INTERPOL AND OTHER U.N. AGENCIES , Germany's Nuclear Power Abandonment

Germany to Accelerate Nuclear Power Abandonment

On May 30, 2011, German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced an ambitious plan to shut down country's 17 nuclear power plants by 2022. The acceleration of plant shutdown, scheduled to be around 2036 as per last December's plan, was made in the aftermath of March nuclear disaster of Fukushima nuclear power plant. Among European nations, Italy is the only one which had foresworn nuclear power. However, political resistance still exists in Europe, especially from France as it depends on nuclear power for 80% of its electricity. French PM Francois Fillon said that without nuclear power there was no way EU could achieve the greenhouse gas reduction.

U.N. AGENCIES (NOV 28, 2021 ONWARD)

INTERPOL

Controversial UAE Commander to Take Charge of Interpol

Interpol, already reeling under severe criticisms from human-rights groups for its so called "Red Notice" system that's targeted more against political dissidents than criminals, on November 25, 2021 added to its roster of high-decibel criticisms an additional two by electing a UAE general to lead the agency for the next four years and including a Chinese official into its executive committee. Major General Ahmed Naser al-Raisi, inspector general of UAE's interior department, was elected on November 25, 2021 for a one, four-year term to lead Interpol. Ahmed Naser al-Raisi is accused of persecution of internal political dissidence as well as torture of political opponents. Another controversial event stemming from the agency's general body meeting at Istanbul is the election of Hu Binchen, an official at the Chinese ministry of public security, as a member of Interpol's executive committee as a representative from Asia. 

2011 G-8 Summit at Deauville

The main focus of the May 26-27, 2011, G-8 Summit at Deauville, France appeared to be dangling financial incentives to the emerging Arab democracies, including Tunisia and Egypt. A fund totaling about $40 billion has been targeted.

* How the $40 billion fund breaks down:

-- $20 billion from the international development banks to Egypt and Tunisia over the next three years

-- $10 billion from the Persian Gulf nations

-- Remaining $10 billion in bilateral aid

MOTHER NATURE: Hurricane, Tropical Storm, Flooding, Tornadoes, Climate Disaster-related Research, Snow Storms, Wild Fires, Earthquakes

ATLANTIC STORMS

************************************ 2024 ATLANTIC STORMS **********************

Alberto, First Named Atlantic Storm, Kills Four in Mexico

The Atlantic Hurricane season is typically between June 1 and November 30. This year's first named Atlantic storm came earlier as warm ocean waters supplied the necessary fuel. Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall in Northeast Mexico in June 2024 and killed four people. 

********************* HURRICANE BERYL ***********

Hurricane Beryl Breaks Several Records

Beryl is the second known Atlantic storm in 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. The second known Atlantic storm has intensified from a tropical storm to a major hurricane in 42 hours, becoming member of the exclusive league of six other storms, but also achieving this feat so early in the storm cycle as most of these special storms historically have formed on September 1 and after. 

On July 1, 2024, Hurricane Beryl made landfall on the island of Carriacou as Category 4 hurricane, beating the previous record of the earliest Category 4 Hurricane Dennis that had made landfall on July 8, 2005. 

On another record-setting spree, Atlantic Storm Beryl formed farthest in the east in the Atlantic Basin in the month of June, breaking a 1933 record. 

On July 1, 2024, Hurricane Beryl is doing havoc in Barbados and Grenada. 

Beryl Kills Six in Southeast Caribbean 

Hurricane Beryl assumed the strength of Category 5 briefly late July 1, 2024, only to be downgraded to Category 4 as it ravaged southeast Caribbean extensively, killing six people and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake on July 2, 2024.

Beryl Forecast to Swipe through Texas Coast

On July 3, 2024, the upper northern section of Beryl has hit Jamaica. The upper northern section of the storm system is also known as the "dirty section" because of the intensity and tremendous potential for storm surge. The cone of the storm system is forecast to whoosh in south of Cayman Island en route to Yucatan Peninsula and, based on the computer simulation model, to the Gulf coast in Texas with the high degree of likelihood. 

Beryl Expected to Make Landfall South of Tulum in Mexico

Cayman Islands Prime Minister Juliana O'Connor on July 4, 2024 thanked residents and tourists for showing calm and cool demeanor while the Hurricane Beryl had swept by the island. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves promised to rebuild the archipelago as some 95% of the homes were damaged Mayreau and Union Island and major damages reported in the rest. 

A day after Hurricane Beryl inflicted major damage to Kingston and other areas in Jamaica, including toppled light poles, pillars and trees, authorities reported on July 4, 2024 that two people were killed. Earlier the hurricane took seven lives: (1) 3 people killed in Grenada and Carriacou, (2) 1 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and (3) 3 in Northern Venezuela. 

Laura Velazquez, head of Mexico's civil defense agency, said on July 4, 2024 that Beryl was expected to make a landfall on July 5, 2024 morning south of tourist town of Tulum as a Category 1 storm, but the hurricane would gain strength on the warm Gulf waters as its cone traversed over the Gulf of Mexico to make another landfall near the Texas coast in the coming hours. 

Hurricane Beryl Eyeing on Texas

Hurricane Beryl on July 5, 2024 made a landfall in Mexico as a Category 2 Hurricane south of resort town Tulum, but did little damage. As day progressed, it's strength fizzled out. However, once it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula and enters the Gulf of Mexico, the storm system is expected to gain intensity pretty rapidly from the Gulf's warm waters, likely leading to storm surge, flooding and damage to properties and infrastructure in Northeastern Mexico and Southeastern Texas. City authorities in Corpus Christi on July 5, 2024 distributed about 20,000 sandbags. 

As of July 5, 2024, Hurricane Beryl took at least 11 lives: (1) 3 in Grenada, (2) 3 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, (3) 2 in Jamaica and (4) 3 in Northern Venezuela. 

Beryl Intensifies as It Passes over Warm Gulf waters

Tropical Storm Beryl on July 8, 2024 made a landfall on the Texas coast as a Category 1 Hurricane. The farthest storm generated in the eastern basin of the Atlantic so early in the hurricane season gained the strength of Category 5 hurricane as its weeklong ravage through Caribbean and Mexico had killed at least 11 people before making a landfall in Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane and losing strength as it passed over the Yucatan Peninsula. 

However, Tropical Storm Beryl was fueled by the warm waters of Gulf of Mexico as it passed over the gulf and eventually made a landfall in Texas coast as a Category 1 hurricane on July 8, 2024. The storm brought devastating blow to Houston area in general and CenterPoint Energy customers in particular as nearly 2 million of the 3 million Texas homes and businesses which lost power were the  customers of the CenterPoint Energy in the Greater Houston area. There were dramatic rescues of motorists from flooded streets in Houston. At least four people were killed so far in Texas, including two from a treefall on their house. 

Temperature Soars amidst Continuing Outage for Millions of Houstonians 

A day after Hurricane Beryl made a landfall as a Category 1 hurricane and created devastation in Houston and beyond, about 2 million Houston homes were without power on July 9, 2024, down from 2.7 millions a day ago. Hurricane Beryl is blamed for seven U.S. deaths: one in Louisiana and six in Texas. 

********************* HURRICANE BERYL ***********

********************* FOURTH ATLANTIC STORM: DEBBY ********************

Fourth Named Atlantic Storm to Hit Florida's Gulf Coast

National Hurricane Center on August 3, 2024 upgraded a tropical depression to Tropical Storm Debby, fourth named Atlantic storm after Alberto, Beryl and Chris. Tropical Storm Debby is forecast to make landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast and pass over the northern Florida into Atlantic. 

Debby Landfalls as Category 1 Storm, Fizzles into Tropical Storm

The season's fourth named Atlantic storm, Debby, made a landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast as the category 1 hurricane in the early hours of August 5, 2024, causing massive flooding, washing out roads and thoroughfares, marooning homes and businesses, and toppling trees. As the storm Debby passes over Northern Florida, its strength is reduced to the strength of a tropical storm. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis admonished Floridians against taking this storm lightly just because it had entered Georgia as the remainder of the storm's aftereffect could have devastating impact on the communities in the northern parts of Florida. The storm is blamed at least for four deaths.

Rainfall, Flooding Hit Savannah, Charleston

The fourth-named Atlantic storm, Debby, is drenching Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina on August 6, 2024. 

Debby Makes a Second Landfall as a Tropical Storm

Debby made its first landfall on August 5, 2024 as Category 1 Hurricane on the Gulf Coast of Florida, drenching the northern parts of Florida, Georgia and Carolinas, and eventually careening into the Atlantic Ocean. On August 8, 2024, it made a second landfall on the South Carolina coast, but this time as a Tropical Storm. Debby's storm system spawned at least three tornadoes in North Carolina. Its ravage killed at least seven people as of August 8, 2024. 

High Water Rescues Reported in Pennsylvania, New York as Debby Fizzles

The remnant of the fourth-named Atlantic storm system is deluging parts of Northeast with high-water rescues reported on August 9, 2024 from Pennsylvania's Tioga County along the New York state line and Steuben County in New York. Small towns in Steuben County such as Jasper, Woodhull and parts of Addison are affected by the remnants of Debby. Trees have been uprooted, storefronts damaged, homes marooned. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency. 

National Hurricane Center downgraded Debby to Tropical Depression on August 8, 2024 and post-tropical Cyclone on August 9, 2024. 

********************* FOURTH ATLANTIC STORM: DEBBY ********************

********************* ATLANTIC STORM: ERNESTO *********************

Puerto Rico Prepares for Ernesto

U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami on August 13, 2024 has issued a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as the storm system from Ernesto is likely to drench and flood many communities in those islands. Puerto Rican authorities began evacuation of people from the vulnerable areas. The island is yet to fully recover from the Category 4 Hurricane Maria's wrath in 2017. 

