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Selected Global Extreme Information

Climate Information Project (CIP): March 2001- Last Updated April 6th, 2001

UPDATE OF REPORTED Global CLIMATE-WEATHER IMPACTS

(Courtesy of NOAA Office of Global Programs)

*The information provided in the CIP updates are gathered from a variety of wire and news sources as well as country and international agency reports. It does not necessarily reflect the focus or interest of NOAA's Office of Global Programs and is meant only as source of condensed information.

** All products of the CIP are archived at: Climate Information Project

See the CIP map version of U.S. Impacts

Climate Information Project: The summaries are broken down into several reports.

Impacts Reported as of 03/01/01

BOTSWANA (flood) The PanAfrican News Agency reported that flooding has resulted in damage to the Gaborone suburbs, and some people have been forced to flee their homes and roads and bridges have become submerged.

CUBA (fire) Heat signatures and smoke were noted from fires burning in Cuba. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

GEORGIA (snow) The Itar-Tass reported that 30 people of the Georgian border department were evacuated by helicopter from Kazbegi to Gudauri. Heavy snow in the southern section of Voyenno-Gruzinskaya road reportedly forced people to stay in Kazbegi. Approximately 900 individuals who had come from Vladikavkaz on their way to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan stayed temporarily in hospitals, schools and homes in Kazbegi. Snow along the 25km long road from Gudauri to Kazbegi was reportedly 2.5m deep.

MALAWI (disease) The UN Integrated Regional Information Network/All African Global Media via COMTEX reported that at least 20 people have died from cholera since heavy rains caused flooding in parts of eastern and southern Malawi. Approximately 1,500 people have been treated for waterborne diseases, mainly in border regions and the central district around Lilongwe. Health officials have reportedly run short of disinfectants for cleaning treatment centers, increasing the risk of further spread of disease.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) The AP reported that 62 individuals have died, 81,000 have been left homeless and 400,000 people have been affected – meaning they have lost their crops, livestock or been cut off from schools or health facilities – as a result of the on-going flooding. Officials reportedly estimate that more than 170,000 people need to be evacuated.

TROPICAL CYCLONE PAULA OCHA reported that tropical cyclone Paula crossed the western side of the Vanuatu Islands from northwest to southeast from February 28th to March 1st. Paula reportedly caused rough seas, heavy rain and brought sustained winds of more than 100km/hr, with gust up to 200km/hr. The islands particularly affected by Paula are, Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Efate, Epi and the Shepards in central Vanuatu. One individual is reportedly missing on Espiritu Santo, and damage due to the high winds and flooding in low-lying areas forced evacuations in Espiritu Santo, and also caused 100 families to be evacuated from areas around Port Vila on Efate. Trees have reportedly come down, and communication links and water supplies have been affected in some areas. Images are available in the Daily Report of the Operational and Significant Event Imagery (OSEI) Group at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov

ZAMBIA (flood) The Post of Zambia/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that 2 more villages and a paramilitary camp near Luangwa bridge were submerged. Villagers and officers of the areas have reportedly moved to higher ground.

Impacts Reported as of 03/05/01

BOTSWANA (drought) Mmegil/The Reported/All African Global Media via COMTEX reported that wildlife in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is dying. The zebras are reportedly the most affected species, especially the young, and they are dying mainly as a result of the prevailing drought conditions. According to the Commerce and Industry Minister, the drought conditions have caused the zebras to move from the Pans on the eastern side of the park towards the Boteti River earlier than usual this year, and the deaths are resulting because many of the newly born zebras are not ready to undertake this journey.

CHINA (sandstorm) The Xinhua via COMTEX reported that the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China was hit by a sandstorm on Friday (2nd) . According to the Inner Mongolia Regional Meteorological Station, the western part of the vast region was most affected, including Baotou, Alxa League and Bayannur League.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) The Xinhua via COMTEX reported that the Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique’s western province of Tete has increased discharges. In Tete city, the largest urban center along the Zambezi River, floods have reached the Red Cross provincial warehouse and paralyzed some factories and hotels.

RUSSIA (storm) The Itar-Tass reported that a winter storm and heavy snowfalls swept over the Primorye and Khabarovsk territories and Sakhalin, Kamchatka and Kuril Islands over the weekend. The most amount of damage reportedly occurred in Partizansk, where almost all of the 50,000-strong Partizansk lacked electricity because heavy snowfalls destroyed many power lines. As much as 50cm of snow reportedly fell overnight on Saturday (3rd).

