New Post Africa

Category: Weather

  • Nigeria to host Global Hydromet Summit in landmark first for Africa

    Nigeria to host Global Hydromet Summit in landmark first for Africa

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria is set to host the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026, bringing together some of the world’s leading experts and decision-makers in weather, water and climate services for the first time on African soil.

    The three-day meeting, scheduled to be held from October 13 to 15, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, will be hosted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) at the invitation of the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

    Announcing the development in a statement on Wednesday, NiMet said the meeting would convene the leadership of the World Meteorological Organisation, the 17 member institutions of the Alliance for Hydromet Development, development finance institutions, climate funds, United Nations agencies, ministers, government officials, development partners, regional and continental organisations, private sector leaders, academics and users of weather, water and climate services.

    According to the agency, the gathering will focus on strengthening global investment and collaboration in hydrometeorological services, which are critical to disaster risk reduction, food and nutrition security, water resource management, aviation safety, energy planning, public health and climate resilience.

    The meeting will be held under the theme, “Partnerships, Innovation and Sustainable Investment in Weather, Water and Climate Services.”

    NiMet described the event as a major milestone for Africa, noting that it would provide an opportunity to showcase the continent’s leadership in advancing weather, water and climate services while addressing global priorities in hydrometeorology.

    The agency said the conference would also highlight the importance of strengthening hydrometeorological systems that support national development and climate adaptation.

    “As host, Nigeria, through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), serves as a practical case study in national leadership, demonstrating how a country can strengthen its meteorological and hydrological services and coordinate investment in support of the Alliance’s wider objectives while cushioning government budgetary provisions for hydrometeorology,” the statement said.

    According to NiMet, discussions during the meeting will be organised around five strategic pillars aimed at strengthening the global hydrometeorological agenda.

    These include strengthening partnerships and Alliance coordination, mobilising sustainable investment, promoting innovation and public-private sector engagement, delivering value through user-centred services, and building sustainable hydrometeorological systems.

    The agency said the outcomes are expected to deepen international partnerships, attract greater investment, encourage innovation and enhance the long-term sustainability of weather, water and climate services.

    Speaking on the significance of the event, the Director-General of NiMet and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the WMO, Professor Charles Anosike, said hosting the annual meeting reflects Nigeria’s growing role in global efforts to strengthen climate and weather services.

    Under the leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who will serve as Chief Host, Anosike said Nigeria is proud to provide a platform for advancing global dialogue on the critical role of hydrometeorological services in supporting socio-economic development.

    “Nigeria is proud to host the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026 and promote the critical relevance of weather, water and climate services for de-risking national, regional and global socio-economic activities,” he said.

    NiMet added that further details on the meeting would be communicated through its official information channels as preparations continue.

  • EU Council President mourns victims of deadly Spain wildfires, pledges continued support

    EU Council President mourns victims of deadly Spain wildfires, pledges continued support

    BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — European Council President António Costa has expressed condolences to the people of Spain following the devastating wildfires that swept through Almería in the southern region of Andalusia, as Europe continues to grapple with extreme heat and worsening climate-related disasters.

    In a statement on Friday, Costa said his thoughts were with the families of those who lost loved ones in one of Spain’s deadliest wildfire disasters in recent years.

    “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic wildfires in Almería, Andalusia,” Costa said.

    He noted that extreme weather events and wildfires are placing enormous pressure on emergency services and healthcare systems across Europe.

    According to Costa, the European Union will continue supporting member states by strengthening disaster prevention and preparedness, investing in climate resilience and ensuring a coordinated response to emergencies.

    “As these events place enormous strain on emergency services and healthcare systems, the European Union will continue to stand with Member States by strengthening prevention and preparedness, investing in resilience and ensuring that our collective response to climate-related disasters is swift, coordinated and effective,” he said.

    Costa also commended firefighters, rescue workers and emergency personnel battling the blazes, while praising EU member states assisting one another through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

    “I am deeply grateful to the emergency teams working tirelessly on firefighting and rescue operations, and to the Member States demonstrating European solidarity by supporting one another in responding to these emergencies,” he added.

