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Selected Global Extreme Information

Climate Information Project (CIP): January 2001- last Updated February 5, 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 for the month as of 01/03/01

JAMAICA (flood) The AP reported that rains that began Saturday (Dec 31st) forced 28 people to evacuate their homes in the hills of central Jamaica between Kingston and the northern resort town of Ochos Rios. In northwestern Portland at least 3 families were reportedly evacuated from their homes in a rural village, and in another village a landslide destroyed a house. Flooding also reportedly left the town of Granville without power and water, and a number of roads throughout the island became impassable.

POLAND (snow) Various media sources reported that heavy snowfall brought down power lines in northeast Poland on Monday (1st) , cutting electricity to some 12,000 homes. Up to 40cm, 16in, of snow reportedly fell overnight Sunday, and into Monday morning. The most amount of snow fell around the town of Suwalki.

SPAIN (storm) The AP reported that the storm that affected much of Spain killed 7 people, including 5 in the Pyrenees. The storm reportedly brought strong winds, torrential rains and heavy snowfall.

UNITED STATES (snow) Various media sources reported that approximately 70,000 people in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas were still without power on Wednesday (3rd) as the effects of the Christmas day ice storm continue to linger. At least 57 deaths have reportedly been blamed on the winter storms, including a New Years storm that dumped up to 8 inches of snow. Northern Louisiana reportedly received 4 inches of snow on New Year’s Eve – the deepest accumulation for the area in 15 years, and up to 3 inches of snow fell in Mississippi on Monday.

WALES (landslide) Various media sources reported that one individual died, and one was severely injured when a landslide hit a beach road in Nefyn on the remote Lleyn peninsula in north Wales. The landslide reportedly swept seven cars over a steep embankment into the surf on Tuesday (2nd). Heavy rains over the past several months are believed to be responsible for the landslide.

YUGOSLAVIA (flood) The AP reported that heavy rains caused flooding that forced 2,000 individuals to flee their homes while threatening historical monuments last Friday (Dec 29th), in Montenegro- Yugoslavia’s smaller republic. The rising level of the Zeta River reportedly swamped sections of Danilovgrad and other towns in the area, forcing residents to evacuate more than 400 homes. Residents also reportedly evacuated from the shores of Lake Skadar, near the Albanian border on Friday. In addition, the medieval town of Kotor, on the coast, became partly flooded last Thursday.

Impacts Reported for the month as of 01/08/01

ARGENTINA (fire) EFE via COMTEX reported that rural fires that have been triggered by the southern hemisphere’s scorching summer heat began in mid-December this year. The fires have reportedly destroyed crops and cattle-grazing land in four provinces, including the following: 1.5 million hectares in La Pampa province, 400,000 hectares in Mendoza, 100,000 hectares in San-Luis in central Argentina and 50,000 hectares in Formosa, near the border with Paraguay. Seven individuals reportedly died on Friday (5th) as they battled fires on a farm in southern Mendoza province with rudimentary techniques. Another individual reportedly died on Friday after being severely burned and hospitalized in the town of Humada in La Pampa.

AUSTRALIA (flood) Reuters reported that floodwaters have spread across two council areas covering approximately 150,000 square kilometers. Some small communities across the remote tropical north of Queensland state have reportedly been isolated by the wet season for up to six weeks. Record rainfall in December - 903.3mm - reportedly cut off approximately 2,460 people around Burketown, and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said on Thursday (4th) that La Nina weather in 2000 produced the 2nd wettest year in Australia since 1900. In addition, a new record was reportedly set in 2000 for the highest annual rainfall recorded at an Australian weather station – with 12,461mm (490in) of rain falling at Mount Bellenden Ker (1,555m high), compared to the previous record of 11,852mm (467in) set in 1999.

CHINA (snow) Reuters reported that a devastating snow and sand storm that began on New Year’s eve has killed 21 people and left at least 4 people missing in northern China. The 3-day storm reportedly dumped 24 inches of snow, mixed with sand from the Gobi desert, causing herdsmen and their families to become stranded in deep drifts. The storm was reportedly the worst storm in 50 years to lash the vast stretches of Inner Mongolia. The vice director of the China Red Cross reported that 900,000 people were affected by the storm and that 10,000 head of livestock have been confirmed dead. Xilin Gol Meng appeared to be the hardest hit area, and the city of Chifeng reported the worst snowfall in 20 years.