ZAMBIA (flood) The Xinhua via COMTEX reported that according to the Sunday Times newspaper, floods have displaced 30,000 individuals and destroyed a large amount of property in the town of Luangwa in southern Zambia. The banks of the Luangwa River, which empties into Lake Kariba, have reportedly burst following unprecedented downpours coupled with surging water flowing from the Zambezi River. Starvation is reportedly threatening many in the upper area of the Luangwa Valley as flood victims are seeking refuge there. In addition, the Sesheke district, 700km southwest of Lusaka, has been cut off from the rest of the country as a result of heavy rains that have rendered the Kasaya Bridge impassable.

ZIMBABWE (flood) The Xinhua via COMTEX reported that floods that had been limited to Muzarabani in eastern Zimbabwe and Masvingo in the south have now spread to other parts of the country, causing extensive damage to road networks and crops. Up to 10 people have reportedly died as a result of flooding or flood-related incidents, and it has been estimated that over 200 million Zimbabwean dollars ($3.6 million US) worth of road infrastructure damage has occurred. The three weeks of non-stop rains has reportedly left the regions facing a food shortage. OCHA reported that in Mashonaland Central Province the worst hit areas are Muzarabani and Guruve, the damage reports are as follows: Muzarabani, 10,000 individuals affected in Chadereka and Dambakurina areas, 5,700 people displaced, 3 individuals dead, 2 bridges collapsed, 20 km of roads washed away, 45 huts destroyed. In Guruve 118 families (577 individuals) in Musengezi and Chidodo areas affected, 1 individual dead, destruction of crops and houses and 35 people airlifted from Tsokoto to higher ground. In addition, due to the lack of clean water sources, the floods reportedly pose a serious health threat.

Impacts Reported as of 03/07/01

AFGHANISTAN (cold) IRIN reported that more than 260 individuals have died of cold and or hunger in various camps and settlements in northern Afghanistan. It has been estimated that 117,000 people are living in miserable conditions as a result of drought and civil war or both. The northern provinces of Faryab, Jowzjan, Balkh, Samangan, Saripul, Kunduz and Bahlan are reportedly the most affected.

EASTERN EUROPE (flood) Various media sources reported that 3 rivers, the Tisza, Szamos and Tur are causing flooding in Hungary, Romania and the Ukraine. Torrential rains and melting snow are reportedly responsible for the floods that have caused at least 2 deaths. A state of emergency was reportedly declared in Hungary after floodwaters forced more than 7,000 individuals to evacuate from 8 villages on Tuesday. In Romania approximately 1,600 individuals were evacuated from their homes in 80 villages, while in the Ukraine the Tisza River broke its banks in several places. Damage reports in the Ukraine include the following: 4,626 houses have been submerged, 7 houses have been destroyed, more than 2km of protective dykes have been breached and more than 50km of highway have been damaged. Approximately 70 villages have been left without electricity. Hungary has reportedly opened a temporary border crossing at the village of Nagyhodos to assist Ukrainians fleeing the floods.

MALAWI (flood) Various media sources reported that at least 15 individuals have died as a result of the flooding in Malawi. In addition, entire fields of crops have been inundated and at least 346,000 people have been displaced.

MALAYSIA (storm) Reuters reported that strong winds and rough seas caused a fishing boat carrying 26 people to capsize on Tuesday (6th) off of Malaysia’s northern resort island of Langkawi. Twelve survivors have reportedly been recovered but 14 people remain missing. The boat was reportedly traveling from Tam Malang in southern Thailand to Langkawi.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) The PanAfrican News Agency reported that the Zambezi flooding is keeping 68,000 primary school students out of classes as the floods have destroyed 544 classrooms. A preliminary estimate is that 23,000 hectares of crops – mostly maize and rice – has been ruined in Zambezia. In addition, the UN reported that the government of Mozambique has appealed for $30 million to fund relief work in the country’s Zambezi Valley. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

RUSSIA (storm/snow) The Xinhua via COMTEX reported that a heavy snowstorm that hit the eastern Sakhalin Island this week has left at least 8 people dead while continuing to block traffic and interrupt the electrical power supply system on the island. This is reportedly the heaviest snowfall to fall on Sakhalin in 50 years. The Itar-Tass reported that the cyclone that hit the far eastern Primorye territory caused 32 road accidents, causing deaths in the cities of Artyom, Ussuriisk and Vladivostok. Most of the accidents reportedly occurred on Saturday when the cyclone first arrived.

