Latest Floods News

Tropical Storm Mawar intensifies rains for Japan, threatens floods and mudslides in some regions

Jun. 02, 2023 10:36 AM EDT

NAHA, Japan (AP) — Heavy rains intensified by Tropical Storm Mawar fell on Japan’s main archipelago Friday, halting trains and triggering floods and mudslides in central and western regions where residents were urged to use caution or evacuate. Up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) of...

Triple-whammy of cyclones, a 1-in-200-year event, drove Italy's deadly flooding, scientists say

May. 31, 2023 12:42 PM EDT

ROME (AP) — A rare, triple-whammy of cyclones drove the deadly flooding that devastated much of northern Italy this month, but scientists said Wednesday that climate change doesn't seem to be to blame for the intense rainfall. Using computer simulations and past observations, a...

Today in History: May 31, the Johnstown Flood

May. 31, 2023 03:08 AM EDT

Today in History Today is Wednesday, May 31, the 151st day of 2023. There are 214 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On May 31, 1889, some 2,200 people in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, perished when the South Fork Dam collapsed, sending...

As rising oceans threaten NYC, study documents another risk: The city is sinking

May. 29, 2023 01:18 AM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — If rising oceans aren’t worry enough, add this to the risks New York City faces: The metropolis is slowly sinking under the weight of its skyscrapers, homes, asphalt and humanity itself. New research estimates the city's landmass is sinking at an average rate of 1...

Housing crisis remains in Kentucky's poor Appalachia region after flood waters recede

May. 25, 2023 10:34 AM EDT

JACKSON, Ky. (AP) — Shirley Howard’s feet splashed into nearly a foot of water when she stepped out of bed on a summer morning last July amid a torrential rainfall. A devastating flood swallowing up Kentucky’s Appalachian region had reached her bedroom in the night. The family...

Delaware taps artificial intelligence to evacuate crowded beaches when floods hit

May. 25, 2023 08:07 AM EDT

Delaware's low elevation mixed with crowded beaches and limited exit routes make the state particularly vulnerable to massive flooding, but officials hope an influx of federal infrastructure money will trigger future evacuation plans automatically via artificial intelligence. The...

Flying drones and chasing data, Indigenous women in Guyana join fight against climate change

May. 25, 2023 00:22 AM EDT

RUBY VILLAGE, Guyana (AP) — A small group of Indigenous women in northern Guyana are the latest weapon in the fight against climate change in this South American country where 90% of the population lives below sea level. Armed with drones, the women are scanning mangrove forests...

Climate activists tell Vatican court they never intended to hurt ancient statue in glue protest

May. 24, 2023 12:51 PM EDT

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Two environmental activists told the Vatican’s criminal court on Wednesday they never intended to damage an ancient statue in the Vatican Museums when they glued their hands to its marble base, in one of a series of flash protests across Europe to draw attention to climate...

Tempers rise as German government's clean heating plans moved to back burner

May. 23, 2023 12:01 PM EDT

BERLIN (AP) — Germany's government is facing a major test after two junior partners in Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition sparred publicly over a key element in the country's ambitious climate policy. Economy and Energy Minister Robert Habeck of the environmentalist...

Italy OKs aid mega-package for flooded north, with museum ticket surcharge to help pay for it

May. 23, 2023 11:52 AM EDT

ROME (AP) — The Italian government on Tuesday approved more than 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) in aid for the flood-stricken region of Emilia-Romagna in the north, including for farmers and business owners in one of the country's most productive regions. The government is...