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Selected Global Extreme Information

Climate Information Project (CIP): May 2001-Last Updated June 3, 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 05/02/01

CHINA (landslide) The AP reported that according to the Xinhua News Agency, on Tuesday (May 1st) evening a landslide believed to be triggered by heavy rains, destroyed a 9-story apartment building in the city of Chongqing in southwestern China. At least 34 people reportedly died, and only 7 people of the 25 families in the building are known to have escaped.

ERITREA (drought) UNIRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that more than 700,000 individuals are suffering from 3 years of drought and crop failure. The World Food Programme reported that one-quarter of the Eritrean population is reportedly facing severe food shortage. The UN Agency reportedly called on international donors to provide 33 million dollars, and according to the WFP country director, the total grain production last year was a meager 85,000 mt, compared to 320,000 mt in 1999. In addition, livestock has reportedly died due to lack of pasture.

INDIA (drought) The AP reported that the states of Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan have been declared drought areas following two years of light monsoon rains. Officials have reported that the drought has delayed recovery from an earthquake that struck in late January. In addition, on Monday wildlife specialists blamed an increase use of pesticides, and severe drought for the death of 13 peacocks in western India. The birds reportedly died on Saturday in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state, which is suffering from its third consecutive year of severe drought.

NIGERIA (rain) The Vanguard reported that thousands of individuals have been left homeless in Owo, Ondo State following a severe downpour. The devastated areas include the Nigerian Prisons Service, Oke-Ogun, Idimisasa/Olle-Oje, Ogbonmo, Oke-Idogbon, Ijebu-Owo, Post-Office, Oke-Ajama, Ilore, Iyere, Ishokun Oke and Ishokun Odo.

UGANDA (flood) New Vision/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that one individual was killed by a landslide, and more than 50 homes were destroyed, leaving more than 300 individuals homeless, when floods hit several parts of Kasese district. Two bridges were also reportedly washed away, paralyzing business and communication in 4 sub-counties. The floods and landslides reportedly followed torrential rains in the Rwenzori Mountain areas. Flooding in the Kyondo reportedly occurred after the River Sebwe burst its banks, destroying the homes in the area, and sweeping away food and cash crops worth millions of shillings. In Kisinga, Bukonzo East constituency, farms were reportedly destroyed by the landslides in Busangwa village, and witnesses that traveled to Kasese reported that the Kyampara Bridge was damaged.

Impacts Reported as of 05/07/01

AFGHANISTAN (drought) CNN reported that the on-going devastating drought in Afghanistan has left 3.8 million people at risk of famine, and the situation is deteriorating rapidly. The drought is reportedly affecting every region in Afghanistan, and the country is lacking the necessary 2 million tons of food to feed its people - a deficit that has doubled since last year. The U.N. has estimated that the drought has forced more than 700,000 people to flee their homes, and approximately 200,000 have fled to neighbouring Iran and Pakistan. In addition, more than 1,500 individuals arrive at camps in Herat in western Afghanistan each day. It has also been reported that people in northern Afghanistan are eating grasses and wild plants. Nearly half of the country is suffering from severe or extremely severe drought, while the rest of the country is suffering from moderate drought.

ANGOLA (flood) OCHA reported on Friday, May 4th that the floods are affecting the provinces of Bengo, Benguela, Cuene, Huila, Luanda and Namibe. In Benguela the hardest-hit regions are Luach and Senje. In Cuene, floodwaters have reportedly inundated roads and bridges, hindering access to many affected populations. Houses in Cuene have reportedly been destroyed in Namacunde, Xangongo and Onjiva, where 6 people have died due to collapsing houses. In addition, Cuene has reportedly seen an increase in malaria cases as a result of the high water levels. In Huila, the floods have reportedly affected at least 300 families.

CHINA (landslide) Various media sources reported that the landslide that occurred late last Tuesday in Wulong County of southwestern China’s Chongqing Municipality has resulted in the deaths of at least 74 individuals following the collapse of a 9-story building. The landslide reportedly occurred after several days of heavy rains.