SOUTH AFRICA (flood) UN IRIN reported that heavy rains and severe flooding continue to wreak havoc across parts of South Africa, leaving thousands of people displaced or homeless.

TROPICAL CYCLONE PAULA OCHA reported that on March 2nd the Vanuatu government declared Malampa and Shefa provinces in central Vanuatu disaster areas. The government reported damage to 45-50% of homes and gardens, 35% of water supplies, 20% of schools, 15% of medical centers and 25% of other infrastructure in these provinces. One death was also reported in central Vanuatu. Tropical Cyclone Paula reportedly crossed the Fiji Islands on March 1st and 2nd. In the western division, strong winds and high waves reportedly destroyed or damaged a number of homes in 9 villages along the southern Coast of Viti Levu (Coral Coast). In addition, root crops, fruit trees and some sugar cane fields were reportedly damaged. Minor landslides were also reported, and roads were closed to floods, fallen trees and sea-borne debris. In the eastern division, the Southern Lau Group also reportedly suffered damage to buildings and crops.

UNITED STATES (storm) The AP reported that some 2.5 feet of snow fell across much of New England on Tuesday (6th) . Hundreds of flights were cancelled and numerous schools were closed for the second consecutive day. A roof, under the weight of snow and ice, reportedly collapsed on the Rhode Island State lottery headquarters. In New Hampshire and Maine schools, banks, businesses and government offices were all closed, and at least 8 people died in weather related accidents throughout the northeast - 4 in New York, 2 in Connecticut, 1 in New Jersey and 1 in Massachusetts. Approximately 80,000 homes or businesses were without power on Tuesday in Massachusetts, and flooding was reported along the coasts of Massachusetts and Maine. In addition, 60% of the flights at Logan International Airport in Boston were cancelled Tuesday (6th) afternoon and evening, and approximately 700 flights were cancelled out of the New York metropolitan area airports. At New York State’s Lake Placid organizers cancelled Tuesday’s World Cup Biathlon, and training for this weekend’s World Cup Bobsled event after nearly 3 feet of snow fell between Monday night and Tuesday. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

ZAMBIA (flood) The Post of Zambia reported that the Chilubi Island has been hit by hunger following floods that swept away the crops.

Impacts Reported as of 03/09/01

AUSTRALIA (flood) The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the flood disaster area in New South Wales has been extended to include much of the state’s northeast. Approximately 100mm of rain has fallen in the region in the past 24 hours. Towns continue to be isolated and collapsed power lines are reportedly causing black outs while falling trees are damaging houses and roads. The hardest hit areas include Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Kyogle, Lismore, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbach, Gladston, Smithtown and the Woodburn areas. Dozens of individuals have reportedly been evacuated, and flood warnings have been issued for approximately 10 rivers including the Hastings, Manning, Patterson, Clarence and Bellinger.

CHINA (drought) The Xinhua via COMTEX reported that according to an expert with the State Administration of Forestry, the severe drought suffered by north China last year is being considered the major cause of the sandstorms that swept the region recently. Cold fronts coming from the north and last winter’s warm weather are also reportedly believed to be contributing factors.

EASTERN EUROPE (flood) Various media sources reported that at least 20,000 homes have been flooded in at least 200 submerged villages in western Ukraine and northeastern Hungary. In the Ukraine, more than 35,600 individuals have been evacuated from the Zakarpattia region since Tuesday because heavy rains and melting snow have caused rivers to overflow and dikes to burst around the Carpathian Mountains. More than 30 miles of highway and approximately 5 miles of railway have been destroyed in the Ukraine, and 216 townships have been flooded, ruining nearly 1,000 houses in the Transcarpathian region. In addition, approximately 20,000 houses and public buildings have been flooded and 775 houses have been totally ruined. In Hungary a dike burst at Vasarosnameny early Thursday (8th) and residents of the village of Gergelyiurgomy fled after floods from the Tisza River swamped half of the village on Thursday. Twenty villages have been evacuated and 11,000 people are reportedly living in temporary shelters in Hungary during what is the third consecutive year of flooding in the region. A total of 7 individuals have reportedly died as a result of the floods in Eastern Europe.

