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Showing posts with label disasters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disasters. Show all posts

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Firefighters Fight Wildfire in Southern France

Firefighters faced multiple wildfires driven by powerful gusts across south-central France on Thursday, amid ongoing dry weather challenges after the continent's latest intense heat wave.

Home Affairs Minister Laurent Nunez stated that three fires, including two that started on the western side of the Mediterranean city of Marseille, have burned a total of 1,210 hectares (12,100,000 square meters).

Last week, the World Meteorological Organization cautioned that the extreme heatwaves which scorched Western Europe for more than seven days at the end of June could increase the likelihood of fires due to predictions of prolonged hot weather, extremely low moisture levels, and parched plant life.

The largest wildfire was raging in the Aude administrative region close to the Spanish border, having consumed approximately 900 hectares. Authorities reported that strong winds are complicating efforts of the 800 firefighters trying to contain the blaze.

At the same time, firefighters were extinguishing a minor fire in Rognac close to Marseille's airport and managed to contain another adjacent fire spanning 260 hectares in Lancon-Provence. No injuries were reported, according to local authorities.

A pungent odor of smoke lingered in the air, and pilots aboard at least one flight arriving in the city assured travelers that the scent did not originate from their plane, according to a Reuters reporter.

To the east, in Frejus—a tourist destination located in the Var region, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Cannes—over 2,000 individuals were relocated from six campgrounds on Wednesday due to a forest fire occurring close by.

The French meteorological service has issued a warning that yet another period of intense heat might occur next week. Public health officials believe that the recent heatwave could have resulted in approximately 1,000 additional fatalities across the nation amid unprecedented high temperatures.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Anti-Flood Clean Begins: Zoomlion, NADMO, FeDEMS, DML Launch 3-Day Operation in Accra

In an effort to minimize flooding and enhance environmental hygiene throughout the current rainy period, Zoomlion Ghana Limited has partnered with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), FeDEMS Group Ltd., Dredge Masters Ghana Limited, staff from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), and Metropolitan Municipal District Assemblies (MMDAs) to launch a three-day cleaning and sediment removal operation in identified areas vulnerable to floods across the Greater Accra Region.

The activity started on Wednesday, June 10–12 at 7:00 a.m., focusing on key drainage systems and water routes in Roman Ridge, Mallam, Paloma, Circle, Kaneshie, and GBC regions, with crews carrying out thorough cleansing and sediment removal tasks to ensure proper rainfall runoff and minimize flood hazards.

The move follows recent intense rainfall that has caused floods in certain areas of the city, prompting worries regarding the effects of improper trash management and blocked sewerage networks on community well-being.

During discussions at the event, the Greater Accra Regional Head of NADMO, Mr. Dennis Nartey, highlighted that the partnership among NADMO, Zoomlion, FeDEMS, Dredge Masters, Police, Fire Service, and MMDAs reflects a shared dedication to tackling one of the main reasons for flooding in the city.

As he explained, each major rainstorm generates substantial quantities of trash and rubble, most of which ultimately ends up in drainage systems and rivers. He pointed out that the problem worsens due to people who intentionally throw garbage into the drains, hindering proper water movement during rainy periods.

Mr. Nartey emphasized that numerous issues related to flooding stem from human actions and thus necessitate a shift in public mindset.

He encouraged locals to handle garbage properly and utilize official waste disposal methods rather than depending on rainfall to remove trash.

He took advantage of the opportunity to support the continuous "No Do No Do" initiative, aimed at preventing careless waste disposal and promoting ecological accountability within the community.

He highlighted that safeguarding people and belongings from flooding necessitated the involvement of all individuals within the community.

The head of government and corporate affairs at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mrs. Emma Adwoa Appiah Osei-Duah, stated that the firm was happy to collaborate with NADMO, FeDEMS, and other organizations during this initiative, especially as the nation faces regular intense rainfall.

She stated that debris transported by floodwater frequently gathers in drainage systems and rivers, leading to obstructions that raise the risk of floods.

She mentioned that the cleanup initiative was included in wider initiatives aimed at addressing these issues via ongoing hygiene programs and cooperation among interested parties.

Mrs. Appiah Osei-Duah mentioned that the three-day event aimed to assist with flood control measures by removing trash and sediment from key drainage systems in impacted areas. She also stated that the collaboration demonstrates a joint dedication to safeguarding neighborhoods and enhancing ecological surroundings within the capital city.

Additionally addressing the event, Ms. Sophia Kudjordji, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, mentioned that the program was designed to minimize flooding occurrences throughout the wet season by keeping drains and eaves clear of blockages.

"Today, we have come together for this cleanup activity as part of initiatives aimed at preventing flooding during intense rainfalls. Many floods happen due to blocked gutters and drainage systems filled with trash. Hence, we are removing debris from these areas to allow proper water movement," she said.

Miss Kudjordji pointed out that although rain cannot be stopped, the damage typically linked to flooding can be reduced using effective hygiene measures and consistent upkeep of drainage systems. She mentioned that by cleaning sewers and eliminating built-up trash, neighborhoods will have greater protection during periods of intense precipitation.

As a result, she urged citizens to back the work of waste management officials by avoiding the disposal of garbage into sewers and water bodies, emphasizing that keeping an area tidy is everyone’s duty.

She was confident that ongoing public awareness efforts and active community involvement could significantly help minimize flood risks and protect people and assets throughout the city.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Severe Storms Shut Schools, Flood Provinces in International Edition

  • All schools in the Nelson Mandela, Sarah Baartman, Buffalo City, Eden, and Central Karoo areas will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday because of extreme weather conditions.
  • High-level alerts have been issued for the coastline of the Eastern Cape and the Garden Route area, anticipating incidents such as floods, landslides, and traffic disruptions.

Six school districts in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape have shut down due to an intense winter storm sweeping through the nation, causing floods, snowfall, and hazardous weather in many areas of South Africa.

Schools in the Nelson Mandela, Sarah Baartman, and Buffalo City areas of the Eastern Cape will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, June 3rd and 4th, 2026. Similarly, the Western Cape has also closed institutions in the Eden and Central Karoo regions. In certain areas of the Eastern Cape, homes and structures are currently experiencing damage.

The South African Meteorological Agency has released an Orange Level 8 alert regarding intense rainfalls across the eastern Garden Route and along the Eastern Cape coastline extending to East London. Significant heavy rains are anticipated to lead to extensive road and bridge inundation, rapidly flowing rivers, and potential shutdowns of key transportation corridors.

An independent Orange Level 5 alert applies to the area from East London to Morgan Bay, where intense rainfall may lead to landslides, harm to buildings and systems, and compel people living in at-risk neighborhoods to evacuate their houses.

Heavy snow is predicted in elevated regions of the Eastern Cape and mountain summits in the central and eastern parts of the Western Cape. A Yellow Level 2 alert regarding severe snow conditions applies to the higher elevations in the north of the Eastern Cape, where frozen roadways could pose significant risks for drivers.

High sea conditions pose additional risks. A Yellow Level 4 alert regarding severe coastal gales and wave action applies from Cape Point to Plettenberg Bay, while a Yellow Level 2 notice extends as far as East London.

Nabeel Rylands, serving as the interim director of the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, stated that emergency crews throughout the province have been put into action.

"Additionally, we have made sure that every one of our municipalities is on high alert, and both our national and local municipal and provincial partners are involved within our groups," Rylands stated.

Rain is forecasted in southern KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and certain regions of Gauteng. People living in these areas are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to all official alerts.

© 2026 Scrolla. All rights reserved. Published by AllAfrica Global Media (Ants).

Tagged: South Africa, Education, Environment, Climate, Southern Africa

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