at several universities and schools, including Al-Baha University, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and King Khalid University. The weather center had warned Thursday that most regions of the country would experience moderate to heavy rainfall through Tuesday. https://www.sott.net/article/505690-Saudi-Arabia-suspends-in-person-classes-after-torrential-rains-floods-hit-Riyadh Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:26:14 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505687-Multicolored-clouds-shimmered-across-the-sky-in-China-on-March-29-and-April-6 Multicolored clouds shimmered across the sky in Yunnan, China, as sunlight refracted through ice crystals, creating a vivid display of shifting colors. https://www.sott.net/article/505687-Multicolored-clouds-shimmered-across-the-sky-in-China-on-March-29-and-April-6 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:05:13 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505675-Japan-Sakurajima-Volcano-sends-impressive-ash-plume-3000-meters-high-into-sky Livestream video from Japan's Sakurajima volcano showed an impressive plume of ash rising from its crater on April 11. The broadcaster NTV cited the Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory as saying the plume reached over 3,000 meters into the sky. It was the active volcano's first eruption since December. https://www.sott.net/article/505675-Japan-Sakurajima-Volcano-sends-impressive-ash-plume-3000-meters-high-into-sky Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:53:38 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505672-Teenager-dies-after-dog-attack-with-man-arrested-in-Essex-UK A 19-year-old woman has died after being bitten by a dog in a village in Essex. The fatal attack happened in the village of Leaden Roding in Dunmow at about 10.45pm yesterday. The emergency services were alerted to the scene, where they found the young woman seriously injured. Despite the efforts of the paramedics, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. She is thought to have been mauled inside a property on Long Hide, Essex Police said. The animal was not a banned breed, but the police cannot confirm the breed yet, the force told Metro. Specialist officers were brought in to secure the scene and take the dog away. https://www.sott.net/article/505672-Teenager-dies-after-dog-attack-with-man-arrested-in-Essex-UK Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:34:52 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505670-Three-month-old-baby-killed-in-suspected-dog-attack-in-Redcar-UK A man has been arrested after a baby died as a result of a dog bite, police said. Cleveland Police said a three-month-old girl died in the Dormanstown area of Redcar on Thursday. Armed officers who arrived at a property soon after 1.30pm destroyed a dog they found on the street. A second dog, which was recovered at the address by police, has since been put down. A woman, 31, was treated in hospital for an arm injury after also being bitten. The dogs were "deemed not to be a prohibited type of dog", the force said. https://www.sott.net/article/505670-Three-month-old-baby-killed-in-suspected-dog-attack-in-Redcar-UK Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:36:31 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505656-Hawaii-Gushing-lava-fountains-from-Mount-Kilauea-Volcano-amid-44th-eruption Kīlauea volcano erupted for the 44th time since Dec. 23, 2024, producing large lava fountains in Hawaii on Thursday. The 44th episode began in the late morning on Thursday, with lava fountains reaching 800 feet, according to the USGS. Video footage from the USGS shows the south Halemaʻumaʻu crater gushing large lava fountains from the ground. As the crater continues to shoot lava, strengthening over time, the risk of tephra falling from volcanic ash clouds and Pele's Hair increases. Tephra is a catch-all term that describes various kinds of rocks blasted into the air during eruptions. https://www.sott.net/article/505656-Hawaii-Gushing-lava-fountains-from-Mount-Kilauea-Volcano-amid-44th-eruption Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:38:00 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505655-Rivers-surge-in-China-as-extreme-weather-brings-hail-and-floods-streets On the afternoon of April 7, 2026, Chaozhou city was suddenly affected by a new round of severe convective weather. Against the backdrop of intensified warm and humid airflow and accumulated atmospheric instability, convective cloud clusters rapidly developed over the urban area, bringing a complex combination of strong winds, frequent thunder, and heavy rainfall. https://www.sott.net/article/505655-Rivers-surge-in-China-as-extreme-weather-brings-hail-and-floods-streets Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:59:30 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505654-Dozens-of-vehicles-pile-up-on-icy-highway-in-China A large multi-vehicle pile-up was captured on a snowy, icy highway in China, including a bus that lost control, causing the vehicles behind it to crash into it. ⁣ ⁣ A witness estimated that around 30 vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction crash. Authorities did not immediately report any casualties or the extent of any