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Selected Global Extreme Information

Climate Information Project (CIP): June 2001-Last Updated July 2, 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 06/05/01

BRAZIL (drought) The AP reported that according to the head of the energy crisis task force, northeastern Brazil might face rolling blackouts beginning in July because of a shortage of hydroelectric power. The drought has reportedly caused many reservoirs to reach record low levels, and thus the mainly hydroelectric driven power network is not able to keep pace with the demand from the expanding economy.

CANADA (fire) Smoke is visible streaming from Quebec, Canada into New England and over the Atlantic Ocean. Originating from a fire in Alberta, Canada, the stream of smoke has been transported around an upper level ridge across the Canadian heartland. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

CHINA (drought) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that a severe drought has spread through north China since March, and it is threatening the summer harvest and limiting the supply of water to an increasing number of people and livestock. The drought has reportedly affected at least 2.93 million hectares of cops and caused a shortage of water for more than 2 million people and some 430,000 head of livestock in Shangdong Province, which is a major grain producer. In Henan province, the local people are experiencing the driest weather in approximately 20 years, and nearly 1.8 million people and 510,000 head of livestock are short on drinking water. Beijing has also been affected, with 70% of its crops on the outskirts affected.

EL SALVADOR (flood) EFE via COMTEX reported that El Salvador’s National Emergency Committee, (COEN), declared a "green alert" on May 31st due to heavy rains that are threatening the homes of more than half a million people living in more than 200 high-risk areas. A green alert is reportedly a preventive measure intended to allow emergency institutions and organizations to prepare to deal with any contingency. Many parts of the Salvadoran capital were flooded on the 31st by heavy rains that fell in the afternoon, and the first downpours of the rainy season reportedly killed 2 individuals in San Salvador a week ago.

ETHIOPIA (drought) Reuters reported that children are dying of both disease and malnutrition in parts of eastern Ethiopia as a result of the on-going drought. The worst affected are approximately 125,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in parts of eastern Ethiopia inhabited by ethnic Somalis who lost all their livestock in the last drought. GUATEMALA (storm) EFE via COMTEX reported that according to the National Disaster Reduction Coordinating Agency (CONRED), at least 6 are dead and 2 are missing due to torrential rains in Guatemala over the last few days. On Friday in San Antonio Palopo, in the province of Solola, a combination of a mudslide and landslide caused the death of 2 individuals, left 2 people missing and injured 6 others. The slides reportedly buried 4 dwellings in the community.

UNITED STATES (fire) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that the fire in Mallory Swamp in Dixie and Lafayette counties, Florida, is the state’s largest this year - burning 24,300 hectares in 18 days. Experiencing its worst drought in years, Florida had 28 new fires develop on May 31st, 23 of which were caused by lightning. In total, 3,130 fires have reportedly burned 135,700 hectares in Florida since January 1st.

Impacts Reported as of 06/07/01

AFGHANISTAN (drought) The AP reported that children are dying from malnutrition in northern Afghanistan as the country faces its third year of drought. For the past four months at least 6 children under 5 years of age have reportedly been dying daily among every 10,000 people in the Faryab province, northern Afghanistan. The average number of deaths in a stable developing country is 0.5/day per 10,000 individuals. Save the Children recently surveyed Faryab’s remote mountainous Kohistan region and found that over the last 4 months at least 108 children have died in the 378 families surveyed. Malnutrition and infectious disease are reportedly responsible for the high number of deaths. Afghanistan is reportedly suffering from its worst drought in 30 years, affecting nearly half of its 21 million people. The drought has reportedly destroyed most fields and orchards, killing up to 70% of cattle in many parts of the country.

AUSTRALIA (drought) AsiaPulse via COMTEX reported that according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, lack of rain is threatening the success of the country’s crops. All the states, except Queensland, are reportedly expected to decrease their total crop area, while wheat and canola plantings are tipped to fall. Many farmers are reportedly waiting for decent rains so that they can plant their crops.

BANGLADESH (flood) Reuters reported that nearly 100,000 Bangladeshi islanders were stranded in water up to their chests on Wednesday (6th) following heavy monsoon rains. Rainwater reportedly swept away a small railway bridge disrupting train services between northeastern Sylhet district and Chittagong port city. Several villages in Sylhet were also reportedly inundated after a flood protection embankment was breached. The heavy monsoon rains have reportedly left 3 rivers swollen above their danger levels in northeastern Bangladesh. Approximately 13 inches of rain fell in the region in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning, pushing water levels up in Manu, Kushiyara and Khowai Rivers. Other major rivers are also rising, and at least 8 deaths have resulted because of the floods and mudslides. Five individuals reportedly died after a mudslide buried 5 huts in Brahmmanbania, and 3 people reportedly drowned in southern Barguna district.

BRAZIL (drought) EFE via COMTEX reported that officials in Brazil’s Pernambuco state declared a state of Emergency on Monday (4th) due to the on-going months-long drought that is being blamed for widespread hunger and looting. The drought in northeastern Brazilian state – the poorest in the country – has reportedly made food scarce for some one million residents. The drought reportedly already ruined 90% of Pernambuco’s grain harvest and left approximately 700,000 people without a source of income. The state government has already declared a state of emergency in 370 municipalities and has requested government assistance to mitigate the effects of the drought and lack of food.

CHINA (drought) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that most of the northern province of China, except the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is still suffering severely from drought. By the end of May approximately 22.7 million hectares of fields had reportedly suffered from the drought with 4.2 million hectares unavailable for planting. Approximately 15.8 million people and 11.4 million head of livestock are reportedly having difficulty getting potable water.