ETHIOPIA (drought) The UN IRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that according to the head of the regional Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Bureau, more than 300,000 people in Ethiopia’s Somalia Regional State are facing severe water shortages. The worst affected regions are reportedly Liban, Afder, Gode, Warder, Degah Bur and Siq.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) The Xinhua via COMTEX reported that according to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, the death toll as a result of flooding has reached 75. The floods have affected approximately 490,000 individuals, and 81,000 people have been displaced. In addition, at least 183 primary schools have been forced to close, leaving a reported 52,350 students out of school. The floods have severely damaged the road network, and since mid-January, 8,260 people have been evacuated from dangerous areas. At least two individuals died and one was seriously injured recently as heavy rains and strong winds hit the coast of the northern Mozambican province of Nampula Wednesday and Thursday. The storm, which was classified as a tropical depression, reportedly destroyed dozens of homes and boats, and made access roads impassable on the mainland as well as Mozambique Island.

UNITED STATES (fire) Heat signatures and smoke were noted from fires burning in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Florida. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

ZAMBIA (flood) The Post of Zambia/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that more than 30,000 people have been affected by the flooding in Luangwa district.

Impacts Reported as of 03/12/01

ARGENTINA (fire) Heat signatures and smoke were noted from fires burning in Argentina. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

AUSTRALIA (flood) Various media sources reported that much of New South Wales has been declared a natural disaster zone, and 3 deaths have occurred as a result of the recent flooding. This is reportedly the third time since October that major floods have hit Australia. Floods are also affecting the province of Queensland where some 29,000 homes lost electricity when power lines were knocked down. In New South Wales, floodwaters are affecting people from Ballina as far south as Port Stephens, near Newcastle, and the Pacific Highway is closed at several locations between Crafton and Ballina. This is reportedly the worst flooding to hit Kempsey since 1963, and on the mid-north coast, all roads in the Bellingen Valley, except the Pacific Highway are closed. Raw sewage has reportedly washed into the towns of Smithtown and Gladstone as a result of the pipes becoming submerged by floodwaters, and according to the State Emergency Service an estimated 3,000 individuals were evacuated over the weekend.

CUBA (fire) Heat signatures and smoke were noted from fires burning in Cuba. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

FIRE (Sudan & Ethiopia) Heat signatures and smoke were noted from fires burning in Sudan and Ethiopia. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

HUNGARY (flood) The AP reported that the rain-swollen Tisza River, which rose to 25 feet at the village of Zahony, reached its highest level in 100 years on Friday. The previous record, set on March 15th, 1888, was less than half an inch lower. In addition, CNN reported that more than 30,000 individuals have fled their homes in two dozen villages, 65 square miles of land have been inundated and 136 houses in the northeast region have collapsed.

MALAWI (flood) OCHA reported that the 4 areas worst affected by flooding are Nsanje and Chikwaga in the south and Salima and Nkhotakota in central Malawi. The number of affected individuals is approximately 300,000 and more than 130,000 people have been displaced. The government is reportedly appealing for 6.7 million dollars U.S.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) UN IRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that the number of fatalities rose to 77 after a tropical depression hit the northern province of Nampula. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov. ROMANIA (flood) OCHA reported that heavy snowfall and rain that fell in northwestern Romania from March 3rd to 6th was followed by a sharp temperature increase - temperatures reached 15C - causing snow and ice to melt and bringing rivers in the region to above the critical level. The eleven counties that have reportedly been affected by flooding are Maramures, Bihor, Bistrita-Nassaud, Suceava, Satu Mare, Harghita, Cluj, Salaj, Hunedoara, Albu and Botosani. As of March 9th the following settlements/infrastructure were reportedly affected: 172 villages/towns, 3,616 homes, 57.8km of dams, 474km of forest roads 0.5km railways, 340 small bridges/footbridges, 31 dams and levees, 3,723 people evacuate, 1km water supply system, 12, 431 hectares of agricultural land, 3.84km national/local/village roads. One damaged water supply station in Sighet town, the damage estimate is approximately 637 billion lei, or 26.6 million U.S. dollars.

UKRAINE (flood) CNN reported that flooding in the Ukraine has forced more than 11,000 individuals to flee their homes and has caused 6 deaths. More than 32,000 homes in 240 villages have reportedly been hit by floodwaters from the Tisza River in the Transcarpathian mountain range, and more than 1,200 homes have been destroyed. The area was reportedly declared a disaster zone on Saturday, and electricity, gas and drinking water have been cut off in some areas. OCHA reported that as of March 8th government reports indicated that 300,000 people were affected and 443 buildings had been completely destroyed. The following damages were also reported, 75 villages cut off from telecommunications networks, 64 villages with no access to electricity, 20 bridges damaged and 53km of roads and 9 km of railroads destroyed.

