Global Briefs, May 28, 2024

First landfalling cyclone of the season, record-breaking temps, and more

DISASTER BRIEFS, MONDAY, MAY 28, 2024

Global Disaster Briefs are your weekly (or more often, if needed) summaries and headlines from around the world about natural and man-made disasters, climate change, disease and health, and international conflict. See endnotes for resources used in putting this report together. Data is retrieved and summarized on the day of publication unless otherwise noted.

NEW TO MESOSCALE THIS WEEK

At your request, I'm adding a list of ways you can help those impacted by the disasters and global conflict I write about.

I’m including a Charity Navigator and/or GuideStar rating on each non-profit included. In cases where the most effective remedy is congressional or international legislation or intervention, I'll list the appropriate resources to contact.

This will take a bit more time to include. As always, supporting my work with a donation is always appreciated.

---

Meteorological/Climatological

The world experienced its hottest April on record this year, continuing an 11-month streak of record-breaking monthly temperatures that started in June 2023.

Intense rains and a flurry of earthquakes caused widespread flooding and landslides in Papua New Guinea Friday, with the death toll currently reported to be above 670 and expected to rise to as many as 2,000 as relief crews continue working.

In March, a 6.9 mag earthquake killed five people and destroyed hundreds of homes in Papua New Guinea. In April, at least 25 people were killed after flooding and landslides devastated the nation. As monsoon season continues, losses are expected to increase.

Ways to help those impacted by landslides in Papua New Guinea:

• Doctors without Borders (98% Rating*)

• USA for IOM (88% Rating)

• Oxfam (98% Rating)

• UNICEF (92% Rating)

• CARE (97% Rating)

NOTE: The Charity Navigator rating is shown next to organization name in parenthesis. Click on the organization name to donate; click on the rating to see the breakdown.

Severe drought in Namibia entered its 40th week (breaking the 100-year drought record) and continued drought in South Africa have exacerbated food insecurity issues in the region.

Ways to help those impacted by food insecurity in Namibia:

• World Food Program USA (90% Rating)

• Global Child Nutrition Foundation (88% Rating)

• Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia (NA- Not registered in the USA, but highly respected in Africa)

Extreme flooding killed at least three people and caused significant structural damage in northern Armenia this weekend. International relief organizations and allied governments have provided supplies and military support for recovery.

Tropical Cyclone Reports

The Pacific basin tropical cyclone season started May 15; the Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1. Both extend through November 30.

The Atlantic hurricane season this year is predicted to be the most intense season since projections began in 1955.

The first landfalling tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean basin of the 2024 season struck near the border of India and Bangladesh Sunday, killing 16, cutting power to millions, and forcing the evacuations of more than 800,000 people. Cyclone Remal hit the low-lying area near Monla Port as a strong tropical storm with wind speeds of 67 knots (77 mph).

Ways to help those impacted by Cyclone Remal:

• World Food Programme (90% Rating¹)

• UNICEF (92% Rating)

• Islamic Relief (100% Rating)