COLOMBIA (landslide) Various media sources reported that at least 4 individuals have died and 10 have disappeared following two mudslides that covered a section of a mountain road in the province of Antioquia in northwestern Colombia. The mudslides reportedly occurred in an area known as La Fea near the hamlet of Puerto Valdivia late Monday and on Tuesday.

COLOMBIA (tornado) The AP reported that tornados swept through the slums in the Caribbean port of Barranquilla last Friday, June 1st, killing 3 individuals, injuring 200, and leaving up to 4,000 homeless.

ERITREA (drought) UNIRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that according to the World Food Programme, the drought-affected region of Anseba has still not received any significant rainfall and that there exists a severe threat that another harvest will be lost.

GUATEMALA (mudslide) EFE via COMTEX reported that the seventh victim of this year’s rainy season drowned on Sunday. The individual was reportedly swept away by a river in the western municipality of San Juan Sacatepequez.

IRAN (drought) Various media sources reported that much of western Asia is facing its third year of drought. Even the rice-growing belt of northern Iran – the Caspian Province of Gilan, which is typically a semi-tropical region that is lush and green, is being affected by the drought. Last year’s drought was reportedly the worst Iran had seen in 3 decades, destroying an estimated 2.8 million tons of wheat crop, 280,000 tons of barley and killing 800,000 heads of livestock. In addition, a fact-finding U.N. mission reportedly put last year’s drought losses at U.S. $3.5 billion. According to the Deputy Energy Minister, presently water reserves at 3 dams near Tehran have reportedly fallen to half of last year’s levels because of low rainfall.

INDIA (flood) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that according to the Press Trust of India, torrential rains have hit India’s northeastern state of Tripura for the past 2 days, affecting more than 60,000 individuals across the area. At least 3 people have reportedly died, and the flooding is the worst the area has seen in the past 25 years. West Tripura is reportedly among the 4 districts that suffered the brunt of the deluge. Road communication in Tripura reportedly remained blocked for a second day on Thursday following landslides on national highway in Dulubari area of north Tripura.

NIGERIA (flood) UNIRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that according to ‘The Guardian’, rainstorms that hit Calabar, the capital of southeastern Nigeria’s Cross River State on Friday caused damaged estimated at U.S. $5 million to private and public property. The governor’s office, presidential lodge and private homes were reportedly damaged, as were food crops, electric poles and cables. Calabar reportedly lost power.

NORTH KOREA (drought) Various media sources reported that an unusually long spell of drought and heat is causing severe damage to the country. The drought has persisted for 90 days since early March, reportedly the second longest drought in the country’s history. According to the latest information released by the Central Forecasting Institute of the Hydrometeorological Bureau of DPRK, the longest drought was from July 11 – October 11, 1727. Since March every place in the country has registered an average rainfall of 18.3mm – only 11% of the average annual rainfall, and only 17% of the amount last year. Temperatures in the cities and in central Pyongyang, Haeju, Sariwon and Kaesong have reportedly been 10-13 degrees higher than the average yearly level, and strong winds have also hit an area on the west coast, including Pyongyang, Haeju, Sariwon and Kaesong from March 7th-9th. Preliminary estimates, as of June 1st, by the Ministry of Agriculture, reported that hundreds and thousands of hectares of farmland across the entire country have been heavily hit by the drought. Over 80-90% of potato, wheat, barley and maize seeds sown in the soil have already dried up. In Kosongo county, Kangwon province, Sariwon, North Hwanghae province, Haeju, South Hwanghae, and other areas that were struck by strong winds, all the fruits such as apricots, peaches and plums have reportedly been blown from the trees.

RUSSIA (flood) The Itar-Tass reported that 7 people have died as a result of the flooding in the Republic of Yakutia. In addition, the Government of the Russian Federation reported to OCHA that as of June 5th 6,000 residential buildings, 65 public buildings, 70 km of roads and 8 bridges had been flooded in Yakutia. More than 65,000 individuals had also reportedly been evacuated from 30 towns and villages Yakutia. SOMALIA (drought) UNIRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that inadequate rainfall in south-central Somalia is threatening the country’s main grain harvest. In Bay and Bakool regions, much of the vital sorghum crop has reportedly already failed due to the drought, and insects have damaged much of the remainder. Populations in northern Somalia are also facing increased food insecurity as a result of poor rains, particularly in the northeast, and because of a livestock import began that began in September 2000.

TRISTAN DA CUNHA (storm) Various media sources reported that the island of Tristan da Cunha - the most remote inhabited place in the world - was devastated by a storm on May 23rd. The south Atlantic island is one of the United Kingdom’s overseas territories, and the British Foreign Office has confirmed that many buildings were damaged and that communication with the outside world was disrupted. Gusts up to 190km/hr reportedly ripped off roofs, guttering and shattered windows. In addition, the island’s hospital, community center, only pub and bells from the church belfry were reportedly destroyed. It has reportedly been estimated that all 300 residents received damage to their property.

UKRAINE (storm) The AP reported that according to emergency officials on Wednesday, heavy winds and rains snapped power lines, cutting off electricity to approximately 109 towns. The heavy weather reportedly hit the western regions of Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi, and the southern Odessa region on Monday.

