Storm Darragh has left hundreds of thousands without power in the U.K. and Ireland, causing two fatalities. Meanwhile, severe monsoon flooding in Thailand and Malaysia has resulted in numerous deaths and extensive damage, with ongoing rescue and relief efforts in place. Experts call for better planning to address climate-related disasters.
The recent passage of Storm Darragh has resulted in extensive power outages, affecting hundreds of thousands in the U.K. and Ireland as wind gusts reached 154 kilometers per hour (96 miles per hour). This storm marks the fourth named storm of the 2024-25 European windstorm season, which commenced on September 1, 2024. The adverse weather prompted multiple flood warnings, exacerbating the recovery efforts from last month’s flooding caused by Storm Bert. Tragically, two fatalities were reported due to falling trees during the storm.
The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning for Storm Darragh, indicating potentially life-threatening conditions, which disrupted numerous flight and train services. Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the U.K. government’s independent climate advisory body, emphasized on the need for improved planning regarding extreme weather, stating, “We’re off track against where we should be — and that’s things like flood defences, or are our houses built on flood plains?”
In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Malaysia faced severe monsoon-induced flooding, resulting in at least 29 deaths in Thailand and six in Malaysia, along with tens of thousands displaced to evacuation centers. Rescue operations were launched in southern Thai provinces such as Pattani and Yala where officials pledged increased relief funds and compensation for affected families. Pianporn Deetes of International Rivers highlighted that activities like deforestation and dam construction exacerbate flooding issues in Thailand.
Malaysia’s eastern coast experienced relentless rainfall equivalent to six months of precipitation, causing significant agricultural damage, particularly to rice paddies. The damage is estimated at nearly 1 billion ringgit ($226 million), as farmers faced destruction of 38,000 hectares of crops. Malaysian authorities are assessing options for providing assistance and prioritizing the repair of critical infrastructure, including schools and roads.
The article discusses the extreme weather events affecting the U.K., Ireland, Thailand, and Malaysia. Storm Darragh, part of the European windstorm season, has resulted in significant disruptions in the U.K. and Ireland, including fatalities and widespread power outages. Meanwhile, monsoon rains have led to severe flooding in Thailand and Malaysia, causing loss of life and widespread displacement. The implications of climate change and the need for improved infrastructure and planning in the face of these disasters are also highlighted, reflecting on the broader consequences of human activity on weather patterns.
In summary, the impacts of Storm Darragh have severely affected the U.K. and Ireland, resulting in fatalities and power outages, while Thailand and Malaysia are grappling with devastating floods, prompting government intervention for relief and recovery. The challenges posed by climate change and inadequate disaster preparedness underscore the necessity for improved infrastructure and proactive planning to mitigate future extreme weather effects.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
