Hawaii declares an emergency as flooding causes extensive damage, including bridge collapses

The state of Hawaii is under an emergency proclamation as the state struggles with widespread damage from flooding.

Gov. David Ige signed the proclamation Tuesday to free up state funds to assist those impacted by the heavy rains and flooding that has reached all islands, according to a post on Twitter.

The severe weather is expected to continue through Friday, but residents are already reporting widespread damage.

At least half a dozen homes on the island of Maui were reported to have been heavily damaged or destroyed. And two bridges in Wong’s Village, Oahu crumbled as a cement truck drove over it, according to CNN affiliate KGMB. Residents say the floodwaters from the stream below had almost reached the road on the bridge when it gave out…

Chiang Mai’s air pollution sends over 30,000 to hospital, ranked worst in world today

Air pollution in Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, is allegedly responsible for over 30,000 people visiting the hospital seeking treatment for respiratory illnesses. The city, known for its burning season, that blankets the air with smoke, has recently taken the top spot of having the worst air quality in the world. The IQ AirVisual air monitoring website listed Chiang Mai this morning as having the worst pollution, as it tracks air quality in real time.

The city’s air quality has consistently been ranked in the top 3 of the world’s worst cities in terms of pollution since the start of this month, an annual listing at this time of the year. IQ AirVisual even says it has taken the top spot for recent days. The Thailand Meteorological Department has also said that the poor air quality will last for another week due to the southern west wind current being too light to knock out the dust particles that are trapped by cool weather in the evenings. Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Tak and Phayao provinces are being affected the most due to the smog. Chiang Mai city area has a particular problem being in a valley which can trap the bad air.

Chaing Mai health officials say over 31,000 people have sought medical treatment for respiratory issues, such as cardiovascular disease as well as other eye and skin inflammatory diseases due to the smog…