More than 700K without Electricity

As Ernesto is moving towards Bermuda, it has left its marks on Puerto Rico as there are more than 700,000 residences and businesses without power on August 14, 2024. Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi said that he had directed the grid operator, Luma Energy, to move quickly and restore power.

More than 200,00 Still without Power in Puerto Rico, Bermuda Getting Ready for Category 2 Storm

The British-ruled territory is getting ready for the worst as Ernesto is approaching Bermuda. As of August 16, 2024, the Category-2 storm is located 95 miles South-Southwest of Bermuda and moving North-Northeast with a speed of 13 mph with sustained winds as high as 100 mph. The wealthy tax haven is taking all preparatory measures, including shutting down the transportation system, shuttering schools and declaring a day off for many jobs, to ride over this storm. However, given the fact that Bermuda is made of 181 small islands, a direct landfall may not occur. According to AccuWeather, only 11 of 130 tropical storms that came within 100 miles radius of Bermuda since 1850 made a  landfall. 

Meanwhile, at least 200,000 residential and commercial customers in Puerto Rico are without power as of August 16, 2024, 48 hours after Ernesto scraped by the northeastern edge of the island. 

26K Experiencing Power Outage in Bermuda

Ernesto on August 17, 2024 made a landfall in Bermuda as a Category 1 storm. Late August 17, 2024, it's on its way out in the open Atlantic, but not before 26,000 houses and businesses losing power. 

Ernesto Strengthens in Open Atlantic, but Creates Dangerous Surfs and Rip Currents

Ernesto on August 18, 2024 moved into open Atlantic as a hurricane strength storm, but created dangerous surfs and rip currents from Florida to Maine along the Atlantic coast. People, even experienced swimmers, are being advised from swimming in the ocean. 

********************* ATLANTIC STORM: ERNESTO *********************

*************** FRANCINE: SIXTH KNOWN ATLANTIC ATLANTIC STORM ***********

Francine Gathers Strength in Warm Gulf Waters

U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami on September 9, 2024 said that this year's sixth known storm in Atlantic Basin, Francine, was gathering strength in the warm Gulf waters and expected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast with a hurricane strength on September 11, 2024. 

Francine Makes Landfall as Category 2 Hurricane

The sixth known Atlantic storm, fueled by warm Gulf waters, made landfall on September 11, 2024 as a Category 2 hurricane along the southern coast of Louisiana. The accompanying storm system led to water surges and wild waves to violently splash on the seawalls. As of late September 11, 2024, at least 246,000 households lost power, worst affected areas were south of Morgan City. The streets were flooded, creeks were overflowing and the sound of windblow was deafening. The eye of Hurricane Francine is expected to pass over the city of New Orleans and enter Mississippi. As the hurricane moves inland, it's expected to lose its strength and drop to a Category 1 Hurricane strength. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared states of emergency. 

*************** FRANCINE: SIXTH KNOWN ATLANTIC ATLANTIC STORM ***********

************************************ HURRICANE HELENE ************************

Helene Raises Alarm in the U.S. Southeast

Storm system Helene was formed in the Caribbean on September 24, 2024, and within hours it attained the stature of a ferocious storm. On September 25, 2024, Cuban authorities took measures to shut off power supplies and evacuated families and cattle to higher ground. Schools and Offices remained closed in Cayman Island. During the day, Yucatan Peninsula was hit with hurricane-strength wind. Once the storm system enters the Gulf of Mexico, its warm waters will add fuel and transform it into Category 3+ strength. Authorities in Florida, Georgia and Carolinas are taking precaution. Since 1988, there are only three hurricanes that have come ashore off the Gulf of Mexico stronger than what Helene is forecast to be: 

* Hurricane Irma in 2017

* Hurricane Wilma in 2005

* Hurricane Opal in 1995

Hurricane Helene is expected to make a landfall near Big Bend National Park in Florida late September 26, 2024. The airport authorities decided to keep airports in Tampa, Tallahassee and St. Petersburg shuttered in the view of menacing nature of this storm system. Atlanta is expected to receive record amount of rainfall and Appalachian regions in North Carolina and Georgia are forecast to be hit with landslides. 

Killer Storm Makes Landfall as Category 4 Hurricane

Hurricane Helene made landfall near Big Bend in the northwest Florida as a category 4 storm around 10:10PM on September 26, 2024. Heavy rains and life threatening surges are forecast. The catastrophic effect will be felt far beyond Florida's Gulf Coast. The governors of Florida, South and North Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia all declared emergencies in their respective states. 

At least 44 Dead in Florida and Southeast 

Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction in Florida, Georgia, Carolinas and Tennessee. On September 27, 2024, the degree of devastation became clear. At least 44 people, including three firefighters, were reported killed by Hurricane Helene which made a landfall the previous night in the Big Bend area, near the intersection of Florida Peninsula and Florida Panhandle. Massive rainfall was recorded in Atlanta area. A movie-style helicopter rescue operation was performed from the roof of a 10-bed hospital, Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, in Eastern Tennessee close to the North Carolina border. In North Carolina, about 100 swift-water rescues were done as there was potential landslide dangers in the mountainous communities in western North Carolina. 

At least 56 Reported Dead, Hundreds of Thousands Still without Power

As the storm is downgraded to post-tropical cyclone as it hovers over the Tennessee Valley on September 28, 2024, Helene has left a trail destruction in an wide area of the U.S. Southwest. The death toll rose to at least 56. By September 28, 2024, power was restored to more than 1.9 million households in Florida. Still, there are hundreds of thousands of household without power. Atlanta hit a record in two-day rainfall since the record keeping began in 1878. Many areas in Western North Carolina were cut off because of landslides. President Joe Biden vowed to stand by the people afflicted by Hurricane Helene that came ashore near Big Bend in the northwest Florida on September 26, 2024 as Category 4 hurricane with 140 miles per hour of wind. Moody's Analytics forecast the Helene-related property damage to be between $15 billion and $26 billion. AccuWeather's preliminary estimate put the total price tag $95 to $110 billion. 

More than 80 Deaths Reported, Widespread Destruction in North Carolina Mountainside Towns

As the storm system Helene is on its way out, it's leaving a trail of destruction, devastation and detritus in its wake. As of September 29, 2024, millions of people continued to live in miserable situation without power, and the death toll rose to at least 84. Rescue operation is still continuing. However, relief supplies are hard to reach the communities isolated by landslides and flooding, especially the Appalachian town of Ashville in North Carolina and the surrounding picturesque dotted towns and villages in the Buncombe County as more than 30 deaths were reported from that county alone. At least 25 people were killed in South Carolina in the fury of Helene, worst storm to strike the state since Hugo had claimed 35 lives in 1989. 

Helene Surpasses Hugo in South Carolina, Search Operation Continues in North Carolina

With the death toll from Helene rising to 36, Hurricane Hugo is no more the deadliest storm in South Carolina when it killed 35 people after making landfall in Charleston in 1989. Meanwhile on October 1, 2024, rescuers are searching the mountain communities in western North Carolina with cadaver dogs. The death toll has risen so far to at least 150, half of them in western North Carolina that witnessed the worst flooding in more than a century. 

FEMA sources said that 2 million ready-to-eat meals have been sent to affected areas in five states. Cell phone companies such as Verizon and AT&T are mobilizing hundreds, if not thousands, of personnel into communities in the Appalachia to restore communication services. 

Helene's Fury being Felt Slowly

The Dallas Morning News reported on October 6, 2024 that 1.8 million people in the U.S. Southeast were in the boil advisory areas because of Hurricane Helene's devastating blow to water utilities and other infrastructure. In addition to more than 230 people killed in the hurricane's ferocity, Helene gave a devastating blow to water utility plants and water reservoirs, including some of the devastation in Ashville. 

Governor Cooper Calls Helene "Unprecedented", 92 People Still Unaccounted in North Carolina

Expressing that Hurricane Helene had a severe toll on his state, Governor Roy Cooper on October 15, 2024 gave a more updated prognosis, saying that 92 people had remained "unaccounted" for till to date. The death toll from Helene now stood 243, including 125 in North Carolina. At least 13,000 homes are without power till today. 

************************************ HURRICANE HELENE ************************

************************************ HURRICANE MILTON *************************

Florida Faces Direct Swipe from Milton Days after Helene's Marauding 

Florida faces another monster storm, but this one is likely to be more catastrophic as the Tampa area will be on the storm's bull's eye, putting more than 3 million people in the direct path of Hurricane Milton. Governor Ron DeSantis said on October 7, 2024 that the state had commissioned more than 300 vehicles to clear the debris from Hurricane Helene to avoid them from acting as projectiles. Millions of people are reported to be evacuating on October 7, 2024. Hurricane Milton is now a Category 5 storm as it's "pinhole eye" is being fueled by Gulf's warm weather. Hurricane Milton, 13th named Atlantic storm, is likely to lose its strength as it moves towards Tampa Bay area because of a process known meteorologically as "eyewall replacement cycle" in which a new eye is formed, thus increasing the size of the storm's domain but losing some of the intensity. The hurricane is expected to make a landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida near Tampa Bay area, marking the first time in more than a century that a major storm will make a direct hit on Tampa area, around early morning of October 10, 2024. Authorities are warning of a storm surge of 8 to 12 feet in Tampa Bay. 

Hurricane Milton Ravages Florida

All eyes are set on whether Tampa may continue to be lucky, a streak that is happening since 1921. As Hurricane Milton made a landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast around 7:30PM local time on October 9, 2024, Tampa area, home to more than 3 million people, managed to avoid a direct hit. Hurricane Milton made a landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key, an upscale strip that's home to more than 5,500 people. The storm system is spawning several tornadoes as it's cutting across a vast swath in its way toward Orlando area and, eventually, toward the Atlantic Ocean. More than a million homes and businesses are without power on October 9, 2024 night, most of them are in Sarasota County and Manatee County. 

