Timor-Leste Flash Floods Cause Mass Displacement in March 2021

On January 7, 2025, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Xizang, Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The earthquake had a depth of 10 km and severely affected the Dingri County and surrounding areas. It triggered at least 13 aftershocks, causing widespread panic and significant structural damage. The tremors were strongly felt in both affected countries, China and Nepal, impacting thousands of residents.

The 2023 Christmas storms in Australia were devastating, causing significant property and vehicle damage across the states of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. The final assessment indicates insured losses amounting to approximately 1 billion USD. The majority of claims were related to property damage, and the storms had a severe impact on the affected areas.

In 2024, a series of natural disasters ravaged various parts of the world, resulting in a staggering financial toll of nearly 230 billion USD. This comprises mainly insured losses, with real costs potentially higher. This year, storms and hurricanes were particularly destructive in the United States and neighboring regions, while floods wreaked havoc across China, Brazil, Germany, and Spain. Typhoon Yagi was notably devastating in Southwest Asia.

On December 14, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, a French overseas department, bringing winds exceeding 220 km/h. It is reported to be the most destructive cyclone in the area since 1934. The cyclone resulted in the tragic loss of several lives and extensive infrastructure damage, including the destruction of schools and homes. Around 100,000 people, accounting for a third of the Mayotte population, were left without shelter. The financial toll is significant, with insured losses estimated between 650 and 800 million EUR.

Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mozambique after causing severe damage in Mayotte. The cyclone, which reached Mozambique on 15 December 2024, caused significant devastation with a death toll of 94 people, 670 injured, and over 110,000 homes destroyed. Previously, in Mayotte, it resulted in 35 fatalities and 2,500 injuries. The storm also affected Malawi, claiming 13 lives and injuring nearly 30 individuals. Chido's impact was catastrophic, leaving a trail of destruction in its path.

In November 2024, Southern Thailand faced heavy rainfall due to the Northeast Monsoon, resulting in severe floods and flash floods. While the southern provinces were the most severely impacted, casualties and widespread destruction were reported. Numerous households faced considerable disruption as a result of continuous rainfall fostering deadly floods.

On November 27, 2024, heavy rains in Uganda's Bulambuli District led to severe flooding and landslides. The overflow of River Simu resulted in inundation of nearby homes, destruction of crops, and disruption of major roads including Sironko-Kapchorwa and Muyembe-Nakapiripit. The disaster caused significant infrastructural damage, including collapsed bridges and transport disruptions. Landslides, occurring in eight villages in Buluganya parish and other areas, displaced thousands of families, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of this catastrophe.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is projected to make landfall in Pemba, Mozambique, at the intensity of an intense tropical cyclone. The cyclone is expected to affect multiple provinces in northern Mozambique, including Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for urban flooding in specific areas. The cyclone poses a risk to an estimated 1.7 million people, particularly those in Cabo Delgado. Additionally, there is a concern regarding the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula, which might worsen due to the cyclone.

On December 17, 2024, a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck 30 km west of Port Vila, Vanuatu. The earthquake occurred at 12:47 PM local time and led to a brief tsunami warning which has since been lifted. The tremor caused considerable damage to buildings and infrastructure, with telecommunications disrupted, hindering timely field reports from remote areas. Preliminary assessments suggest that around 116,000 individuals may experience the most severe impacts of the earthquake. The affected region is witnessing ongoing search and rescue operations to locate survivors and assess the breadth of destruction.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is poised to make landfall near Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. The cyclone is expected to affect multiple provinces, with strong winds and heavy rainfall anticipated. Approximately 1.7 million people are at risk in the region, especially in Cabo Delgado, where wind speeds may exceed 120 km/h. The cyclone also poses a threat to ongoing cholera outbreaks in impacted areas.

In December 2024, Libya was hit by significant flooding due to heavy rains, affecting many municipalities and causing major disruptions. The regions of Tarhuna, Bani Waleed, Ghiryan, Qasr Akhyar, Ain Zara, Garabolli, and Tajoura experienced the brunt of the flooding. The flood waters not only affected residential areas but also rendered several roads impassable, hampering emergency and relief efforts. Six hundred sixty-seven families have been impacted, and the search for potential rescue opportunities continues. This disaster has resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, comprising three civilians and two rescue workers.

On December 9, 2024, the Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island in the Philippines experienced a significant eruption, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to raise the alert level to 3. This indicator of high volcanic unrest has led to increased evacuations and warnings to avoid the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano.