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Image: David W. Cerny/REUTERSImage: David W. Cerny/REUTERS

Extreme weather

Heavy flooding, severe storms, record heat waves — extreme weather is on the rise due to climate change. This is affecting people, ecosystems and economies around the world.

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All Content on this topic

An aerial view of firefighters preparing for an operation on the flooded streets.

An aerial view of firefighters preparing for an operation on the flooded streets.

Rising rivers threaten southern Poland

In southern Poland, thousands are struggling to cope amid a state of disaster.

Polen | Hochwasser in Breslau

Polen | Hochwasser in Breslau

Towns in southwestern Poland prepare for flood peak

People in southwestern Poland have come out in force to protect their towns and cities against the rising water.

A Nigerian woman displaced by flood cooks beside a truck where she set her shelter along an expressway.

A Nigerian woman displaced by flood cooks beside a truck where she set her shelter along an expressway.

Nigeria braces for potential floods in 11 states

More than 400,000 people in Nigeria are already facing the devastating impacts of a recent flood.

The Danube River in flood. In the background are a bridge, dark clouds and, on a hill, Bratislava Castle, Bratislava, Slovakia, September 2024

The Danube River in flood. In the background are a bridge, dark clouds and, on a hill, Bratislava Castle, Bratislava, Slovakia, September 2024

Slovakia's capital hit by biggest floods in 30 years

Slovakia is facing its biggest flood in decades. Some parts of the capital were cut off from the rest of the city.

Workers assemble a flood barrier in an archway in Dresden

Workers assemble a flood barrier in an archway in Dresden

Germany: How Dresden prepared itself for flooding

Amid widespread flooding in central Europe, the flood protection system in the Germany city of Dresden has held up.

A man tips out a bucket of muddy water. Behind him, other people wearing gum boots hold buckets.

A man tips out a bucket of muddy water. Behind him, other people wearing gum boots hold buckets.

Floods leave trail of devastation in Romania

As the cleanup of the flood-hit regions begins in eastern Romania, southwest Poland is bracing for floodwaters.

A view of cars on a road that runs next to a river with high water levels

A view of cars on a road that runs next to a river with high water levels

How does Vienna's extensive flood defense system work?

DW looks at Vienna's massive flood defense system that has limited the effects of the floods in the Austrian capital.

Aerial view of a bridge and weir over the Oder river in Wroclaw, Poland, September 16, 2024

Aerial view of a bridge and weir over the Oder river in Wroclaw, Poland, September 16, 2024

Flooding in Poland: Wroclaw braces for major flood wave

Wroclaw, in southwestern Poland, is preparing for an impending dramatic rise in floodwaters.

MOSE in Venice

MOSE in Venice

How technology can cut the risks of flooding

From mobile barriers to specialized dams, people are finding solutions to life-threatening floods across the globe.

a house is almost completely submerged by floodwaters

a house is almost completely submerged by floodwaters

Bracing for more floodwaters in East and Central Europe

Tens of thousands have been forced to flee the rising waters and at least 17 people died.

Firefighters in Portugal, dressed in yellow high-visibility clothes, stand next to a pickup fitted out with a fire reel. The forest burns behind them while the air is full of smoke.

Firefighters in Portugal, dressed in yellow high-visibility clothes, stand next to a pickup fitted out with a fire reel. The forest burns behind them while the air is full of smoke.

Wildfires in Portugal fanned by unusually dry September

At least three people die as firefighters in Portugal battle to save homes and people from wildfires.

Floodwaters rush along a valley, sweeping around the collapsed structure of one house and reaching up to the second-story windows of others

Floodwaters rush along a valley, sweeping around the collapsed structure of one house and reaching up to the second-story windows of others

Torrential rain, floods wreak havoc in Central Europe

Heavy rainfall has pounded Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Austria, forcing thousands of people to evacuate.

Residents seen on a boat on a flooded street in Myanmar.

Residents seen on a boat on a flooded street in Myanmar.

Myanmar: Death toll from floods rises to 226

Floods from Typhoon Yagi have claimed the lives of 226 people in Myanmar. The damage is impeding delivery of aid.

In Böheimkirchen, Austria, a stream of water pours between two houses.

In Böheimkirchen, Austria, a stream of water pours between two houses.

Europe floods: Where floodwaters recede, the cleanup starts

While floods are still devastating parts of Europe, where the floodwaters have receded, residents are cleaning up.

Two women walking through flood waters

Two women walking through flood waters

Floods devastate West and Central Africa

Many of the hundreds of thousands of people displaced by floods in West and Central Africa are still waiting for help.

Floodwater gushes between houses at a flooded area, following heavy rainfall in Jesenik, Czech Republic.

Floodwater gushes between houses at a flooded area, following heavy rainfall in Jesenik, Czech Republic.

Floods claim at least 15 lives in Central, Eastern Europe

Severe flooding continues to wreak havoc across Central and Eastern Europe, following days of torrential rain.

