The World in a Week: Massive Floods in Spain and a Desert in Saudi Arabia Covered in White

Arab Weather - Last week witnessed major natural events that dominated news headlines around the world, as Spain was hit by massive floods that caused widespread damage and affected the lives of thousands, while Indonesia witnessed a volcanic eruption that threw ash over large areas, necessitating emergency interventions and preventive measures to protect the population. In this article, we review the most prominent details of these events and their accelerating effects, while highlighting the efforts made to reduce losses and provide support to the affected areas.

Massive floods in Spain

Natural disasters continue to strike around the world, and last week saw devastating floods sweep across Spain, bringing the death toll to 205, 202 of them in Valencia alone, with the number likely to rise due to the large number of missing persons.

Rescue teams reported 202 fatalities in Valencia, while three people died in the provinces of Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia. Over three days of historic flooding, the trauma was felt in streets littered with debris and piled-up vehicles, with many unable to reach their homes or meet their basic needs for water and electricity.

The disaster sparked a wave of local solidarity, with residents from nearby areas walking with supplies and aid, and volunteers pouring in to clean up the damage and help those affected.

Massive flood in Cadaqués in the Girona province, #Spain

(08.11.2024) @Top_Disaster pic.twitter.com/nlkbAvNpHf

— sustainme.in®️ (@sustainme_in) November 8, 2024

Volcano eruption in Indonesia

The eruption of the Liutopi Laki-Laki volcano on Flores island in eastern Indonesia has killed at least 10 people and forced the evacuation of several nearby villages, the disaster agency said Monday.

The volcano erupted repeatedly during the night, destroying wooden houses and starting fires from the flowing lava, while thick layers of ash covered nearby villages.

Authorities have evacuated five villages surrounding the volcano, including thousands of residents, and the government has declared a state of emergency until the end of December, raising the alert level to the highest level, warning residents and tourists to stay within seven kilometers of the crater.

It is worth noting that Indonesia is located within the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.

Indonesia's Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupted again today, sending ash 16.7 km (55,000 feet) high. This follows increased activity since late October, including a deadly eruption on November 3 that killed 9 people.... pic.twitter.com/eTjm1ShUdA

— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) November 7, 2024

California's horrific fires destroy 130 homes

Firefighters battling a devastating blaze that has destroyed at least 130 homes in California said they were making progress Friday thanks to improved weather conditions. The blaze, which broke out near Camarillo outside Los Angeles, was fanned by strong winds that quickly spread across 20,000 acres (8,000 hectares), forcing thousands to flee in minutes, carrying their belongings and pets.

Initial inspections showed 132 homes destroyed and 88 damaged in an area of about 30,000 people, and about 10,000 people were evacuated. Although winds were gusting to 130 kilometers per hour when the fire broke out on Wednesday, they had slowed by Friday, improving working conditions for firefighters who worked non-stop.

Nick Cleary of the Ventura County Fire Department said the fire was 14 percent contained thanks to favorable weather, and more than 2,400 firefighters and additional resources including trucks, bulldozers and aircraft were working to keep the flames under control and prevent secondary fires from starting. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to support firefighting efforts and provide additional resources.

"One bag of clothes and one bag for the animals and that's about all that would fit."

A California resident describes evacuating before the Mountain Fire burned her home this week. pic.twitter.com/LLFEVl3aMl

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) November 8, 2024

Al-Jawf region in Saudi Arabia is covered in white after the cold weather

Al-Jawf region was adorned with white due to heavy hail, accompanied by heavy rains that included the north of Sakaka city and Dumat Al-Jandal governorate.

Heavy rains and large amounts of hail have continued to fall in different parts of the Al-Jawf region since last Wednesday, which has led to the irrigation of the land and the flow of the valleys, heralding a promising spring season. The Al-Jawf region is famous during the spring for the appearance of seasonal wild plants such as chrysanthemums, lavender and didihan, in addition to many aromatic plants.

Al-Jawf snow pic.twitter.com/Dx9HRCAoBj

- Gorgeous (@gorgeous4ew) November 3, 2024

Toxic smog engulfs New Delhi, toxic foam covers Yamuna river amid sharp rise in pollution

New Delhi is facing a severe pollution crisis as toxic smog engulfs the city, causing air quality to plummet to dangerous levels that threaten the health of residents. The crisis is worsening as toxic foam is spreading on the surface of the Yamuna River, which supplies the city with water, due to industrial pollution and the accumulation of chemicals in its waters. These difficult environmental conditions coincide with a wave of rising air pollutants from crop burning, vehicle exhausts and industrial emissions, creating major health and environmental challenges for the residents of New Delhi and prompting urgent calls for urgent action to mitigate this environmental disaster.

Piles of toxic foam cover the Yamuna River near New Delhi, prompting authorities to warn people not to approach for fear of poisoning. However, people still entered the water to seek blessings during the Hindu festival of Chhath Puja. Some women in the clip used the foam as shampoo, risking their health. pic.twitter.com/QqfkdbDUuE

— Eyad Al-Hamoud (@Eyaaaad) November 8, 2024

See also:

Saudi Arabia | Al-Jawf Desert Witnesses Historic Hail, Raising Concerns About Climate Change (Photos)

USA | Thousands Evacuated in Southern California Due to Massive Fire