Semarang, the provincial capital of Central Java in Indonesia, faced severe flooding overnight on Wednesday. This was caused by a low-pressure system south of Java, which dumped nearly 200mm of rain on the city by Thursday afternoon. Forecasts predict more rainfall in the coming week.
The old town experienced flood depths of up to 80cm, leading to road closures and the shutdown of a railway station. Additionally, ten landslides were reported. Authorities have urged residents living near cliffs and riverbanks to evacuate due to the risk of further landslides and flooding.
The city’s mayor stated that the extent of the flooding was unexpected. Semarang has faced similar issues before, with notable floods in November 2023 and earlier in the year, where water levels reached up to 70cm.
Midwest US experiences baseball-sized hail and tornadoes amid strong winds.Poor drainage is believed to be a major factor, with previous floods linked to debris blocking waterways and damaged embankments. City planners also point to construction in intertidal zones, mangrove deforestation, and land subsidence from groundwater extraction as contributing factors.
In the US, baseball-sized hail struck the Midwest on Wednesday night. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a thunderstorm warning for 38 counties from eastern Kansas to central Missouri.
In Wabaunsee, a hailstone measuring 10cm was reported, and another 7.6cm stone was found in Geary County. Such large hailstones can cause significant damage to crops and infrastructure and pose serious risks to people. The storm also brought 60mph winds and some tornadoes between Dwight and Alta Vista.
In southern China, high temperatures around 30°C combined with 100% humidity led to severe condensation both indoors and outdoors. This created slippery surfaces and dense fog in Hong Kong, reducing visibility and making conditions extremely uncomfortable.