EUROPE (snow/flood) The BBC reported that 2 individuals died and several are missing following heavy snowfall and an avalanche that caused havoc in the Alps over the weekend (6th & 7th). The bodies of two Italian hikers were found in northern Italy on Sunday (7th) after a rise in temperature reportedly turned the glacier they were walking on into a swamp. Two cars were reportedly swept away in an avalanche in the Julia Pass in the southeastern Swiss canton of Graubuenden. Floodwaters were at record levels in the town of Redon, in the French northwestern region of Brittany, reaching 5.4 metres early on Sunday. In addition, one individual is reportedly missing near Lorient, Brittany after his van was swept away by floodwaters.

JAMAICA (flood) EFE via COMTEX reported that torrential rains that hit north and west Jamaica most of last week caused severe flooding in some areas, forcing approximately 40 individuals to seek shelter in the parish of Trelawny. Losses are reportedly still being calculated, but are expected to run into the millions of dollars – mostly as a result of damage to infrastructure. In the parishes of St. James, Trelawny and St. Ann, homes were flooded, many roads became impassable and cars were washed away into gullies.

MALAWI (flood) The African Eye News Service reported that more than 500 peasant farmers lost all their crops last week when the Shire River broke its banks and flooded almost 200 hectares of maize fields. The flooding destroyed numerous houses, bridges and other infrastructure, and at least 570 subsistence farmers were affected in Malawi’s southern Chikwawa district. The Shire River is a tributary of the Zambezi, and heavy rains in its Blantyre and Mwanza catchment areas reportedly cause it to flood.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) The AP reported Friday (5th) that heavy rains combined with water released from the Kariba dam in Zambia caused flooding in a northwestern Mozambican province, Tete, washing away farmland and causing evacuations. Opening the Kariba dam in Zambia reportedly sends water flowing into Mozambique’s Tete province. According to a provincial director for public works and housing, the flooding began over a week ago in 4 Tete districts, and a bridge on the Nhamadzi River has been swept away. Many evacuations have taken place from the Zambezi River Valley.

NAMIBIA (drought) The Namibian reported that the villagers from Otjovanatje, Otjorute, Okapundja, Otjekwa and Okaurukwa in the Ruacana area have lost a number of cattle and goats to an on-going drought.

PAKISTAN (temperature extreme) The AP reported that freezing cold temperatures are killing some of the 18,000 newest Afghan refugees to Pakistan who are living out in the open with little more than plastic sheets for protection.

PORTUGAL (storm) Reuters reported that 4 individuals were killed and 41 others were injured on Friday when their bus skidded off a road during a storm in northern Portugal. The crash reportedly occurred near the town of Macedo de Cavaleiros. Heavy rains and fierce winds also disrupted transport and caused extensive flooding along the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Rail links were also cut between the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and the second city Oporto where the River Douro reportedly burst its banks. Rivers bursting their banks and landslides in Galicia also reportedly cut off road and rail links.

SOUTH KOREA (snow) The AP reported that heavy snow caused approximately 13,000 people to be stranded at an airport on Cheju Island off the southern coast on Sunday (7th) . Three international and 59 domestic flights were reportedly cancelled after up to 17 inches of snow fell on South Korea. Hundred’s of domestic flights from Seoul’s Kimpo airport were also reportedly cancelled and international flights suffered from delays, as 6 inches of snow reportedly fell in Seoul. In addition, 17 people are believed to be stranded in Doota Mountain on the northeast coast and two people remain missing after a fishing boat capsized in high waves near Cheju Island. Part of the nation’s major highways and roads were also blocked causing heavy traffic jams.

ZAMBIA (lightning) The BBC reported that lightning struck a group of prisoners two times during a heavy downpour in Kabwe, on Wednesday (3rd) afternoon. Three inmates reportedly died and 17 others were admitted to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries and shock.