ZAMBIA (flood) The Post of Zambia/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that the current outbreak of cholera in Lusaka is reportedly due to poor sanitary conditions that have been worsened by flooding from the recent heavy downpours. The outbreak has reportedly resulted in one death in the Kanyama compound and 2 deaths in Livingstone. In addition, approximately 5,000 have reportedly been left homeless as a result of the flooding.

ZIMBABWE (flood) OCHA reported that more than 30,000 individuals have been affected, and the northeast (Mashonaland Central) has suffered the worst. Floods have also reportedly hit North Matebeleland and the central and southern provinces of Midlands, Masvingo, Matebeleland South and Manicaland. In the Mashonaland Central Province the worst hit districts are Centenary and Guruve. In Centenary approximately 15,000 people have been left homeless and granaries, crops and the road network have been hit particularly hard. In Guruve 527 households with a population of 3,000 have been affected, and 311 acres of cotton and 401 acres of maize crops have been lost. In the Matebeleland North province the main River Gwayi, a tributary of the Zambezi, has burst its banks, washing away houses, fields and roads in the Sipepa communal lands, affecting an estimated community of 5,000.

Impacts Reported as of 03/16/01

AFGHANISTAN (drought) Various media sources reported that the on-going drought is killing hundreds of people in Afghanistan’s northeastern province of Badakhshan. In the past week 300 individuals have reportedly died from hunger and various diseases. This 3-year drought has reportedly wiped out most crops and forced residents to either kill or sell their livestock. Food supplies have reportedly been exhausted by the long and bitterly cold winter, and thus famine is affecting 800,000 individuals in several districts of Badakhshan. The drought is reportedly affecting most of Afghanistan as approximately half of the population, 12 million people, is suffering. In the past 3 months more than 1,000 individuals have reportedly died in the badly affected regions of Shari Bozourg, Yaftalha and Ragh districts.

FIRE (Venezuela, Columbia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Cuba) Heat signatures and smoke were noted from fires burning in Venezuela, Columbia, Cuba, the Sudan and Ethiopia. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

HUNGARY (flood) The BBC reported that according to the Hungarian government, they have already spent the equivalent of 400 million dollars fighting the current floods.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) The Xinhua via COMTEX reported that according to Mozambican Television on Wednesday, the on-going floods have heavily hit the sugar industry. Sena Company, one of Mozambique’s major sugar producers, has reportedly lost approximately 4 million US dollars as 1,000 hectares of its sugar cane have been wiped out in the central district of Marromeu. According to OCHA, as of March 15th the Kariba dam closed one of its gates, decreasing its flow of water to 3,800m3/s, and the Cahora Bassa dam’s water discharge had also decreased to 7,550m3/s. In addition, according to official figures, of the 494,500 people affected by the flooding 89,894 have been displaced.

SOUTHERN AFRICA (flood & drought) The Xinhua via COMTEX reported that as a result of reduced plantings, high input costs, flooding and drought conditions southern Africa is projecting a lowered maize harvest. Poor early season rains and high input costs reportedly decreased maize plantings. Zimbabwe is therefore expecting a maize harvest of 1.04 million tons, well below the national requirement of 2 million tons. Swaziland and Lesotho are also expecting to experience a maize deficit.

UKRAINE (flood) ITAR-TASS via COMTEX reported that 7 people have died in the floods in the western Ukraine. The following damages have also been reported: 33,500 houses under water, 1,600 houses and public buildings destroyed, 12,000 people evacuated. Approximately 60km of roads damaged and blocked, 6 road bridges destroyed & 17 damaged and rail traffic suspended on 5 routes.

ZIMBABWE (flood) UN IRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that according to PANA the Zimbabwe Health Minister fears that an outbreak of cholera and malaria is looming for the northern parts of the country where floods have displaced some 15,000 people. Fears of disease outbreaks exist because as the floods subside they are leaving behind stagnant water, which is conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes, and can increase the chance of diarrhea diseases.