At least Six dead, Hundreds of Thousands without Power, but the Worst Didn't Happen

Hurricane Milton, which came ashore a Category 3 hurricane near the Siesta Key, 70 miles south of Tampa Bay, left a trail of destruction and spawned a number of tornadoes as it had headed to the Atlantic, but spared the Sunshine State from the worst possible outcome. On October 10, 2024, the storm is downgraded to a Tropical Cyclone and it's eye has passed to the Atlantic Ocean. 

On October 10, 2024, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who hours ago had issued dire warnings, heaved a sigh of relief that her city continued its good luck of having averted a direct hit from a storm system, a streak happening since 1921. There were devastation and destruction, though, throughout the region, but not on a scale feared before. The roof of the Tropicana Stadium, home of Tampa Bay Ray, were torn into pieces, with metal shards and glass pieces littered everywhere. A crane collapsed on the building housing Tampa Bay Times, but spared people from fatalities or injuries. At least 300,000 households and businesses have lost power, and many of them are still without power. At least 80,000 people are now in shelters as of October 10, 2024 morning as there has been a mandatory evacuation order for 15 Florida Counties, home of 7.2 million people. 

So far the deaths were limited to areas hit by tornadoes or twisters. As of October 10, 2024, there were six reported deaths.

Evacuees Return Homes, Face Fuel Shortage

As the death toll from Hurricane Milton increased to at least 10, the worse was thought to have been averted because of massive evacuation orders issued by authorities. Many are facing the fuel shortages. On October 12, 2024, there are long lines at fuel stations throughout the state. 

************************************ HURRICANE MILTON *************************

********************** 17th NAMED ATLANTIC STORM:  RAFAEL ********************

Tropical Depression to Gain Strength

Another Atlantic storm, Rafael, is on the radar of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, and on November 4, 2024, it is a Tropical Depression located about 200 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica. A Tropical Storm warning is issued for Jamaica and a hurricane watch is issued for Cayman Islands and parts of Cuba. 

Rafael Makes Landfall as Category 3 Hurricane in Western Cuba

After lashing Cayman Islands and Jamaica a day ago, the 17th named Atlantic storm, Rafael, came ashore in the western parts of Cuba as Category 3 hurricane on November 6, 2024. Havana streets were deserted by the evening. Rafael brought a double whammy for Cuba after a crippling power outage and another storm system that had done severe damage in the eastern parts of the island nation and killed half a dozen people a fortnight ago. This time, though, authorities took as best and as abundant precaution as possible and evacuated people from low lying areas prior to the arrival of the hurricane. A hurricane warning was issued effective November 6, 2024 for the western provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth. A tropical storm warning was in effect for the provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus and Ciego de Avila. 

********************** 17th NAMED ATLANTIC STORM:  RAFAEL ********************

Strange Climate Conditions Prevail in the Just Concluded Atlantic Season

The Dallas Morning News reported on December 1, 2024 that this year's Atlantic storm season was anything but normal. The official ending of the Atlantic storm season is December 1, 2024. There were 11 known Atlantic hurricanes this year, 50% more than the usual seven hurricanes. 

The most surprising climate phenomenon this year is that Atlantic Basic has remained absolute quiet between August 13, 2024 and September 8, 2024. In normal years, there are four known storms formed during the period and at least two of them will become to of hurricane strength. 

Atlantic surface temperature has hovered around 90 degree Fahrenheit temperature during June 1-December 1, 2024, Atlantic Hurricane Season, thus providing massive amount of fuel to the intensity and ferocity of the Atlantic hurricanes such as Milton and Helene. Without this added fuel, thanks to the Climate Change, from the Atlantic Ocean, Milton could have been a Category 4 hurricane and Helene could have been a Category 3, and the combined financial impact stemming from these two storms could have been tens of billions of dollars.

************************************ 2024 ATLANTIC STORMS **********************

CYCLONE

Cyclone Chido Kills Thousands in Mayotte, France Rushes in Aid

Cyclone Chido hit French-administered Mayotte on December 14, 2024, laying waste and debris all over the island of 320,000 located between Madagascar and Africa continent. Thousands of residents were suspected to have been killed. The capital city of Mamoudzou was battered, with downed trees, collapsed electric polls, mangles metals and damaged houses in the archipelago. French administrator Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville, top French government-appointed ruler of the island, said that Cyclone Chido was the worst cyclone since 1930s. 

DROUGHT

U.S. Drought Coverage Registers Record High 

As of October 31, 2024, 87% of the Lower 48 is either experiencing abnormally dry or drought condition, a record that beats the earlier records of 85% recorded in early November 2022 or 80% in estimated in July 2012. The Dallas Morning News reported in its November 5, 2024, edition that the U.S. Drought Monitor, a partnership between the U.S. government and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln that began record-keeping in 2000, might likely to show less coverage going forward as rains and wetter weather were moving from the West to the Great Plains. 

FLOODING

The Mississippi on May 10, 2011 crested at Memphis at 48 feet, just shy of 1937 record of 48.7 feet. The flooding created havoc in agricultural belt of Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee and now Mississippi. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour on May 10 was busy removing the furniture from his lake house outside Vicksburg. Mississippi in Vicksburg is inching toward the record high of 56.2 feet witnessed in 1927. Earlier this month, Army Corps of Engineers blew up a levee in Missouri to save a levee that is protecting the river city of Cairo, Illinois, population 2,800. As a result of that, 200 square miles of Missouri farmland was inundated and 100 homes were destroyed. Information Based on May 15, 2011, Edition of The Dallas Morning News The Corps on May 14, 2011 opened the Morganza Spillway, northwest of Batton Rouge, to flood the Cajun Country in a desperate effort to save cities such as Batton Rouge and New Orleans downstream. As a result, the Atchafalya River Basin will be flooded in coming days. Information Based on May 18, 2011, Edition of The Dallas Morning News A recent academic study estimated the costs to Memphis area and its 630,000 residents, stemming from the unprecedented Mississippi flooding, to be around $753 million.

EPIC SPANISH FLOODING

More than 200 Dead in Catastrophic Flooding in Spain

A massive flash flooding forced authorities in parts of Spain scrambling on late October 29, 2024 as several cities, towns and villages in Valencia became islands. The streets were left littered with vehicles sandwiched one over the other, floating debris, broken doors and window panes and twisted metals. As of November 1, 2024, authorities reported at least 205 dead and several dozens unaccounted for. Hundreds of civilians volunteered alongside the emergency personnel over the past three days in a historic search and rescue operation that the governments, irrespective of federal, regional or local, were not prepared for. Mud, muck and detritus were everywhere. The heartbroken scene of devastation is omnipresent throughout towns and villages of Valencia. 

HURRICANE

******************************** HURRICANE IDA ******************************

Hurricane Ida Makes Landfall as a Category 4 Storm, All of New Orleans Loses Power

Hurricane Ida on August 29, 2021 made landfall in the coastal areas of Louisiana as a Category 4 storm with howling wind and dangerous force. The hurricane came ashore on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a Category 3 storm, that had ravaged Louisiana and Mississippi. Louisiana's major port city, New Orleans, bore the brunt with almost all of the city losing power. There is fear that refineries along the Louisiana coast may take the heat of the hurricane. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality said during that day that it would be in touch with the state's more than 1,500 chemical plants, refineries, processing plants and other energy facilities. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards called the Hurricane Ida as "stronger than usually we see". 

Miseries Loom Large in the Wake of Hurricane Ida

A day after Hurricane Ida made landfall on the Louisiana coast, all of New Orleans is without power and utilities crews have rushed in on August 30, 2021 for repair work and restoration of electricity in the middle of late-summer's stifling heat. At least 1 million people in Louisiana and Mississippi are without power. President Joe Biden met virtually with Governors John Bel Edwards and Tate Reeves as well as mayors and local leaders of towns, cities and parishes affected by the Hurricane Ida, and offered them the necessary help. FEMA have rushed in 35,700 tarps, hundreds of generators, more than 3.4 million meals and millions of bottles of water to the region in the run-up to the hurricane. Hundreds of people were rescued from the marooned homes in Louisiana. Some hospitals' power were knocked out. 

Sweltering Heat, Continuing Power Outages Add to Miseries

As more than 25,000 utility crews are working 24/7 to restore electricity in New Orleans and beyond, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on August 31, 2021 asked for patience. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has said that the [recovery and restoration] process will move slowly. There are long lines of people in front of a few gas stations and retail fronts, which have remained open, trying to buy gasoline in jars or groceries and other supplies. New Orleans authorities has set up cooling stations for the people to seek refuge in the sweltering heat. In addition to power outage, there is “boil-water” advisory for 319,000 people, and 441,000 people in 17 parishes have no drinking water. The death toll from the Hurricane Ida mounted to four in Louisiana and Mississippi as of August 31, 2021.

************ HURRICANE IDA'S WRATH IN THE NORTHEAST

Ida Stuns Northeast, Kills at least 45

Hurricane Ida created havoc as it passed over the Northeast, overwhelming towns and cities in its wake with incessant rain on September 1, 2021 night and September 2, 2021 and at least 10 tornadoes and twisters spawning on areas from Maryland to Massachusetts. At least 23 people were killed in New Jersey state. At least 12 people were killed in New York City, many in basement apartments. Basement apartments in New York City are popular to working class people as they are more affordable in the nation's most expensive rental market. Five people were killed in Pennsylvania. A police sergeant was dead after his cruiser got swept away in torrents of rain water. Another death was reported in Connecticut. 

Why Did Ida Yield so much of Rainfall so far from Its Landfall Area?

The question that is in everybody's mind is why Ida has so much rain in the northeast and New England after making landfall on the Louisiana's Gulf Coast as the fifth-most powerful storm and subsequently losing most of its more than 150 mph [landfall] wind force. There are two reasons. First, although Ida lost much of its gale force, it retained its rainy core. Second, along its journey, it merged with another wet non-tropical system, pouring unprecedented amount of rain and resulting a massive deluge in the Northeast. Also, because of the warming ocean due to Global Warming, the air over the world's ocean system holds on the average 10% more moisture than in 1970s. The extra moisture condenses and releases extra heat energy, which leads to updrafts and makes storm systems more intense and longer lasting, resulting in increase in rainfall by as much as 30%. 

