Heavy Rains Wash Landmines Toward South Korean Border as Flood Warnings Spread Across US and Asia
Heavy rains and severe thunderstorms have triggered flash flooding in Kansas, a severe thunderstorm warning in Nebraska, washed landmines toward the North Korean border in South Korea, forced early livestock descents in drought-hit Switzerland, and prompted Hong Kong to monitor a low-pressure system that may bring stormy weather this weekend.
Flash Flooding Hits Leavenworth, Kansas
A flash flood warning remains in effect for Leavenworth, Kansas, after storms dropped 2 to 4 inches of rain, with runoff continuing to cause flooding in creeks, streams, urban areas, highways and underpasses. [2] At 509 AM CDT, the storms which produced 2 to 4 inches of rain across the warned area have pushed south of the region and weakened. [2] No significant rainfall is expected in the short-term. [2] However, runoff from the earlier heavy rainfall will continue to produce flooding across flood-prone areas during the next couple of hours. [2] The hazard consists of flash flooding caused by thunderstorms, according to radar indicated sources. [2] Impacts include flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. [2] The warning emphasizes that runoff from earlier heavy rainfall will continue to produce flooding across flood-prone areas. [2] Authorities note that the storms have already pushed south and weakened, leaving only the ongoing effects of accumulated water. [2]
Severe Thunderstorm Threatens Nebraska
A severe thunderstorm capable of 60 mph wind gusts and half-dollar-size hail was moving southeast at 25 mph near Wewela, Nebraska, threatening Springview and surrounding areas with wind damage to roofs, siding and trees plus hail damage to vehicles. [5] At 332 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Wewela, or 8 miles north of Springview, moving southeast at 25 mph. [5] The hazard includes 60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail, as indicated by radar. [5] Impacts involve hail damage to vehicles and wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. [5] This severe storm will be near Springview around 345 AM CDT. [5] Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Thomas Creek State Wildlife Management Area and Burton. [5] The warning covers Keya Paha County and surrounding areas where the storm is expected to pass. [5]
Washed-away Landmines Raise Alarm on Korean Border
Heavy rains across the Korean Peninsula have washed at least 12 landmines into waters and areas near the North Korean border in Ganghwa and Paju, prompting safety campaigns, flyers, banners, signboards and military searches. [4] Ganghwa finds 12 washed-away mines in two weeks. [4] Paju steps up safety campaign with a sign warning people not to enter an area at high risk of washed-away landmines near the Imjin River in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. [4] Heavy rain across the Korean Peninsula has prompted authorities in areas bordering North Korea to warn residents and visitors of landmines that may have been washed downstream, particularly along rivers and other waterways. [4] Paju, Gyeonggi Province, said Tuesday that it produced safety materials warning of the risk of washed-away landmines near the Imjin River at the request of local military units, as part of a safety campaign for residents and visitors in the border area. [4] A total of 24,000 flyers, 40 banners and 45 signboards were distributed or installed along the Imjin River, at Civilian Control Line checkpoints, tourist attractions near the border and fishing spots frequented by visitors. [4] The materials warn people never to touch suspected landmines, as they can explode from even a slight impact. [4] Anyone who encounters a suspicious object should keep at least two meters away, place a marker to prevent others from approaching if it is safe to do so without getting closer to the object, and report it to the police or military. [4] Ganghwa-gun in Incheon said three wooden-box mines were recovered from nearby waters following reports from fishermen on July 27, two of which were found to be capable of exploding. [4] A total of 12 mines were discovered in the area between July 24 and Aug. 6. [4] While the military is conducting searches along coastlines, major beaches and islands, local governments urged residents and visitors to immediately report any suspicious objects. [4] Authorities warned that more mines could be swept into the area as localized heavy rain continues to occur frequently. [4]
Swiss Farmers Forced to Descend Livestock Early Due to Drought
Drought conditions in Switzerland have forced farmers in the Jura Arc, French-speaking regions and eastern areas to bring some livestock down from Alpine pastures early, depleting fodder reserves, prompting some early slaughter and forecasting a 10 percent drop in Gruyère d’alpage cheese production. [3] Consequence of the drought: several early descents from the mountain pastures are expected. [3] Some Swiss farmers have already brought their livestock down from the mountain pastures earlier than planned due to drought conditions. [3] The Jura Arc, French-speaking Switzerland and parts of eastern Switzerland have been particularly hard hit, said Selina Droz, director-general of the Swiss Alpine Economy Federation. [3] The situation is critical across the whole country. [3] The vast majority of the mountain pastures affected have brought only some of their animals back down to the valley, in order to conserve drinking water and fodder there too. [3] This year’s highly exceptional situation is also taking its toll on lowland farms, whose fodder reserves are equally limited due to the drought. [3] The only alternative is the early slaughter of livestock, a measure to which some have already resorted. [3] The shorter summer grazing period is also having an impact on production. [3] The FSEA forecasts below-average production of alpine cheese for the current year. [3] For Gruyère d’alpage, for example, the trade association expects a drop in production of around 10% compared with the previous year. [3] Switzerland has around 6,600 alpine pastures, of which around a third of the usable agricultural area is farmed in summer, producing 5,500 tonnes of alpine cheese each year. [3]
Hong Kong Monitors Approaching Low-pressure System
Hong Kong Observatory is tracking a low-pressure area over the northern South China Sea that is moving toward Hainan and could approach the Gulf of Tonkin or recurve toward Guangdong, with officials considering issuance of the No. 1 standby typhoon signal over the weekend. [1] The Hong Kong Observatory has said it will consider issuing the No 1 standby typhoon signal over the weekend, as it tracks a low-pressure system that could approach the city and bring stormy weather. [1] The forecaster said on Wednesday that the area of low pressure over the northern part of the South China Sea was moving westward and edging closer to the southern section of the mainland Chinese province of Hainan. [1] There are relatively large uncertainties in the movement of the area of low pressure after moving across Hainan Island. [1] The Observatory said the system could move northwards towards the vicinity of the Gulf of Tonkin, also known as Beibu Wan, in the run-up to the weekend. [1] It added that there was also a chance of recurving to the east, which would bring it closer to the coast of Guangdong. [1] The Observatory will closely monitor its intensity and movement, and assess the need for issuing the Standby Signal, No 1, by then. [1]
Global Severe Weather and Climate Extremes
Severe weather and drought events are occurring simultaneously across continents as reported in the latest alerts and forecasts. [1][2][3][4][5] Flash flood warnings in Kansas stem from 2 to 4 inches of rain with ongoing runoff effects. [2] Severe thunderstorm warnings in Nebraska detail 60 mph wind gusts and half-dollar-size hail moving at 25 mph. [5] At least 12 landmines washed into border areas in South Korea after heavy rains, leading to extensive safety distributions of 24,000 flyers and related materials. [4] Swiss alpine pastures face early livestock descents with a projected 10 percent drop in Gruyère d’alpage cheese production. [3] Hong Kong tracks a low-pressure area that may prompt the No. 1 standby typhoon signal. [1] These developments reflect radar-indicated hazards in the US alongside regional responses in Asia and Europe to persistent heavy rain and drought conditions. [2][4][3]
What to watch next: The Hong Kong Observatory will continue monitoring the low-pressure area after it crosses Hainan Island for possible issuance of the No. 1 standby signal, while localized heavy rain may continue to wash additional landmines into South Korean border waters.
