May Current Events 2024: Disaster News
World News | Disaster News | Science & Technology News | Current Events This Week
The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the U.S. news events you need to know so far for May 2024.
- Central Regions Of The US Destroyed By Whirling Storm
- Flood Events In Latin America Has Driven Up The Rate Of Hunger And Disease
- Severe Flood Disrupts Livelihood In Afghanistan
- Small Towns Across The United States Midwest Destroyed By Tornadoes
- Texas Experiences Widespread Power Outage Following Thunderstorm
Central Regions Of The U.S. Destroyed By Whirling Storm
Monday, April 29, 2024 – At least five people have died, including a four-month-old baby, as scores of tornadoes ripped through the central United States, leaving extensive damage. Tens of thousands of homes were left without electricity when twin storms hit on Friday. Four of the fatalities occurred in Oklahoma, where a state of emergency has been proclaimed in 12 counties.
Early investigation results from the National Weather Service (NWS) verified that several of Saturday's tornadoes reached wind gusts of more than 136 miles per hour. Storms extended from Texas up to Missouri, pouring up to seven inches (18cm) of rain in some areas within hours. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, around 100 injuries have been documented.
The threat of tornadoes looks to have reduced, but severe winds and hail are still forecast in the midwestern states. The White House stated that US President Joe Biden has given the federal government's full assistance to help in emergency health and rescue services around the affected region.
Source: BBC
Flood Events In Latin America Has Driven Up The Rate Of Hunger And Disease
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 – The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that Latin America is experiencing famine and disease after a year of record heat, floods, and drought. Floods killed people, disrupted companies, and ruined crops in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia last year.
Along with drought, this has hurt agricultural productivity in one of the world's biggest food-producing regions. Wheat production in Argentina fell 30% below the five-year norm, and Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul are expected to follow suit.
As temperatures rise, diseases spread. The World Meteorological Organization recorded over 3 million dengue fever cases in the first seven months of 2023, breaking the regional record. Chikungunya was originally identified in Uruguay, and Chile worried about the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector.
According to the paper, the continent, sandwiched between the extraordinarily hot Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, will certainly suffer tens of thousands of climate-related deaths in 2023, $21 billion (£17 billion) in economic damage, and "the greatest calorific loss" of any area.
Source: The Guardian
Severe Flood Disrupts Livelihood In Afghanistan
Thursday, May 16, 2024 – Hundreds of people are believed to have died as a result of flash floods in northern Afghanistan, with concerns that the toll might climb if further storms strike the area. Heavy downpours struck five districts in Baghlan province on Friday night, killing at least 150 people, according to Taliban authorities, and more than 300 according to the World Food Programme.
Images on social media showed torrents of water flowing through buildings in numerous communities, leaving a path of ruin in its wake. Many of those who died were from the province's Borka region, where over 200 people had been trapped inside their houses. There have also been reports of serious damage in Badakhshan, Ghor, and western Herat.
An official for Afghanistan's interior ministry told the BBC that at least 131 people were killed in the Baghlan region and 20 in Takhar.
Source: BBC
Small Towns Across The United States Midwest Destroyed By Tornadoes
Thursday, May 23, 2024 – Greenfield, a 2,000-person village roughly 55 miles from Des Moines, was hit by the worst tornado ever. The storms demolished homes and businesses in Greenfield, shattered automobiles, and thrown debris over the countryside. Video of the disaster in Iowa showed collapsed houses, overturned vehicles, and shattered wind turbines.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety said on Wednesday that at least 35 individuals were wounded, but the number is speculated to be higher. Five people were killed as tornadoes slammed through a tiny Iowa town and surrounding regions amid strong storms in the Midwest. The fifth death was verified by authorities in Adams County, roughly 25 miles from Greenfield. Tornadoes, severe rain, and power outages struck Nebraska, Illinois, and Wisconsin as well.
During a news conference in Greenfield on Wednesday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds refused to reveal the number of fatalities, emphasizing that "they are still on a search and rescue mission that will continue to be throughout the day,"
Source: BBC
Texas Experiences Widespread Power Outage Following Thunderstorm
Wednesday, May 10, 2024 – Severe weather keeps causing damage in areas of the United States, particularly Texas, which is facing major power outages that have left nearly 650,000 buildings without energy, with no end in sight. States as far north as Montana and as far south as Texas are still dealing with the aftermath of the weather, which has caused property damage, disruption, and, in some instances, loss of life.
With the power interruptions temperature is on the rise, placing susceptible residents in danger of heat exhaustion. School districts throughout the state have canceled school on Wednesday. The National Weather Service advises residents in impacted regions to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, avoid the sun, and check in on relatives and neighbors."
Oncor, the region's principal electric distribution utility, expects electricity to be restored in the hardest-hit regions by Friday evening or Saturday. As of Wednesday, the business said that electricity had been restored to around 340,000 consumers.
Source: The Guardian
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