    Newpost Africa reports that at least 11 people have been confirmed dead with 19 others missing, after fast-moving wildfires swept through the Los Gallardos area of Almería Province amid temperatures exceeding 40°C, as strong winds and extremely dry conditions ravage parts of Europe.

    The blaze, described as one of the deadliest in Andalusia’s history, forced hundreds of residents to flee and prompted a massive emergency response involving firefighters, military personnel and aerial firefighting assets.

    Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching for those still missing.

    The tragedy comes as Europe experiences another intense heatwave, with climate experts warning that rising temperatures and prolonged drought are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires across the continent.

  • Nigeria condoles China over deadly Gansu landslide

    Nigeria condoles China over deadly Gansu landslide

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the Government and people of China following the deadly landslide that struck Tanchang County in Gansu Province, killing at least 21 people.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria was deeply saddened by the disaster, which also left several others affected as rescue operations continued.

    The government extended its sympathies to the families of the victims, wished those injured a speedy recovery and expressed solidarity with everyone affected by the tragedy.

    “Nigeria commends the swift response of the Chinese authorities and rescue teams in their efforts to save lives and provide relief to those impacted,” the ministry said.

    The statement noted that Nigeria and China share a long-standing strategic partnership founded on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation.

    According to the ministry, Nigeria stands with China during the difficult period and expressed confidence in the resilience of the Chinese people and government as recovery and rehabilitation efforts continue.

    The Federal Government also prayed for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives and comfort for the bereaved families.

    Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, the death toll had climbed to over 40 as rescue efforts continue.

  • NOA warns residents as NiMet forecasts flash floods across 27 states

    NOA warns residents as NiMet forecasts flash floods across 27 states

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures following a flash flood alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for July 1 to 10.

    In a public advisory issued on Monday, the agency said heavy rainfall is expected across several parts of the country, increasing the risk of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone communities.

    According to the advisory, the states likely to be affected include Taraba, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.

    The agency advised residents to avoid walking, driving or riding through flooded roads or fast-flowing water, warning that the depth and strength of floodwaters could be deceptive.

    It also urged residents to clear blocked drainage channels, relocate temporarily from flood-prone areas where necessary, and move important documents, household items and electrical appliances to higher ground.

    The NOA further advised parents and guardians to prevent children from playing in floodwaters and urged residents to switch off electricity and evacuate affected buildings where flooding becomes imminent.

    The agency encouraged the public to monitor weather forecasts and official advisories from NiMet, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and other relevant authorities.

    It also called on Nigerians to promptly report flooding incidents and blocked drainage systems to emergency agencies.

    The NOA directed its state offices and Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers to intensify public awareness campaigns, particularly in vulnerable communities.

    The agency urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and safety-conscious throughout the forecast period, noting that early preventive measures could significantly reduce the risk of loss of lives and property.

  • Floods kill 17, displace 39,000 in Ghana’s Greater Accra Region

    Floods kill 17, displace 39,000 in Ghana’s Greater Accra Region

    ACCRA, Ghana (Agency Report) — At least 17 people have died while nearly 39,000 others have been affected by devastating floods triggered by Monday’s heavy rainfall across Ghana’s Greater Accra Region, the government has said.

    Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, disclosed the figures while briefing Parliament on Tuesday, saying the floods displaced 7,761 households across 29 affected communities within 18 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

    The minister said the disaster submerged homes, damaged roads and public infrastructure, displaced thousands of families and disrupted economic and social activities across the capital region.

    “Within the Greater Accra Region, we recorded a total of 7,761 displaced households, affecting 38,802 people. Seventeen people have lost their lives, while several others remain unaccounted for,” Muntaka told lawmakers.

    Ga East was among the worst-hit districts, recording 8,202 displaced residents from 881 households. The area also accounted for six missing persons and four confirmed deaths.

