Extreme weather kills tens of thousands in 2026
Scientists warn that extreme weather events caused high tens of thousands of deaths globally in 2026 as climate breakdown accelerates.
January heat and Australian fires
Victoria and southern states recorded temperatures nearly 20C above average in January. Port Augusta reached 50C while Andamooka set new heat records during this period. Melbourne hospitals reported a 25 percent increase in heat-related illnesses for the month. Authorities struggled to control wildfires fueled by these supercharged climate conditions.
February rains and Brazilian mudslides
Juiz de Fora recorded its wettest ever month in February triggering deadly landslides. Hundreds of residences in impoverished neighborhoods located on precarious slopes close to the urban area were destroyed by mudflows. More than 10,000 people were displaced by floods disrupting Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The city recorded record rainfall that caused significant destruction across Minas Gerais.
March floods kill many
At least 131 people died in Ethiopia from floods and mudslides burying entire villages in March. Eighty people died in Kenya while 18 others lost their lives in Tanzania during the same month. Heavy rains triggered landslides killing at least 30 people in Afghanistan as well. Hong Kong received twice the usual monthly precipitation while southern Russia left over 300,000 without electricity.
Typhoon damages Micronesia
Super typhoon Sinlaku struck Micronesia and Guam at peak intensity on 12 April with wind speeds of 295km/h. The storm killed 12 people and left 43,000 without power forcing mass evacuation efforts. It caused damages estimated at $1.5bn which remains one of the most powerful storms of 2026.
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