Floods, mudslides and fires as world is shaken by extremes

Floods in Japan, mudslides in Turkey and devastating wildfires in the US and Russia were reported yesterday in the latest extreme weather events blamed on global warming.

Severe rains in Japan sparked floods and landslides with more than a million residents being advised to leave their homes and seek shelter.

Meanwhile, floods also claimed the lives of dozens of people in Turkey and wildfires continue to rage in the US and Russia. US Government scientists confirmed yesterday that July was the hottest month the world has ever recorded.

The Japanese flooding saw evacuation alerts issued in Hiroshima and northern Kyushu amid unprecedented levels of rain in the area yesterday.

Scientists say the climate crisis is intensifying the risk of heavy rains because a warmer atmosphere holds more water.

Images showed families clutching their children and attempting to wade to safety through knee-high floodwaters.

Residents also used a lifeboat to navigate submerged streets in the city of Kurume.

Officials said a 59-year-old woman died and two of her family members were missing after a landslide destroyed two houses in Unzen in Nagasaki. Downpours are forecast for several more days over large parts of the country.

Elsewhere, wildfires were continuing to rage in Siberia, causing widespread smoke pollution. Friday was declared a nonworking day in one region with residents urged to stay at home instead.

In California, The US Forest Service said on Friday it was operating in crisis mode, with staff and resources at full deployment as wildfires continue to threaten thousands of homes and towns.

In Turkey, meanwhile, severe flooding and mudslides have claimed the lives of at least 44 people in coastal parts after rain pounded Black Sea areas sweeping away cars and homes.

More than 100 people died after major flooding hit large parts of mainland Europe last month.