    Other severely affected areas include Kwabenya, where 4,800 people from 1,000 households were displaced; Tema Metropolitan, which recorded 3,847 displaced persons from 771 households; Tema West, with 3,040 displaced residents from 650 households; and Weija Gbawe, where 2,817 people from 480 households were forced from their homes.

    Across Central, East and West Accra, authorities recorded 3,025 displaced persons from 605 households, while Dade Kotopon reported 2,700 displaced residents from 510 households. Ga South also recorded 1,800 displaced persons from 375 households.

    The minister said emergency responders, led by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), remain on the ground coordinating rescue operations, relief distribution and recovery efforts for affected communities.

    He said further assessments were ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and provide additional assistance to displaced families.

    Monday’s torrential rainfall inundated residential communities, swept away vehicles, temporarily cut off major roads and forced thousands of residents to seek temporary shelter.

    Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas and comply with safety directives as recovery operations continue across the Greater Accra Region.

  • Ghana intensifies flood response as heavy rains devastate Accra, Tema

    Ghana intensifies flood response as heavy rains devastate Accra, Tema

    ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — The Government of Ghana has intensified its emergency response to widespread flooding that has affected Accra, Tema and surrounding communities following days of heavy rainfall, while urging residents to cooperate with authorities and observe flood safety measures.

    Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, announced the measures on Monday after accompanying President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Anti-Flood Task Force on an assessment tour of flood-affected communities.

    According to the minister, the inspection enabled the government to evaluate the causes of the flooding and assess immediate and long-term remedial measures.

    “Since June 27, Accra, Tema and surrounding areas have experienced sustained heavy rains, leading to widespread flooding that has affected homes, businesses and public infrastructure, particularly in low-lying areas, while disrupting economic and social activities,” Adjei said.

    He expressed the government’s sympathy to families, businesses and communities affected by the disaster, assuring victims that relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts were already underway.

    “We fully appreciate the pain, disruption and economic hardship these events have imposed on households, traders, transport operators and businesses. Government remains fully committed to supporting relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts,” he said.

    The minister attributed the recurring flooding to a combination of increasingly extreme weather patterns, rapid urbanisation and mounting pressure on drainage infrastructure.

    He also blamed human activities, including encroachment on waterways, indiscriminate disposal of waste and widespread violations of planning regulations, for worsening the impact of heavy rainfall.

    “The impact of human activities, particularly encroachment on waterways, indiscriminate waste disposal and non-compliance with planning regulations, cannot be overstated,” he said.

    Adjei stressed that addressing Ghana’s flood challenges requires a collective effort involving government agencies, local authorities, traditional leaders, businesses and residents.

    He said the Ministry, through the Ghana Hydrological Authority, was working closely with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), security agencies and other stakeholders to manage the emergency.

    According to him, ongoing interventions include the deployment of emergency response teams, evacuation support for affected residents, distribution of relief materials, assessment of damaged infrastructure and intensified clearing of drainage systems in flood-prone areas.

    The minister disclosed that authorities had also intensified enforcement operations against illegal structures obstructing drainage channels, wetlands and natural waterways.

    He said the government would sustain efforts to demolish structures impeding water flow while protecting critical drainage systems across the capital.

    In addition, Adjei announced plans for extensive desilting and excavation of major drains and waterways clogged by silt and debris following the recent rains.

    He said new drainage channels would also be constructed along natural water pathways to improve stormwater discharge and reduce future flooding.

    The minister added that the government was advancing broader flood mitigation measures, including the rehabilitation and expansion of drainage infrastructure, stricter enforcement of development controls in flood-prone areas, improved early warning systems and the restoration of wetlands and lagoons.

    He urged residents, particularly those living near rivers, lagoons, drains and other low-lying communities, to prioritise their safety by relocating to higher ground when necessary and avoiding movement through floodwaters.

    Residents were also advised to keep children away from flooded areas to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

    Adjei appealed to the public to support government efforts by refraining from dumping refuse into drains, avoiding construction on waterways and complying fully with environmental and planning regulations.

