May 2024 - Disasters News

May312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi’s Water Crisis Worsens Amid Scorching Heat, Delhi CM Appeals for Help from Central Govt

As Delhi battles an intense water crisis amidst soaring temperatures, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday appealed to the Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to urge the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to assist in meeting Delhi's escalating water demand. Mr. Kejriwal emphasized the need for collective action rather than political disputes, stating that the water demand has surged due to the extreme heat while the supply from neighboring states has diminished. "In this scorching heat, the water demand has increased a lot. And the water that Delhi used to get from the neighboring states has also been reduced. That means the demand has increased a lot and the supply has reduced. We all have to solve this together," Mr. Kejriwal wrote in a post on X. "I see that...

May312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Orange Peels: A Potential Heart Health Boost Hiding in Your Kitchen

Breaking News, Environment, Idea & Innovations

Orange peels, often discarded as waste, might hold significant health benefits, according to a recent study by scientists at the University of Florida and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The study has discovered a novel bioactive compound in orange peels, called feruloylputrescine (FP), which shows promise in promoting heart health. Feruloylputrescine, previously found in grapefruit leaves and juice, has now been identified in orange peels. This compound does not appear in other citrus fruits like limes, lemons, tangerines, or mandarins. FP has garnered attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to cardiovascular health. Research Findings In a six-week experiment, mice were fed a nutritious orange peel extract rich in FP. The resu...

May312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Another Powerful Solar Storm from Sunspot AR3664 Headed Towards mother Earth, likely to happen Blackouts

Breaking News, Disasters, Space

A powerful stream of energized particles, known as a solar storm, is currently headed towards Earth, with potential to cause radio blackouts and the stunning aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. According to NASA's spaceweather.com, this storm originated from the sunspot AR3664 on May 27 and has been classified as an X2.8 flare, marking it as one of the most intense solar events in recent years. X-class solar flares are the strongest solar flares, described by NASA as "giant explosions on the sun that send energy, light, and high-speed particles into space." These powerful flares have the capability to disrupt various forms of communication on Earth. Immediate Impact and Potential Threats Earth has already experienced interruptions in shortwave radio communications ...

May302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Japan Unveils World’s First Wooden Satellite to Launch on SpaceX Rocket

Breaking News, Environment, Space

Kyoto: In a groundbreaking achievement, Japanese researchers have developed the world's first wooden satellite. The innovative cuboid craft, designed by scientists at Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, is scheduled to be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket in September. Measuring just 10 centimeters (four inches) per side, the experimental satellite, named LignoSat, aims to test the feasibility of using wood as a primary material in space technology. This initiative is driven by environmental concerns, as the wooden satellite is expected to burn up entirely upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, thereby eliminating the risk of creating harmful metal particles that could affect the environment and telecommunications. Key Features and Launch Details The satellit...

May302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

CDRI Launches Major Funding Initiative to Enhance Infrastructure Resilience in Small Island Developing States

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has unveiled a substantial funding initiative aimed at bolstering infrastructure resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The announcement was made during the United Nations 4th International Conference on SIDS, held in Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative is open to all 57 SIDS nations and offers a comprehensive package of technical support, knowledge resources, and financial assistance. The goal is to fortify critical infrastructure sectors, including transport, power, telecommunications, water, health, and education, against the escalating threats posed by natural disasters and climate change. "This funding will support SIDS with the knowledge products, tools, and partnerships needed to achieve climate and disas...

May292024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Urgency of Tackling Erratic Monsoons and Climate Change in India: Study

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments

India's monsoon season is approaching amid a heatwave, with the India Meteorological Department predicting "above normal" rainfall. The monsoon, critical for agriculture and water supply, has become increasingly erratic due to climate change, impacting the economy and livelihoods. Dissecting 40 Years of Rainfall Data As a data scientist, I have analyzed four decades of rainfall data across more than 4,500 Indian tehsils. Our research at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) shows significant changes in monsoon patterns, affecting local preparedness. For instance, historically arid states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and central Maharashtra have seen a 10-30% increase in southwest monsoon rains in the past decade. Conversely, around 11% of tehsils, particularly in the Indo-G...

May292024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Sizzles Near 50°C: Why Such Scorching Heat? When Can We Expect a Respite? FAQs Answered

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Delhi, India - May 29, 2024, 01:23 PM IST: Delhi is experiencing an extreme heatwave, with temperatures soaring to nearly 50 degrees Celsius. Mungeshpur and Narela recorded 49.9°C, followed by Najafgarh at 49.8°C, marking the highest temperatures ever recorded in the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the next two days due to severe heatwave conditions. Why Is Delhi So Hot? Several factors are contributing to the scorching temperatures: Hot Winds from Rajasthan: Hot winds from Rajasthan are affecting Delhi, particularly the outskirts. Open Areas and Vacant Land: Increased radiation in open areas without shade leads to exceptionally high temperatures. Lack of Western Disturbances: The absence of western disturbances, which typically b...

May292024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cyclone Remal Devastates Northeastern States in India: 36 Dead, Widespread Disruptions

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

The onslaught of Cyclone Remal has resulted in the tragic loss of 36 lives across four northeastern states in India, with Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, and Meghalaya bearing the brunt of heavy rains and landslides on Tuesday. The severe weather conditions have brought daily life to a standstill across the region, disrupting transportation and utilities. Mizoram: The state suffered the highest casualties, with 27 people killed, including 21 victims of a quarry collapse in Aizawl district. Multiple landslides in the district claimed additional lives and left ten people missing. Disaster management and police officials have recovered 21 bodies from the quarry site located between Melthum and Hlimen, with several more feared trapped under debris. Other fatalities were reported in Salem, Aibawk,...

May282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Endures Record Heatwave as IMD Predicts ‘Above Normal’ Monsoon and its relation with Economy

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Opinions, Thoughts & Talks

In a significant development, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted 'above normal' monsoon rainfall for the country, particularly in the monsoon core zone crucial for rain-fed agriculture. This forecast comes amid an extreme heatwave that has gripped several parts of India, including Rajasthan's Phalodi, which recently recorded a blistering 50 degrees Celsius. This is the highest temperature recorded since June 1, 2019, when Churu, also in Rajasthan, reached 50.8 degrees Celsius. The scorching temperatures have turned daily life into a test of endurance, especially for those participating in the ongoing elections. In Delhi, the IMD has issued a red alert as Mungeshpur baked at 48.3 degrees Celsius, with the feel-like heat touching 49 degrees. The heatwave alert has bee...

May282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Links the Heatwaves to Increase in Early Births of Babies

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments

A new study examining 53 million births over 25 years in the United States has found that early births become slightly more frequent during hotter, longer heatwaves. The study, conducted by University of Nevada epidemiologist Lyndsey Darrow and colleagues, analyzed national birth records between 1993 and 2017 across the 50 most populous metropolitan areas in the US. The research reveals that pregnant individuals, along with newborns and infants, are particularly sensitive to extreme heat, as they cannot cool themselves down as effectively as others. This vulnerability is similar to that seen in the elderly. As heatwaves in the US have become 24 percent more intense and are occurring twice as often as in the 1960s, the researchers found a small increase in daily rates of preterm births (...