Storm Adam leaves at least four people dead in France

Storm Adam flooding kills at least four in southern France

Storm Adam has killed at least four people and injured one in France, the BBC reports. Météo-France has issued an orange wind warning for five western departments from Thursday evening into Friday as the separate Storm Austen approaches.

Updated

European Parliament votes to seek three-year delay to methane rules

The European Parliament has voted to seek a three-year delay to EU methane rules, Politico reported on 22 October. The vote does not postpone importers’ existing duties; some obligations could apply only from 2030 if other EU institutions agree.

Warming may put 96% of shallow-water coral reefs at high collapse risk

The IUCN-coordinated assessment projects extremely high collapse risk for 96% of shallow-water reef regions before 2075 under its emissions scenario. It covers 188,362 square kilometres and models 2.7°C of warming by 2100. Scientists say rapid fossil-fuel cuts and strong local conservation could still help reefs survive.

Storm Boelo cuts power across Ireland and Scotland

Storm Boelo cut power across Ireland and Scotland. The Energy Networks Association said 161,400 UK properties were disconnected at 15:00 GMT on 25 October, before its later count put outages above 90,000 at 19:00 GMT. It counted 838,700 properties affected across Boelo and Austen and said dangerous conditions delayed work to restore electricity.

Arizona storms damage homes and cause minor injuries

Arizona storms caused significant damage and minor injuries in Heber-Overgaard, according to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office. BBC footage also shows hail shattering a car windscreen in Phoenix, while state Representative Walt Blackman has requested a state of emergency declaration following property damage and power losses.

Updated

Indonesia’s fires expose millions to haze and close schools

Indonesia’s wildfires have exposed millions to toxic haze and closed schools, the BBC reports. The Guardian reported on 22 October that students across Kalimantan and Sumatra demanded government accountability and clashed with police during protests over the fires and haze.

Updated

River Taff fuel leak stops, Welsh environmental body says

Natural Resources Wales says the River Taff fuel leak has stopped. The agency explains that residual fuel can remain in drains after the source is isolated; farmers report losing safe riverside grazing, while cleanup and the assessment of environmental damage continue.

Updated

US disease control agency confirms third measles death of 2026

The US disease control agency confirmed its third measles death of 2026. The Guardian reports 4,588 cases through 23 October, 178 more that week, amid at least 43 outbreaks. Pennsylvania counts five measles-associated deaths and is reviewing a sixth, while federal officials work on a standard death definition.

Updated

Indonesia’s Health Ministry reports nearly 280,000 respiratory infections

Indonesia’s Health Ministry reported nearly 280,000 fire-linked respiratory infections, the Guardian reported on 16 October. Singapore has issued notices to ten Indonesia-based firms, Al Jazeera reported on 22 October. No company has been prosecuted under the haze law; a legal expert says Indonesian investigations and shared evidence would help Singapore bring cases.

Updated

US customs agency delays low-value mail rules to January 20

US Customs and Border Protection has postponed international-mail requirements from October 22 to January 20. Health officials say prescription imports will continue to receive case-by-case review, rather than face the blanket shutdown feared by pharmacy advocates.

France reports first known human Shamonda virus infection

France has reported the first known human Shamonda virus infection. Its health and agriculture ministries say preliminary findings suggest a midge bite infected the patient and neurological complications were very likely linked to the virus. ECDC is strengthening testing support to identify other possible cases while investigators examine whether the virus contributed to the patient’s death.

US Agriculture Department confirms first screwworm case in wildlife

The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first US wildlife detection of New World screwworm. The elk case adds wildlife to an outbreak already involving dozens of animal infections, prompting additional surveillance in Texas and a planned change to an infested zone.