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

INDIA (drought) The AP reported that at least 20 individuals have died from malnutrition and hot weather. Temperatures in New Delhi reportedly reached 108 degrees Fahrenheit last week. Power outages reportedly lasted more than an hour several times a day, and in the northwestern desert state of Rajasthan - where people are suffering from the third straight year of severe drought – many people are walking for miles each day to get water. Thirty-one of the 32 districts in Rajasthan are reportedly facing an acute shortage of water, and more than 30,000 villages have about a 50% deficit in crop yield, jeopardizing the lives of 32 million individuals. The lives of approximately 40 million cattle are also in danger. The neighbouring state of Gujarat is also battling a drought, and in the eastern coastal state of Orissa, all but 2 of the 30 districts have been hit by drought. Daily temperatures in Orissa reportedly climbed to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, and schools closed 2 weeks early for summer break. In addition, wild deer, antelope and elephants are reportedly straying into villages in search of water in eastern Orissa.

IRAN (flood) Various media sources reported that flash floods triggered by torrential rains on May 6th killed 32 villagers and injured approximately 50 others in Iran’s northeastern province of Khorassan. Twelve villages in the northern parts of Khorassan were reportedly affected, with the village of Tazeh Qaleh, where 23 individuals died, being the most affected. The heavy rains reportedly began by mid-afternoon on Sunday, and floodwaters quickly surrounded several villages near the town of Bojnourd. Approximately 2,500 cattle perished, and 200 homes were destroyed.

KENYA (flood) The Nation/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that 4 individuals drowned in flooded rivers last week.

MOZAMBIQUE (flood) OCHA reported that the population in accommodation centers is now estimated at 223,095, while the total population affected by floods is 513,314. The area reportedly affected by flooding this year in the Zambezi, Licungo and Pungoe basins is some 200,000 square kilometers, compared to the 130,000 square kilometers of land flooded in the southern part of the country in 2000. The FAO reported that the area of crops lost in the floods this year is estimated at 71,900 hectares, and the Ministry of Health reported on April 26th that the 100 cases of cholera in Nhamayabwe, Mutarara district, Tete province, have resulted in zero deaths. Cholera has also been confirmed at Sena in Caia district in Sofala province, on the south bank of the Zambezi River.

PAKISTAN (heat) The AP reported that a heat wave killed at least 36 people in different parts of Pakistan over the May 5th and 6th weekend. Temperatures reportedly soared to 122 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts of the country. At least 30 individuals died, and many others were hospitalized in the southern Sindh province, the hottest area of the country, most of dehydration and heat stroke. Most of the deaths were reported in Kheirpur, Jacobabad and Hyberabad. Seven people reportedly died in Kheirpur. Individuals also reportedly died of heat-related deaths in eastern Punjab provinces. Much of the country is already suffering from a severe drought, in fact, in some areas of Sindh and southwestern Balochistan there has been no rain for more than a year. According to a professor at Sindh University, the lack of rain has reportedly ruined crops and has contributed to the high death rate.

PANAMA (flood) EFE via COMTEX reported that according to the Panamanian Press on Wednesday, at least 775 people, mainly Ngobe Bugle Indians, were left homeless as a result of flooded rivers in the western provinces of Boca del Toro. Waters from the Cricamola River and several tributaries reportedly inundated numerous homes.

RUSSIA (flood) The Itar-Tass reported that a total of 4,881 buildings, where more than 18,500 people reside, 17 bridges and 17,800 km of roads were inundated in Russia’s Volga and Ural regions. The most serious situation is reportedly on the Belaya River where the water level is 9.02m, 2m higher than the critical rate. A total of 3,634 buildings, where 15,058 people live, have reportedly been flooded in the city of Ufa. In the Republic of Bashkiria, 649 houses have been inundated, and seasonal drifting of ice has now begun on Siberian rivers.

SOUTHERN AFRICA (dry spell) UNIRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that according to the latest update last week from USAID’s Famine Early Warning System, dry conditions have continued to affect maize production in many countries in southern Africa. The late onset of rains, and prolonged dry spells in parts of most countries has adversely affected maize production, while flooding in some parts of the region has also affected maize production in localized areas.