At least 50 Deaths Reported in Northeast

As of September 5, 2021, at least 50 people were dead due to Ida's fury in the Northeastern states.

************ HURRICANE IDA'S WRATH IN THE NORTHEAST

Cleaning Begins as Death Toll Mounts as President Visits Louisiana

Death toll from flash flood, tree fall and other causes due to Hurricane Ida in a broad swath of Northeast has climbed to 49 on September 3, 2021. New York City's drainage system could not handle the fury of rain that has fallen as much as 3 inches an hour, leading to flooding of low-lying areas and entrapping people in the basement apartments. At least 11 people were killed. Mopping, cleaning, restoring of power and draining out of water from clogged streets had begun on September 3, 2021 in the earnest. 

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden on September 3, 2021 visited Louisiana's flood-devastated area of LaPlace and told the officials there: "I promise we are going to have your back". 

Power May not be Restored before the Month-end, Utility Company Says; Oil Spill Reported in Gulf

Entergy, primary electricity provider in New Orleans and surrounding areas, said on September 4, 2021 that some places might stay in outage state for the rest of the month. Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May on September 4, 2021 gave some "staggering" numbers to reporters: Hurricane Ida damaged more than 22,000 power poles, more than those of Hurricanes Katrina, Zeta and Delta combined, more than 5,200 transformers and around 26,000 spans of wire--the stretch of transmission wires between poles. 

The Associated Press reported on September 1, 2021 that, based on aerial images, there might be a significant oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico about 2 miles south of Port Fourchon. The oil spill is reported to be coming from an area where Houston-based Talos Energy has a significant operational presence, and it may be due to the leakage from one of its pipes, according to the September 5, 2021, edition of The Dallas Morning News. Talos said that it had hired Clean Gulf Associates, a non-profit oil-spill response cooperative, and added that Clean Gulf Associates had placed containment boom and its vessels were running skimmers to remove oil. 

Death Toll Mounts 15 in Trio of States

As of September 5, 2021, the death toll from Hurricane Ida rose to 15. Deaths were reported in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. 

Talos says that It's not the Source of Oil Spill

Houston-based Talos Energy, which has commissioned Clean Gulf Associates for mopping and clean up oil slick 2 miles south of Port Fourchon in the Gulf of Mexico, on September 6, 2021 said that it was not the source of the spill and it was looking for the owner of the oil spill source. 

******************************** HURRICANE IDA ******************************

******************************** HURRICANE IAN ******************************

Ian's Wrath Felt by Cuba, Warm Gulf Waters to Add Fuel before Landfall in FL

Hurricane Ian on September 27, 2022 left a trail of devastation in Cuba's western Pinar del Rio province, affecting the island's main tobacco-growing region. About 50,000 people were evacuated prior to the landfall of Ian. Ian will become stronger over the warmer Gulf waters before it makes landfall in Southwest Florida. About 2.5 million Floridians are in the path of Ian. Major evacuation was ordered in the coastal areas surrounding Fort Myers. Warmer Gulf water will provide the needed fuel. 

Ian Makes an Ominous Storm for Millions of Floridians

Ian on September 28, 2022 overwhelmed a large parts of southwest Florida as one of the most potent storms in the U.S. history, knocking out power to more than 2 million people, flattening neighborhoods, pushing huge volumes of sea waters to the coastal communities, sliding cars yards away and uprooting trees. The hurricane made landfall on Cayo Costa, a protected island west of the densely populated Fort Myers. Ian came ashore on Florida as Category 4 storm with a sustained wind of 150 mph. 

Hurricane Ian Makes Second Landfall on South Carolina

Hurricane Ian after cutting across Florida, on September 30, 2022 made second landfall as Category 1 storm on near Georgetown, South Carolina with a sustained speed of 85 mph. 

Toll Mounts as Ian Turns out to be One of the Costliest Hurricanes

On October 1, 2022, media outlets and authorities gave a fresh estimate of death toll from Hurricane Ian. At least 35 people were killed in its wake, including 28 people in Florida. The toll is sure to rise as rescue workers wrap up elaborate search-and-rescue operation and relatives account the missing beloved ones. As of October 1, 2022, at least 1,000 people were rescued in Florida. Meanwhile, flooding, broken structures and loosely hanging tree limbs litter the coastal landscape of Carolinas. 

At least 68 Deaths Reported in Hurricane Ian

As the emergency personnel are carrying out grueling search and Floridians have begun to take stock of destruction that has pummeled their communities, authorities on October 2, 2022 sharply upped the estimate of deaths to at least 68, including 61 in Florida, four in North Carolina and three in Cuba.  FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on October 2, 2022 told the Fox News Sunday that federal government would send a major reinforcement of resources to Florida to help the state cope with the situation. 

Hundreds of Thousands of Floridians without Power Days after Ian Hits the State

Almost six days after Hurricane Ian has pummeled the state, Florida is still reeling under the impact the storm. As of October 4, 2022, at least 2,350 people were rescued in various counties since the storm had made a landfall on September 28, 2022. The death toll climbed to 79: 71 in Florida, five in North Carolina and three in Cuba. As of October 4, 2022, about 365,000 people are living without power, down from a peak of 2.5 million six days ago. 

Bidens Visit Florida to Survey Damage

Setting aside their political differences, President Joe Biden and Governor Ron DeSantis, joined by their respective wives, on October 5, 2022 visited parts of Florida devastated by Hurricane Ian. President Biden pledged all help to ensure that Floridians recover fast, and mildly praised his political bete noire, Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

******************************** HURRICANE IAN ******************************

******************************** HURRICANE IDALIA **************************

Idalia Leaves a Trail of Damage, but Not as Bad as Initially Anticipated

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in sparsely populated Big Bend region in Florida on August 30, 2023 morning near Keaton Beach. The eye of the hurricane soon moved over to Georgia and was on its way to South Carolina. The hurricane weakened into tropical storm as it began to pass over the inland. The hurricane tore off many of the building rooftops, toppled trees and mangled vehicles in its wake. FEMA Director Deane Criswell said during the day that it was too soon to tell how long it would take for recovery process to complete. 

President Visits Devastated Areas in Florida

On September 2, 2023, President Joe Biden took an aerial view over the devastated trail of Hurricane Idalia and later met with the first responders and local emergency personnel at Suwannee Pineview Elementary School. Sen. Rick Scott praised the federal effort to announce disaster declaration early, paving the flow of federal aid. First Lady Jill Biden was present with her husband. Governor Ron DeSantis was conspicuous by his absence. Live Oak Mayor Frank Davis praised Biden's visit to his rural community 80 miles east of Tallahassee. 

******************************** HURRICANE IDALIA **************************

******************************** HURRICANE OTTIS **************************

Ottis Strengthens as Category 5 in Short Span 

How climate change is shaping up the transformation of the storm system and its aftereffect is exemplified by the degree of sudden acquiring of strength of Ottis from a tropical storm to a Category 5 storm in a span of hours, surprising even the seasoned meteorologists. On October 25, 2023, the violent storm system cut through the resort city of Acapulco in the Guerrero state of Mexico and left behind a devastated city in its wake. There were debris, mud-filled water, broken facade of hotels, downed trees, muds that had slid from the mountain and enveloped the streets on the eastern fringe. 

Ottis' Record Strengthening in 12 Hours Surprises Meteorologists 

As the death toll from the hurricane with the most ferocious landfall in the Eastern Pacific rose to at least 27 as of October 26, 2023, the scientists, meteorologists and climate experts assessed what had led them to miss forecasting, even remotely, the super-intensification of Ottis in the 12 hours prior to landfall. The storm system gained strength from 70 mph to 160 mph in 12 hours prior to making landfall on the tourist mecca of Acapulco on October 25, 2023. It's to enter the record book as the strongest storm in the Eastern Pacific. More importantly, it's now billed as the most intensifying storm in the 12 hours prior to making the landfall. Warmer ocean water in the Pacific [from global warming] and low salinity [from fresh water from rainfall] are the perfect mix to fuel the process of rapid intensification of the storm system. 

Families Bury Their Loved Ones as Acapulco Returns to a Little Normalcy

Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado said on October 29, 2023 that at least 43 people were killed in the destructive force of Hurricane Otis. The governor also said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that 36 people remained missing. As relief and aid are pouring into the region, it is a story of contrasting recovery and restoration in the region. While resources are being plowed into getting the tourist division and wealthy scenic boulevards cleared and passable, the outlying areas are suffering from neglect. 

******************************** HURRICANE OTTIS **************************

PACIFIC STORMS

********************************* 2024 PACIFIC STORMS ***************************

Tropical Storm Aletta Formed

National Hurricane Center on July 4, 2024 reported the first Pacific storm system of the season. Tropical Storm Aletta was formed off the coast of Mexico, but expected to dissipate way in the ocean. 

********************************* 2024 PACIFIC STORMS ***************************

TORNADO

April 25-28, 2011, marked a record for the number of tornadoes (305) that had afflicted at least seven states, killing at least 329, including 238 in Alabama alone. The college city of Tuscaloosa turned into a war zone on April 27 after a massive tornado system uprooted hundreds of communities across a vast area in the south. The death toll could surpass the previous record of 332 set in March 1932, when another deadly storm had struck Alabama. April 2011 also produced record number of tornadoes ever: 875. Another storm system in April 1974 killed 315 people in the South and Midwest. Meanwhile, to predict the direction and destructive force of the future tornadoes and storm systems, government and research institutions will try a new generation of radar system called the Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere, or CASA. CASA radars will send more precise real-time data to the Meteorologists. Source: The Dallas Morning News (April 30, 2011)

Kentucky Takes Severe Hit from Tornadoes

At least 30 tornadoes have clobbered a wide swath of land covering six states in the early hours of December 11, 2021, right after the midnight of December 10, 2021, that span across hundreds of miles from Mississippi in the Deep South to Illinois. The hardest hit state in the December 11, 2021, spasm of twisters and tornadoes was Kentucky. Dozens have been dead in Kentucky alone, with towns literally gone. Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory was leveled in a powerful tornado. Several employees were dead, and many remained missing as of December 12, 2021. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on December 12, 2021 that "we will get through this together". The town of Mayfield has been damaged severely, with many families now being homeless. 

