by admin | Aug 19, 2025 | disasters, emergencies, news, rain, rainfall
Released on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Heavy rains in northern China have claimed at least 13 lives, with five people still missing, as authorities struggle to manage extreme weather that shows no sign of stopping soon.
State media reported that three bodies were recovered from floodwaters in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, while three others went missing near the banks of the Yellow River, roughly 70 kilometers away.
Monday’s downpour, the first of three consecutive storms forecast in the region, dumped more than 204 mm of rain in less than 24 hours, exceeding August’s monthly average by over double.
Earlier, on Saturday, a flash flood swept through Bayannur’s grasslands after a river burst its banks, killing at least ten people and leaving 13 campers stranded; one was rescued while two remain missing.
Search efforts by rescue crews persist in Ordos, close to Baotou—a key center for rare earth minerals—amid severe rain and floods posing risks to facilities and potentially forcing many from their homes.
Weather experts caution that intense precipitation connected to global warming presents increasing difficulties for officials, straining outdated flood protection systems, resulting in financial damage, and endangering millions of people living in northern China.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | driving, emergencies, rain, road safety, safety
As the rainy season arrives in Nigeria, motorists encounter specific difficulties that require increased vigilance and readiness.
Slippery streets, decreased vision, and erratic climatic factors may notably heighten the chance of collisions.
To maintain safety throughout this time, keep these crucial driving tips in mind:
1. Perform comprehensive checks on vehicles
Before embarking, make sure your vehicle is in top shape:
Tires: Ensure that your tires possess adequate tread depth and are correctly inflated. Deteriorated tires may cause hydroplaning on wet surfaces.
Check your brakes to ensure they respond effectively. In wet conditions, stopping distances increase, highlighting the importance of having functional brakes.
Windshield and Windscreen Wipers: Make sure your windshield remains spotless and your wiper blades are working properly to guarantee unobstructed vision when it rains heavily.
Check: Ensure that all lighting elements such as headlamps, tail lamps, and directional indicators are functioning properly to improve your visibility for other motorists.
2. Decrease your speed and enhance the gap between you and the vehicle ahead.
Slippery conditions may arise on wet roadways, diminishing tire grip. It is advisable to decrease your speed and keep an increased gap between you and the car in front of you to provide sufficient stopping time.
3. Avoid flooded areas
Driving through standing water can conceal hazards like potholes and may cause vehicle damage or engine stalling. If unavoidable, proceed slowly and steadily through the water, staying on the highest part of the road.
Lagos State, with its flat terrain and long shoreline, is highly prone to flooding, particularly when the rain season arrives.
The Island area as well as the Mainland region both contain particular spots that are susceptible to inundation because of their closeness to water bodies, insufficient drainage infrastructure, and quick urban development.
Areas prone to flooding on Lagos Island:
Lagos Island includes areas such as Obalende, Bamgbose, Ilado, Victoria Island, Ikate, Alaguntan, Maiyegun, Langbasa, Iranla, Badore, Iwaya, Makoko, and Ebute-Metta.
Eti-Osa Local Government
Location: Obalende, Victoria Island, Ikate, Ilado, Igboefon, Alaguntan, Maiyegun, Langbasa, Iranla, Badore.
The settlement of Ajah experiences notable susceptibility to floods, frequently encountering substantial inundation during periods of intense rainfall.
Flood-Vulnerable Regions of Lagos Mainland:
Kosofe LGA includes areas such as Ketu, Alapere, Maidan, Agboyi, Owode Onirin, Ajegunle, Kara, Isheri Olowora, Agbiliti, Mile 12, Odo Ogun, and Owode Elede.
Ikorodu: Majidun, Ebute, Ibese, Isasi, Ilemere, Baiyeku, Ipakan.
Iba, Ishasi, Era, Egan, Etegbin, Igbede, Igbolobi, Ishagira, and Tafi are part of the Ojo Local Government Area.
Amuwo-Odofin: Significant flood danger because of closeness to water bodies.
Surulere, Apapa, Ikeja, Mushin, Shomolu: Moderate risk of flooding.
Magodo, Ejigbo: Previous instances of major flooding occurrences.
Should you live in or often visit these regions, be sure to take additional precautions, steer clear of inundated pathways whenever feasible, and keep abreast of the latest weather updates.
4. Use car functionalities to keep visibility clear
Rain can cause windows to fog up, impairing visibility. Use your vehicle’s defogging and demisting functions to keep windows clear.
5. Keep updated with weather and road situations
Prior to your journey, review weather predictions and identify regions susceptible to floods or hazardous roads. Such data can assist you in mapping out more secure paths or lead you to postpone travel when needed.
6. Handle hydroplaning calmly
Should your car start to hydroplane (lose grip because of water), stay composed, release the gas pedal gradually, and guide it smoothly in the intended direction until you have regained control.
7. Stay concentrated and steer clear of interruptions
Operating a vehicle during rain demands complete concentration. Refrain from utilizing mobile phones or participating in distractions that can take your eyes off the roadway.
8. Emergency preparedness
Include crucial emergency essentials such as a torch, a medical kit, a hazard triangle, jump leads, and a portable charger.
