Global environmental disasters in May 2022

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) - In May 2022, the world witnessed a number of unexpected environmental developments and disasters, including heavy rains and floods in Uganda and South Africa, deadly landslides in Brazil, and extreme heat in Spain as well as tornadoes in the US and Germany.

Below is a timeline compiled by Anadolu Agency:

May 4:

- Persistent rains displace 800 families in eastern Uganda.

May 5:

- At least one person is killed and more than 5,000 require treatment for breathing problems after a powerful sandstorm sweeps through Iraq.

- Several tornadoes touch down in the US states of Texas and Oklahoma as part of a storm system, generating more twisters.

May 6:

- At least 22 people are killed and 40 others injured as severe flash floods hit some parts of Afghanistan.

May 11:

- Australia's Queensland region is hit by unseasonal heavy rain and flooding as the state receives between three to four months' worth of precipitation in 48 to 72 hours.

May 13:

- Heavy rainfall hits central-northern Colombia, especially the Antioquia region, including the Medellin City area.

May 16:

- Thousands require medical attention in Iraq due to a sandstorm, according to the Health Ministry.

May 18:

- A wildfire breaks out near the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California, burning vegetation.

May 19:

- At least 11 people are killed and over 600,000 displaced as heavy rains hit various parts of India.

May 20:

- Much of Spain is gripped by a rare heat advisory going into the weekend, with temperatures to reach record levels for May in several cities.

May 21:

- One person is killed and 40 others are injured as a tornado and flash floods hit western Germany.

May 23:

- Hundreds of people are evacuated after heavy rains hit parts of South Africa's eastern coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal, causing fresh floods and damages.

May 27:

- At least four people are killed, and as many remain missing after heavy rains hit parts of China.

May 30:

- The death toll from the landslides and floods caused by heavy rains rises to 84 in the metropolitan region of Recife, the capital of northeastern Pernambuco state of Brazil.