UNITED STATES (lightning) The AP reported that lightning sparked 69 new fires in drought-stricken Florida on Wednesday. Since January 1st, 3,274 fires have reportedly burned 345,000 acres. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

UNITED STATES (tropical storm) Various media sources reported that the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season - tropical storm Allison - weakened and was downgraded to a tropical depression on Wednesday after pouring down as much as a foot of rain that flooded streets and highways in Texas. Most of the storm’s remaining rain drifted in western and southern Louisiana causing occasional street flooding in New Orleans. Some flash flood warnings remained in effect for parts of Louisiana, and in Texas flood warnings remained in effect on Wednesday for Galveston and Harris county, including Houston, where rain fell 2-3 inches/hr at the height of the storm on Tuesday. Allison was reportedly accompanied by 60mph gusts that pounded the coast for several hours and spawned tornados that caused scattered damage. According to the National Weather Service, a twister reportedly touched down near Manvel, uprooting trees and damaging a home. In addition, as much as 11 inches of rain fell in Houston’s southern suburbs, and the torrential rains caused delays at Bush International Airport, and cancellations at Hobby Airport for several hours. Four tourists reportedly drowned, and at least two-dozen individuals were rescued from storm-tossed waters off the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday, as the Gulf of Mexico was reportedly churned by the remnants of tropical storm Allison.

URUGUAY (flood) EFE via COMTEX reported that approximately 6,000 people were evacuated from their homes due to heavy rains that also forced the closure of 19 highways. In Artigas, 5,000 people have lost their homes to flooding, and the Cuareim River reportedly rose to 14.8m above its normal level. The river is now reportedly receding, but approximately 250 houses along its bank have disappeared or sustained severe damage. OCHA reported that 15 days of heavy rains have also caused flooding in the central and southern departments of Rivera and Durazno respectively.

Impacts Reported as of 06/12/01

AFGHANISTAN (drought)- update Reuters reported on June 8th that millions of people are facing starvation in what has become the worst drought in 30 years. According to the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization, the drought, which is in its third consecutive year, has resulted in a very poor 2001 harvest and the decimination of livestock. As a result grain prices are reportedly soaring, and many people have begun to eat grasshoppers and animal feed. The two agencies have reportedly issued a ‘special alert’ for the area.

BANGLADESH (flood)-update The AP reported on June 11th that flooding caused by a week of monsoon rains has stranded nearly half a million people, washed away mud embankments and damaged rice crops in northeast Bangladesh. Nine deaths have reportedly occurred since the flooding began on June 5th, and schools have been closed in some villages. According to officials at Dhaka’s Flood Forecast and Warning Center, all the rivers in the region - the Monu, Khowai, and Kushiara - reportedly burst their banks and in some places washed away mud embankments meant to protect the villages from floodwaters.

BRAZIL (drought)-update AFX-Europe via COMTEX reported that Brazil is facing its biggest energy crisis in its history, and that government officials are blaming the situation on an extended drought that has affected hydroelectric generation, which provides 90% of Brazil’s power.

CANADA (drought) PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX reported that Alcan Inc. announced on June 8th that due to low water levels the company will further reduce aluminum production at its Kitimat, British Columbia smelter. The additional reduction will reportedly increase the total closure to up to 50% of the smelter’s capacity of 275 thousand tonnes. Reservoirs in British Columbia are reportedly at historically low levels due to a province-wide drought.

CHINA (drought) Various media sources reported that the on-going drought has affected the sowing cycles for autumn crops. By the end of May more than 4.26 million hectares of cultivatable land had reportedly missed the chance for planting because it was too dry, and seedlings in 730,000 hectares of land never germinated at all. Rice planting reportedly became impossible in 1.53 million hectares of paddy land, and the unusually dry weather which has lasted approximately 100 days is also threatening the lives of 15.8 million people and 11.4 million livestock by causing a shortage of drinking water. According to sources with the National Headquarters for Fighting Flood and Drought, the drought has reportedly affected more than 23 million hectares of non-irrigated farmland in Liaoning, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia and other provinces. In addition, a total of 8.9 million hectares of land has reportedly come up with no harvest at all, and the State Food Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (SFCDRH) reported that this year has seen the largest drought in the country since 1990, and China has suffered successive droughts influencing vast regions since 1999.

CHINA (storm) Various media sources reported that at least 17 have died, many others are missing, and an estimated 78 million dollars in damage has occurred in Guangdong Province as a result of heavy rains over the past 10 days. The heavy rains reportedly began on June 2nd, and floods have swept away 5,300 houses and affected at least 1.76 million people. Flash floods in Zengcheng reportedly stranded more than 2,000 individuals on Monday morning, and 3 individuals were struck by lightning in the city of Fanyu on Monday. Approximately 470,000 hectares of cropland have reportedly been inundated, 200 enterprises have closed and a large number of highways, telecom and water conservancy facilities have been destroyed. The worst hit area is reportedly Yangjiang City in western Guangdong, where rainfall from late at night on June 7th through the evening of June 8th totaled 650mm - a record high. Yanfu city has also reportedly been severely affected. On Monday a tornado reportedly destroyed dozens of shops and houses and injured seven people in Guangzhou city, it was the first tornado in the area in twenty years. Heavy rain has also affected Hong Kong, where along Hong Kong’s border with the mainland, more than 200mm (8 inches) of rain fell on Sunday alone, stranding hundreds of people. In addition, a landslide that resulted from the downpours struck a tourist hotel in the Detian Waterfall Resort in southwestern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Friday morning, killing 4 individuals, and injuring another. The downpours also reportedly caused the deaths of 3 local farmers.

ECUADOR (flood) Xinhua via COMTEX reported on June 12th that according to the province’s governor, at least 13 people are missing in floods that hit the southeastern Ecuadorian province of Zamora Chinchipe. Rivers in the state are reportedly swollen and the flooding followed intensive rains. Approximately 35 families have been evacuated so far, but submerged roads may make it difficult for people living close to the rivers to evacuate.

