Record Heat Unleashes Deadly Floods From New York to Libya
Thousands killed as soaring temperatures lead to heavier rainfall
Members of the Italian Red Cross and firefighter rescuers seek and help residents on May 25 in Conselice, Italy.
Photographer: Antonio Masiello/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Extreme heat is usually associated with drought and wildfires. But across five continents this year, it’s also unleashed a different kind of disaster: deadly flooding.
Cities around the world have seen record rainfall 139 times in 2023. A rare hurricane-like storm inundated Libya last month, killing thousands. More than 100 people died across Asia during an intense monsoon season in July. After fatal floods pummeled the US Northeast over the summer, torrential rains paralyzed New York City last week.