May 2024 - Page 3 of 7 - Disasters News

May252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

NASA to Provide Advanced Training for Indian Astronauts, US Envoy Announces

Washington, D.C. – NASA will soon begin providing advanced training to Indian astronauts as part of a collaborative effort to send them to the International Space Station (ISS), announced U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti. Speaking at the "US-India Commercial Space Conference: Unlocking Opportunities for US & Indian Space Startups," held in Bangalore, Garcetti outlined the plans for this significant collaboration. Garcetti emphasized the joint effort between the two nations, stating, "NASA will soon provide advanced training to Indian astronauts, with the goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station, hopefully, this year or shortly thereafter, which was one of the promises of our leaders' visit together." In addition to astronaut training, Garcetti hig...

May252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

How Climate Change Escalating Risk of Extreme Heat stress Amid National Elections in India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Opinions, Thoughts & Talks

India is experiencing searing heat earlier than usual for the third consecutive summer, with extensive regions suffering from humid conditions. Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency, duration, and severity of heatwaves, potentially endangering more than a billion lives. As national elections progress, the impact of this heatwave is more acute compared to 2023, the hottest year on record. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted an unusually high number of heatwave days from April to June. Defining Heatwaves and New Indices There is no global standard for defining heatwaves, but the IMD considers temperatures above 40°C in low-lying areas or 30°C in mountainous regions as heatwave conditions. The IMD has introduced a Heat Index that factors in ...

May242024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Pre-Cyclone Watch: Severe Weather Warnings for West Bengal Coast

Breaking News, Disasters

The depression over the central Bay of Bengal, reported by IMD at 0830 hours IST on 24th May 2024, has moved northeastwards. It is currently centered near latitude 15.5° N and longitude 88.7° E, approximately 730 km south-southwest of Khepupara, Bangladesh, and 750 km south of Canning, West Bengal. This system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of 25th May and further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by the night of 25th May. It is projected to move northwards, crossing between Sagar Island (India) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) around midnight on 26th May as a severe cyclonic storm indicated by India Meteorological Department (IMD). Heavy Rainfall Predictions Significant rainfall is anticipated across various regions due to the depression: West Benga...

May242024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Devastating Landslide in Papua New Guinea: Over 100 Feared Dead

Breaking News, Disasters

On Friday, May 24, 2024, a catastrophic landslide struck Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, resulting in the feared deaths of over 100 people, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The disaster occurred around 3 a.m. local time, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Port Moresby, the nation's capital. The Aftermath Residents have reported that the current death toll estimates exceed 100, although these figures have yet to be officially confirmed by authorities. Eyewitness accounts and social media videos depict locals desperately attempting to rescue and recover bodies buried under the debris. Response and Challenges The Papua New Guinea government and police have not yet issued an official response or confirmed the casualty figures. ...

May242024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Massive Factory Explosion in Thane 8 Dead, Dozens Injured, and Many Feared Trapped

Breaking News, Disasters

A catastrophic explosion at a chemical factory in Thane's Dombivli near Mumbai has resulted in the deaths of eight people, with at least 60 others injured. The blast occurred on Thursday following the explosion of a boiler inside the factory, leading to a massive fire. Witnesses reported hearing three explosions from the factory, located in MIDC Phase 2. The impact of the explosion created a large crater, with shockwaves damaging nearby factories and shattering windows in adjacent buildings. The explosion caused heavy iron beams to bend and blew off the roofs of neighboring structures, resulting in extensive damage. The fire spread to two other buildings, including a car showroom. Rescue teams, including NDRF, TDRF, and the fire brigade, have been deployed to the site, with around 15...

May242024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

SpaceX Launches First Batch of Spy Satellites for New U.S. Intelligence Network

Breaking News, Learning & Developments, Space

SpaceX successfully launched an inaugural batch of operational spy satellites on Wednesday, marking the first deployment of a new U.S. intelligence network aimed at enhancing the nation's space-based surveillance capabilities. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California. The newly launched satellites are part of a vast system designed to significantly upgrade the United States' ability to rapidly detect and monitor ground targets globally. This development follows earlier reports revealing that SpaceX is constructing hundreds of satellites for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency responsible for satellite reconnaissance. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 4 a.m. EDT, carrying what the NRO described as the "first launch...

May232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

IMD Issues ‘Red’ Alert in Two Districts, High Wave Warning – Key Updates

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Four people lost their lives in Kerala on Wednesday due to rain-related incidents as the state experienced torrential downpours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red' alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts for Thursday. An 'orange' alert has been declared in other districts. Here are the latest updates: The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Kerala on May 24 and May 25, with thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning likely from May 23 to May 26. High waves between 0.4 to 3.3 meters are expected along Kerala's coast from Vizhinjam to Kasaragod until Thursday night. On Wednesday, a 'red' alert was issued in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki. An 'orange' alert was issu...

May222024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

IMD Issues Red Alert as Heatwave Intensifies in Northern India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert' for several northern states, predicting that maximum daytime temperatures in districts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh could breach the 47°C mark over the next five days. Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar, speaking to our reporters, stated, "Temperatures are currently above normal across North West India, and we had issued a red alert for the region over the past 2-3 days. In Rajasthan, the maximum temperature is likely to inch further up from 45°C and settle at 47°C." The IMD's forecast indicates a marginal drop in temperatures in Punjab and Haryana due to a prevailing western disturbance, but these are expected to increase gradually by 2 to 3 degrees. Additionally, an orange ...

May212024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Heatwave and Heavy Rainfall Alerts Across India major states IMD Issues Severe Warnings

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Amid rising temperatures in North India, the national capital Delhi recorded a scorching maximum temperature of 47.4 degrees Celsius, the highest in the country on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe heatwave alerts for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chandigarh, forecasting that these conditions will persist for the next five days. North India Swelters Under Intense Heat Delhi's peak power demand surged to a record high for May due to the extreme heat. In response, the Delhi government has mandated immediate commencement of summer vacations for all private and government-aided schools. The Directorate of Education has declared summer break from May 11 to June 30 for this academic year. In Himachal Pradesh, the State Education Department has adjusted sc...

May212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

A new study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences has uncovered a worrying presence of microplastics in every human testicle examined. This finding heightens concerns about the potential impact of plastic pollution on male fertility. Comprehensive Analysis of Microplastics Researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) conducted a detailed analysis of tissue samples from both dogs and humans. The study, led by Xiaozhong "John" Yu, MD, PhD, MPH, a professor in the UNM College of Nursing, identified 12 types of microplastics in 47 canine and 23 human testes. The results showed that microplastics were present in all samples examined. "Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all human and canine testes," Yu stated. He emphasized the potential implications for ...