Worldwide, many people are coping with devastating floods. Note these reports:

•   “China’s capital has recorded its heaviest rainfall in at least 140 years over the past few days after being deluged with . . . 744.8 millimeters (29.3 inches) of rain between Saturday and Wednesday.”—AP News, August 2, 2023.

•   “Typhoon Khanun brought heavy rains and powerful winds to southern Japan for a second day Thursday, killing at least two people. . . . The storm is expected to bring total rainfall of up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) in mountainous central Taiwan.”—Deutsche Welle, August 3, 2023.

•   “The weekend flooding [in Nova Scotia] was caused by the heaviest torrential rains to hit the Atlantic Canada region in 50 years.”—BBC News, July 24, 2023.

 What does the Bible say about such events?

 The Bible reveals that we are living in a period of time called “the last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1) Jesus prophesied that during our time, we would see “fearful sights,” or terrifying events. (Luke 21:11) Climate change has contributed to terrifying weather events that are more unpredictable, more frequent, and more intense.

 The Bible tells us that the many terrifying things taking place on earth today actually provide a reason for hope. Why? Jesus said: “When you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.”—Luke 21:31; Matthew 24:3.

 The events we see happening indicate that God’s Kingdom will soon bring earth’s natural elements, including the water cycle, completely under control.—Job 36:27, 28; Psalm 107:29.

 To learn more about how God’s Kingdom will restore earth’s environment, see the article “Who Will Save the Earth?”