Wildfires, droughts, and floods are causing chaos around the globe, and communities are feeling the heat—literally! 🔥 From Chile's devastating fires to California's torrential rains and Spain's severe drought, extreme weather is impacting millions.
Chile's Fierce Wildfires 🔥
In the coastal city of Viña del Mar, Chile, seven-months-pregnant Camila Lange sits with her husband and dog where their home once stood. 😢 Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, and at least 112 people have lost their lives in the central coastal region.
Firefighters are battling enormous forest fires fueled by hot and dry conditions. The famous botanical garden founded in 1931 has been destroyed. Several neighborhoods on the eastern edge of this popular beach resort of 300,000 people have been engulfed by flames and smoke, trapping residents in their homes.
California's Soaking Storms 🌊
On the other side of the Pacific, Southern California is bracing for the second of back-to-back, moisture-packed atmospheric rivers. 🌧️ Mudslides, flooded roads, and power outages affecting about 1.4 million people have hit the Los Angeles area. Up to 23 centimeters of rain had already fallen by Monday, with more on the way!
In Northern California, heavy storms drenched streets and toppled trees and power lines in the San Francisco Bay Area, with winds reaching up to 96 kph.
Spain's Historic Drought ☀️
Across the Atlantic, Spain is grappling with a record drought. 🌵 Residents are scrambling for drinking water as reservoirs serving 6 million people—including Barcelona—are under 16% capacity, a historic low.
Officials in Catalonia have declared a drought emergency, highlighting the severe impact on daily life and the environment.
Warming Seas and New Findings 🌡️
Meanwhile, scientists studying Caribbean sea sponges—which can live for hundreds of years—suggest that the world may have warmed more than previously thought since pre-industrial times. This research adds to the urgent call for action on climate change.
Time to Take Action! 💪
These extreme weather events are a stark reminder that climate change is a global issue affecting us all. From wildfires to floods to droughts, it's time to come together and make a difference! 🌍
Reference(s):
Wildfire, drought, flooding spread pain of weather extremes globally
cgtn.com