Impacts Reported as of 03/20/01

FIRE (Dominican Republic & Haiti) Heat signatures and smoke were noted from fires burning in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

MALAWI (flood) OCHA reported that 13 of the country’s 27 districts have been affected by heavy rains and flooding. Approximately 334,985 individuals have reportedly been affected and 14 deaths have resulted. The southern region is the worst affected, especially Nsanje and Chikwawa where 125,000 and 62,500 people have been affected respectively. In addition, parts of these districts reportedly remain inaccessible.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that approximately 42,000 children in the central Mozambican provinces of Sofala and Tete are being kept away from their schools due to flooding. In Sofala flooding on the Zambezi and Pungue Rivers has reportedly closed 50 schools in the Chemba, Caia, Marromeu, Dondo, Nhamatanda and Buzi districts - affecting approximately 17,000 students. In Tete flooding on the Zambezi River and its tributaries have completely destroyed 25 schools affecting some 25,000 students. In addition, the road linking Beira to Zimbabwe reportedly remains closed.

UKRAINE (flood) Various media sources have reported that 8 people have now died as a result of the flooding in the western Ukraine. In addition, 13,000 individuals have reportedly been evacuated and 1,637 houses have been destroyed.

UNITED KINGDOM (storm) The BBC reported that heavy snow and bitterly cold winds across the United Kingdom are creating horrific conditions for drivers. Blizzards reportedly hit southern Wales on Tuesday (20th) morning, and are spreading to many other parts of Wales, England and Northern Ireland. Colleges in both Cardiff and Newport reportedly closed early on Tuesday.

Impacts Reported as of 03/23/01

BOLIVIA (flood) The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in La Paz reported that 52,913 families have been affected by the recent flooding. In a report by the National Civil Defense Service (SENADECI) dated March 5th, it was reported that rains and floods have hit Bolivia’s nine departments hard. The most affected departments are La Paz where 23,334 families have reportedly been affected, Cochabamba – 12,902 families affected, Potosi – 6,767 families affected and Beni where 3,651 families have been affected.

FRANCE (flood) The AP reported that rain swollen rivers burst their banks flooding several villages and overflowing town centers and blocking roads on March 21st in northeast and central France. The area around Paris was hit particularly hard as the Seine flooded towns and villages. River traffic was reportedly disrupted, roads along the Seine were shut and the tip of Ile de la Cite, the capital’s historic island center, was under water. In central France 18 villages around the city of Lyon were flooded as the Rhone-Saone River burst its banks. Other affected regions include Calvados in the north, Meuse and Haute-Marne in the east and Saone-et-Loire in the center. According to a meteorologist at the national weather service Meteo France, the rain levels over the past few months were 2 to 3 times as high as in other years.

MALAWI (flood) OCHA reported that 334,985 people have been affected by the flooding, and according to the Department of Disaster Preparedness Relief and Rehabilitation (DDPRR), the regions of Makhanga, Mankhokwe and Mbenje remain inaccessible. Many people are reportedly suffering from skin diseases, malaria and cholera. In Chikwawa 85 cases of cholera have been reported and 5 cholera related deaths have occurred. In addition, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation released estimates indicating an 11-22% decrease in production compared to last year. Major crop losses have reportedly occurred in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Salima, Phalombe and Nkhotakota.

NIGER (drought) Panafrican News Agency reported that famine resulting from a long-drawn drought in Niger has forced many of the country’s nationals to cross the border into neighbouring Nigeria.

NORWAY (snow) Airline Industry Info. via COMTEX reported that the Bodo airport in northern Norway had to close several times throughout the day on March 20th due to heavy snowfall in the region.

PERU (flood) OCHA reported that the seasonal rains have caused flooding in the Department of Puno. The most affected provinces are El Collao, Chucuito, San Roman, Puno and Huancane, and the authorities have declared a state of emergency for the Department. Flooding reportedly began on March 1st when rivers in the Titicaca basin burst their banks. Approximately 31,500 people have been affected – 23,000 alone in El Collao, Huancane and Puno – and 2,700 houses have been damaged. According to preliminary estimates, approximately 5,300 hectares of cultivated land have been lost and some 31,500 hectares have been affected. Some secondary roads have also been affected by the floodwaters.

UNITED KINGDOM (rain) The AP reported that according to the government meteorological office, in the past year England and Wales have received more rain than in any other year on record. The average rainfall was 51inches between April 1st, 2000 and March 20th, 2001 – the most since meteorologists began recording in 1766. The previous record of 50 inches was set in 1872. The country also set records for the wettest April with 5.6 inches and the wettest fall with 18 inches.