INDIA (flood)-update Various media sources reported that 100,000 people have been displaced in the northeastern state of Tripura, which has been hit by heavy flooding. According to the Press Trust of India, the state itself reportedly remained cut off from the rest of the country on June 8th for the third straight day. In the neighbouring state of Assam more than 600,000 people have reportedly been displaced in the past week, and the situation is worsening as several rivers continue to flow above the danger levels and roads to the neighbouring states of Tripura and Mizoram are closed due to the flooding. The district of Karimganj is reportedly the worst affected in Assam, and in the Silchar district the Barak River reportedly burst its banks, particularly submerging Silchar town. Many roads in the area are reportedly blocked by mud, and large areas of rice paddy fields have been ruined by the floodwaters. Eight individuals have reportedly died, 5 in Tripura and 3 in Assam, as a result of accidents caused by the flooding which is the worst to occur in the past 25 years. Last August floods in the region reportedly killed 100 people.

INDIA (storm) The AP reported that in Hyberabad in southern India, heavy monsoon rains caused the wall of an apartment building that was partially under construction to collapse onto a neighbouring house killing 9 individuals on Tuesday. Several low-lying areas in Hyberabad were reportedly flooded on Monday as a result of the heavy rains.

INDONESIA (landslide) The AP reported on June 9th that according to Police, a landslide struck a village on the outskirts of the Indonesian capital on June 8th, killing 4 individuals and injuring another. Several days of heavy rain reportedly triggered the landslide. Several houses were reportedly struck in Tajur Halang village, approximately 20 miles south of Jakarta, and 2 nearby villages were damaged when a river burst its banks on Friday.

NORTH KOREA (drought)-update The BBC reported that rainfall in the main rice growing belt was has been just 10% of the normal levels, and according to the state run news agency, KCNA, no harvest is expected to occur in hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland. The country is reportedly expected to face the worst food shortages it has seen in 3 years.

SOUTH KOREA (drought) The AP reported that South Korea is facing its worst dry spell in 90 years, which is causing a threat to the staple food - rice. As a result South Korea has reportedly mobilized one-fifth of its total military force to farms. In total, approximately 130,000 troops have reportedly been dispatched to 90 hard-hit regions in order to dig wells and draw water from reservoirs.

UNITED STATES (storm/flood) Various media sources reported that flooding caused by the wake of Tropical Storm Allison has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals. In Houston at least 20,000 homes were reportedly damaged as the city was inundated with up to 35 inches of rain on Friday and Saturday, causing an estimated 1 billion dollars in damage. Much of the downtown area was reportedly without power, and rail transportation was disrupted over the weekend while some roadways were impassable. In addition, 3,000 inmates were reportedly moved to other lockups from Harris County Jail after water and electrical services failed. In Louisiana, 3,500 homes are reportedly estimated to be damaged, alligators wandered into residential areas, and approximately 1,800 families were evacuated from East Baton Rouge Parish alone. The Coast Guard reportedly closed part of the Houston Ship Channel over the weekend because 26 barges and 2 ships broke free from their moorings, and the Intercoastal Waterway in Louisiana was closed because high waters were threatening the pontoon bridges.

Impacts Reported as of 06/14/01

AUSTRALIA (flood) Reuters reported on June 13th that dozens of tourists are stranded in the Australian outback as a result of floods caused by heavy rains that deluged an area the size of Saudi Arabia. Police reported that heavy rains in 4 states and the Northern Territory, covering a staggering 2 million square kilometers (770,000 square miles) of central Australia, have caused widespread flooding throughout the outback.

BOLIVIA (flood) OCHA reported that according to a report from the Civil Defense Service (SENADECI), a total of 357,250 people in rural areas have been affected by flooding this year. The Ministry of Agriculture reported losses of 119,163 hectares, which represents 7.3% of the total amount of cultivated land, and the crop damage estimate is at 121 million dollars. The floods have also reportedly destroyed important productive infrastructure, including productive land, small irrigation systems, and roads. In addition, the main income source of small farmers - their crops - has been destroyed so severely that their food security is reportedly threatened until the next harvest, which is not until March 2002.

CHINA (drought) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that the on-going drought has given rise to locusts.

CHINA (sandstorm) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that a sandstorm swept through Hohhot - the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region - on Thursday afternoon. The sandstorm was reportedly attributed to the continuous drought of the past 3 years, and large-scale urban construction in the city.

ECUADOR (landslide/flood) Various media sources reported that at least 30 individuals died when an avalanche of mud and rocks destroyed the shelter where they had stopped to rest on the night of June 11th. The people were reportedly stranded and forced to stop because landslides blocked the highway. Six other individuals reportedly died in mudslides near Papallacta, and 2 drowned further east in the Amazon region as rivers swelled from 4 days of torrential rains. The areas reportedly hardest hit by the storms are the Amazon provinces of Zamora Chinchipe, Morona Santiago, Pastaza, Orellana, Napo and Sucumbios. The Andean provinces of Pichincha, Tungurahua, Azuay and Chimborazo are also reportedly high-risk areas. The landslides and flooding have reportedly left approximately 700 people homeless and destroyed some 400 homes. In addition, a reported 2,500 individuals, mostly in Ecuador’s eastern and southern Amazon region, have been forced to evacuate because the rivers are overflowing their banks. A landslide near Papallacta also reportedly damaged a 200-foot section of Ecuador’s main oil pipeline, and as a result transportation of crude oil will most likely be cut off for 4 to 5 days.

GREECE (temperature extreme) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that extensive power cuts occurred in northern Greece on June 12th following an explosion in a transformer at the Public Power Company sub-station in Oreokastro, near Thessaloniki, the biggest city in northern Greece. The explosion also caused a big fire, and it reportedly resulted from overheating attributed to a heat wave across Greece. Besides Thessaloniki power cuts reportedly occurred in the north and northeastern cities of Serres, Kavala and Kilkis, as well as the regions of Chalkidikit and Thrace. In addition, a few months ago, lightning struck a transformer at the same sub-station, causing extensive power cuts in northern Greece as well.

NORTH KOREA (drought) Reuters reported on June 14th that the country is suffering from its worst drought in its history. The 100-day dry spell is reportedly worse than the one that occurred in 1727, and the country has received only 11% of its average rainfall for the period from March to June. Approximately 72% of North Korea’s total arable land has reportedly been affected by the drought.

TAJIKISTAN (drought) OCHA reported that Tajikistan is facing its second year of severe drought, and that hot and dry weather prevailed throughout the country from March to May. According to the government, the country has lost a considerable portion of its cereal crop, including wheat, oil seeds, and legumes. The drought is also reportedly affecting the livestock sector.

UNITED STATES (Tropical Storm Allison) Florida reportedly suffered the remnants of Tropical Storm Allison on Tuesday, receiving drenching rains, powerful winds and tornados. Six tornados reportedly hit Florida's Madison County on Monday and Tuesday, and 109 houses were flooded in Tallahassee, which received a record rainfall of more than 10 inches in 24 hours. On Wednesday, the storm moved further south and parts of Georgia reportedly received up to 8 inches of rain, while a series of tornados occurred in South Carolina.

UZBEKISTAN (drought) OCHA reported that the drought in the northwestern provinces of the country has aggravated the drinking water supply and crop irrigation systems, leading to the deterioration of the epidemiological and environmental situations in the affected areas. The government has reportedly estimated that the crop fields in affected areas have been reduced to half of their original size, and approximately 100,000 people have become unemployed.

Impacts Reported as of 06/19/01

CHILE (flood) EFE via COMTEX reported on June 14th that more than 10,000 farmers have been displaced and hundreds of dwellings have been damaged due to rain and winds that have battered Chile for the past week. Damage reportedly occurred to at least 3,000 hectares (7,407 acres) of cultivated land and streets, roads and towns on the outskirts of some cities and some areas in the south are totally flooded.

CHINA (drought) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that Hubei province is suffering from its fifth consecutive year of severe drought. The drought has reportedly struck a total area of 40 million mu in the province, and is believed to be the strongest in the past 50 years. Temperatures this year are reportedly 1 to 2 degrees Celsius higher than past years, and rainfall has dropped by 32%.

CHINA (flood) The AP reported that more than 100 people have died as a result of landslides and floods that have been fueled by seasonal downpours in southern China. According to rescue officials, 66 individuals have died and 3,198 have been injured since early May as are result of landslides and floods in the mountainous Guangxi region. Five million people have reportedly been affected, and 15,800 homes have collapsed in the floods. In Yunnan province 6 people have reportedly died and 35 have been injured in rain-related disasters. In addition, a partial collapse of a bridge over the Yuan River occurred in Yuxi County. In Guangdong province 17 individuals have reportedly died, and 12 deaths have occurred in Hubei province.

ECUADOR (storm)-Update EFE via COMTEX reported that the Ecuadorian Civil Defense sounded an alert in the Andean province of Chimborazo, where a large natural lagoon formed following landslides that blocked the flow of the Blanco River near the town of Penipe, on Monday. The lagoon is reportedly increasing the possibility for disastrous and violent floods and mudslides, and it could overflow into several nearby agricultural areas. The recent intensive rains have reportedly caused 39 deaths, left 13 individuals missing, and 8,300 homeless in 7 of Ecuador’s 22 provinces while causing millions of dollars in losses. In addition, some 600 houses and 30 bridges have been destroyed, several highways have been cut off, and enormous losses have occurred to the farming and livestock sectors. The storm has also reportedly brought windier and cooler weather to the region, compounding the difficulties for the homeless.

PAKISTAN (drought) The AP reported that according to the Finance Minister, severe drought has damaged the agricultural sector over the past year, setting back the country’s other successes in stabilizing its battered economy. The GDP reportedly grew 2.6% in the fiscal year ending June 30th, down from the 3.9% growth seen in the previous year. The slowdown has reportedly been attributed to the province’s "worst drought in history" which caused a 2.5% contraction in the agriculture sector.

SOUTH AMERICA (storm) EFE via COMTEX reported that intense rains have hit Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador.

TROPICAL STORM ALLISON Various media sources have reported that a total of 48 deaths have resulted from Tropical Storm Allison which made landfall in Texas on June 6th. Twenty-two people reportedly died in Texas and Louisiana, 9 in Florida, 9 in North Carolina, 1 in Virginia and 7 in Pennsylvania. A break-down of the various impacts by state follows: Pennsylvania - Southeastern Pennsylvania received more than 10 inches of rain on Saturday and Sunday (16th & 17th) , flooding many homes and vehicles in the low-lying areas of Bucks and Montgomery counties northeast of Philadelphia. A preliminary estimate indicates that some 600 houses, apartments and businesses have been flooded, with 181 suffering major damage and 74 destroyed. In addition, a weekend fire in Philadelphia, reportedly sparked by the heavy rains, resulted in 6 deaths, and the Pennsylvania turnpike was closed on Sunday between Norristown and Fort Washington due to high water. Across the state the power was reportedly knocked out to approximately 50,000 customers.

Massachusetts - Flooding reportedly caused problems for drivers on nearly all of the major highways, and floodwaters forced a boulevard in Boston’s Dorchester neighbourhood to be closed for approximately 1 hour on Sunday. More than 6,500 electrical customers reportedly lost power in the state on the weekend, and nearly 5 inches of rain was recorded in Wellesley.

