Destructive Tornadoes in the USA
An unrelenting series of severe storms swept across the US and Canada last week, bringing thunderstorms, hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, and sudden flooding.
On July 16, a devastating tornado struck the city of Rome, New York, rated EF2 by the National Weather Service. The maximum wind speed was 135 mph. The wind snapped trees like toothpicks and overturned cars and mobile homes with people inside. The city sustained damage to or destruction of 22 buildings.
Powerful M7.4 Earthquake in Chile
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook northern Chile on July 18 at 9:50 PM local time. According to the Chilean Seismological Center, the epicenter was located 20 km from the tourist town of San Pedro de Atacama at a depth of 165.5 kilometers.
Chilean authorities reported the death of a man in the city of Calama, a major urban center in the Atacama Desert. Some roads were blocked by rocks and debris, and there were reports of a bridge collapse and power outages.
Super Typhoon Gaemi
The powerful Pacific Typhoon Gaemi hit the Philippines, Taiwan, and mainland China, leaving behind destruction and human casualties.
Gaemi, known as Karina in the Philippines, formed in the Pacific Ocean on July 18, 2024. The typhoon passed the eastern coast of the Philippines with a sustained wind speed of around 120 km/h, reaching gusts of up to 150 km/h. Although it did not make landfall, its devastating effects were felt across a significant portion of the Philippines. The typhoon greatly intensified the seasonal monsoon rains. In the Manila area and some parts of the main island of Luzon, over 12 inches of rainfall was recorded. Rivers overflowed, flooding towns and villages. In some areas, floodwaters reached the height of one-story buildings.
On July 24, the typhoon struck the northeastern coast of Taiwan in Yilan County. According to the Central Weather Bureau, this is the strongest typhoon to hit the island in the past eight years. The island experienced heavy rain and strong winds for several hours, with wind gusts reaching 141 mph. In some mountainous areas, up to 48 inches of rain fell. Schools and government offices across the island were closed.
Large-Scale Disasters in China
Extreme rainfall and flooding covered vast areas of the country. Water levels in the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, rose 15 meters above normal, reaching 161.1 meters. In Henan Province on July 17, water levels in 33 reservoirs exceeded critical levels. To prevent dam breaches, emergency floodwater releases were conducted, leading to sudden and destructive flooding downstream.
On the night of July 22, Typhoon "Prapirun" struck southern China, bringing torrential rains and strong winds to Hainan Island. Over a 24-hour period, 12 cities and counties received more than 100 mm of rainfall, with wind gusts reaching 38.2 m/s in Wanning, Hainan Province.
China certainly has a high level of technology, but it is not enough to cope with escalating destructive disasters. Moreover, the loss of this country’s potential could have fatal consequences for all humanity. It is important to understand that disasters will not be limited to China alone. It is evident that most countries around the world are already suffering from various climate catastrophes. In the coming years, they could devastate the entire planet.
One of the most frequently asked questions in comments on climate disaster videos is: what should be done?
Climate issues can only be addressed by acknowledging their existence. The longer society ignores the problem, the higher the risk of a negative outcome. Therefore, it is crucial that as many people as possible understand the current state of the planet and its future. Awareness is a key step in this process.
That’s why the International Volunteer Team has been monitoring climate change daily for several years to provide an objective picture and communicate it to the public, issuing weekly reports and holding “Global Crisis” forums. The more people learn and spread this information, the higher the chances of success. Social media plays a significant role in this process.
Uniting society to address climate issues will prioritize this matter, unite the scientific community, and develop effective solutions. This collaboration and unity will help create a world without wars and ensure progress in societal development. Your actions today determine the future.