UNITED STATES (fire) Heat signatures and smoke were noted from fires burning in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

ZAMBIA (flood) OCHA reported that the 2000/2001 rainy season was an unprecedented heavy one. When compared to the 1999/2000 season certain areas received up to 44% above the normal rainfall. The overall situation in Zambia was compounded by drought conditions in the southern part of the country. Floodwaters remain over a large part of the country, mainly the eastern, northern, northwestern, Copperbelt and central provinces. In total the floods and drought have affected a reported 1,448,530 individuals. The following are the affects on each of the affected provinces, Eastern - 350,000 people affected, crops completely washed away, most bridges/buildings and roads extensively damaged, outbreaks of cholera, malaria and measles, limited access to safe drinking water. In the Northern provinces- 140,000 people affected, 32 houses collapsed, roads submerged and bridges washed away, diarrhoeas, malaria and respiratory infections, access to safe drinking water for only 35% of inhabitants. In the Northwestern area - 67,000 people affected (only 2 districts), crop diseases, routes impassable. In the Copperbelt - 50,000 people affected, crop damage, 300 houses collapsed, rural districts isolated with outbreaks of disease due to poor sanitary conditions. In the Central area - 10,900 people affected, crop damage, 2,249 houses collapsed, most roads washed away/impassable with more than 400 cholera cases and less than 40% of the inhabitants have access to safe drinking water.

Impacts Reported as of 03/26/01

FRANCE (flood) Reuters reported that following heavy rains further flooding submerged more of western and northern France on Sunday (25th) . Hundreds of people were reportedly evacuated from their homes in Brittany and Normandy overnight - some for the fourth time in as many months - as a number of rivers burst their banks submerging roads, railways and fields. In Paris, roads along the Seine remained deep under water, and parts of Ile de la Cite resembled Venice. Boats were also unable to ply the river, with fast-flowing water almost touching some city center bridge spans. The March rains have reportedly reached three times the average level. In addition, the BBC reported that traffic disruptions continued throughout much of the western and northern parts of the country, and schools were closed on Monday (26th) in parts of Brittany where roads were impassable.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) OCHA reported that considerable amounts of rain fell in the Zambezi catchment area last week, including Tete and the lower Zambezi Valley. The Cahora Bassa dam was reportedly releasing an average of approximately 8,100m3/s on March 25th. Evacuations were reportedly continuing in the Zambezi Valley, and the number of displaced individuals in accommodation centers is increasing by 500-700 people per day. According to the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) the number of displaced individuals in all 4 affected provinces (Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia) has risen to 235,000 – of whom 180,000 are in temporary accommodation centers where malnutrition is a problem. In addition, of the 2,366 km of roads damaged in Zambezia province, 41km have been repaired and reopened.

ZIMBABWE (flood) Zimbabwe Independent/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), the country’s grain reservoir, is set to import 1 million metric tones of maize and other small grains from neighbouring South Africa and Zambia this year as a result of the severe famine looming in parts of the country hard hit by floods and erratic rainfall. Some grain reserves were reportedly destroyed in areas of the country hit by floods.

Impacts Reported as of 03/28/01

BURUNDI (drought) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that the severe drought continuing in Burundi is contributing to food insecurity in the Great Lakes region.

INDONESIA (flood) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that thousands of houses and hundreds of hectares of paddy fields in East Java have become inundated following a week of incessant rains in Central and East Java. The floods have reportedly affected a number of sub districts in Bojonegoro in the western part of East Java. The worst hit area is the Cemungklung village, Kalitidu sub district, where floodwaters inundated villager’s houses to a height of 0.5m on Monday. Floodwaters also reportedly inundated 5 elementary school buildings in Kalitidu sub district.

MONGOLIA (winter disaster ) OCHA reported that Mongolia is suffering from its second straight severe winter disaster. According to an official report by the Mongolian State Civil Defense Board, the number of dead livestock is 1.5 million as of March 15th, 2001. However, these figures are expected to rise because 7 provinces have not reported updated figures. These livestock losses are reportedly 2-3 times higher than last winter. A breakdown of losses to specific species Camel - 2,847, Horse - 121,479, Cattle - 492,017, Sheep - 572,650, Goat- 318,113

MOZAMBIQUE (disease/flood) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that according to a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Institute, the incidence of malaria and diarrhea is increasing at shelter centers in central Mozambique’s flood-stricken Zambezi River valley. The diseases are reportedly spreading due to overcrowding at the centers, improper sanitary conditions and lack of water treatment equipment.

NEW ZEALAND (tornado) The AP reported that a tornado hit the western town of Greymouth early Wednesday, ripping the roofs of houses, destroying greenhouses and downing trees. The tornado reportedly hit before dawn and at least half a dozen families were forced to leave their homes as a result of damage by winds or flooding caused by burst water pipes.