New Jersey - Parts of the state reportedly received more than five and a half inches of rain. Connecticut - Pomfret reportedly received 7.2 inches of rain. Virginia - Parts of the state reportedly received up to 4 inches of rain in 12 hours. North Carolina - A voluntary evacuation of Speed (population 70) reportedly occurred on Saturday (16th), as flooding occurred when a dike that was not repaired after Hurricane Floyd failed during the torrential downpour.

UNITED STATES (tornado) Reuters reported that a tornado hit the town of Siren - population 900 - in northwestern Wisconsin late Monday. Three individuals reportedly died, 8 were injured and approximately 100 buildings were estimated to be destroyed or heavily damaged. Siren reportedly had no working tornado siren to warn residents of the storm because the storm warning system had been hit by lightning and damaged earlier this year. The tornado reportedly cut a path of damage half a mile wide and more than 20 miles long through the area. In addition, the same storm reportedly spawned a tornado that struck a few minutes earlier in the town of Braham, Minnesota. No injuries were reported in Braham, but approximately 600 customers lost electrical service.

Impacts Reported as of 06/21/01

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

CENTRAL ASIA (drought) Reuters reported that droughts in Central Asia have reportedly become more severe over the past 100 years. In addition, the two great rivers in the region – the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya – now have 70% of normal water levels in their upper stretches, and just 40-45% in their lower stretches.

CHINA (cyclone) Xinhua via COMTEX reported on June 19th that a cyclone attacked Zhaotun Town, Qingpu County in eastern China’s Shanghai Municipality. One individual was reportedly wounded and 125 rural homes, 2 factories and some farm crops were affected. The estimated loss is reportedly 560,000 Yuan. The wind also reportedly caused a rainstorm in the 2 neighbouring towns of Huangdu and Anting in Jiading County, resulting in minor damage to more than 100 rural homes. In addition, rainstorms had reportedly hit the city’s Chongming Island on Saturday June 16th leveling 9 houses. This year’s rainy season has already reportedly resulted in more than 1 million Yuan of financial losses to local people.

CHINA (drought) Various media sources reported that according to the Vice Minister of Water Resources this year’s drought is the second most widespread in China since 1949, surpassed only by the 1978 dry spell. The Vice Minister also reported that the drought has caused a shortage of water supplies in 364 Chinese cities, home to 21.98 million people. Lack of rain has reportedly affected 73 million hectares of farmland, and in some places rainfall is 40% less than normal. The dry conditions are especially severe in northern China, and the dry spell is reportedly a result of much less rainfall, a hot atmosphere, frequent sandstorms, and lower water levels in the lakes and reservoirs. The average rainfall for this year is reportedly 10-20% less than the same period of the previous year, and the temperature is 2-3 degrees Centigrade higher - particularly in the cities of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province. In addition, sandstorms reportedly hit the area in north China 18 times during the March to May period.

CHINA (mudflows) Xinhua via COMTEX reported on June 21st that mudflows occurred in Yunyang and Jiuxian counties of Chongqing Municipality earlier this week, causing damage to some factories, workshops and power equipment. The mudflows reportedly resulted from continuous rain that fell over the past week, and an estimated 5,000 cubic metres of mud and rock poured down 2 routes, destroying a 200 square meter workshop of color print factory, and 18 electric poles.

DJIBOUTI (drought) UNIRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that a prolonged regional drought has hit the pastoralist communities in Djibouti hard, resulting in drought-displaced populations congregating in areas with little infrastructure, health, water and shelter.

ECUADOR (flood/landslide) OCHA reported that 41 individuals have died, 6 remain missing, and that 5,400 hectares of farmed land and approximately 4,000 livestock have been lost due to the floods and landslides. The landslides caused by heavy rains have reportedly blocked several roads, and a total of 36 bridges have been damaged/destroyed, cutting off access to several communities such as Paland and Chinchipe in the Zamora-Chinchipe province. The road between Papallacta and Baeza still remains blocked, and the country’s pipeline that was hit and damaged by a landslide was reportedly fixed on June 17th, but the total loss accumulated during the 8 days in which oil exports were suspended is reportedly 17 million dollars.

IRAN (drought) Various media sources reported that the severe drought in Iran has caused Iranian officials to begin warning of a nationwide rationing unless consumers cut their consumption. Iran is now facing its third consecutive year of drought, and according to the governor of Kerman Province, in central Iran, residents in the villages there are leaving, or have left, because the water resources in 100 villages have run dry and the cattle have perished. According to the Deputy Energy Minister the water situation has reached "a critical state". Water shortages are reportedly severe in 8 of the country’s 28 provinces, affecting 25 million people. Last year’s drought reportedly destroyed an estimated 2.8 million tons of wheat crop, 280,000 tons of barley, and 800,000 head of livestock. This year’s drought has reportedly affected fewer regions, but its impact may be greater in the communities that have not recovered from the losses of the past 2 years.

JAPAN (storm) Various media sources reported on June 20th that one individual was killed and at least 11 were injured in a storm that hit 11 western prefectures in southwestern Japan. The heavy rains also reportedly destroyed 4 houses and flooded 436 others. In addition, mudslides occurred in Matsuyama city, where 262mm (10.48in) of rain reportedly fell in a 24-hour period through early Wednesday – surpassing the full monthly average of 200mm (8in). Some parts of Japan have reportedly been receiving downpours since the seasonal rain front began moving southward on Tuesday. Heavy showers and strong winds also reportedly forced the suspension of the bullet-train service on parts of the heavily traveled Osaka-to-Hakata route on Tuesday. In addition, 2 people were injured and dozens of houses were damaged by flying debris on Tuesday when a tornado struck Ichinomiya, a city in central-Japan.