injuries. https://www.sott.net/article/505654-Dozens-of-vehicles-pile-up-on-icy-highway-in-China Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:40:50 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505643-April-snowfall-batters-Shimla-apple-belt-in-Himachal-Pradesh-India-growers-stare-at-heavy-losses Shimla district witnessed unexpected snowfall on Wednesday, hitting apple orchards at a crucial stage of flowering and fruit setting. Growers across Upper Shimla, including Narkanda and Kotkhai, reported extensive damage, raising concerns over a sharp decline in this season's apple production. The sudden spell of snowfall and hailstorm has damaged apple trees that had just entered the setting phase. Many orchards saw anti-hail nets collapsing under the weight of accumulated snow, while branches of trees broke in several areas. The tender blossoms, essential for fruit formation, were hit hard, and growers fear that the cold conditions will further disrupt pollination. Apple growers say the losses could be significant this year. "The snowfall has come at the worst possible time. The flowers have been damaged, and fruit setting will be affected," said a grower from Kotkhai. With temperatures dropping sharply, the conditions are not favourable for normal crop development. https://www.sott.net/article/505643-April-snowfall-batters-Shimla-apple-belt-in-Himachal-Pradesh-India-growers-stare-at-heavy-losses Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:50:09 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505642-Thats-the-worst-I-ve-ever-seen-it-Spring-snow-storm-slams-Saskatchewan-Canada-14-5-inches-dumped Some communities in Saskatchewan are digging out after an Alberta clipper blasted through the province on Tuesday, leaving an abundance of snow in its wake. "Meadow Lake had the most significant report so far at 37 centimeters," said Danielle Desjardin, who is a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Prince Albert saw about 18 centimeters of snow, while Saskatoon had 16 centimetres and Nipawin had 15 centimeters, she said. Travel was not recommended on several highways around these communities on Wednesday morning, according to Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline. "On Highway 41 from Melfort going towards Saskatoon ... the snow is probably about two to three feet deep," said Landon Placsko, a psychology student at the University of Saskatchewan, on Wednesday morning. He faced grueling, snow-covered roads while traveling to Saskatoon for classes from his acreage just outside Melfort. https://www.sott.net/article/505642-Thats-the-worst-I-ve-ever-seen-it-Spring-snow-storm-slams-Saskatchewan-Canada-14-5-inches-dumped Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:43:15 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505641-Heavy-rain-triggers-deadly-floods-across-Turkiye Severe rainfall across Türkiye has led to at least two fatalities and caused extensive damage to infrastructure in multiple regions. In Osmaniye Province, flooding and mudslides hit the Kadirli district after rivers overflowed, leaving several vehicles submerged, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkish media. In the Düzici district, a bridge spanning the Delici River collapsed, severing the road that connects the Karajaoglan neighborhood with the village of Göllüler. Negative impacts have also been reported in Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa, where streets have been inundated and traffic flow has been significantly disrupted. Local authorities have called on residents to remain cautious due to the continuing threats of flooding, mudslides, and landslides. According to Haber Global, heavy rainfall is forecast to affect 44 provinces, with some areas also expected to see snowfall as cold air masses move in from the Balkans. The Turkish Meteorological Service has issued warnings about severe... https://www.sott.net/article/505641-Heavy-rain-triggers-deadly-floods-across-Turkiye Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:31:52 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505633-Heavy-rains-floods-in-the-Dominican-Republic-damage-over-1000-homes-foot-of-rainfall-in-under-24-hours Heavy rains in the Dominican Republic killed a toddler, damaged more than 1,000 homes and caused power and water outages on Wednesday, forcing officials to suspend classes at some public and private schools. Forecasters noted that 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain fell in some areas in less than 24 hours, forcing crews to evacuate more than 5,000 people. "There is no storm drainage system that can withstand that anywhere in the world," President Luis Abinader said. A press official with the Civil Defense agency, Jayssi Capellán, told The Associated Press that a nearly 2-year-old girl died after a wall at her home collapsed in the capital of Santo Domingo. The government ordered nonessential employees to work remotely as authorities warned of flooding and possible landslides, with more than a dozen provinces under alert, including Santo Domingo, which is the hardest hit area. https://www.sott.net/article/505633-Heavy-rains-floods-in-the-Dominican-Republic-damage-over-1000-homes-foot-of-rainfall-in-under-24-hours Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:20:07 