THAILAND (flood) Various media sources reported that floods and mudslides caused by torrential rains that hit northern Thailand for a few days beginning last Thursday (May 3rd) , killed at least 22 individuals and injured approximately 30 others. The areas that were the hardest hit are the provinces of Phrae and Sukothai. A combined 9,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, and 4,100 people were left homeless in these two areas combined. An additional 61 people reportedly went missing from several mountain villages that were buried by mudslides on Friday. The heavy rains reportedly fell after a long period of hot, dry weather. Flash floods also hit 4 villages in the province of Lampang, inundating houses, a public health center and schools.

ZIMBABWE (drought) UNIRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that more than 700,000 people applied for government-sponsored drought relief food in the Midlands province. Most crops in the province have reportedly succumbed to the prolonged dry spell in January, and to floods that affected most parts of the country between February and March. The most affected districts were reportedly Mberengwa, where 179,060 people registered for food aid, and Gokwe North where 150,000 individuals applied. Applications were also reportedly received from communities in Kwekwe, Gokwe South, Zvishavane, Shurugwi, Gweru and Mvuma.

Impacts Reported as of 05/29/01

BRAZIL (drought) EFE via COMTEX reported that according to a proposal by the National Service Station Association, Brazilian gas stations might decrease their hours of operation to help the nation through an energy crunch. A prolonged drought and inadequate national energy grid are reportedly responsible for the energy crunch. With 90% of Brazil’s electric energy coming from hydroelectric plants, the drought has reportedly decreased the country’s installed output capacity from 74,000 megawatts to 56,000 megawatts.

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

CHILE (storm) EFE via COMTEX reported that an intense storm that has been hitting southern Chile since the 26-27th has led to major flooding on Monday and Tuesday (28th and 29th) across a 700km-long area stretching south from the city of Concepcion.. The floods have left 2 individuals dead and approximately 400 homeless, while cutting off more than 2,000 from the rest of country. Heavy rains and powerful winds reportedly caused rivers to overflow, blocked bridges and roadways, and forced authorities to close down several ports. One individual reportedly died in Puerto Montt when he was swept away by the overflowing Coigue River, and another individual died in the Trancura River in the Aracania region. According to the National Emergency Office (ONEMI), the hardest-hit region is near the Bio Bio River, whose overflow cut off traffic on highways and country roads. In this area, approximately 200 individuals were transferred to special shelters, and ports were closed due to the marine conditions. In addition, mudslides around the upper Bio Bio reportedly left more than 2,000 Indians with no communication with the outside world. According to Chilean meteorologists last years floods, following a major drought in 1998-1999, was the worst in 20 years.

CHINA (drought) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that a serious drought affecting northern China’s Shanxi Province is posing a serious threat to the wheat industry. The province’s rainfall between March and May reportedly ranged between 10-45mm, 50% less than the normal level, and an official survey indicated that as many as 72 counties have fallen victim to the drought, with 45 of them suffering enormous losses. More than 733,000 hectares of wheat land have been unable to be sown, and there are a reported 160,000 hectares of land on which the sown wheat seeds were unable to sprout due to lack of water. Some counties are reportedly so badly hit that more than half of their cultivated land cannot be sown. The drought has also reportedly caused the groundwater level in the province to fall, putting 3 million people and 400,000 livestock in short supply of drinking water, and rendering 20,000 wells unable to produce enough water for irrigation.

CHINA (landslide) Xinhua via COMTEX reported that 8 people are missing following a landslide that occurred at 1am Sunday in Goujia Township of southwestern China’s Sichuan Province. The landslide hit at Dongdongyan, reportedly engulfing 5 villagers living at the foot of the mountain, a nearby shop owner, and a truck with 2 people inside. Heavy rain on Saturday night was reportedly blamed.

NIGER (drought) UNIRIN/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX reported that according to the foreign ministry, a shortfall of 163,000mt in the 2000 agricultural season affected an area that has nearly 3.6 million inhabitants, or 35% of the country’s population. PAKISTAN (drought) OCHA reported that a severe heat since early May has exacerbated the drought conditions in Pakistan. The central and southern regions are the worst affected, and 80 deaths have reportedly occurred. In the Sindh province in central Pakistan the River Indus has nearly dried up and no significant rains have fallen for almost 1 year. According to official sources the losses to livestock are reportedly more than 247 million dollars, and crops have also been lost. A serious drought also affected the same provinces from November 1999 to July 2000, leaving 143 dead, 1.09 million affected, 2.48 million livestock killed and crops destroyed. In addition, in Jalozai refugee camp in northwestern Pakistan, where approximately 57,000 Afghan refugees are living, 32 individuals have reportedly died due to the affects of intense heat.

