The Stream, December 28: El Nino Floods Hit South America, UK

The Global Rundown

Floods linked to the El Nino weather pattern struck South America over the weekend and are expected to hit northern England this week, while a project in Pakistan has constructed defenses against floods from glacial lakes. The United Nations estimated that nearly 90 million people will need humanitarian aid globally next year, in large part due to El Nino. India plans to reconstruct an ancient, mythical river to provide water to drought-hit areas. A region in southern Chile has the cleanest water on Earth, according to a new study.

“We are worried. We don’t have a short-term time frame where we know that we will be able to make a dent.” –A.B. Pandya, chairman of India’s Central Water Commission, on the country’s water supply situation. India is pursuing a project to recreate a mythical river in Haryana state in order to relieve drought-stricken areas. (Bloomberg)

By The Numbers

100,000 people Number evacuated over the weekend in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay due to severe flooding linked to El Nino. A state of emergency was declared in Paraguay’s capital, Asuncion. Reuters

87 million people Number globally the United Nations estimates will need humanitarian assistance next year, in part due to droughts and floods caused by El Nino. Reuters

$7.6 million Amount spent since 2011 to protect 10 communities in Pakistan from the flood risks associated with glacial lakes. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

The fresh water in southern Chile’s Magallanes region is the cleanest on Earth, according to a study by researchers at the University of Magallanes and the University of North Texas. The results make the area a key “natural laboratory” for scientific research. EFE

On The Radar

Northern England is expected to receive 40 to 80 millimeters more rain early this week, exacerbating flood conditions. Scientists say the unusually wet weather is due to both El Nino and manmade climate change. Guardian

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek