Spain’s Worst Flooding in Decades Leaves Over 200 Dead, Dozens Missing in Valencia Region

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:40am on 02 Nov 2024,Saturday Weather & Environment

Spain's devastating floods have claimed over 200 lives, primarily in the Valencia region, with dozens still missing. Emergency teams are racing to locate trapped individuals and provide aid to isolated communities. The disaster has destroyed bridges, inundated towns with mud, and disrupted essential services. Authorities face criticism for allegedly delayed warnings, potentially preventing more evacuations. Rescue operations continue, with the death toll expected to rise. The flooding is considered the worst in generations, sparking widespread devastation and displacement.

Read More at BBC

Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates After Diwali Despite Firecracker Ban

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:22pm on 01 Nov 2024,Friday Weather & Environment

New Delhi ranked as the world’s most polluted city on Friday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 339 following Diwali celebrations. Despite a firecracker ban, many people used them, worsening the already poor air. Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, praised citizens for minimizing cracker use but noted pollution levels are still high. The air is expected to stay in the “very poor” range as stubble burning in nearby states also increases. Experts warn pollution could worsen in early November as farm fires peak, further trapping smog and dust in the cooler winter air.

Read More at Reuters

Valencia Floods Claim Over 200 Lives; Spain Deploys Military for Relief Operations

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:19pm on 01 Nov 2024,Friday Weather & Environment

The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Spain’s Valencia region has climbed to 202, with additional fatalities in Castilla La Mancha and Andalusia, bringing the national toll to 205. Torrential rain has triggered flash floods across multiple regions, prompting Spain’s Meteorological Agency to issue red warnings in Huelva, advising residents to stay indoors. In Valencia, the Spanish Ministry of Defence has dispatched 500 military personnel to aid in recovery efforts, while power outages affected around 40,000 people. Local officials fear more casualties may surface, as heavy rainfall has led to severe damage, submerging homes and infrastructure.

Read More at BBC

Delhi’s Diwali Pollution Peaks at Alarming Levels Despite Crackdown; PM2.5 Hits Hazardous Heights

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:10pm on 01 Nov 2024,Friday Weather & Environment

Despite efforts to curb firecracker usage, Diwali night saw Delhi's air pollution skyrocket, with PM2.5 levels surging up to 30 times above safe limits. Monitoring stations in areas like Nehru Nagar and Vivek Vihar recorded hazardous peaks of 1,527 and 1,853 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. The Air Quality Index (AQI), measured as a 24-hour average, didn't fully reflect these night-time spikes, showing only "Very Poor" levels. Favorable post-midnight weather dispersed pollutants somewhat, but experts call for real-time data tracking to better assess short-term health risks during festivals. The data highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement.

Read More at India Today

Delhi's Diwali Celebrations Defy Cracker Ban, City Becomes World's Most Polluted with AQI at 359

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:00am on 01 Nov 2024,Friday Weather & Environment

Delhi's air quality plummeted to "very poor" category post-Diwali celebrations, despite a cracker ban. Defying restrictions, residents burst firecrackers late into the night, causing severe noise and air pollution. According to SAFAR, Delhi's AQI soared to 359, up from 328 on Diwali morning. The city's 40 monitoring stations recorded poor air quality, making Delhi the world's most polluted city. The relentless bursting of crackers blanketed the capital in dense smoke, posing health risks to residents. Authorities' efforts to curb pollution seemingly went up in smoke, highlighting the challenge of enforcing environmental regulations.

Read More at The Print

Delhi Air Pollution Spikes 14 Times Above WHO Limit After Diwali Firecracker Bursting

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:20am on 01 Nov 2024,Friday Weather & Environment

Delhi's air quality plummeted to "very poor" category on Friday morning, with PM2.5 levels reaching 209.3 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the WHO's 24-hour limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter by 14 times. Despite the ban on firecrackers, Diwali celebrations led to a significant spike in pollution. According to CPCB data, the overall air quality deteriorated sharply. Authorities had imposed a ban on firecrackers to curb pollution, but its effectiveness was undermined by widespread violations. The severe air pollution poses serious health risks to Delhi's residents.

Read More at The Hindu

Delhi Records Warmest October in 74 Years with Maximum Temperature of 35.1°C

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:25am on 01 Nov 2024,Friday Weather & Environment

Delhi has recorded its warmest October in 74 years, with the maximum temperature reaching 35.1°C, surpassing previous records. Safdarjung, the city's main weather station, reported an average maximum temperature of 35.1°C and a minimum of 21.2°C. This breaks the previous record set in 1951, which saw an average maximum temperature of 36.2°C. Other notably warm Octobers include 1941 (35.8°C), 1907 (35.5°C), and 1930 and 1938 (35.0°C). The unusual heat wave marks a significant weather milestone, highlighting concerning climate trends.

Read More at msn

Delhi's Diwali Firecracker Ban Fails; Air Quality Plummets to 'Very Poor' with AQI at 359

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:22am on 01 Nov 2024,Friday Weather & Environment

Delhi's air quality deteriorated significantly on Diwali despite a firecracker ban. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 359, falling in the "very poor" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The relentless burning of firecrackers pushed the AQI close to "severe" levels at several locations. Defying the ban, hundreds of residents burst firecrackers, undermining efforts to curb pollution. The poor air quality poses health risks to Delhi's residents. Authorities' enforcement of the ban was ineffective, highlighting the challenge of regulating festive celebrations.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Death Toll from Severe Floods in Spain Rises to 158 as Emergency Crews Search for Survivors

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:53pm on 31 Oct 2024,Thursday Weather & Environment

The death toll from flash floods in Spain has reached 158, with 155 fatalities reported in Valencia. The region experienced devastating flooding that residents described as a "nightmare." Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes of people being swept away by torrents of water. Emergency response teams, including hundreds of soldiers, are actively searching for missing individuals amid blocked roads and mud. Many locals expressed frustration over delayed flood warnings and inadequate government response. As the search continues, authorities face growing pressure to provide assistance and ensure better preparedness for future disasters in the affected communities.

Read More at BBC

Spain Declares Mourning as Death Toll Reaches 95 in Devastating Valencia Floods; Rescue Operations Ongoing

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:23pm on 31 Oct 2024,Thursday Weather & Environment

Spain is mourning as rescue teams continue their search for survivors following flash floods that killed at least 95 people in the Valencia and Castilla-La Mancha regions. Heavy rain, equaling over a year’s average in just eight hours, left communities devastated, blocking roads with mud, cars, and debris. Emergency crews, including soldiers, are reaching isolated areas by helicopter as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious with weather alerts still in place. Territorial Policy Minister Ángel Víctor Torres announced a three-day mourning period starting tomorrow. King Felipe VI expressed sorrow over the "enormous destruction."

Read More at BBC

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