Other states took the brunt too. An Amazon distribution facility in Edwardsville, Illinois was hit by a tornado, and at least six people were killed. Four were killed in Tennessee. Two in Arkansas were killed, where a nursing home was destroyed. Two were killed in Missouri. 

****************** MISSISSIPPI TORNADO

Powerful Tornado Destroys Mississippi Town, Kill 25

A powerful tornado left a trail of catastrophe in its wake in the Mississippi Delta town of Rolling Forks and surrounding areas on March 24, 2023 night. At least 25 people were reported killed. The scene at Rolling Forks on March 25, 2023 resembled one of a war zone, giving a feel from a movie with heart-broken scenes of the destruction of the entire community, houses slammed over one another just like pancakes, cars flipped on sides and trees fallen on power lines on several streets. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and President Joe Biden on March 25, 2023 vowed to help the community recover from the disaster. The March 24, 2023, tornado is the most devastating tornado in the state since April 2011 when 31 people had been killed in tornadoes. According to the Jackson Office of National Weather Service, the tornado that had struck Rolling Forks was of EF-4 magnitude, ranging in 166 mph to 200 mph wind speed.

Biden Issues Emergency Declaration 

President Joe Biden on March 26, 2023 issued emergency declaration for Mississippi, paving the way for the federal help to be available for the stricken residents and businesses. Meanwhile, relief and aid have begun to pour in in the economically underprivileged town of Rolling Forks that had been devastated by an EF-4 tornado that had spanned circa 59 miles over a duration of more than an hour. 

Death Toll Lowered, Long Road for Recovery for Two Most Affected Counties

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, or MEMA, on March 27, 2023 lowered the death toll to 21from the previously announced figure of 25. Meanwhile, the recovery for Sharkey County and Humphreys County--two worst impacted counties in the March 25, 2023, tornado--is expected to take long time as there have not been enough resources in those two counties even before the tornado, with poverty rates as high as 35% (Sharkey County) and 33% (Humphrey County), respectively, as compared to the state poverty rate of 19% and the U.S. poverty rate of 12%. The Mississippi Delta rural area is sparsely populated, with most of the residents are overwhelmingly African Americans and they are mostly dependent on farming. 

Biden Visits Rolling Forks, Pledges to Cover Rebuilding Costs

President Joe Biden on March 31, 2023 visited Rolling Forks and pledged to support the rebuilding and recovery of the entire region afflicted by tornado. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves appreciated President Biden's visit to this slice of small-town America meant a lot. 

****************** MISSISSIPPI TORNADO

********************** 85 million PEOPLE at STORM SYSTEM'S CROSS-HAIR

South, Midwest Pummeled by a Violent Storm System

On March 31, 2023, a vast region of South and Midwest experienced a harrowing tale of a killer storm system that had cut a path covering areas home to about 85 million people. Massive destruction and loss of lives was reported from several areas in Arkansas, a theater roof in Illinois, parts of Iowa, Oklahoma and Kansas. 

At least 21 Reported Killed in Killer Storm

As a multi-state storm system, involving several tornado touchdowns, has downed trees, led to outages to hundreds of thousands of homes, twisted vehicles on their sides, pancaked homes and dwellings, and threatened almost 85 million people in the South and Midwest, ravaging for hours from March 31, 2023, night to April 1, 2023, morning, authorities are scrambling to conduct rescue operation and provide aid to as many people as possible from Tennessee to Illinois, Indiana to Arkansas, Oklahoma to Iowa. At least 21 people were reported killed as of April 1, 2023. 

********************** 85 million PEOPLE at STORM SYSTEM'S CROSS-HAIR

********************** Another Deadly Tornado Strikes Southeast Missouri

Five Killed in Deadly Tornado

Days after a storm system battered eight states in the Midwest and South, spawning a number of tornadoes and killing more than 60 people, another tornado of EF-2 strength struck a rural community, Glen Allen, in southeastern Missouri in the early morning of April 5, 2023. According to the authorities in the mostly rural Bollinger County, many homes, vehicles and other properties had been destroyed, or significantly damaged, in the tornado. 

********************** Another Deadly Tornado Strikes Southeast Missouri

********************** TORNADO IN IOWA, NEBRASKA AND OKLAHOMA

Four Dead in Oklahoma Tornado

The U.S. midsection experienced a treacherous and violent streak of storms and tornadoes during April 26-28, 2024 weekend. One tornado system struck near Lincoln area on April 26, 2024, and then rolled into Omaha and farming communities in western Iowa. There were substantial damages and destructions in both Nebraska and Iowa. 

On April 27, 2024, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds visited the storm-stricken areas in their respective states. Both governors are planning to seek federal disaster assistance. 

The vagary of tornado system had some other places in mind next as it swept through the infamous "Tornado Alley" on April 27, 2024 night. The rural community of Sulphur was heavily damaged in couple of tornado strikes in and around the town. Four people were reported dead in Oklahoma, including one in Sulphur and two other in Holdenville, north of Sulphur, both in Hughes County. A fourth person was killed in the storm near Marietta, close to I-35. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and President Joe Biden spoke on April 28, 2024. President Biden pledged to help Oklahoma. 

********************** TORNADO IN IOWA, NEBRASKA AND OKLAHOMA

Sixth Record Number of Tornadoes Reported in 2024, Iowa Bears the Latest Brunt

The Dallas Morning News has reported on May 24, 2024 that this year is turning out to be one of the most damaging and catastrophic years as of now, with at least 705 reported tornadoes on the book, sixth-worst since recordkeeping has begun in 1950. Since April 26, 2024, the storm systems have been rambling over various parts of the nation with increased fury and more catastrophic destruction. 

The latest fury of was of a powerful tornado hitting mercilessly the town of Greenfield in Iowa. In that tornado on May 21, 2024, four people were killed in the town as well as a fifth person was killed at Corning, Iowa as her car had been tossed off the road. Governor Kim Reynolds said on May 23, 2024 that FEMA had been very helpful in lending helping hands to the local communities that had been left with at least 202 damaged or destroyed houses. 

TROPICAL STORM

Hillary Downgraded from Hurricane to Tropical Storm

Tropical Storm Hillary is approaching Baja California on August 19, 2023. There was widespread flooding in Baja and many people were evacuated from their communities. Some of the picturesque resort places have been emptied out prior to the onslaught of the storm system. It will cross to U.S. Southwest on August 20, 2023. Hillary will be the first tropical storm in Southern California in 84 years. Weather professionals and local authorities sounded alarm for dangerous flash flooding in the vast swath of southern California, especially for the inland mountain communities. 

Hillary Makes Landfall in Baja California; Desert, Mountain Communities to Receive the Brunt

Tropical Storm Hillary on August 20, 2023 made landfall at a sparsely populated area in Baja California. It's now heading to southern California, making it the first known tropical storm to hit the  Southern California in 84 years. Meteorologists are warning people to take the Tropical Storm Hillary seriously not because of its wind gusts, but the amount of moisture it contains, making flash floods widespread and deadly for communities ranging from the California's coastal areas to the inland deserts to mountain slopes to as far flung areas as communities in Idaho. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency. FEMA said that its personnel were also in the state emergency offices with supplies. Authorities issued evacuation warning for Santa Catalina Island. LA authorities are scrambling to get the homeless people into shelters to save them from flash flood. 

Hillary Makes Muddy Mess

Tropical Storm Hillary on August 21, 2023 is on its way out, but not before drenching mountainous communities in California's high desert and making a muddy mess in its trail, requiring a massive clean-up effort for the days to come. However, there is no casualty or injury reported in the U.S. from one of the most treacherous tropical storms. 

SNOW STORMS

Lake-Effect Snow Storm Creates Havoc in Western and Northern New York

A massive lake-effect snow storm that began on November 17, 2022 resulted in 77 inches of snow in 48 hours at the Buffalo suburb of Orchard Park. The epic snow storm affected towns and cities in the western and northern New York along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Lake-effect snow storm derives the name from the phenomenon that the cold air captures the moistures from the warm lake waters and moves in narrow bands of storm systems, dumping massive amount of snow during a short span of time in a community while a nearby community remains unscathed. On November 19, 2022 forecasters predicted more snow in the region. 

Biden Declares Emergency, Sends Federal Help to 11 Counties in Western and Northern N.Y.

President Joe Biden on November 21, 2022 announced emergency declaration, sending help from FEMA and DHS to 11 counties in the western and northern New York that had seen as much as 80 inches of snow in recent days and three deaths. New York Governor Kathy Hochul thanked President Biden for granting her request for emergency declaration. 

At least 34 Dead in 2022 Christmas Snowstorm 

An unprecedented storm system paralyzed the U.S. from the Great Lakes to Rio Grande, from Maine to Seattle, from Rockies to Appalachians days before the Christmas. The system has started rolling out on December 22, 2022 and its impact will last through December 27, 2022. As of December 25, 2022, at least 34 people were killed due to snowstorm, including at least 10 in Erie County, including six in Buffalo. Buffalo is the worst affected large city in the storm, and the airport there will remain closed through December 27, 2022. About 60% of the America's residents are covered by some sort of weather advisories during the Bomb Cyclone, a phenomenon when the pressure drastically drops in a strong storm system, that has started rolling down the South from the Great Lakes region. At the height of the snowstorm, millions of households were without power amidst plunging temperature. 

