Disease

Ebola - West Africa

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is not over quite yet — just one day after the region was declared "Ebola-free," a new case of the virus was confirmed in Sierra Leone. WHO had said such flare-ups were to be expected.

Zika virus infection – France - Overseas Departments

On 21 December 2015, WHO received notification of the first 2 laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus infection in two overseas departments of France: Remire-Montjoly, French Guiana and Schœlcher, Martinique. Since then, 2 additional cases have been reported in Saint Laurent du Maroni, French Guiana and in Fort de France, Martinique.

Foot and Mouth Disease in Malawi

Malawi Government has suspended all livestock sales in Nsanje district following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the district.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development through its secretary Bright Kumwembe says there is an outbreak of the disease in cattle at Bangula dip tank and Magoli Extension Planning Area (EPA) in the district which is within the Shire Valley ADD.

Preliminary investigation conducted by veterinary field staff from the Shire Valley ADD and Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development indicates a total number of 60 critical cases out of a total of 581 cattle in 4 kraals.

The ministry further said a total of 65,000 cattle are at risk within the affected area and investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of the problem.

Disease

Cholera Outbreak Hits Eastern Malawi

Malawi is experiencing an outbreak of cholera, two months after the start of the rainy season. Health authorities say the water-borne disease has hit most residents of three districts around Lake Chilwa in eastern Malawi.

The first cholera cases were reported in the eastern districts of Machinga and Zomba on December 19 when one person died and 26 others were receiving treatment at public hospitals.

Health Ministry authorities said on Wednesday that the water-borne disease is spreading considerably with the number of patients now at 95.

Drought

Drought in Malawi

More than 2.8 million people will face hunger in the coming months in the worst food crisis in a decade in Malawi, where a staggering four out of every 10 children suffer from stunting, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned today.

"People in some affected districts have already started selling their livestock to make ends meet," WFP said in a press release. "Women are also engaging in more firewood and charcoal selling, which degrades the environment and further aggravates the fragile climate."

"The agency said more than 2.8 million people will face hunger in the coming months following severe floods and drought that ruined this year's harvest.

"The floods early this year were the worst in living memory in Malawi, washing away homes and food stocks, and ruining fertile land," it said. "Some crops managed to withstand the floods only to succumb to intense dry spells in the following months, making survival even more difficult for the most vulnerable."

Storms and Floods

Landslide in Washington State, USA.

A landslide thundered through a subdivision in Washington state's Whidbey Island north of Seattle on Wednesday, destroying one home and threatening more than 30 others.

Landslide in Puchong, Malaysia

A landslide in Puchong, Malaysia has displaced about 300 people. However no casualties have been reported.

Hailstorm in Assam, India

Hailstorm in Assam, India has injured six people and damaged more than 50 houses.

The hailstorm caused damage in the following areas: Titabor, Rajabahar, Madhupur, Tipomia, Majuli, Numaligarh and Bongaon.

Wind Gust in Australia Claims 2

A wall collapsed due to strong wind gust on Swanston Street in Melbourne has claimed the lives of two pedestrians. A 19-year-old woman was also injured.

Floods in Malawi

Thousands of residents have been rendered homeless in the area of Traditional Authority Kilupula in Karonga district following severe floods that have destroyed their houses.

Disease

Third World Reaction to Disease!

When the banana disease Bunchy Top broke out in Malawi last year, the person in charge, former Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Andrew Daudi allowed the disease to spread throughout the country's banana plantations because he feared the country's leadership at the time would not like the news.

Storms and Floods

Tropical cyclone Emang forms in the Indian Ocean and is located approximately 525 nm southeast of Diego Garcia.

Landslide in Dassu, Pakistan

One killed in landslide in Dassu, the capital of Kohistan district of Pakistan. Landslide caused damage to two trucks and two shops. Landslide also blocked the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

In another news, of inner roads in Galiyat between Abbottabad and Murree are closed due to heavy snowfall.

Strong winds in Zomba, Malawi

Strong winds in Zomba injured 16 Malawians. Five people are having treatment at Zomba central hospital currently. Winds also blew off the roofs off Malawi prison.

Storms and Floods

Flooding in La Jolla, Southern California

High tide in La Jolla caused flooding in coastal area of southern California. 'King Tides' were also expected to come in to La Jolla at 6.9 feet and at 8:01 a.m in San Diego

Floods in Malawi

Three people have died, and nearly 5 000 households have been ruined as floods swept through parts of Malawi.

Dust Storm in Western Australia

A massive thunderstorm laden with red dust was photographed from a tug boat as it moved out toward the Indian Ocean. A meteorologist said the storm was dumping huge amounts of sand it had picked up while passing the coastal town of Onslow in Western Australia.

Disease

Outbreak of chicken pox in Malawai. Health authorities have closed schools in the southern district of Neno. So far health officials say at least 400 cases have been confirmed.

Outbreak of ramorum tree disease in Surrey, England. Thousands of trees in Surrey have been felled after the highly destructive disease was found in the south east for the first time. The disease has been responsible for the premature felling of more than three million larch trees in the UK since it was first found in the West Country in 2009.