RUSSIA (flood) OCHA reported that flooding struck villages and towns along a 1,500km stretch of the Lena and Aldan Rivers in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) from May 14th-23rd, 2001. Mounds of ice up to 60 cubic metres, reportedly swept through many of the river’s settlements at speeds up to 120 km per day. The natural disaster was reportedly the worst of its kind in more than a century, and according to the Government of the Republic of Sakha, 10 of the republic’s regions were affected - 3 severely - bringing misery to 40,500 people in 57 towns and villages, and destroying some 5,000 buildings. The material damage has reportedly been estimated at RUR 7.4bln (US $250 million), of which 5.8bln (US $190 million) occurred in Lensk. The following is a breakdown of the reports on 3 of the affected regions. Lensk Region – Seven individuals died and 12,000 people were left homeless. The village of Muria, 20km downstream, was largely destroyed, and the village of Saldikyol, 60km downstream, basically vanished, as none of the 187 houses are salvageable. Tomponsky Region – Floods and ice swept through the villages of Bordoi, Keskil, Novi Saidi, Stari Saidi, and affected the embankment of Khandiga. Two hundred and thirty-one buildings were affected – 124 totally destroyed or beyond repair – and the hamlet of Bordoi was almost completely swept away into the river. Approximately 450 individuals were left homeless and 600 heads of cattle and 5,000 chickens died. Yakutsk and Khangalasky and Megino-Kangalasky Regions (Dargelakh, Kalangassy, Kapitonovka, Kitil Dura, Sirdakh, Tulagino, Edei, and Zhatai villages and the city of Yakutsk) - Flooding occurred in most of the areas mentioned above, and approximately 3,500 individuals were affected and evacuated. In addition, more than 650 homes were flooded, less than 10% of them were completely destroyed.

UNITED STATES (fire) Heat signatures are visible from fires burning in North and South Carolina, and a large heat signature and smoke are visible from a fire burning in northern Arizona. In addition, heat signatures and smoke are visible from fires burning in South Florida. The Everglades blaze has reportedly charred 5,000 acres below Florida Power and Light's transmission lines. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

Impacts Reported as of 06/25/01

CANADA The Wall Street Journal reported that a light winter snowfall in the province of British Columbia might hamper the province’s ability to supply electricity to California. British Columbia (BC) reportedly received its lightest snowfall in 25 years this past winter, causing hydroelectric plants to run at below optimum levels. Last year BC reportedly exported 9,947 gigawatts, where as this year they may not export any electricity at all.

CHINA (Typhoon Chebi) Various media sources reported that Typhoon Chebi killed 73 people in China’s southeastern province of Fujian. All but two of the mainland victims were reportedly killed in the Fujian capital of Fuzhon, where 83 individuals remained missing on Sunday evening. The two others were reportedly killed in the nearby city of Ningde, where 4 individuals remained missing. Chebi reportedly hit the region on Saturday night and stayed over land for 10 hours. Remnants of Chebi are reportedly bringing heavy rains to South Korea. Farmers were reportedly severely affected, with 5,336 head of livestock dying, and the wheat harvest may be reduced by 62,000 tonnes. In addition, the local government in Putin reported that several people are missing, and a large number of boats at sea are still unaccounted for. The typhoon, which was classed as a maximum force-12 on the Beaufort scale, was packing gusts up to 155km/hr. In Zhejiang, the first province on Chebi’s northward path from Fujian, at least 3 people died and one remains missing. China News Officials also reported that 52 houses were destroyed and approximately 2,000 homes were flooded on the island of Chongming in the mouth of the Yangtze River after 24 hours of torrential rain. In addition, officials in the town of Nantong in Jiangsu province reported that Chebi caused approximately 670 million Yuan (81 million dollars) in damage. The typhoon also reportedly impacted areas south of Fujian, where as many as 200 houses were damaged in the city of Huilai in south China’s Guangdong province. The Guangzhou airport, in Guangdong, was also reportedly closed on Sunday because of rain. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

IRAN (drought) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that Iran continues to suffer from its 3rd consecutive year of widespread drought, causing a sharp decrease in water resources. The Iranian government reportedly expects the water crisis to affect 18 of the country’s 28 provinces. The levels of the reservoirs supplying the capital have reportedly dropped by 200 million cubic metres since March, and water in 3 reservoirs near Tehran have fallen to half of last year’s levels due to low precipitation. People in Tehran as well as the province’s of Kerman, Sistan-Baluchestan, Bushehr, Isfahan, Khorasan, Fars and Semnan are reportedly suffering. The drought is also reportedly threatening wildlife in Tabos, south of Khorasan – where there exists the habitat of the cheetah, which is an animal on the verge of extinction. The drought has reportedly inflicted an estimated 3.5 billion dollars in losses.

RUSSIA (flood) The Itar-Tass reported on June 25th that a state of emergency was declared in one of the regions of Yakutia Republic after the Indigirka River burst its banks in torrential rains. The river has reportedly been flooding the settlements of Oimyakon, Tomtor, Orto-Balagan and Yuchgei, and the Indigirka’s level is near critical outside the city of Ust-Nera.