ZAMBIA (flood) The Times of Zambia/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that 2 children drowned last Thursday in Chawama township when the house they were sleeping in was flooded with rain water overnight. A reported 100 families have been displaced after their houses have been similarly submerged, and roads in the area are impassable.

ZIMBABWE (flood/drought) OCHA reported that the rains and flooding are continuing over large parts of Zimbabwe. More than 30,000 individuals have reportedly been affected, and the 13 people have died. The worst affected areas are the northeastern provinces of Mashonaland (Muzarabani and Guruve districts) and Matabeleland North (Tsholotsho district). Flooding has particularly affected granaries, crops and roads, and at the same time drought is reportedly affecting the southern regions, which were already affected by previous floods. The drought is reportedly affecting an estimated 600,000 people and threatening food security. The government of Zimbabwe is reportedly appealing for 16.9 million dollars.

Impacts Reported as of 04/02/01 - March 2001 events

GREECE (fires/heat) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that 2 separate forest fires erupted in Greece’s eastern Aegean islands of Samos and Ikaria on Monday March 26th as the country experienced its highest recorded temperatures for March in the past 100 years. These were reportedly the second wildfires to be reported this year - the first fires occurred a week earlier in the country’s Corinth prefecture and in the northern islands of Evia.

MALAWI (flood) UNRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that heavy rains are continuing to worsen the flooding situation in the south of the country, as well as threatening new areas that were initially unaffected. Approximately 335,000 people have been affected by the floods, which have inundated 13 of 27 districts. Fourteen individuals have reportedly died and widespread damage has resulted. Images are available in the Daily Report and Archives of the Operational and Significant Event Imagery (OSEI) Group at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) OCHA reported on March 29th that the number of displaced people in temporary accommodations now exceeds 200,000. In addition, the road between Beira and Chimoio has reportedly been cut for the fourth time this year. Images are available in the Daily Report and Archives of the Operational and Significant Event Imagery (OSEI) Group at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

PAKISTAN (drought) The BBC reported that Pakistan is suffering from a severe drought. Pakistan has reportedly suffered from a drastic fall in annual rainfall, and the harvest is expected to be extremely poor this year. Pakistan has suffered from drought for the past 3 years, and today the situation is desperate as many farmers are in debt, their cattle have died and there is little pastureland.

PAKISTAN (storm) Reuters reported that Jallozai camp, located in Pakistan’s North West Frontier province, hosts 70,000 refugees. The camp reportedly suffered from flooding caused by recent rains over the weekend resulting in appalling living conditions. There are reportedly worries of a major health epidemic if the refugees are not moved quickly.

PAKISTAN (tornado) The AP reported that according to a government official, a tornado hit the eastern Punjab province on Wednesday March 28th, resulting in the deaths of 4 individuals and destroying a hundred homes. The village of Chak Miran, a village of several hundred homes, was heavily damaged.

PERU (flood) OCHA reported that according to a report by the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI), exceptionally high rainfall in February and March continues to cause the overflowing of rivers, landslides and flooding in the lower valleys. The affected areas include the departments of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, Tacna and Puno. Approximately 46,00 people have been affected and more than 8,000 houses damaged. In addition, approximately 47,000 hectares of crops have reportedly been affected, of which 8,000 hectares have been lost. In Lima, the Chillon River has overflowed, affecting more than 1,800 people, 400 houses and 2 educational centers.

RUSSIA (snow) Itar-Tass via COMTEX reported that on Tuesday March 27th a delegation of State Duma making a tour of the Far East were stranded in Sakhalin because of a heavy blizzard that caused local aviation enterprises to cancel regular flights. Heavy snow reportedly disrupted traffic in a number of districts of the Khabarovsk Region, and particularly heavy snowfalls hit the coast of the Tatar Strait.

SUDAN (drought) The AP reported that the on-going severe drought is adding to the misery caused by civil war and other previous famines in Sudan. Food supplies are reportedly down as the drought has caused rivers and dams to run dry. The northern states of Darfur and Kordofan are facing the worst drought, although lack of rain has also hit the south.

UKRAINE (flood) OCHA reported that as of March 26th, nine people had reportedly died as a result of the floods, 3 settlements with a total of 310 buildings were flooded, 1,732 buildings had been destroyed, 2 settlements were without power supply and approximately 52.7km of roads and 3km of railroad remained impassable.

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