Kenyan President William Ruto (left) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Kenyan President William Ruto (left) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

AfricaLink News September 16, 2024

Kenya-Germany labor and migration deal a "win-win" — President Ruto +++ FBI probes "attempted assassination" of Trump

Cars and emergency services vehicles, one with a boat strapped to its roof, drive through a flooded road.

Cars and emergency services vehicles, one with a boat strapped to its roof, drive through a flooded road.

How is climate change impacting global flooding?

As Europe battles floods, five visualizations to help understand the role climate change is playing in extreme rainfall.

Workers clear debris from roads amid strong winds and rain from Typhoon Bebinca in Shanghai.

Workers clear debris from roads amid strong winds and rain from Typhoon Bebinca in Shanghai.

China: Typhoon Bebinca makes landfall in Shanghai

Typhoon Bebinca made landfall in Shanghai on Monday morning, disrupting flights and trains.

Air China's aircraft lands at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai, China

Air China's aircraft lands at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai, China

Shanghai cancels flights as China braces for Typhoon Bebinca

The storm could be the strongest to hit Shanghai, China's biggest city and financial hub, in many decades.

Emergency workers are trying to deliver food to people – while also searching for those who remain missing.

Emergency workers are trying to deliver food to people – while also searching for those who remain missing.

Nigeria floods exacerbate existing food shortage crisis

Emergency workers are trying to deliver food to people – while also searching for those who remain missing.

People affected by floods are escorted through flood water on a military boat in the city of Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria.

People affected by floods are escorted through flood water on a military boat in the city of Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria.

Nigeria grapples with severe flooding

Days after a dam collapsed in Nigeria, emergency crews are struggling to reach people trapped by the floodwaters.

A special flood barrage gate being erected in Prague, Czech Republic.

A special flood barrage gate being erected in Prague, Czech Republic.

Central Europe braces for heavy rain and flooding

Heavy rain is expected for Central Europe, and authorities are warning rivers could reach their highest levels in years.

Myanmar rescue workers carry a small child and a boat is dragged through knee high water

Myanmar rescue workers carry a small child and a boat is dragged through knee high water

Typhoon Yagi: Myanmar makes rare request for aid — report

Myanmar's junta have been blocking all humanitarian assistance from abroad since taking power in a 2021 coup.

Deutschland Aufräumarbeiten an der Carolabrücke in Dresden

Deutschland Aufräumarbeiten an der Carolabrücke in Dresden

Dresden rushes to remove collapsed bridge amid flood warning

The German city of Dresden is working to remove parts of a partially collapsed bridge ahead of expected flooding.

Rescuers in Lang Nu, Vietnam

Rescuers in Lang Nu, Vietnam

Typhoon Yagi batters Thailand, Myanmar as Vietnam cleans up

The death toll has continued to rise across Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand, while scores of people remain missing.

Aerial shot of a city center flooded with brown water

Aerial shot of a city center flooded with brown water

Floods in Europe caused by Vb conditions. What are they?

The rare weather system could worsen with climate change and brings heavy rainfall and often catastrophic damage.

Water managers releasing more water from the Brno reservoir in Czech Republic

Water managers releasing more water from the Brno reservoir in Czech Republic

Europe: Extreme weather warnings in Germany, Poland, Austria

Heavy rainfall particularly in the Czech Republic is expected to have knock-on effects in neighboring countries.

A fire-fighting plane flies over a forest shrouded in smoke and sprays red extinguishing liquid.

A fire-fighting plane flies over a forest shrouded in smoke and sprays red extinguishing liquid.

California's 'monster fires' force thousands to evacuate

Forest fires near Los Angeles are spreading at breakneck speed, with the governor declaring a state of emergency.

A woman wades through waters with her bike in Vietnam

A woman wades through waters with her bike in Vietnam

Vietnam: Water levels still high after Typhoon Yagi

The death toll in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi reached almost 200, with dozens reported missing.

Emergency personnel travel through town during Hurricane Francine's arrival

Emergency personnel travel through town during Hurricane Francine's arrival

US: Hurricane Francine barrels into Louisiana

Hurricane Francine makes landfall in the southern state of Louisiana, with residents warned against venturing outside.

A woman wading through floodwaters in Hanoi, Vietnam

A woman wading through floodwaters in Hanoi, Vietnam

Typhoon Yagi: Evacuations in Hanoi as death toll passes 150

More than 150 people have been killed and many more are still missing.

A collapsed bridge in Vietnam

A collapsed bridge in Vietnam

Super Typhoon Yagi leaves dozens dead in Vietnam

Despite being downgraded to a tropical depression, the storm is the worst Vietnam has seen in 30 years.

A woman walks past an uprooted tree

A woman walks past an uprooted tree

Vietnam: Dozens dead amid Typhoon Yagi's landslides, floods

Typhoon Yagi has left behind devastating damage, with authorities describing it as the strongest storm in decades.