TAIWAN (Tropical Storm Chebi) Various media sources reported that the confirmed death toll from Tropical Storm Chebi was 9 in Taiwan, but 116 remain missing. A Belize-registered ship reportedly sank near Tainan on Saturday, and officials are still searching for 12 of the 23 crew members. Seven of the crew members reportedly died and 4 were rescued. In addition, 2 fishermen drowned after their boat sank off the outlying island of Matsu. Tropical Storm Chebi was reportedly packing near typhoons force winds as it skirted over Taiwan’s southern coast during the weekend, forcing cancellations of domestic flights and closing mountain highways. Chebi has reportedly caused some 13.3 million dollars in damages to crops. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

ZIMBABWE (drought) The Financial Gazette/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office, Zimbabwe’s total crop production for this year stands at 2,938,044 tonnes – a reported 16% decrease from last year’s production. Maize, the country’s staple crop, reportedly fell to 1,476,240 tonnes this year – down from 2,148,110 tonnes last year. Zimbabwe will reportedly have to import maize to avert potential food shortages. Most of the crop in the small-scale sector was reportedly affected by a drought spell that affected mostly the southern and western parts of Zimbabwe during the beginning of the year.

Impacts Reported as of 06/27/01

CANADA and ALASKA (fire) Heat signatures and smoke are visible from fires burning in Yukon, Canada and in central Alaska. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

CHINA (drought) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that according to local officials, a long dry spell has caused severe damage to Gansu Province in northwestern China. Statistics from the Gansu Flood and Drought Control Headquarters show that since this spring the drought has affected more than 730,000 hectares of farmland, causing a shortage of drinking water among 600,000 rural residents, 620,000 livestock, and 800,000 urbanites. The drought, which is reportedly the worst in the past decade, has caused a shortage of water supply in 364 Chinese cities home to 21.98 million people since spring.

CHINA (Typhoon Chebi) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that 79 people have died and 87 remain missing in southern China’s Fujian Province. The worst affected area is Fuzhou, a large port city and capital of the province where Chebi landed. The estimated economic loss to the province of Fujian is reportedly approximately 3.5 billion Yuan (422 million dollars). In addition, a large number of houses, farms and fisheries were destroyed or heavily damaged. In Fuquing – north of the province – approximately 12,000 houses were destroyed, 321 power supply lines were cut and 71 enterprises had to stop production. Typhoon Chebi is now reportedly bringing rainstorms to south China’s Guangdong Province, especially the southern part, and the Pearl River delta. Since June 23rd when Typhoon Chebi made landfall in neighbouring Fujian, rainfall has reportedly exceeded 100mm in approximately 21 counties and cities in Guangdong Province.

EAST TIMOR (flood) OCHA reported that 3 days of heavy rain last week led to flooding in inhabited areas of Los Palos in the Lautem District - population 55,000 – in the east of East Timor. The worst affected region is reportedly the town of Los Palos, the district capital - population 7,000. Iliomar, Leoro and Mehara have also reportedly been affected, and approximately 100 families are in need of assistance, including 68 families whose homes have been damaged. One person has reportedly died, and access to the affected areas is limited; the town of Los Palos is only accessible by air, as road access at Sika village has been cut off.

PAKISTAN (temperature extreme) AFP reported on June 23rd that a heat wave in southern Pakistan killed at least 8 people, as temperatures reached nearly 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Four individuals reportedly died in Dadu district, and 4 others died in the towns of Kingri and Khairpur in Sindh province on June 22nd. The hot spell is reportedly aggravating the on-going severe drought in the area, which is already causing widespread water shortages in the province of Sindh and Punjab.

THAILAND (flood) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that heavy rain and floods have hit provinces in the northeast and south in the past few days, causing damage to the main roads of some provinces. It was reported on June 27th that flash floods hit hundreds of homes in the southern Ranong province after days of heavy rain fell there.

Impacts Reported as of 06/29/01

CHINA (drought)- Update Xinhua via COMTEX reported that northeast China’s Liaoning Province is suffering from its worst drought since 1904. Scarce rainfall since the spring has reportedly led to the drying up of approximately one-third of the total 900 reservoirs in the province. CHINA (Typhoon Chebi) -Update OCHA reported that Typhoon Chebi landed in Gaoshan Township of Fuqin City in Fujian Province at 22 hours local time on June 23rd. The typhoon reportedly then swept northward and traveled through Changle and Ningde, and entered Zhejiang Province early on June 24th. As a result of the strong and high-speed winds, and the high tides at sea, Typhoon Chebi affected a large area, causing houses to collapse, uprooting trees, knocking down electrical poles, destroying sea dykes, and damaging marine aquatic centers. The Changle International Airport in Fuzhou City and the Fuzhou-Quanzhou express train line were reportedly forced to close, and water and electricity supplies were cut off in some counties and cities. Damage in the province of Fujian is reportedly as follows: People affected -– 2,895,000, People killed - 54 , People missing - 71, People evacuated - 213,000, Houses collapsed/damaged - 181,000, Crops affected - 121,000 hectares - the harvest of 59,000 hectares will be reduced, and 16,200 hectares of crops have been completely lost, Direct Economic Losses - CNY 3,910 million (473 million dollars U.S.)

GHANA (flood) Various media sources reported that flash floods killed 6 people and drove tens of thousands from their homes in Ghana’s capital – Accra. The flooding reportedly started after 5 hours of heavy rain on Wednesday, and thousands of houses were flooded. Rivers in the city center reportedly broke their banks, and several roads were under water or washed away completely. The flooding is reportedly the worst it has been in many years, and the worst hit areas are Alajo, Adabraka, Sahara and Avenor.

MEXICO (fire) Heat signatures are visible from fires burning along the west coast of Mexico. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

NEPAL (flood) Various media sources reported that at 35 were killed in landslides and floods on Tuesday in Satya Devi village of Dhading district. At least 28 people who were seeking refuge from rain in a house, died when the house collapsed as a result of a landslide caused by the incessant rains. In addition, five individuals reportedly drowned in the Kakhet River.

UNITED STATES (fire) Heat signatures are visible from fires burning in Kansas and Oklahoma. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

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