Keep the contact details for roadside assistance services and emergency phone numbers readily available in case you have an accident or vehicle failure.
9. Defensive driving techniques
Stay particularly alert for careless motorists who might fail to reduce their velocity in rainy weather.
Expect possible dangers like abrupt halts, slipping cars, or people walking across in poor eyesight conditions.
Steer clear of abrupt acceleration or stopping, as this might cause you to lose control when driving on slick surfaces.
10. Public Transport Considerations
For individuals depending on public transportation, additional safety measures become essential during the monsoon period:
Select Secure and Dependable Transportation: Choose accredited transportation providers or firms equipped with properly maintained vehicles to reduce hazards.
Steer clear of overburdened vehicles: Buses and public minibusses like danfos that exceed their capacity limits are at higher risk for crashes, particularly when driving on wet surfaces.
Stay Vigilant at Bus Stops: Numerous bus stops lack proper cover and can turn hazardous when it rains heavily. Be wary of speeding vehicles that might drench you with water or veer off course.
Keep updated on route conditions: Certain roadways can turn inaccessible when there’s significant rainfall. Stay adaptable with your journey arrangements and verify alternate paths prior to departure.
Be careful when riding motorcycles (Okadas): When you use these vehicles for transportation, make sure the driver has appropriate rain protection, drives carefully, and stays clear of flooded or water-logged zones.
11. Highway systems and governmental actions
Governments need to enhance drainage infrastructure to avoid roads being rendered inaccessible during intense rainfall.
Road repair and maintenance initiatives currently underway ought to focus on zones prone to flooding so as to minimize hazards for travelers.
Motorists need to keep an eye on ongoing construction work and possible diversions that could affect their paths, particularly as we approach the busy rainy period.
12. Alternative travel options
Promote remote work or adaptable travel options whenever feasible to minimize exposure to unsafe environments.
Recommend carpooling or utilizing higher, safer paths when heavy rains are expected.
Think about utilizing ride-hailing services that have vehicles in good condition to minimize potential hazards.
Following these guidelines will improve your safety and that of others when driving during Nigeria’s rainy season. It’s essential always to be cautious and ready to handle the difficulties presented by wet weather conditions effectively.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | climate, meteorology, rain, vietnam, weather forecasts
This year, Vietnam can expect more moderate weather conditions, featuring hotter periods that will arrive later than typical along with above-average precipitation, as stated by the meteorological service.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has stated that from April through June, the ENSO climate event—known as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, characterized by abnormally high sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean—is anticipated to remain neutral with a likelihood of 70-80%, affecting weather conditions across Vietnam.
Cold air waves will gradually weaken. Heatwaves in the northern and central regions will arrive later and be less intense than in previous years.
The temperatures in these regions are anticipated to rise starting from May.
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A construction worker braving the intense heat in Ho Chi Minh City on April 9, 2024, as the temperature climbed above 40 degrees Celsius. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran
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In the Central Highlands and southern regions, heatwaves are forecast to begin later than usual in April bringing fewer days of extreme heat.
Generally, temperature levels throughout the nation will remain near their historical norms, with the exception of the northwestern region, where they could increase by 0.5-1 degrees Celsius higher than usual during May.
Even with the more favorable forecast, northern and central Vietnam will likely face extended periods of elevated heat during July and August, with conditions slowly improving as we move into September.
The wet season starting in April will result in substantial rainfall across the northern areas, north-central zones, Central Highlands, and southern parts of the region, with especially intense showers predicted for May and June.
It is anticipated that in the northern region, precipitation will be typical in April with amounts ranging from 70-120 mm in the flatlands and over 150 mm in the mountains.
In May, we can expect a rise in precipitation of around 5-10%.
In June, rainfall is expected to reach 250 mm, with certain elevated regions potentially getting up to 500 mm.
In the central area, precipitation in April should remain near average but might rise by 5-15% in May, totaling around 200 millimeters.
In the Central Highlands and southern areas, precipitation levels are expected to range from 5-15% higher than average during April and May.
From July through September, six storms are predicted to form over the East Sea, with three of them possibly reaching Vietnam’s shores.
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Ha Long was left devastated following Typhoon Yagi in September 2024. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Giang Huy
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In July and August, the northern region is expected to experience between 250-500 millimeters of rain. Precipitation levels for September should fall within the 150-250 millimeter range, consistent with typical amounts.
In the Central Highlands and southern regions, precipitation levels will range from 250 to 400 millimeters.
Vietnam endured
19 heatwaves last year
with temperatures surpassing long-term averages by 0.5-1.5 degrees Celsius.
On April 28, Dong Ha city in Vietnam’s central Quang Tri Province experienced a high of 44 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature observed in the month of April nationwide since 1976.
Last year, there were also 10 typhoons and one tropical depression recorded over the East Sea, out of which five made landfall.
Typhoon Yagi
was the most devastating, hitting Quang Nginh Province and Hai Phong City in the northern region with gusts of up to 166 km/h.
As Vietnam enters yet another uncertain year, officials caution that although severe heat might subside, the dangers posed by intense rainfall, storms, and floods continue to be significantly elevated.
