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India's E-Waste Crisis: A Toxic Ticking Time Bomb
3 Oct
Summary
- India generated 2.2 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2025
- Over 60% of e-waste originates from just 65 Indian cities
- Informal recycling exposes workers to over 1,000 toxic substances
As of September 29, 2025, a rare meteorological phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara Effect is playing a crucial role in steering Tropical Storm Imelda away from the United States. The interaction between Imelda and the powerful Hurricane Humberto, which is tracking west of Bermuda, has caused Imelda to take a sharp turn out to sea — avoiding a potentially devastating U.S. landfall.
Initially, Imelda was forecast to move inland across the Southeastern states, raising fears of catastrophic flooding in the Carolinas and Georgia. In such a scenario, rain totals could have rivaled those from Hurricane Matthew or Hurricane Nicole in 2016. But now, a high-pressure system over the Northeast is blocking Imelda’s northward progress, and Humberto is exerting influence that helps steer Imelda away from the U.S. coastline.
While this shift is a relief for the mainland, coastal areas from Florida to the Carolinas, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, will still face lingering effects: long-lasting rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and minor to moderate coastal flooding. Strong northeast winds generated by the combined systems may worsen tidal surges. Offshore, wave heights near Humberto’s core are expected to exceed 40 feet, posing serious risk to maritime activity.
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Additionally, heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms are expected along portions of the Florida east coast, Georgia, and the Carolinas through midweek, with potential for localized flash flooding, waterspouts, or isolated tornadoes near the coasts.
Bermuda will face a more direct threat, dealing first with Humberto’s glancing blow and then possibly with Imelda’s direct hit as a hurricane just a day or so later. The islands should prepare for gusty winds, squally rain, flooding, and rough seas affecting shipping, small craft, and coastal communities over multiple days.
Looking ahead, meteorologists are keeping a close watch on the western Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Conditions may support quick tropical development in the near future, which could threaten the southeastern U.S. coast with little warning.