Airlines Miseries, Blizzards, Rising Death Toll Mark Christmas and Aftermath

Buffalo has become the epicenter of the disastrous fury of the Bomb Cyclone, a phenomenon when the pressure drastically drops in a strong storm system, with more than two dozen people reported dead from the epic snowstorm as of December 26, 2022, and counting. This is probably the worst snow storm in Western New York's history. Governor Kathy Hochul visited her hometown of Buffalo on December 26, 2022, and described the monstrous Bomb Cyclone-induced storm as "one for the ages". The Buffalo Niagara International Airport will remain shut through December 28, 2022. President Joe Biden said that he would press for federal help for Buffalo and surrounding areas. As of December 26, 2022, at least 50 people were reported nationwide as a treacherous storm system began pummeling most of the nation since December 22, 2022, putting country's two-third population under its ferocious grip. 

To compound the woes, airlines cancelled, or delayed, tens of thousands of flights since December 22, 2022. On December 26, 2022, at least 3,700 flights were cancelled, including at least 2,700 by the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines. Since December 22, 2022, Southwest Airlines cancelled at least 8,000 flights. Although the operations of the other airlines are improving, Southwest's remain bogged down to massive cancellations and delays, stranding thousands of customers at airports in Dallas, Chicago and Denver. Southwest blamed weather and technology for this massive disruptions. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan emphasized need for massive investment in the technology revamp. The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a statement on December 26, 2022, saying that it was assessing whether to look into the airline's operational woes as well as its compliance with the Dallas-based airline's customer service commitment. 

EARTHQUAKES

INDONESIA

More than 160 Dead in 5.6-magnitude Earthquake

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake at the depth of 6.2 miles struck the city of Cianjur and surrounding regions on November 21, 2022 in the West Java province, killing at least 162 people. The main hospital in Cianjur was overwhelmed with injured and panicked residents. Many dwellings had been badly damaged. Power outages were reported throughout the region. There were at least 25 aftershocks reported. The ferocity of earthquake has been felt in the capital region. 

Death Toll Rises to 268

On November 22, 2022, the death toll from the 5.6-magnitude earthquake a day earlier rose to 268 as bodies were retrieved from crumbled structures. At least 151 people remained missing. Although the magnitude of this earthquake is only 5.6, the fatal consequence has been pronounced because the quake has originated only at 6.2-mile depth underneath a densely populated area, leading to a vast degree of seismic energy to strike buildings and structures with full force. Indonesia sits on a specific fault region known as the Ring of Fire where the Pacific Plate collides with other tectonic plates in a zone that shapes like a ring. The quake that has erupted on November 21, 2022 is a strike-slip earthquake where two tectonic plates grind with each other, releasing massive seismic energy. Compared to a strike-slip earthquake that struck Cianjur on November 21, 2022, the December 2004 earthquake and resulting tsunami was a subduction earthquake. Subduction earthquake occurs when one tectonic plate dives underneath another tectonic plate. 

TURKEY AND SYRIA

Thousands Dead after Earthquake Hammers Vast Areas of Turkey and Syria

That the Mother Nature is oblivious to political boundaries, regional tension and diplomatic barriers proves itself one more time as a 7.8-magnitude earthquake destroyed buildings, infrastructure and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. The earthquake struck the region in the early hours of February 6, 2023 and its epicenter was near the Turkish city of Gaziantep. As rescue workers, law enforcement and emergency personnel and others fanned out as best as possible throughout a vast tract of areas in southern Turkey and northern Syria, death toll was rising exponentially by the hour. Rescuers are fighting against snow and cold weather to search for any survivors amidst mounds of rubble and debris. As of the nightfall of February 6, 2023, at least 4,000 people were reported dead. That number is sure to rise by several tens of thousands in the coming days. Apartment buildings collapsed just like house of cards in both Syria and Turkey. Several aftershocks, including one with magnitude 7.5, occurred over the span of hours after the primary earthquake. 

Race against Time in Rescue Efforts

As of early February 8, 2023, rescuers from various nations are trying their best and pushing as hard as possible to find survivors underneath the detritus across hundreds of miles of earthquake-hit areas spanning southern Turkey and northwest Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 7, 2023 said that Turkey's 13 of 85 million people were affected by the February 6, 2023, earthquake. His administration declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces. According to World Health Organization, at least 22 million people in Turkey, rebel-held Syria and government-controlled Syria were affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake and follow-up numerous aftershocks. U.N. is facing special challenge to bringing the relief supplies to rebel-held parts of Syria as the only official border crossing, Bab al-Hawa, used for international aid has been significantly damaged, and the U.N. is negotiating with Syrian President Bashar Assad to open transportation links from the government-controlled parts of Syria. White Helmets are largely carrying out rescue operation in rebel-held parts of Syria. As of February 7, 2023, the death toll crossed 7,000. 

Miraculous Rescue Hours after Earthquake that Killed 24,000 and Counting

Almost four days after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck vast areas of south Turkey and northwest Syria, miracle is finding its way to help show the magical power of life and joy as rescuers has pulled quite a few people from underneath the rubble. As of February 10, 2023, the death toll reached 24,000 in addition to 80,000 people injured and millions left homeless. 

U.N. Official Acknowledges that It Fails Syria

As the death toll from February 6, 2023, earthquake climbed to some 33,000--Turkey 29,600 PLUS Syria 3,400--the disparity and inequity in relief and aid distribution in Turkey and northwest Syria couldn't be any starker. On February 12, 2023, Martin Griffiths, U.N.'s emergency relief coordinator, said that "we have so far failed the people of north-west Syria".

Syrian Leader Allows Two Additional Relief Routes for Idlib

Syrian President Bashar Assad on February 13, 2023 approved two more crossing points from Turkey for the international agencies to bring relief for earthquake-inflicted regions of Idlib. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the decision of Syrian President Bashar Assad to open crossings at Bab Al-Salam and Al Raee for three months. Meanwhile, the death toll in southern Turkey and northwestern Syria mounted to more than 36,000 as of February 13, 2023. U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffith during a visit to Aleppo on February 13, 2023 said that the operation and focus would now shift from "rescue phase" to "humanitarian phase".

Another Earthquake Kills 3, Injures more than 200

As if there is no abundance of miseries and disasters in quake-inflicted southern Turkey and northwestern Syria, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on February 20, 2023 killed three people and injured more than 200 people. The epicenter of the February 20, 2023, earthquake was centered in Define in Turkey's Hatay province that had been severely affected by February 6, 2023, 7.8-magnitude earthquake too. In the days since February 6, 2023, earthquake, at least 600 aftershocks were reported. At least 45,000 people were killed in Syria and Turkey from the February 6, 2023, earthquake. 

5.6-magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Turkey Again

Three weeks after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake had killed more than 50,000, a 5.6-magnitude quake struck southern Turkey on February 27, 2023. killing at least one person and wounding dozens. The quake was centered around the town of Yesilyurt in Malatya Province. The chief of the country's disaster management agency, Yunus Sezer, said that several already damaged houses also collapsed. 

Turkish Deaths Officially Estimated at 47,975

There is now more precise estimate of the death toll from the February 6, 2023, 7.8-magnitude earthquake. On March 11, 2023, Turkey's disaster management agency chief Yunus Sezer said that the official death toll now stood at 47,975, including 6,278 foreigners accounting a significantly high number of Syrians. 

Donors Pledge $7.5 billion in Aid to Turkey, Syria

European Commission-led donor conference was held on March 20, 2023 at Brussels to seek pledges to help out millions of people affected in Turkey and Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the conference at Brussels via video link, appreciating the work of donor nations in general and European Commission in particular. The conference committed $7.5 billion---$6.5 billion in grants and loans for Turkey--in pledge to help out people suffering since a 7.8-magnitude on February 6, 2023 had killed at least 52,000 people. The European Commission said in a statement that the "European Commission and the EU Member States, as well as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development represent more than 50% of this total pledge of grants", accounting for $3.9 billion. 

Security Council Fails to Continue Speedy Aid Delivery to Northwest Syria 

A pair of resolutions--one Russia-backed and another vetoed by Russia--failed to muster support at the U.N. Security Council on July 11, 2023 despite calls from the U.N. and its secretary general, Antonio Guterres, to keep aid flowing through Bab al-Hawa crossing, the main conduit for aid supply to the rebel-held northwestern Syria from Turkey. U.N. calls the Bab al-Hawa crossing the "center of gravity" for the U.N. cross-border deliveries. The recent U.N. mandate for the delivery of cross-border aid through Bab al-Hawa expired on July 10, 2023. Now, the U.N. has to leverage two other border crossings--Bab al-Salameh and al-Rai--that Syrian President Bashar Assad has opened after the February 6, 2023, 7.8-magnitude earthquake to facilitate relief shipment to the rebel-held areas. Assad extended their operation in May for three months through August 13, 2023. 

MOROCCO

More than 2,000 Feared Dead in Earthquake

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake is rare in Morocco although the northern African country is situated at the crossroads of Eurasian and African tectonic plates, thus making the collision of two continental plates more likely. At local time 11:11PM on September 9, 2023, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the mountainous areas in Morocco close to the historic city of Marrakech. The epicenter of the quake was near the town of Ighil in Al Houz province, about 44 miles south of Marrakech. Al Houz is nestled with scenic valleys, with villages embedded in the valleys and mountain slopes and displaying an eclectic spectrum of photogenic beauties. The houses in the remote villages fell like house of cards, forcing villagers and townspeople in those rugged and remote areas in High Atlas Mountain Range rushing out of their homes, fearing for their lives. On September 10, 2023, Moroccan government officials put the death toll at more than 2,000. International communities offered condolences and support to help Moroccan people at the juncture of one of the most devastating crises in the nation's history. The scale of devastation is so gruesome that an archenemy like Algeria, which severed diplomatic relations with Rabat in 2021, decided to open its airspace to facilitate the smooth flow of aid into Morocco. 

