There has been severe flooding in Louisiana during the past week after two days of intense rainfall. A very slow-moving low pressure system hovered over southern parts of the state from Thursday to Saturday bringing persistent heavy rain to some areas and a series of thunderstorms to other areas. More than 600mm (23.5in) of rain was recorded in places, with the deluge initially causing localised flash flooding. There was more widespread flooding later in the weekend and into this week as the water flowed downstream and overwhelmed larger rivers. At least 11 people were believed to have been killed and about 11,000 forced into temporary shelters.
The Philippines also experienced several days of torrential rain and flooding during the past week. The heavy monsoon rains have affected Manila and surrounding regions, with more than 24,000 people evacuated and at least nine people reported to have died. On Sunday afternoon Manila was also hit by a tornado, which formed in the Port Area and moved east across the city, downing power lines and trees, and damaging properties. The heavy rain looks set to continue through the rest of this week.
Meanwhile, it has often been sweltering in South Korea this summer, and another heatwave has been affecting the country in recent days. Temperatures have been regularly reaching the mid-30s celsius during the daytime and often remaining above 25C overnight.
Tropical Storm Chanthu approached Japan from the south-east over the past few days, but veered to the north at the last moment, brushing the coast of Honshu and weakening as it headed towards Hokkaido.
