The Stream, September 11: Dangerous Rainstorms Flood Japan

The Global Rundown

House-destroying floods swept through parts of Japan near Tokyo as a tropical storm passed over the country. Southeastern Brazil also received heavy rainfall that helped ease a two-year drought that has parched Sao Paulo. Forecasters reiterated that a strong El Nino this winter is unlikely to rid California of its historic drought. Water from the Godavari River in India neared the Krishna River after being released earlier this month into a new canal connecting the two waterways.

“This is a downpour on a scale that we have not experienced before. Grave danger could be imminent.”–Forecaster Takuya Deshimaru, chief forecaster for the Japan Meteorological Agency, on extreme rainstorms and floods near Tokyo that washed away houses, displaced thousands of people, and led to rooftop rescues. (Guardian)

By The Numbers

174 kilometers Distance water will flow in a new canal linking India’s Godavari and Krishna rivers. The canal was opened earlier this month and water is expected to reach the Krishna river on September 15. Indian Express

Science, Studies, And Reports

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reaffirmed their prediction of a strong El Nino event persisting through this winter. That means a cold and snowy winter for much of the United States and the potential for floods in the western states, though forecasters said the El Nino is unlikely to end the California drought. Guardian

On The Radar

Heavy rains have finally returned to southeastern Brazil, where a two-year drought has drawn down water supplies in Sao Paulo to critical lows. The rains are expected to boost the region’s sugar and coffee crops. Reuters

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