Daily Brief: The latest on natural disasters worldwide

Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 12 October 2026 with the top five natural disasters happening around the world. 

Panama records over 200 aftershocks following 7.7 magnitude earthquake

Panama has recorded more than 200 aftershocks following Friday’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake, which injured at least 27 people, damaged nearly 900 homes and prompted a national state of emergency. No deaths have been reported, but authorities warn the damage toll could rise as assessments continue. The government has allocated up to $100 million for relief efforts, while the U.S. has pledged $5 million in assistance and a 20-member response team.

Hurricane Isaias kills four, leaves 670,000 without power

Hurricane Isaias killed four people after making landfall early Saturday, leaving around 670,000 residents without power across Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi as it weakened into a post-tropical cyclone. Authorities prioritised restoring electricity and assessing damage as roads, bridges and airports began reopening. Meanwhile, Storm Rachel approached northern Baja California, causing power outages for another 7,000 people in California. The U.S. Energy Department authorised the release of up to four million barrels of crude oil from strategic reserves to address hurricane-related supply disruptions.

Hurricane Simon weakens to Category 3 as it approaches Mexico’s Pacific coast

Hurricane Simon weakened to a Category 3 storm on Sunday as it tracked along Mexico’s Pacific coast, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall that flooded homes in affected areas. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm had maximum sustained winds of 205 kilometres per hour. An NHC forecast warned that Simon would remain a powerful hurricane as it passed close to Mexico’s west-central coast overnight. Mexican authorities issued the highest cyclone alert for 28 municipalities in Jalisco and Colima, while another 93 municipalities were placed on high alert. Puerto Vallarta International Airport has temporarily suspended its operations.

Nepal urges villagers to evacuate as flooding intensifies

Nepali authorities urged residents in several districts to move to safer areas on Sunday after a landslide blocked the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district, triggering downstream flooding. The flood swept away around a dozen homes and two suspension bridges and damaged a hydroelectric project camp. Five people remain unaccounted for, while the army has rescued 49 others, including a foreign national. No casualties have been confirmed, and rescue teams are monitoring the situation.

UNICEF warns El Niño could affect more than 347 million children worldwide

UNICEF has warned that more than 347 million children across nearly 100 countries and territories could face unusually wet or dry conditions in the coming months as the 2026–2027 El Niño develops. Forecast to be one of the strongest events on record, the climate phenomenon could trigger severe droughts and floods, threatening children’s health, nutrition, education and access to essential services. UNICEF also warned of increased risks of displacement, water shortages, disease outbreaks, school closures and financial hardship for families.

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Natural Disasters Hurricane Floods USA Panama Nepal Nepal Floods Florida News UNICEF El Nino Mexico