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505393-Russia-declares-emergency-in-Dagestans-capital-as-floods-cut-power-to-more-than-327000-people-6-killed-UPDATE Authorities in the capital of the southern Russian region of Dagestan declared a ​state of emergency on Saturday after heavy ‌rainfall led to widespread flooding and power cuts in the region. "Emergency services have been placed on high alert, ​efforts are under way to deal with ​the aftermath, and assistance will be provided ⁠to affected residents," the Makhachkala city administration ​said on Telegram. More than 327,000 people remain without ​power in Dagestan due to bad weather, the regional ministry of emergency situations said. "As of 12:00 (Moscow time, 0900 GMT), ​283 settlements with a population of 327,183 ​people, including 89,705 children, remain without electricity," the ministry said ‌on ⁠its website. https://www.sott.net/article/505393-Russia-declares-emergency-in-Dagestans-capital-as-floods-cut-power-to-more-than-327000-people-6-killed-UPDATE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:52:04 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505616-Mount-Semeru-volcano-erupts-again-in-Indonesia Mount Semeru, located in Indonesia's East Java province, erupted again on Tuesday (April 7), spewing a massive hot cloud into the sky, according to the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, reported Xinhua. The volcano remains under a Level III alert, the second-highest in the country's four-tier warning system. The eruption at 5.30 pm local time produced an ash column reaching approximately 2,000 metres above the crater, with a thick gray plume drifting north-east and east. Seismographs recorded the event as lasting more than seven minutes. No casualties or immediate damage were reported, but authorities warned that the accumulation of volcanic material on the slopes could trigger debris flows, or lahars, if heavy rainfall occurs. This follows a restless Monday during which the volcano recorded several separate eruptions. Bernama-Xinhua https://www.sott.net/article/505616-Mount-Semeru-volcano-erupts-again-in-Indonesia Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:04:05 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505415-Extreme-weather-severe-flooding-and-landslides-in-Afghanistan-leaves-148-dead-UPDATES Severe flooding, a landslide and thunderstorms in parts of Afghanistan have left 17 people dead and 26 injured over the last 24 hours, authorities said Sunday, the latest casualties from extreme weather in the country this season. The number of casualties could increase as crews from the country's National Disaster Management Authority survey the affected areas, the authority's spokesman Yousuf Hammad said in a statement. Thirteen of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, mostly in the western, central and northwestern parts of the country, were affected. The severe weather also left 147 homes either completely or partially destroyed, wiped out 80 kilometers of roads and destroyed agricultural land and irrigation canals, Hammad said. Earlier this year, heavy snowfall and flash floods left dozens of people dead across the country. https://www.sott.net/article/505415-Extreme-weather-severe-flooding-and-landslides-in-Afghanistan-leaves-148-dead-UPDATES Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:47:20 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505614-Infant-dead-another-child-suffers-serious-injuries-after-separate-dog-attacks-in-Des-Moines-Iowa The Des Moines Police Department is urging residents to practice animal safety after an infant died and another was seriously injured in recent dog attacks. First responders were dispatched to an apartment in the 3600 block of Kennedy Drive early on Friday, April 3, after the cardiac arrest of an infant was reported. A dog in the residence had reportedly injured the child, who was not showing signs of life, according to a news release. Once on scene, authorities discovered the child had died. Two dogs, a shepherd-mix and a terrier/bulldog, were seized from the apartment. As of now, no charges have been filed, but DMPD is investigating the situation. https://www.sott.net/article/505614-Infant-dead-another-child-suffers-serious-injuries-after-separate-dog-attacks-in-Des-Moines-Iowa Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:39:39 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505594-57-goats-4-sheep-killed-in-lightning-strike-in-Jammu-and-Kashmir-India In a tragic incident reported from Jammu and Kashmir, at least 61 sheep and goats of a Bakerwal family were killed after lightning struck a large herd of livestock in Bani area of Kathua district on Saturday evening. The incident took place in Assu village of Bani where the family, originally hailing from Thaa village, was temporarily staying en route to upper reaches amid heavy rains in the region. The lightining strike at around 6 PM on Saturday left 28 goats and 3 sheep of the affected owner Raqeeb Ahmad, son of Abdul Gani, dead as per officials. The second owner Gafoor Ahmad, son of Raqeeb Ahmad also lost 29 goats and one sheep in the natural disaster. The affected family has appealed to the government and district administration to provide immediate financial assistance so that they can repair the