Impacts Reported for the month as of 01/11/01

ARGENTINA (storm) EFE via COMTEX reported that a wind and rainstorm that hit Buenos Aires and the surrounding community on Wednesday (10th) resulted in the deaths of 4 individuals and injured more than 150 others. Winds of up to 60kmph reportedly brought down trees and power lines, and the heavy rains caused streets and homes to flood. Approximately 500 individuals were evacuated, and some 580,000 were left without power. The hardest hit region was reportedly the suburb of Guernica.

CHINA (snow) Various media sources reported that 27 individuals have been confirmed dead and 14 others are missing in Xilin Gol League in central Inner Mongolia as a result of heavy snowstorms that hit the region this past week. Some areas are reportedly covered with up to 60cm of snow, and the snowfall is ten times heavier in Inner Mongolia than in previous years. In addition, 947,000 individuals have reportedly been affected, at least 30,000 head of cattle have died and at least 10,000 head of cattle are missing.

INDIA (temperature extreme) CNN reported that more than 100 deaths in northern India have been blamed on cold winds and freezing temperatures.

ITALY (flood) The BBC reported that parts of Venice remain flooded for the second straight week as a result of bad weather. The current flooding is reportedly believed to be the worst spate of flooding in the city’s history.

JAPAN (snow) Reuters reported that heavy snow that fell over parts of Japan on Monday (8th) disrupted air, rail and road traffic. According to the Meteorological Agency, the northern part of the country was hit the worst, with Fukushima receiving 56cm (22in) of snow – the heaviest snowfall in January in 65 years.

KAZAKHSTAN (temperature extreme) The BBC reported that Kazakhstan is experiencing its coldest winter weather in 40 years. Three individuals have reportedly died and dozens have been hospitalized. Temperatures are reportedly as low as -47C in the northeast of the country. In addition severe snowstorms continue to cause further chaos.

SIBERIA (temperature extreme) The BBC reported that hospitals have been inundated with frostbite cases as the temperature has dropped as low as -57C. The cold weather has reportedly caused power failures across the region, and more than 6,000 individuals are reportedly without heat in Novosibirsk, Irkutsk and Poligus.

SOUTH KOREA (snow) Reuters reported that a fresh snowfall Tuesday (9th) forced the cancellation of almost all domestic flights and caused delays for several international flights. In addition, property damage as a result of this past weekend’s snowfall - the heaviest in 20 years - is estimated to be 149 million dollars. This weekend’s snowfall also reportedly resulted in one death, and according to police, icy road conditions caused 10 other deaths and resulted in 270 injuries.

UNITED STATES (storm) The AP reported that a powerful storm hit southern California. The hardest hit areas on Wednesday (10th) were reportedly in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. According to the National Weather Service, approximately 4 inches of rain reportedly fell in the city of Santa Barbara and 2.9 inches fell in Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo County. Strong winds reportedly brought down power lines, leaving some 5,800 residents without electricity.

UNITED STATES (temperature extreme) The AP reported that record breaking cold in the south is causing frostbite to affect manatees and pelicans, and sea turtles are nearly dying from the cold. Fish and shrimp are also reportedly dying as a result of falling water temperatures. The cold has reportedly already caused scattered fish kills in southern Louisiana for the first time since 1988, and more than 2,000 dead mullet were found in the Perdido River on the Alabama-Florida line. In South Carolina water temperatures in the low 40’s have reportedly killed roe that were supposed to grow into the spring crop of white shrimp.

Impacts Reported for the month as of 01/14/01

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) The Xinhua reported that according to the major local newspaper - Noticias, more than 570 individuals have become homeless, and approximately 1,375 hectares of crops have been destroyed in the district of Morrumbala in the central Mozambican province of Zambezia this month. In addition, the level of the Zambezia River reportedly continues to increase, threatening the district of Mutarara in the western province of Tete due to floods caused by heavy rains.

SUDAN (drought) Reuters reported that according to a UN official, the severe drought in western and parts of southern Sudan have caused at least 900,000 individuals to be at risk of famine. Wells have reportedly dried up due to lack of rain in northern Darfur, and the water table is very low.