AFGHANISTAN

6.3-magnitude Earthquake, Aftershocks Kill Hundreds in Western Afghanistan

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Herat province near the Iran border on October 7, 2023. The epicenter of the quake was about 25 miles northwest of Herat City. An aftershock of 5.5 magnitude soon hit the area. Hundreds of people were reported killed. People fled their homes as structures fell like cards. 

Meager Relief Operation Begins as U.N. Estimates More than 1,000 Dead

As survivors are digging out of the rubble and local health facilities are encumbered by the scale of devastation, the U.N. on October 9, 2023 provided an estimate of deaths only for 11 villages in Zinda Jaan district of Herat province. The death toll in those 11 villages number 1,023 people, and 1,623 people were injured. According to the Taliban regime, at least 4,000 people either were killed or injured. Taliban regime's deputy premier for economic affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, visited the affected communities on October 9, 2023. The U.N. officials also paid visit during the day to Zinda Jaan district. Neighboring Pakistan is also planning to send relief supplies to Herat. 

Another Quake Kills at least Four People in Herat 

As if an October 7, 2023, initial earthquake of magnitude 6.3, a number of subsequent aftershocks and a second 6.3-magnitude earthquake on October 11, 2023 were not enough, another 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Herat province on October 15, 2023. This time, though, casualty was not high. At least four people were reported killed. Save the Children said that at least 153 people were wounded. 

NEPAL

More than 150 People Dead in Earthquake in Remote Region in Nepal 

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake around midnight November 3, 2023 led to severe tremor and collapse of thousands of fragile dwelling structures in the Northwestern Nepal. As of November 5, 2023, at least 157 people were reported killed. The relief supplies have remained inadequate for the afflicted region, which even in the best of the time is not easily accessible. 

JAPAN

At least Eight Dead in Japan Earthquake

A series of earthquakes, the strongest one was of 7.6 magnitude, were reported on January 1, 2024 in the Sea of Japan off the coasts of Ishikawa prefecture in the main Japanese island of Honshu. At least eight were reported dead and more than 30 injured, according to the public broadcaster NHK. A tsunami warning was issued and later lifted. 

Death Toll Surpasses 200

Authorities are reporting miraculous rescues from underneath the rubles even 72 hours after the quake. Ishikawa Prefecture has gone through hundreds of aftershocks after the New Year's earthquake. The death toll from the quake and in the aftermath now rose to 206, according to The Associated Press' January 11, 2024, report based on the estimates provided by local authorities a day earlier. Some 26,000 people are staying in shelters as their homes had been destroyed or deemed unsafe for living. In the prefecture, Suzu City took the worst hit (91 deaths), followed by Wajima (83) and Anamizu (20), respectively. 

TAIWAN

Most Powerful Quake in Quarter Century Has Surprisingly Low Toll Figure

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Taiwan's Hualien County--home to over 300,000 people as well as many scenic trails, mountainous gorges and valleys--on April 3, 2024 morning. 10 people were reported killed, a low number given the earthquake was rated the most powerful in 25 years. Years of preparedness, strict building codes and public education played a significant role for hundreds of thousands of people to stay calm and a bit of luck helped too. 

MYANMAR AND THAILAND

Hundreds, if not Thousands, Dead after Several Buildings Crumble like House of Cards

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake, centered near the second-largest Burmese city of Mandalay, had led to crumbling of several high-rises. The main temblor that had happened mid-day on March 28, 2025 was followed by several aftershocks, including one measured 6.4. A large monastery in Mandalay, Ma Soe Yein, collapsed as Buddhist monks were scrambling on the streets and taking video of the falling structure. Myanmar's junta ruler Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing told correspondents the obvious that the death toll would multiply in the coming hours from the reported number of 144. The devastation wreaked havoc too in Naypyidaw, Yangon and other cities. 

In Thailand, a high-rise building under construction collapsed in Bangkok, killing at least 10 people. 

Death Toll Rise Multifold as Rescue Operation Gets Underway

A day after a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, the opposition-led National Unity Government on March 29, 2025 announced unilateral partial cease-fire. It said in a statement that the National Unity Government's military unit, People's Defense Force, would begin observing the cease-fire for two weeks effective March 30, 2025 in the the earthquake-affected areas. Meanwhile, the death toll mounted 1,644. 

Myanmar's Government Pauses Fighting, Death Toll Mounts, Four People Extricated Alive

Myanmar's junta government led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing on April 2, 2025 announced a pause to fighting against rebel groups through April 22, 2025 to pave the way for facilitating relief distribution and easy access of emergency personnel to the remote areas of the nation. As of April 2, 2025, the death toll in Myanmar rose to a whopping 3,003 and an additional 4,500 injured in the 7.7-magnitude earthquake five days ago. Thousands of structures in Mandalay, Yangon and Naypyidaw as well as many small towns and villages have collapsed, bridges destroyed and roads mangled in the March 28, 2025, midday earthquake that also killed 22 and injured 35 in neighboring Thailand. 

Meanwhile, videos were circulated over the social media of dramatic rescues of four people in separate efforts on April 2, 2025. 

WILDFIRE 

*************************************** MAUI WILDFIRE ***************************

Wildfire Kills at least 53 in Maui 

A major wildfire that had erupted on August 8, 2023 on the mountainside in the western Maui Island spread rapidly as a passing hurricane fed high wind and lack of humidity helped it spread rapidly. The downslope fire that compresses the warm air and descends down the mountain slope has turned out to be fatal for the scenic town of Lahaina. Many people jumped into the ocean to eschew the wrath of the fire. As of August 10, 2023, almost nothing is left of Lahaina. At least 53 people were reported dead and counting. President Joe Biden on August 10, 2023 declared a major disaster on Maui. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said that the town [Lahaina] had been "burned down".

More than 70 Dead and Counting as Many More Reported Missing

As the town of Lahaina stood like a ghost place and eerie silence pervaded charred neighborhood after charred neighborhood, lucky people who could make it through the ordeal began to ask questions why emergency notifications didn't work. Governor Josh Green and FEMA officials on August 12, 2023 were taking a sneak-peek of devastation in and around the downtown area of the historic town. The iconic banyan tree covering two-thirds of an acre and spanning more than 60 feet in height bore the brunt of "top kill", an academic forensic terminology to describe the burn on the top while the roots remain intact. As of August 12, 2023, the total fatalities stood at least 70. 

President, First Lady Visits Maui

As the death toll from the wildfire rose to at least 110, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Maui on August 21, 2023 and vowed to help out the families there to stand on their feet. 

Maui Sues Utility for Sparking the Wildfire 

Maui County on August 24, 2023 sued the Hawaiian Electric, accusing the utility for not shutting the power as high wind from a nearby hurricane passed through the western part of the island on August 8, 2023. At least 115 people are now reported killed. The lawsuit alleged that the utility failed to implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs during high-wind events. 

Recently there are increasing propensity of the jury and judiciary to impose penalties on the utilities for failing to carry out maintenance and upkeep responsibilities such as trimming the vegetation underneath the electric lines in mountainous terrain. In June 2023, an Oregon jury found PacifiCorp liable for the fire during the Labor Day weekend of 2020 and imposed millions of dollars in damage to be paid to 17 homeowners plus a broad range of compensation that could easily go as high as hundreds of millions of dollars. Pacific Gas and Energy pleaded guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter and filed bankruptcy for 2018 fire that had damaged or destroyed more than 19,000 homes, buildings and businesses and devastated the town of Paradise, California. 

Death Toll Revised Downward to at least 97 from at least 115

As thorough testing and updating of the missing persons reports are underway, authorities are revising downward the death toll from the deadliest forest fire in the nation in more than a century. As of September 15, 2023, Maui authorities estimated the death toll at least 97, a sharp revision from at least 115, from the August 8, 2023, wildfire that had ravaged the historic city of Lahaina.  

Latest Estimate of Death Toll Stands 101

With one of the three missing persons now declared dead, authorities on February 13, 2024 revised the death toll to 101. 

$4 billion Global Settlement Reached

A global settlement is reached by consolidating about 450 individual lawsuits filed against seven defendants related to the August 2023 Maui Wildfire that have killed more than 100 people. The price tag of the settlement agreed on August 2, 2024 is $4 billion and involves 2,200 claimants, including businesses, insurers and others. The seven defendants, according to Hawaii Governor Josh Green, are: 

* Hawaiian Electric

* State of Hawaii

* Maui County

* Kamehameha Schools

* West Maui Land Company

* Hawaiian Telecom

* Spectrum/Charter Communications

The settlement is subject to court approval. 

Hawaiian Electric's share of the settlement is $1.99 billion, including $75 million previously spent on rehabilitation and restoration under the One Ohana program. 

Hawaii Supreme Court Rules against Insurers' Effort to Recoup Money from Defendants

The $4 billion settlement in the worst wildfire in the U.S. history received a new lifeline as Hawaii Supreme Court on February 11, 2025 ruled out the insurers' plan to sue and recoup money from the defendants, paving the way for the settlement to go forward. Insurance firms stood in the way of implementation of the $4 billion settlement deal to move forward. 

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************************** TEXAS PANHANDLE WILDFIRE *************************

Wildfire in Panhandle the Largest in the State History

The Smokehouse Creek wildfire that has erupted on February 26, 2024 is now the largest wildfire in Texas' history, according to the March 2, 2024, report by The Dallas Morning News. It's burning more than 1 million acres in the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma. Tens of thousands of cattle heads has perished on the parched land. As of March 1, 2024, the Smokehouse Creek fire was 15% contained. The Smokehouse Creek fire merged with a smaller fire, 687 Reamer fire, couple of days ago to become the largest wildfire in Texas history and the second-largest fire in the U.S.

************************** TEXAS PANHANDLE WILDFIRE *************************

110 Active Fires Raging 2,800 Square Miles, National Authorities Report

That the scale of devastation because of climate change is only going to get worse is no surprise and one more stamp of approval on this alarming trend is given by National Interagency Fire Center on July 26, 2024. According to the agency, 110 active fires are burning in the U.S., affecting at least 2,800 square miles. 