damage. https://www.sott.net/article/505594-57-goats-4-sheep-killed-in-lightning-strike-in-Jammu-and-Kashmir-India Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:34:29 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505578-Angola-hit-by-deadly-floods-at-least-29-dead-and-thousands-displaced-UPDATE Severe flooding has killed at least 15 people in Angola and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to local authorities. The floods, caused by heavy rains, have affected several regions of the country, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation. The floods caused significant material damage, sweeping away homes and destroying essential infrastructure. In some areas, roads were cut off and villages isolated, complicating access for emergency services and slowing aid operations for the affected population. Authorities are reporting widespread destruction. Thousands of people have been displaced, often in emergency situations, and are now homeless. Living conditions in the affected areas are particularly precarious, with limited access to clean water, food, and healthcare. Humanitarian organizations are warning of the risk of disease spreading in the flooded areas. https://www.sott.net/article/505578-Angola-hit-by-deadly-floods-at-least-29-dead-and-thousands-displaced-UPDATE Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:28:14 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505564-Homes-flooded-roads-swamped-in-Miaoli-Taiwan-after-heavy-rain Heavy rain on Saturday triggered mudslides and flooding in Miaoli County, inundating homes and roads, disrupting traffic and leaving residents stranded in muddy water. https://www.sott.net/article/505564-Homes-flooded-roads-swamped-in-Miaoli-Taiwan-after-heavy-rain Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:32:50 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505559-Lightning-strike-kills-65-sheep-in-Balochistan-Pakistan At least 65 sheep were killed after being struck by lightning in Balochistan's Mashkhel district, leaving the affected herder in deep distress. According to details, the tragic incident occurred during heavy rainfall when a sudden lightning strike killed 65 sheep instantly, causing losses worth hundreds of thousands of rupees. The herder said the incident had destroyed everything he owned, describing the livestock as his entire livelihood. Media reports stated that the incident took place in a suburban area of the district. In addition to those killed, 15 sheep were seriously injured, further compounding the herder's losses. Speaking to the media, the distressed herder broke down in tears, saying he had been left completely helpless. Local residents and the herder have appealed to the provincial government and district administration for financial assistance. https://www.sott.net/article/505559-Lightning-strike-kills-65-sheep-in-Balochistan-Pakistan Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:33:29 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505550-Desert-turns-snow-white-Unexpected-hailstorm-blankets-parts-of-Rajasthan-India The golden sands of the Thar Desert underwent a startling transformation on Friday, April 3, 2026, as a massive hailstorm turned parts of Rajasthan into a landscape resembling the snow-capped valleys of Kashmir. Residents in the Arjunsar and Rajiyasar areas of Bikaner district witnessed a rare atmospheric event that saw temperatures plummet and roads disappear under a thick layer of ice. WHY DID THE THAR DESERT TURN WHITE? While the visuals shared by IFS officer Parveen Kaswan looked like a winter wonderland, this was actually the result of an intense hailstorm triggered by a Western Disturbance. A Western Disturbance is a weather system that originates over the Mediterranean region and travels eastward, bringing moisture and cooling to northwest India. When this moisture-laden air met the intense heat of the desert, it created powerful updrafts. https://www.sott.net/article/505550-Desert-turns-snow-white-Unexpected-hailstorm-blankets-parts-of-Rajasthan-India Sat, 04 Apr 2026 19:03:08 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505547-6-0-magnitude-quake-hits-90-km-SE-of-Sarangani-Philippines-USGS An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 jolted 90 km SE of Sarangani, Philippines at 10:34 GMT on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The epicenter, with a depth of 99.6 km, was initially determined to be at 4.89 degrees north latitude and 126.10 degrees east longitude. https://www.sott.net/article/505547-6-0-magnitude-quake-hits-90-km-SE-of-Sarangani-Philippines-USGS Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:40:04 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505546-Landslide-triggered-after-torrential-rain-kills-mother-and-6-children-in-Equatorial-Guinea A landslide triggered following torrential rain in Equatorial Guinea killed a mother and her six children, the central African country´s rescue services said on Friday. The bodies of the victims buried by the landslide were recovered on Friday, including that of the 36-year-old mother, who was eight months pregnant. Witnesses said the landslide happened on Thursday afternoon when downpours fell on the city of Malabo. "A concrete retaining wall collapsed onto their house... followed