UNITED STATES (storm)-Update Various media sources reported that the worst storm in 3 years has dumped more than 7 inches of rain on parts of southern California. The state’s emergency regulator reportedly declared a State Three power alert - the highest-level power emergency - and considered ordering scattered blackouts Thursday (11th) night as electricity reserves dropped below 1.5%. In Los Angeles nearly 4 inches of rain reportedly fell late Wednesday and early Thursday, and by mid-morning on Thursday 149 traffic collisions were reported. In addition, power lines and trees were downed, and a parking garage flooded. By Thursday afternoon, the storm had dumped nearly 3 feet of snow in some coastal mountain areas, and the heavy rains reportedly caused mudslides and road closures along much of California’s central coast. Blinding snow conditions reportedly forced California Highway Patrol to briefly close a 40-mile stretch of Interstate 5 - the main route between northern and southern California, north of LA. High waves reportedly stranded more than 200 visitors on Alcatraz Island for three hours Wednesday, and at the San Francisco international airport, 169 flights were cancelled. Authorities have reported one death as a result of the storm as a motorist died in a storm-related accident in San Jose.

Impacts Reported for the month as of 01/16/01

AUSTRALIA (storm/fire) The AP reported that a windstorm with wind gusts up to 70mph caused massive damage, uprooted trees and left 78,000 homes without power late Monday (15th) . The storm reportedly swept across 185 miles of coastline in and around Sydney. Parts of Sydney and the surrounding regions were reportedly declared natural disaster areas Tuesday (16th) , making them eligible for emergency funds. The Insurance Council of Australia has reportedly estimated the storm damage at 6.6 million dollars, and the storm is being blamed for one death. Power disruptions reportedly stretch from 125 miles south of Sydney to 63 miles north of the city. In addition, emergency crews reportedly battled some 100 bush fires burning across the region after record temperatures of approximately 122 degrees sparked the blazes on Monday. At least 5 fires were reportedly still causing concern late Tuesday (16th) .

BOLIVIA (flood) CNN reported that torrential rains caused several mountainous villages to become flooded, trapping approximately 4,000 individuals in the Andes foothills on Sunday (14th) . Eight people were seriously injured, and nearly 800 homes were reportedly flooded in the village of Guanay. Flooding of the Caca and Beni Rivers reportedly reached its highest point Saturday (13th) , and bridges around Guanay were destroyed.

GREECE (flood) Various media sources reported that storms that included torrential rains caused widespread flooding, and power outages in Athens. In Corinth, more than 150 homes and stores were reportedly inundated by floodwaters, and at least eight died throughout Greece in traffic accidents blamed on bad weather. In addition, an ambulance helicopter carrying 5 people reportedly crashed during the storm near Cape Sounion, and 2 individuals drowned and another is missing on the western island of Zakynthos. The cold snap also reportedly brought heavy snowfall to northern Greece, blocking roads and cutting off remote villages.

KENYA (flood) Various media sources reported that at least 4 individuals are dead after rain pounded the Kenyan capital of Nairobi and its environs for several hours Saturday night (13th) . Floodwaters reportedly swept into several homes in Nairobi forcing down walls and causing damage to property worth millions of shillings (78 shillings = 1 US dollar). Kenya’s meteorological office reportedly said it recorded 128mm (5 inches) of rain in 9 hours on Saturday (13th) . Heavy rains have been falling on Nairobi for most of the month, and according to a meteorologist it is the wettest January in 40 years. The weekend deaths reportedly bring the total number of people who have drowned in the city, since the unseasonable rains began two weeks ago, to 7.

NORTH KOREA (snow) Reuters reported that North Korea received record snowfall and bitter cold temperatures as low as -37C over the weekend. The Korean entral News Agency reported that traffic was paralyzed, communication lines were downed and snow slides occurred in the southeastern region of the country. In addition, AsiaPulse via COMTEX reported that an airline source reported Friday that Korean Airlines and Asiana Airlines lost a combined 13.4 billion won (10.3 million dollars) due to flight cancellations caused by heavy snowfall between last Sunday and Tuesday. Korean Airlines reportedly lost 10 billion won (7.7 million dollars), while Asiana airlines lost 3.4 billion won (2.6 million dollars).