On July 25, 2024, a tanker plane fighting the Falls Fire in Eastern Oregon disappeared. The rescuers found the wreckage on July 26, 2024, with its sole passenger and pilot, deceased. The Falls Fire is burning 219 square miles of the Malheur National Forest, near the town of Seneca, and is only 55% contained. 

In California, the Park Fire began when a man pushed a burning vehicle into a gully on July 24, 2024 in the town of Chico. It's now burning 257 square miles across the Sierra Nevada foothills above the city of 100,000. About 4,000 people from unincorporated areas in the Butte County and 400 residents of Chico were ordered evacuated. The man who started the fire, Ronnie Dean Stout, 42, was arrested on July 25, 2024 and held without bail. 

************ PARK FIRE

Park Fire Now the Largest Fire Burning

Park Fire that had started on July 24, 2024 when a man pushed a burning vehicle into a gully near Chico. It had spread to north and east. It's now burning 540 square miles, larger than the area of Los Angeles that covers 503 square miles and is considered the largest among some 110 active fires ravaging Pacific Northwest and beyond. The scale of its intensity and spread leads many firefighters to compare the Park Fire with the menacing Camp Fire in 2018. That fire burned uncontrolled in the nearby community of Paradise, charring 11,000 homes and killing 85 people. 

Man Behind the Largest Wildfire Charged 

Ronnie Dean Stout, 42, who had started the Park Fire by pushing a burning car into a gully near Chico appeared on July 29, 2024 at a Butte County courthouse. Stout had two previous separate felony charges, implying if convicted he would be sentenced to 25 years to life imprisonment under California's "Three Strikes Law". Park Fire is burning 575 square miles, and contained only 12%. It's currently the largest wildfire in California this year and sixth-largest in the state's recorded history. More than 4,800 firefighters are fighting several wildfires, according to Boise-based National Interagency Fire Center.

************ PARK FIRE

******************************** LOS ANGELES WILDFIRE *************************

Posh Neighborhoods, Celebrity Homes Threatened by California Wildfires

Three wildfires are raging the Los Angeles and surrounding communities, according to the January 9, 2025, edition of The Dallas Morning News. At least 130,000 people, including 70,000 residents of the Los Angeles County, were under evacuation order. Pacific Palisades suffered the worst, with about 1,000 structures either destroyed or damaged. Many dozens multi-million dollars homes on picturesque mountain slopes are under the direct threat of the fire. President Joe Biden on January 8, 2025 met with Governor Gavin Newsom at a Santa Monica fire station, and vowed to sign a federal emergency declaration. 

Escapees Narrate Heart-wrenching Stories, Good Samaritans Lending Helping Hands

Los Angeles and surrounding areas are littered with stories of good will, benevolence, kindness and resilience amidst one of the worst wildfires that have engulfed dozens of million-dollar homes, famous ranches, fabled Hollywood Hills and picturesque communities on the hillside facing the placid Pacific. On January 9, 2025, more communities were under mandatory evacuation. People fleeing the devouring fire abandoned their vehicles on Sunset Boulevard to save their lives. Santa Ana winds are whipping up fires across the vast swath of mountainous communities by dropping embers everywhere. Pacific Palisades is turned into a charred field of abandoned homes, twisted metal staircases and blackened columns. 

Firefighters Make Slow Progress

The four-day [January 7-10, 2025] devastation of wild fires seems to be at least partially under control on one fire front (Palisades Fire) as the authorities has reported on January 10, 2025 to have contained 8% of that fire which has destroyed, or damaged, at least 5,000 homes, businesses and other structures. The second devastating fire razing in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas, Eaton Fire, which was 3% contained as of January 10, 2025, destroyed, or damages, at least 7,000 structures. As of January 10, 2025, at least 11 people were reported killed in the wildfire that had disproportionately impacted Pacific Palisades and Altadena. 

The firefighting job by CalFire personnel has become little more manageable with the influx of  thousands of firefighters from other states and Canada, Santa Ana winds blowing less forcefully and fire-extinguishing aircraft resuming their operation to drop water. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said on January 10, 2025 that he expected the death toll to go up in coming days. More than 150,000 people in the Los Angeles County were under mandatory evacuation order. 

Firefighters Able to Hold the Containment Areas 

Despite winds from the deserts peaking up, about 8,500 firefighters from at least seven states as well as Canada and Mexico joined hands with the CalFire personnel on January 14, 2025 to contain the two major fires that had erupted on January 7, 2025. The Palisades Fire has ravaged 23,700 acres and is now 17% contained. The Eaton Fire is burning approximately 14,117 acres and now 35% contained. In addition, there are three more fires burning through mountains, ravines and hillsides in and around Los Angeles area. The Hurst Fire, now 97% contained, charred 799 acres north of San Fernando. The Auto Fire broke out on January 13, 2025 and now 25% contained. The Scout Fire is now 0% contained. According to the latest estimate issued on January 14, 2025, at least 24 people were killed in the wildfire and approximately 12,000 structures were either damaged or destroyed. Circa 88,000 people in the Los Angeles County remained under evacuation order and an additional 84,000 people under evacuation warning. 

LA Fire Faces Questions on Inadequate Responses

Firefighters on January 15, 2025 were able to successfully fight against two major fires--Eaton and Palisades Fires--while extinguishing quite a few blazes set intentionally by miscreants. LA Police Chief Jim McDonnel said that one arsonist told that he "likes the smell" of burning leaves. Another person who set another fire said that she enjoyed chaos. 

Meanwhile, LA Fire Department is facing scrutiny and questions for sub-optimal responses and inadequate deployment of resources. LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stood firm, defending the professionalism and performance of the department. 

New Fires in Southern California Reported

As the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire are contained 61% and 87% respectively, there are possibilities that stronger Santa Ana winds will be blowing in the next few days, especially in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Diego Counties, The Dallas Morning News has reported in its January 22, 2025, edition. On January 21, 2025, evacuation order was issued when Friars Fire had erupted near a San Diego mall and flames shot up over a nearby hill. Evacuation orders were lifted for the Lilac Fire near Bonsall area in the San Diego County. The Lilac Fire burned 85 acres. The nearby 17-acre Pala Fire is now fully contained. 

A New Fire Rages North of Los Angeles

A new fire, Hughes Fire, broke out on January 22, 2025 north of Los Angeles and within six hours consumed 15 square miles of vegetation, brushes and wooded areas in proximity to Lake Castaic. About 50,000 people are under evacuation order or warning  as of the end of the day. The Hughes Fire is burning about 40 miles north of Eaton and Palisades Fires. 

$28 billion in Insured Losses Estimated in L.A. Wildfires

As the Hughes Fire is burning in treacherous terrains north of Los Angeles, with only 14% containment reported, a prestigious and well-renowned disaster modeling firm, Karen Clark and Company, estimated the insured loss stemming from the current bout of wildfires at $28 billion and uninsured loss roughly the same, according to the January 24, 2025, edition of The Dallas Morning News. Two major fires in the Los Angeles area that had been burning since January 7, 2025 were reported to be contained 72% (Palisades Fire) and 95% (Eaton Fire), respectively. 

Rain Presents a Two-edged Sword to L.A. Area

As rain is falling throughout the Los Angeles region on January 26, 2025, this is the first significant rain since April 2024. The rain is helpful in mitigating the existing fires as well as preventing new fires. The Palisade Fire is 87% contained and has burned 23,000 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CalFire, and the Eaton Fire, which has ravaged the city of Altadena, is 98% contained. Since the duo of fires erupted on January 7, 2025, they ravaged the parched hills and scenic communities, destroyed about 16,000 structures, and killed at least 28 people. The biggest fear of rain is that if it becomes heavily pouring, it may lead to barren soil on hillside getting loose and unleashing mudslides. 

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RESEARCH RELATED TO MOTHER NATURE DISASTER

Texas Leads the Nation in Weather Disasters

The Dallas Morning News reported in a front-page article on June 17, 2024 that Texas had led the nation in 2024 occurrences of the weather-related disasters as of May 29, 2024 based on the preliminary data collected from the National Weather Service, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As per the NWS data, Texas had 706 hailstorms, 530 strong wind events and 96 tornadoes. Meteorologists and scientists are attributing large-scale disasters afflicting the Lone Star State and beyond to a host of issues, including climate change because of Greenhouse gas emissions. 

Scientists now can determine the likelihood of intense weather patterns and occurrences using a method known as Extreme Weather Attribution. According to World Weather Attribution, an organization led by scientists, the EWA analysis found that the 2017 Hurricane Harvey achieved 15% additional intensity, or three times more likelihood to happen, due to climate change. 

According to Climate Central research, as per The Dallas Morning News, Convective Available Potential Energy, or CAPE, is a robust measure to indicate and reflect the intensity of the storm systems. Higher the CAPE is, more intense a storm system is. 

************************************ EL NINO VS. LA NINA ************************

La Nina is the "cold phase" of the El Nino Southern Oscillation, ENSO, cycle when the surface temperature of the Pacific cools more than half degree than that of normal for several months, according to The Dallas Morning News' August 5, 2024, edition. 

Last time when Texas farmers remembered the La Nina's adverse impact was an extended dry spell between 2006 and 2011.

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Costs related to Mother Nature-induced Devastation Rising

The Associated Press reported on January 25, 2025 the rising costs from the Mother Nature-related disasters, devastations and destructions. The 2024 was one of the costliest years, resulting in $217.8 billion in economic damages, based on the estimate by AON PLC, a whopping 85.3% increase from the 2023 loss of $117.5 billion. 

The insured loss is estimated at $112.7 billion in 2024, an increase of roughly 36% in 2023. The key contributors to 2024 economic losses were Hurricane Helene ($75 billion) and Hurricane Milton ($25 billion). In 2024, the global economic damage from natural disasters was $368 billion, a 7.3% decline over 2023, but 14% higher than the long-term average since 2000.