by a landslide," neighbour Dominica Ada said. "The mother and her six children were all inside," she added. AFP https://www.sott.net/article/505546-Landslide-triggered-after-torrential-rain-kills-mother-and-6-children-in-Equatorial-Guinea Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:18:41 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505545-5-8magnitude-quake-hits-Afghanistan-Pakistan-8-dead-in-Kabul An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 rattled parts of northern and eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan late Friday. The spokesperson for Kabul's governor said at least eight people are dead. The region is highly seismically active, and quakes have caused thousands of deaths in recent years. Friday's earthquake had an epicenter in the Hindu Kush mountain range, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) east of the Afghan city of Kunduz, according to the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center and the United States Geological Survey. With the epicenter at a depth of over 180 kilometers, the quake was felt across a wide swathe of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was felt in the areas of Islamabad, Peshawar, Chitral, Swat and Shangla, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Afghanistan's Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman said Kabul and provincial health authorities had been put on alert. https://www.sott.net/article/505545-5-8magnitude-quake-hits-Afghanistan-Pakistan-8-dead-in-Kabul Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:01:20 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505544-Apr-3-2026-Fuego-Volcano-in-Guatemala-produces-large-eruption-at-night The camera is about 8km away from the top of Fuego. Sometimes you'll be able to hear the eruptions. Due to the speed of sound, it'll take about 26 seconds after you see an explosion before you hear it. https://www.sott.net/article/505544-Apr-3-2026-Fuego-Volcano-in-Guatemala-produces-large-eruption-at-night Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:39:31 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505535-April-snow-of-333-centimeters-almost-11-FEET-broke-the-record-on-Botev-Peak-Bulgaria Snowfalls in the highest part of the mountain have not stopped, which creates prerequisites for additional accumulation on the record base A historical record for the thickest snow cover was recorded this morning on Botev Peak. On the peak of Stara Planina, meteorologists measured an impressive 333 centimeters of April snow, which officially surpasses the previous absolute maximum of 325 centimeters for this location, reports the specialized website "stringmeteo.bg". Snowfalls in the highest part of the mountain have not stopped, which creates prerequisites for additional accumulation on the record base. "Record on Botev Peak! This morning, 333 cm of snow cover was measured. The previous record is 325 cm, and today's achievement is probably not final, because the snowfall continues," the organization "Meteo Bulgaria" wrote on its page on social networks. Experts note that this phenomenon is extremely curious against the background of global warming trends. "It is good when we can... https://www.sott.net/article/505535-April-snow-of-333-centimeters-almost-11-FEET-broke-the-record-on-Botev-Peak-Bulgaria Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:19:09 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505523-More-than-a-meter-of-snow-closed-roads-villages-cut-off-in-southern-France Intense snowfall mixed with strong gusts of wind, villages buried under astronomical amounts of powder snow... It is almost apocalyptic weather that reigns over these regions in recent days... and the inhabitants will remember it. Who could have predicted that 2026 would go down in history? Both in terms of rainfall and snowfall, it has broken numerous records this year. The many ski resorts still open are proof of this, as the intense snowfall of recent days has once again blanketed the slopes in white. This allows skiers who wish to do so to enjoy the pleasures of skiing one last time at Easter. While the heavy snowfall is a boon for ski resorts, this isn't necessarily the case elsewhere. When winter hasn't yet had its final say in the mountains, sometimes an entire area is paralyzed, as was the case this week. https://www.sott.net/article/505523-More-than-a-meter-of-snow-closed-roads-villages-cut-off-in-southern-France Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:17:22 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505511-Overnight-California-earthquake-shakes-Bay-Area There were no reports of significant damage after the tremor shook millions awake early Thursday morning. Millions in the Bay Area of California were jostled awake by an early Thursday earthquake, but there have been no reports of significant damage so far. At 1:41 a.m. local time (4:41 a.m. EDT), a magnitude 4.6 earthquake was reported by the U.S. Geological Survey just outside of Boulder Creek, California, about 60 miles south of San Francisco. The tremor was shallow, reportedly less than 7 miles below the surface. https://www.sott.net/article/505511-Overnight-California-earthquake-shakes-Bay-Area Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:49:20 +0000