RUSSIA (temperature extreme) The ITAR-TASS reported that heavy snowfalls and cold snaps have hit several regions in Russia’s Far East, Siberia and Baikalia. Frosts of -40 to -50C reportedly lingered in the Irkutsk region for a week, causing at least 11 people to die during the cold period. In addition, 120 individuals were reportedly admitted to the hospital for frostbite in Irkuts, Bratsk, Ust-Ilim and Taishet. Heavy snowfalls also reportedly caused snow slides in the Dolinsk, Uglegorsk and Nevelsk regions of the Sakhalin region. Three winter storms also reportedly hit the unprepared city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and as of Monday only major roads had been cleared.

UNITED STATES (storm) The AP reported that at least four deaths in California have been blamed on weather-related traffic accidents since Thursday (11th) . In addition, the storm that began Wednesday in southern California reportedly pushed into Arizona on Friday (12th) , dumping rain and snow across the state.

Impacts Reported for the month as of 01/18/01

AUSTRALIA (storm) Various media sources reported that one individual died and at least 27 were injured following another storm that hit the eastern Australian coast. It was the third major storm to hit eastern Australia in the past 10 days. Wind gusts of up to 60mph reportedly caused severe damage to numerous buildings, uprooted trees and tore the roofs off of homes. Approximately 60,000 homes reportedly lost power in Brisbane, and localized flooding occurred in the Illawarra region and Sydney suburbs of Hornsby, Kuringai and Bondi. The town of Casino in New South Wales was reportedly the worst hit, and other affected regions include Armidale, Nundle, Copmanhurst, Nymboida, Iluka and Kyogle. It has been reported that the bill for all three storms has reached an estimated 80 million Australian dollars (45 million US dollars).

KAZAKHSTAN (snow) The ITAR-TASS reported that the latest snowfalls and snowstorms have made the mountain passes and motor roads linking the cities of Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kokchetav and Karaganda impassable.

UNITED STATES (storm) The AP reported that according to forest service officials, the ice storm that hit northeastern Texas on Christmas eve cost the state’s timber industry at least 46 million dollars. Millions of pine trees in Bowie, Red River and Cass counties, which were already suffering from drought, were destroyed by the winter storm. In addition, although actual damages are estimated at 46 million dollars, the long-term impact could reportedly reach 267 million in losses to growers, harvesters and processors. Red River county was hit the hardest, with 142,000 acres suffering from moderate to severe damage. In Bowie county 116,000 acres of trees were damaged, and in Cass county 36,000 acres were damaged.

Impacts Reported for the month as of 01/22/01

AFGHANISTAN (drought) The AP reported that the worst drought in 30 years continues to affect Afghanistan. According to the UN, the drought and fighting in Afghanistan have driven more than 100,000 people to flee to Pakistan in the past 5 months.

CHINA (snow) The AP reported that according to the state media, the snowstorm that hit China’s northern Inner Mongolia region killed 29 individuals and injured more than 800 others. The storms that hit around January 1st reportedly affected approximately 1.64 million people and killed 220,550 livestock animals.

INDONESIA (landslide) The AP reported that a series of rain-triggered landslides killed at least 33 individuals in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province.

SUDAN (drought) The BBC reported that Sudan continues to suffer from a severe drought. The worst hit areas are reportedly the provinces of northern Kordofan and northern Darfur, where tribal conflicts over access to pasture, food and water have already begun.

TANZANIA (landslide) The Xinhua reported that according to local newspapers, 13 people are missing and 30 homes were buried during a landslide caused by flash floods last week in a small fishing village in Tanzania’s western region of Kigoma.

UNITED STATES (snowstorm) Reuters reported that a snowstorm on Sunday blanketed the New York area in up to 8 inches of snow. Significant delays and cancellations reportedly occurred at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports as a result, and a bus traveling from Atlantic City, NJ to New York reportedly flipped over injuring some 35 passengers, some severely.

