Update on Flooding Around the World: U.S., Argentina, Serbia

Several states across the United States are experiencing flooding due to severe weather conditions. In northern California, heavy rainfall over the weekend led to river overflows; while in Texas and Oklahoma severe weather, heavy rain, and tornadoes have led to flooding and damage (ECHO, ECHO). On March 10, the governor of Louisiana issued a proclamation declaring a “state of emergency” due to ongoing severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds expected to affect a number of parishes across the state throughout the week (State of Louisiana).

Recurring riverine flooding in Argentina has affected an estimated 2,700 farmers in Villa Paranacito in the Entre Ríos Province since late last year (Télam). According to reports, 500 people remain displaced as of March 7, and ongoing flooding is expected to negatively impact several economic sectors (Télam).

A “state of emergency” has been declared in Serbia following flooding in eastern and central areas of the country (ReliefWeb/Govt. of Serbia). Earlier this week, heavy rainfall led to the overflowing of the Čemernica River, resulting in the flooding of 500 houses in the villages of Konjevići and Preljina, and the evacuation of 420 residents (Floodlist). Heavy rainfall also triggered landslides in the Bajina Bašta municipality, which damaged homes and roads in the area (Floodlist).

RVA Profile: Serbia

This Week in Hazards:

• Dzud conditions continue to affect parts of Mongolia, where 16 of the country’s 21 provinces have been impacted by harsh winter conditions and extremely high numbers of livestock deaths (ReliefWeb/ACAPS). Nearly 200,000 livestock have already died due to dzud, and the situation is likely to worsen as heavy snowfall is expected to coincide with the spring birthing season. An emergency appeal has been launched to assist 25,500 Mongolian herders who are at risk of losing their livestock and livelihoods due to dzud—it is estimated that more than 80,000 herder families (approximately 400,000 people) are at risk, and that millions of livestock face starvation in the coming months (ReliefWeb/IFRC).

• Forest and land fires on the island of Sumatra prompted officials to declare a “state of emergency” in Indonesia’s Riau Province earlier this week (GLIDE). According to media reports, the fires are often set to clear land and annually present a hazard; this year, the government is working to prevent the haze conditions that spread over Southeast Asia in 2015 when fires “raged uncontrollably” due to a prolonged dry season (Reuters).

Current Hazard Warnings

Flood: England, Malaysia, Indonesia, Serbia (Central, Eastern), United States (California,Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma), Australia (Queensland)

Avalanche: Canada (British Columbia)

Storm: Peru, Ecuador

Drought: Eastern Caribbean, United States (Western), Southern Africa, Madagascar, Micronesia, Melanesia, Southeast Asia

Wildfire: Indonesia

Biomedical: West Africa

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