Youth wade in a storm surge and crashing waves brough on by typhoon Yagi

Youth wade in a storm surge and crashing waves brough on by typhoon Yagi

World Risk Report: Where are natural disasters most common?

The 2024 World Risk Report is out, highlighting how to protect the countries most at risk from natural disasters.

Many houses are seen along a river, with floodwater everywhere

Many houses are seen along a river, with floodwater everywhere

Time to criminalize environmental damage, says survey

A majority of people across 22 countries have said those who hurt nature and the climate must pay a price.

People ride scooters past falling trees in China

People ride scooters past falling trees in China

Super Typhoon Yagi reaches northern Vietnam

After leaving a trail of destruction in China and the Philippines, Yagi has made landfall in northern Vietnam.

A worker walks past a damaged area caused by Super Typhoon Yagi in Haikou, China

A worker walks past a damaged area caused by Super Typhoon Yagi in Haikou, China

Typhoon Yagi hits Vietnam, deaths reported in China

Vietnamese authorities warn Yagi is "one of the most powerful" typhoons threatening the region over the past decade.

A view of waves lashing the shore in Wenchang (Hainan province)

A view of waves lashing the shore in Wenchang (Hainan province)

Super Typhoon Yagi hits China's Hainan island

Asia's most powerful storm this year has been wreaking havoc in southern China.

In this image released by Xinhua News Agency, workers cut redundant branches off of trees along a street ahead of the landfall of Typhoon Yagi in Haikou

In this image released by Xinhua News Agency, workers cut redundant branches off of trees along a street ahead of the landfall of Typhoon Yagi in Haikou

China: Super Typhoon Yagi makes landfall in Hainan

The world's second-most powerful storm this year made landfall in China's Hainan province.

Tourists are using umbrellas to protect from the sun during a heatwave in Athens, Greece

Tourists are using umbrellas to protect from the sun during a heatwave in Athens, Greece

Summer 2024 was Northern Hemisphere's hottest on record

2024 is likely going to be the Earth's hottest year on record, climate scientists have warned.

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, an aerial view shows boats docking near a harbor before Typhoon Yagi's landfall

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, an aerial view shows boats docking near a harbor before Typhoon Yagi's landfall

China's south braces for super Typhoon Yagi

Super Typhoon Yagi has the potential to be the most powerful storm to hit southern China in a decade.

Two men on mopeds look at a carpet of dead fish that have washed up along the waterfront, Volos, Greece, August 28, 2024

Two men on mopeds look at a carpet of dead fish that have washed up along the waterfront, Volos, Greece, August 28, 2024

Mass fish die-off in Greece: The search for answers begins

With the recent mass fish die-off near Volos, Greece is facing yet another environmental disaster. Who is responsible?

People wade through a flooded road after heavy rains

People wade through a flooded road after heavy rains

Record rainfall submerges India's Vijayawada

Constant rainfall — heavier than late summer's usual monsoon downpours — has flooded the eastern city of Vijayawada.

People look at the floods in Charsadda river due to heavy rains in Peshawar, Pakistan on April 15, 2024

People look at the floods in Charsadda river due to heavy rains in Peshawar, Pakistan on April 15, 2024

Extreme weather drives surge in Pakistan child marriages

Climate-displaced families are left with no option but to marry off young girls in return for money, say rights groups.

Bangladesch Paikgachha | Überschwemmung in Khulna

Bangladesch Paikgachha | Überschwemmung in Khulna

Bangladesh floods put children at risk of disease

The United Nations is warning more than 2 million children are at risk of disease from severe flooding in Bangladesh.

A bulldozer collects dead fish from a river near the port city of Volos, central Greece, on August 29, 2024

A bulldozer collects dead fish from a river near the port city of Volos, central Greece, on August 29, 2024

Greece declares state of emergency over flood of dead fish

The port city of Volos has been inundated with tons of dead fish, one of the impacts of last year's catastrophic floods.

People inspect a submerged street after heavy rains caused floods in Sana'a, Yemen

People inspect a submerged street after heavy rains caused floods in Sana'a, Yemen

Yemen floods kill nearly 100 and damage scores of homes

Flooding has devastated entire communities, exacerbating an already difficult situation in the war-torn country.

Smoke rises from a forest on fire in Brazil

Smoke rises from a forest on fire in Brazil

Heat and drought are fueling Brazil's 'fires pandemic'

Brazil is in the thick of a destructive fire season. How are deforestation and climate change making things worse?

Passersby holding umbrellas walk on the street in the rains and winds in Fukuoka, Japan August 30, 2024.

Passersby holding umbrellas walk on the street in the rains and winds in Fukuoka, Japan August 30, 2024.

Japan: Typhoon Shanshan brings heavy rains, halts transport

The intensity of the typhoon has decreased on the second day, but rains and winds still continue.