Natural Disasters

Weather patterns around the globe in 2021 seemed incredibly severe, and at the same time, confusing. In fact, the contrast has even surprised some scientists who have seen severe flooding in places like China, across Asia, and in European mountain villages (The Conversation, December 21, 2021), while at the same time, intensifying droughts plagued Canada, Greece, Australia, and the U.S.

A once-in-a-century weather event has caused tremendous flooding in the Vancouver, British Columbia, area (BBC, November 17, 2021). The storm dropped the monthly average rainfall in just 24 hours. The flooding and landslides have disrupted both the Trans-Canada highway and rail transportation to the port of Vancouver. A state of emergency was declared, and Canadian armed forces are assisting with the disaster.