ZIMBABWE (flood) The Xinhua reported that according to Zimbabwe’s ‘The Herald’ on Friday, more than 100,000 families in Masvingo Province in southern Zimbabwe face hunger due to last season’s poor harvest caused by flooding induced by cyclone Eline.

Impacts Reported for the month as of 01/24/01

AUSTRALIA (storm) The Bulletin reported that insurers believe that the total damage from the recent storms in New South Wales will reach 72 million dollars. According to the Insurance Council of Australia, Dubbo makes up more than half of the damage at 40 million dollars, while Casino suffered 20 million in losses and the Sydney Illawarra region endured 12 million dollars in damages. Theses loss estimates reportedly cover all storm damage since January 6, 2001.

BOLIVIA (flood) EFE via COMTEX reported that according to the Bolivian Civil Defense Director, the rains that have been falling for the past 2 weeks have caused flooding leaving more than 60,000 individuals homeless. In addition, 13,500 families have reportedly been affected, and these are partial figures as they do not include the remote communities located near the flooded rivers. The provinces of La Paz, Beni, Cochabamba and Oruro have been particularly affected, and rains on the high plains have reportedly caused flooding of the Desaguadero River and its tributaries. Many homes in Rurrenabaque, Puerto Motor, San Buenaventura and others near the Beni River remain flooded, and two fatalities have been reported thus far.

INDONESIA (landslide) Various media sources reported that clean up continues on Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province where a landslide caused by days of heavy seasonal rains hit late Saturday (20th) . The death toll has reportedly reached between 34 and 44 individuals (depending on the source), and between 7 and 19 individuals remain missing.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) The Xinhua reported that according to the Noticias newspaper, the gradual rise of the Zambezi River in the Tete Province in western Mozambique has submerged approximately 360 hectares of crops. The loss of crops has reportedly affected 512 families in the districts of Zumbo, Magoe and Mutarara. Downstream at Caia in Sofala Province, the river was measured at 5.26m on Sunday – well above the flood alert level of 5m. In addition, at Zumbo, the Zambezi River rose sharply over the weekend from 4.61m on Friday to 5.9m on Sunday (21st).

Impacts Reported for the month as of 01/26/01

ARGENTINA (storm) EFE via COMTEX reported that at least 5 individuals were killed during a four and a half hour storm that included heavy rains and hail. The storm reportedly pounded Buenos Aires and the surrounding area on Wednesday (24th) , and the Argentine weather bureau reported that 145.2mm (5.7 inches) of rain fell on Buenos Aires during the storm. Road traffic, plane, railway and subway services were all reportedly disrupted, and approximately 270,000 homes suffered from power outages.

BOLIVIA (flood) OCHA reported that the rains causing flooding and landslides in the country’s western and northern regions have caused 4 departments to be declared under emergency situations - La Paz, Oruro, Cochabamba and Beni. The heavy rains reportedly caused severe damage to roads, houses and crops, and the preliminary figure estimates that more than 20,000 people have been affected. The following are the reported situations for the four areas:

La Paz -- landslides have affected 22 districts of the Capital City, and flooding has hit rural areas (Loayza Province) where approximately 1,000 individuals have lost their crops.

Oruro -- the regional capital has been flooded, and some 60 families have been affected and 17 homes have been destroyed.

Cochabamba -- 50 hectares of crops affected

El Beni -- 1,500 families affected as a result of the Beni River overflowing its banks and flooding the cities of Rurenabaque and San Buenaventura

CAMBODIA (flood) Various media sources reported that the flooding between July and October was reportedly the worst in Cambodia in 70 years. According to the government, 347 people died because of the flooding, nearly 400,000 individuals were temporarily displaced and nearly 3.5 million people were otherwise affected.

CHINA (temperature extreme) Various media sources reported that up to 60,000 herders in Inner Mongolia are at risk of starvation following the freak blizzard that lasted three days which began on December 31st. The blizzard was followed by intensely cold weather, with temperatures as low as -60F. Thirty-nine individuals, approximately 220,000 cattle and numerous sheep have died and traditional grasslands are reportedly covered with frost and snow.