    “Together, through collective responsibility, discipline and adherence to safety measures, we can significantly reduce the effects of flooding, safeguard lives and livelihoods, and build safer, more resilient communities for present and future generations,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Ghana urges residents to stay indoors as flooding hits parts of country

    BREAKING: Ghana urges residents to stay indoors as flooding hits parts of country

    ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — The Ghanaian government has urged residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel following heavy rains that triggered flooding in several parts of the country on Monday.

    In a public safety advisory issued by the Ministry of the Interior, the government said the precautionary measures were necessary to protect lives and property as emergency agencies respond to the flooding.

    The ministry advised residents who were safely at home to remain indoors until conditions improve, while those at workplaces or other secure locations were urged to stay where they are until it is safe to travel.

    It also warned against unnecessary movement, saying floodwaters could rise rapidly and pose significant risks.

    “Motorists and pedestrians are strongly advised not to attempt to drive or walk through flooded roads, bridges or waterways, as floodwaters can rise rapidly and pose significant danger to life and property,” the ministry said.

    The government announced that the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Armed Forces, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other emergency response agencies had been deployed to monitor the situation, manage traffic, conduct rescue operations and assist affected communities.

    Residents living in flood-prone areas were advised to relocate to higher ground where it is safe to do so and promptly report emergencies or persons in distress to the nearest security agency or emergency response service.

    The ministry urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with security and emergency personnel, and rely only on official sources for information and updates on the evolving situation.

    It also appealed to members of the public requiring emergency assistance to contact the appropriate emergency services through designated telephone lines.

    The Ministry of the Interior assured citizens that public safety remains the government’s highest priority and said authorities would continue to monitor the situation closely while providing further updates as necessary.

    It expressed concern for those affected by the flooding and assured residents that every effort was being made to provide the necessary assistance and safeguard lives and property.

  • Europe heatwave death toll rises as France records about 1,000 excess deaths

    Europe heatwave death toll rises as France records about 1,000 excess deaths

    PARIS, France (NPA) — European health authorities have warned of mounting casualties as a record-breaking heatwave continues to grip much of the continent, with France reporting about 1,000 excess deaths since June 24.

    According to Public Health France, most of the deaths involved people aged 65 and above, particularly in areas placed under the highest-level red heat alert.

    The agency said the sharpest increase was recorded among people who died in their homes, especially in the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris.

    “This observation serves as a reminder of the need for measures of solidarity toward people who are isolated or experiencing profound loneliness,” the agency said, noting that the figures remain preliminary.

    The extreme weather has swept across western and southern Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in parts of France, Spain and Italy.

    Spain’s heat monitoring system attributed more than 200 deaths to heat-related illnesses within four days, while the United Kingdom issued rare red weather warnings as London and Birmingham experienced unusually high temperatures.

    Italy placed up to 17 cities under maximum heat alert, while Germany and several Scandinavian countries braced for what meteorologists described as record-breaking June temperatures.

    Governments across Europe have stepped up emergency measures to protect vulnerable populations and ease pressure on healthcare systems.

    France activated its ORSAN emergency health response plan, mobilising hospitals and opening cooling centres for residents.

    Spanish authorities deployed additional medical teams and advised elderly people and other vulnerable groups to remain indoors during the hottest periods of the day.

    In the United Kingdom, authorities shortened school schedules and introduced travel restrictions in some areas to reduce heat-related risks.

    Across the European Union, climate adaptation measures, including shaded walkways, urban cooling centres and other heat-mitigation projects, are being tested as governments respond to increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

    Although temperatures eased slightly across parts of France on Sunday, health officials warned that climate change is making prolonged and intense heatwaves more common.

    Authorities cautioned that the death toll could continue to rise as the continent grapples with one of the most severe heatwaves in recent history, which has already claimed hundreds of lives across Europe within the past week.

  • BREAKING: Twin Venezuela earthquakes kill 164, injure nearly 1,000

    BREAKING: Twin Venezuela earthquakes kill 164, injure nearly 1,000

    CARACAS, Venezuela (NPA) — At least 164 people have been killed and 971 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering widespread destruction, forcing thousands from their homes and prompting a nationwide state of emergency.

