cyclone news stories on Newser

Honeymooning Couple Survives 6 Natural Disasters

Evann Gastaldo — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 07:09:49 CDT

When Stefan and Erika Svanstrom of Stockholm set out on a four-month-long honeymoon in December, they probably weren't expecting to immediately get stranded in Munich during one of Europe's worst snowstorms. They almost certainly weren't expecting to then survive a cyclone in Cairns, Australia. And it's safe to say they...

Monster Cyclone Slams Into Australia

Polly Davis Doig — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:58:11 CST

As the US weathers its latest snowpocalypse, Australia battened down the hatches for what Queensland's premier is calling "the most catastrophic storm to ever hit our coast." "The time for movement and evacuation has now passed," Premier Anna Bligh said as Cyclone Yasi roared into her state as a monster...

Australians Flee as Monster Cyclone Bears Down

Polly Davis Doig — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:32:18 CST

After weeks of flooding earlier this year, Aussies are now fleeing the northeast coast by the thousands as a Katrina-strength cyclone bears down. "This storm is huge and life-threatening," says Queensland's premier. Cyclone Yasi, currently a category four storm, is being fed by a monsoon, and could pummel Queensland with...

Cyclone Kills 90 in Bangladesh, India

Rob Quinn — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:54:08 CDT

At least 90 people were killed when a cyclone ripped into Bangladesh and eastern India yesterday, Reuters reports. Tens of thousands of others lost their homes and crops as Cyclone Aila caused tidal waves and flooding. Troops in both countries are scrambling to rescue marooned people and deliver emergency supplies....

Battered Australia a Preview of Climate Devastation

Matt Cantor — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:29:51 CDT

Pummeled by drought, wildfires, and heat, Australia may be offering the world a preview of what’s to come as the planet warms, experts say. “Australia is the harbinger of change,” says a paleontologist. Many say climate change has already taken a human toll in the 173 killed by wildfires and...

Global Warming Makes Storms Worse: Study

Gabriel Winant — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:19:49 CDT

Global warming is causing intensifying hurricanes around the world, a new study shows. Scientists analyzed 2,000 “tropical cyclones” occurring from 1980 to 2006 and found that the “strongest storms are getting stronger, especially over the Atlantic and Indian Oceans,” USA Today reports. Warmer water “has more energy that can...

Burma Indicts Dissident Comedian

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:54:22 CDT

A popular comedian who became one of the most prominent critics of Burma's military government has been formally charged with several political offenses. Zarganar, who had been leading a citizen effort to aid victims of Cyclone Nargis, has been indicted on five counts, including unlawful association and creating public unrest.

Burma Aid Delays Less Deadly Than Feared

Rob Quinn — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:13:59 CDT

Delays in getting help to cyclone survivors in Burma's Irrawaddy Delta have not caused the catastrophe initially feared, according to aid workers. Hardy villagers have managed to survive on fish and coconuts, helped by aid from private Burmese citizens and monks, reports the New York Times . Expected massive outbreaks of...

Burma Arrests Activist Linked to Cyclone Aid

Jason Farago — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:58:19 CDT

The Burmese junta has arrested a leading activist who led a private aid program for victims of last month's Cyclone Nargis. Zarganar, a top comedian in Burma who was also arrested during September's protests, was taken away by secret police last night, Reuters reports. The junta continues to block aid...