Severe Weather Outbreak Continues, Impacting Southern United States on Thursday

On Thursday, severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail, and the threat of tornadoes, persisted in the southern United States, affecting millions across the region. This marked the fourth consecutive day of destructive storms, which have resulted in at least four fatalities and widespread damage across ten states. Tornado watches were issued for millions in Central Texas to Georgia, while severe thunderstorm watches were in effect for Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. As of Thursday evening, approximately 120,000 customers were without power across several states.

Hong Kong Hit by First Red Rainstorm Warning of 2024, Causing Extensive Flooding

Hong Kong experienced its first red rainstorm warning of the year on May 4, 2024, leading to widespread flooding and disruption across the territory. The heavy rainfall, attributed to an upper air disturbance, prompted the issuance of additional warnings for landslips and thunderstorms. The impacts were particularly felt in the New Territories area of Lohas Park, where vehicles were submerged in a flooded public car park, and in Tseung Kwan O, where road closures and bus suspensions disrupted daily life. The Saikung district recorded up to 140mm of rainfall in less than two hours, with more rain expected, leading to the suspension of school classes and limited services in some hospital clinics in the area.

Alstom Foundation Provides Aid to Kazakhstan Flood Victims

The Alstom Foundation has donated to the “Qazastanhalkyna” public fund to support flood relief efforts in Kazakhstan. The fund will use the donation to build houses for those impacted by the floods, with memorandums already finalized to build 314 houses in three regions. Alstom employees in Astana have also donated clothing to the “Istoki dobra” charitable fund to assist individuals in need in Northern Kazakhstan.

UAE Hit by Heavy Rains, Schools and Offices Closed

Heavy rains have once again struck the United Arab Emirates, leading to school and office closures. The downpours, accompanied by strong winds, have caused flooding in parts of Dubai, including the emirate’s financial hub. The city’s airport has also been affected, with flights canceled and diverted. While the rainfall is not as severe as the record-breaking downpours in April, it highlights the country’s vulnerability to climate change-related extreme weather events.

China Expressway Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 48 as Rescue Efforts Continue

A tragic mountain road collapse in China’s Guangdong province on Wednesday has claimed the lives of at least 48 people, leaving three unidentified victims. Amidst ongoing torrential rainfall, the incident involved over 20 cars tumbling down a steep slope after a portion of the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway collapsed. Some vehicles caught fire upon impact, complicating rescue operations. Chinese President Xi Jinping has given instructions for swift disaster relief efforts, urging immediate repair of damaged roads and traffic restoration. Meanwhile, Premier Li Qiang has emphasized tireless efforts in rescuing the injured, searching for trapped individuals, and mitigating potential hazards. In recent weeks, Guangdong has been grappling with a series of weather-related disasters, including a deadly tornado in Guangzhou.

Kashmir Flood Threat Subsides as Water Levels Fall

The threat of flooding in Kashmir has eased as water levels in the Jhelum River and other water bodies have begun to recede. However, some low-lying areas in Kashmir still face the risk of flooding.

Continuous rainfall over the past few days has caused havoc in several regions of Jammu and Kashmir, triggering landslides and flash floods. Authorities closed all schools in the valley on Tuesday as a precautionary measure.

While the water level in the Jhelum River had crossed the flood declaration mark at Sangam in Anantnag district, it has started to recede after the rains stopped. The University of Kashmir postponed all exams scheduled for Tuesday.

Three people have died and two are feared dead in separate incidents after they fell into swollen streams due to landslides between the Ramban and Banihal stretch in Jammu. Vehicles and tourists were also stranded due to heavy snowfall along the Atal tunnel on Monday, but the road has since been cleared and the tunnel is now open for traffic.

Flooding in Tanzania Claims Over 150 Lives, Displaces Thousands

In Tanzania, relentless downpours have caused widespread devastation, resulting in the tragic loss of 155 lives and impacting over 200,000 individuals. The situation has worsened dramatically in recent weeks, with the El Niño climate pattern intensifying the ongoing rainy season. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has called attention to the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for residents in low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground and for local officials to prioritize the distribution of vital supplies to those in need. Neighboring countries in the East African region, including Burundi and Kenya, are also experiencing torrential rains and flooding, with the number of casualties continuing to rise.

Peguis First Nation Sues Governments for Inadequate Flood Protection

Peguis First Nation, a Manitoba First Nation plagued by chronic flooding, is suing three levels of government for failing to provide adequate protection. The lawsuit alleges the federal and Manitoba governments have been neglecting their responsibility to protect the community from frequent flooding, which has caused significant damage to homes and forced evacuations. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses two nearby municipalities of diverting water onto the reserve’s land, exacerbating the flooding issue.

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