RUSSIA (flood) Various media sources are continuing to report on the flooding, and summaries are found below: YAKUTIA - flooding reportedly left the Republic of Yakutia with damages of approximately 7.5 billion roubles. The Lensky district was reportedly the hardest-hit, and some 1,800 homes were destroyed in the city of Lensk. Seventeen regions, 70 residential areas and 42,200 people were reportedly affected by the flooding on the Lena River. TUVA – damage from the spring floods which swept the Tuva Republic on May 20-22 as a result of the rising waters in the Maly and Bolshoy Yenisey Rivers reportedly totaled 65.2 million roubles. More than 1,000 dwelling houses were partially flooded, and the floods inundated 18 towns and villages in 7 rural districts, as well as 3 neighbourhoods of private houses in Kyzyl and several summer homes.

UNITED STATES (fire/drought) Various media sources reported that the Mallory Swamp fire near Mayo in northern Florida, which was started by lightning, spread to 61,000 acres in Dixie and Lafayette counties on Sunday. Heavy smoke has reportedly caused problems for residents of nearby communities, and according to the Florida Division of Forestry, the timber loss is estimated at 10 million dollars. In addition, smoke from a band of brush fires reportedly blinded motorists on I-4 in Polk County between Orlando and Tampa causing an 18-vehicle crash on Monday morning. The accidents reportedly resulted in one death and 10 injuries. Three major brush fires reportedly burned in the area, including a 1,400-acre blaze west of Walt Disney Co. theme park, causing intermittent closures of 5 major highways in central Florida over the weekend. Smoke from the fires was also blamed for a 9-car pile-up on the Florida Turnpike near Orlando on Sunday. Statewide 160 brush fires were reportedly burning and could not be declared contained on Monday. Images are available in the Daily Report or Archives of the OSEI daily reports located at: http://www.osei.noaa.gov.

UNITED STATES (fire) Heat signatures and smoke were noted from fires burning in Idaho and Montana and Canada. 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 05/31/01

ETHIOPIA (drought) According to a UNICEF press statement, children displaced by years of drought are dying every day from malnutrition and disease. The condition of children at 3 internally displaced people (IDP) camps - Denan (Gode Zone), Hartishek and Fafan Valley (both of Jijiga Zone) - are causing great concern. In Denan camp, a recent Medecins sans Frontieres-Belgium survey showed alarming global acute malnutrition levels of 51%, with 9.1% suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Severe acute malnutrition rates over 1% are reportedly alarming, and signal that urgent intervention is needed. UNICEF reportedly requested 2.5 million dollars for the Somali region on February 7th, and to date only 5.5% has been met.

RUSSIA (flood)- Update The Itar-Tass via COMTEX reported that according to the Chairman of the State Construction Committee, floods in the Siberian Republic of Yakutia have made at least 3,200 families homeless - 2,692 of which are residents of Lensk. Reuters reported that a spokesperson for the Emergencies Ministry said that the River Ob has swept over its banks in southern Siberia, and poured into more than 500 homes in the city of Barnaul, forcing 2,500 residents to evacuate. The River Ob is reportedly more than 3 feet above its critical level.

UGANDA (drought) Media reports indicate that a prolonged dry spell in the Arua District is threatening to affect the season’s crop harvest. The worst hit counties are reportedly Madi Okollo and Terego, and the crops most likely to be the worst affected are beans and maize.

UNITED STATES (drought/fire) The AP reported that Peninsular Florida is in its 4th year of its worst drought since record keeping began. Rainfall is reportedly 50-60in below normal over the 4-year period. According to state forestry officials, as of the holiday weekend, the state has reportedly had 2,844 wildfires burning across 254,500 acres so far this year. As of Wednesday, May 30th, 184 wildfires were burning in the state, and crews and equipment had been brought in from Arizona, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina. Bulldozers are also reportedly being brought in from Mississippi and Tennessee. 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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NCDC / Climate-2001 / May / Climate-Watch / Global Extremes / Search / Help