MOZAMBIQUE (storm) The Xinhua reported that an emergency situation has been declared in parts of the Zambezi Province in central Mozambique following a tropical storm that brought 3 days of torrential rains to the area. Approximately 260 families have lost their homes, and 1 child has reportedly died. The areas of the Zambezi province covered by the emergency declaration are the provincial capital Quelimane and the coastal districts of Chinde, Nicoadala, Maganja da Costa and Namacurra. Rains also reportedly inundated Quelimane suburbs forcing residents to seek shelter, and many roads in coastal Zambezi are impassable.

Impacts Reported for the month as of 01/31/01

ANGOLA (rain) The Xinhua reported that according to the Angolan official news agency Angop, the heavy rains that recently hit Angola’s northwestern province of Cabinda resulted in the death of at least one individual and the destruction of some houses.

CHINA (snow)- update Reuters reported that according to state media, snow has ravaged northern China and neighbouring Mongolia, resulting in the deaths of 13 herders and thousands of livestock in China’s province of Xinjiang. According to the People’s Daily, the herders were reportedly killed in avalanches or frozen to death in temperatures as low as –45oC (-49 oF). This is reportedly northern Asia’s worst winter in decades, as snow as deep as 1.5m (5 feet) have affected 924,000 herders and killed 108,700 head of livestock. In addition, 29 people have reportedly died in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia.

MONGOLIA (snow)- Update Reuters reported that at least 8 people and approximately 500,000 animals have died in Mongolia since November as a result of winter storms and temperatures as low as -50oC (-58 oF). Mongolia is reportedly suffering from one of its worst disasters in many decades.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) Various media sources reported that of the four deaths that have occurred as a result of the recent flooding, 2 occurred in Nicoadala district, 1 in Namacurra and 1 in Maganja da Costa. According to a report from the provincial government, the number of people affected by the floods in the central Mozambiquan province of Zambezia has risen to 200,000. In addition, a preliminary damage assessment reportedly indicated that more than 48,600 hectares of rice, maize and cassava have been lost.

UNITED STATES (snow) Various media sources reported that ice, snow and rainstorms across much of the United States have caused traffic delays and accidents, flight cancellations and school closures. Affected states include Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Texas and Oklahoma. Two deaths have reportedly been blamed on weather-related accidents, one in Nebraska and one in Minnesota.

AFGHANISTAN (cold) The AP reported that according to the UN, at least 110 individuals died Monday night (29th) in refugee camps in western Afghanistan because of freezing conditions. Temperatures reportedly dropped as low as 13F, and the people had only plastic sheets to stay warm.

AUSTRALIA (flood) The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Wednesday (31st) that Sydney received more than 150mm of rain in 24 hours - the wettest day in two years according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The heavy rains reportedly caused flash flooding that wrecked havoc on Sydney’s roads. The highest rainfall as of 9am Wednesday morning, 161mm, was recorded at Prospect Dam in Sydney’s northwest region. Sydney’s west saw 150mm at Liverpool and 145mm at Holsworthy, while the least wet suburb was Avalon on Sydney’s northern beaches.

BOLIVIA (flood)-Update EFE via COMTEX reported that at least 19 individuals have died and more than 150,000 have become homeless as a result of the flooding in Bolivia. The province of La Paz has been especially affected, and of the deaths 4 individuals reportedly died when mudslides buried their homes and the rest drowned while attempting to cross flooded rivers.

MOZAMBIQUE (drought)-update Reuters reported that according to authorities in the southern Inhambane region, 100,000 individuals are suffering from severe drought and are living on wild fruits while facing starvation.

SOUTH AFRICA (lightning) Reuters reported that 14 individuals died and 10 were injured by a single bolt of lightning that struck a hut where people were seeking shelter from a storm that hit South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.

SRI LANKA (flood) The Daily News reported that floods are receding in the Matale district and some other areas where heavy rains began occurring on Tuesday. The rains reportedly caused the collapse of 32 houses in Matale, and earthslips and flooding has made some roads impassable in Polonnaruwa and Ampara. In addition, telephone and electricity supplies have also been affected in the above areas.

*Visit the CIP website at http://www.cip.ogp.noaa.gov

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