    The twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck within seconds of each other near the Caribbean coastal town of Morón on Wednesday, making them the strongest to hit the South American country in more than a century.

    Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the latest casualty figures and warned that the death toll could rise as rescue workers continue searching collapsed buildings.

    “We have a central and essential objective: to save lives. Our work is to rescue those trapped under collapsed buildings and homes,” Rodríguez said while declaring a nationwide state of emergency.

    The worst destruction was reported in Caracas and the neighbouring coastal state of La Guaira, where dozens of buildings collapsed, roads were damaged and critical infrastructure was affected. Simón Bolívar International Airport was shut down after sustaining structural damage, while schools were converted into emergency shelters for displaced families.

    Local authorities described frantic rescue operations as emergency responders worked through the rubble in search of survivors.

    The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued its highest-level “red alert,” warning that the earthquakes were likely to cause high casualties and extensive economic losses. The agency’s predictive modelling estimated a significant probability that the final death toll could rise substantially as rescue operations continue.

    International support has begun arriving following the disaster.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended condolences to the Venezuelan people and said President Donald Trump had authorised immediate humanitarian assistance, including search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies and emergency relief.

    Rescue teams continue operations across Caracas, La Guaira and other affected communities as authorities assess the full scale of the destruction.

    The disaster has compounded Venezuela’s existing economic and humanitarian challenges, with officials urging residents to remain calm and avoid damaged buildings because of continuing aftershocks.

  • Millions lost as flooding, windstorm ravage parts of Ebonyi

    Millions lost as flooding, windstorm ravage parts of Ebonyi

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Torrential rainfall and a powerful windstorm have destroyed farmlands and damaged shops in parts of Ebonyi State, leaving farmers and traders counting losses worth millions of naira.

    The over four-hour downpour on Saturday night triggered severe flooding along the Abakaliki–Afikpo Expressway, submerging farmlands in Abakaliki and Akpoha Community in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

    Affected farmers said the flood washed away yams, cassava, maize, rice, melons, and other crops, wiping out investments made during the current planting season.

    One of the victims, Cletus Idam, described the incident as devastating, saying many farmers had lost their entire investments.

    “We invested huge sums of money in our farms, but everything has been washed away. We may have to replant if the flood recedes,” he said.

    Idam appealed to the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assess the damage and provide support to affected communities.

    Another farmer, Sunday Ewa, urged the state government to provide relief materials, improved seedlings, agrochemicals and other farm inputs to enable farmers return to cultivation.

    According to him, the Afikpo, Amasiri and Akpoha communities remain highly vulnerable to flooding due to their geographical location.

    A community leader, Chief Joseph Irem, described the destruction as a major threat to agricultural production and food security in the area.

    He said community leaders would formally notify relevant authorities and seek urgent intervention for affected residents.

    Irem expressed optimism that both the Ebonyi State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would provide relief assistance to victims.

    Meanwhile, a windstorm accompanying the rainfall caused extensive damage to commercial buildings in parts of Abakaliki, blowing off roofs and exposing goods to rainwater.

    At Kpiri-Kpiri Market, traders reported significant losses, particularly those dealing in electrical appliances and other vulnerable goods.

    A trader, Chioma Ifeanyi, said many shop owners suffered heavy losses after their goods were damaged by rainwater.

    “The rainstorm caused extensive damage and many traders lost valuable goods,” she said.

    Similar losses were recorded at the popular Ebebe Junction Evening Market in Amike-Aba Community, where makeshift stalls were destroyed by strong winds.

    Traders Patricia Onwe, Iruka Ede and Pauline Iteshi said the windstorm ripped off the roofs of their shops, destroying goods worth hundreds of thousands of naira.

    “We depend on proceeds from our businesses to feed our families and pay our children’s school fees. We need urgent government intervention,” the traders said.

    The victims appealed to relevant government agencies and humanitarian organisations to provide relief assistance to help them recover from the disaster.