Climate Impacts: Global extreme weather events this week

Let's explore the extreme weather events that have unfolded around the world during the week from March 6-12, driven by the rise in global warming.

Australia: Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Tropical Cyclone Alfred battered South East Queensland and the New South Wales North Coast with flooding rains and strong winds post landfall last week. Floodwaters claimed a life and left over 300,000 people without power. The floods caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and natural landmarks. Cyclone Alfred was one of the rare storms that hit Australia’s northern areas directly. The last time a cyclone struck the Gold Coast area was in 1974, with Cyclone Zoe.

India: Severe heatwave grips parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra

Severe heat wave conditions gripped parts of India’s western state of Gujarat and the adjoining areas. Maximum temperatures have been settling between 41-43 degree Celsius, across many stations in the state. Several coastal cities along the West Coast, including Mumbai, also reeled under heatwave conditions, with day temperatures settling above average by 4-5 degrees. India Meteorological Department has issued a warning to exercise extreme caution for vulnerable populations that include senior citizens, infants, and those with chronic diseases. Red and orange alerts have been issued for the western parts of the country that include Gujarat, Rajasthan and Coastal Maharashtra.  

Indonesia: Floods and Landslides

Torrential rainfall across Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, and nearby areas triggered floods and landslides. At least three people were declared dead, and five persons are reported to be missing. Incessant rains damaged houses and flooded hundreds of public facilities, including schools and hospitals. According to reports, at least 24 towns in the district were affected, and more than 200 people were evacuated. According to experts, Indonesia is prone to landslides during the rainy season from November-April. However, global warming has led to a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The flooding also disrupted business operations ahead of Eid.

Argentina: Heatwave and heavy rains wreak havoc

In Argentina, a relentless heatwave impacted 10 of the country’s 24 provinces, causing widespread power outages and infrastructure disruptions, particularly in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, a rain storm in Bahía Blanca brought nearly a year’s worth of rainfall in just a few hours, leading to severe flooding and approximately $370 million in damages. At least 16 people died and more than 1450 people were evacuated .

Spain: Extremely heavy rains and flash floods

Torrential rain caused flooding across Gran Canaria, Spain, turning streets into rivers and affecting over 850,000 residents. Around 32mm of rain fell in Telde, which was three times more than the monthly average of 13mm. Incessant rains led swelling of several rivers, especially Guadarrama river which is flowing near the danger mark which is almost 40 km from Madrid.