Andhra Pradesh says cyclone shelter arrivals fall short of evacuation needs

India evacuates nearly 50,000 as Cyclone Arnab nears, state authority says

Andhra Pradesh’s disaster authority says nearly 50,000 people reached shelters by Monday night, out of an estimated 400,000 needing evacuation. Evacuations are continuing as India’s weather department forecasts Cyclone Arnab will cross the coast on Wednesday.

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California communities strengthen flood and coastal defences

California communities are reinforcing coastal defences and expanding flood supplies as El Niño raises winter risks. On 26 October, the National Weather Service reported a preliminary 8.02ft San Pedro tide reading, the highest in data dating back to November 1923, while forecasting significant flooding in San Diego and Orange counties through 29 October.

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Queensland crews rescue campers as ex-councillor James Hansen is found dead

Queensland crews rescued stranded campers as police investigated a death in floodwater on 26 October. After days of rain and road closures, the Bureau of Meteorology forecast a return to more typical spring conditions, with hot, humid days followed by more subdued afternoon showers and storms.

Global Environment Facility pledges rise to $4.4 billion, chief says

The Global Environment Facility’s chief says pledges for its next funding cycle have reached $4.4 billion. Armenia is discussing a possible contribution without announcing an amount, and a further pledging event is planned in Türkiye.

Armenia launches mountain and freshwater platform, minister says

Armenia has launched a cooperation platform linking mountain protection with freshwater conservation, Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said. Matevosyan has invited countries to join and international organisations and donors to provide technical assistance and investment for projects in individual countries.

UNESCO co-leads talks on draft biodiversity education plan

UNESCO is co-leading talks in Yerevan on a draft global biodiversity education plan. Following COP16’s call for the proposal, the convention’s secretariat describes it as voluntary guidance for bringing conservation into schools and learning throughout life.

Wildlife trusts gain £1.9m government pledge for Rothbury Estate

The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust have gained a £1.9 million government commitment for their Rothbury Estate bid. They already own part of the estate and propose restoring wildlife habitats if they buy the rest, with public donations open until Friday.

Climate fund seeks to understand Armenia’s ecosystems, chief says

Climate fund director Ibrahima Cheikh Diong said his Armenia visit aimed to deepen understanding of the country’s ecosystems and climate challenges. Armenia has applied to the fund’s early-intervention initiative, he said, and its request awaits a decision that he hopes the Board will make in December.

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EU disease agency deploys Ebola experts to Nigeria

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said on 27 October that it had deployed an Ebola expert team to Nigeria. The team will support the EU Delegation in Abuja, while Nigerian authorities have been offered assistance with surveillance, contact tracing and infection prevention.

Armenia’s food safety regulator suspends production of one Igit product

Armenia’s Food Safety Inspectorate has suspended production of an Igit milk-fat-substitute product after a laboratory sample failed safety and hygiene requirements. The decision stops that production activity at Azatan until the identified violations are corrected.

Researchers observe localized electron states inside a metal

Researchers report two electron states confined near missing palladium atoms in Pd5AlI2, at energies where other electrons can move freely. Their models attribute the confinement to quantum interference; the team says deliberately placing and coupling such states could enable simulations of interacting electrons.

Physicists in Japan move a 128-milligram diamond with electron spins

Physicists in Japan moved a 128-milligram diamond using force from its own electron spins. The experiment demonstrated controlled motion, not a superposition of positions or a working gravity sensor. The team is working to shield its sensitive apparatus from vibrations.