August 2024 - Disasters News

Aug302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

AI Emerges As Game-Changer in Climate Adaptation Transforming Complex Risk Analysis at Global

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

The power of AI lies in its ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, predicting climate impacts with unprecedented precision. According to the World Meteorological Organization, AI is revolutionizing earth system predictions, enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasts, and improving disaster management. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft are harnessing AI to advance flood forecasting, wildfire tracking, and public health monitoring. Despite their potential, these models are yet to be fully operationalized in developing countries where they are most needed. In response, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is leveraging AI through initiatives like the Asia Pacific Risk and Resilience Portal. This platform uses AI-dr...

Aug302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Rare Climate Phenomena: Atlantic and Pacific ‘Ninas’ Bring Potential Relief Amid Record Ocean Temperatures

Breaking News, Climate Actions

In an unusual climatic twist, both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are experiencing cooling phenomena known as "Ninas," offering a potential respite from the record-high ocean temperatures that have persisted for months. This cooling could bring some relief to vulnerable coral reef ecosystems and may impact the Atlantic hurricane season. The cooling effects are due to two related climate patterns: La Nina, occurring in the tropical Pacific, and the lesser-known Atlantic Nina. La Nina, a component of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation, typically cools sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, altering global weather patterns. On the other hand, Atlantic Nina, which has a more localized impact, is now cooling waters along the equator in the Atlantic. While both phenomena can infl...

Aug292024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Magnitude 6.8 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Mindanao, Triggered by Previous Major Seismic Event

Breaking News, Disasters

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck offshore eastern Mindanao in the southern Philippines, resulting from renewed movement along a subducting fracture zone. The tremor, which occurred at 6:23 a.m. local time, was centered 48 kilometers east-northeast of Lingig, Surigao del Sur, at a depth of 25 kilometers. This event follows a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit the region eight months earlier, indicating a possible connection between the two seismic occurrences. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the earthquake did not cause significant damage or casualties, although it was followed by six aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.8 to 6.2. These aftershocks occurred at shallower depths, further unsettling the region. Seismotectonic Background ...

Aug282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Pacific Island Nations Address climate exchange and confronting existential danger of weather exchange

Breaking News, Environment

Vunidogoloa holds the unenviable name because the first network within the Pacific was forced to relocate due to climate trade. Situated on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s 2d-biggest island, Vunidogoloa has been struggling with rising sea stages for years. The once-thriving village located itself an increasing number of flooded by high tides, with saltwater seeping into farmland and drinking water resources. Faced with the choice between watching their domestic vanish or beginning a new, the villagers took a formidable step. In 2014, with authorities aid, they relocated 2 kilometre inland to the better floor. The pass changed into not just about saving houses; it was approximately preserving a way of lifestyles. The new village web page, with its modern-day services and stepped forward infrastruc...

Aug282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Reveals Air Pollution in Indian Districts Raises Mortality Risk, Doubling Death Rate for Newborns and Young Children

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A recent study reveals a stark increase in mortality risks across all age groups in Indian districts where air pollution exceeds national standards, with newborns facing an 86% higher death risk and children under five facing a 100-120% increased risk. Conducted by researchers including those at the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, the study examined fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution across over 700 districts using data from the National Family and Health Survey (fifth round) and the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The study highlights that in households without a separate kitchen, the risk of death is notably higher among newborns and adults. Specifically, the mortality risk for newborns and children under five in districts with PM2.5 leve...

Aug262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Unprecedented Winter Heatwave in Australia: A Stark Reminder of Climate Change

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Australia has experienced hot temperatures well above historical averages. Over the past weekend in Australia, large parts of the country saw record-breaking heat, raising concerns about the ongoing impact of climate change. In South Australia's outback town of Oodnadatta, temperatures soared to 38.5°C on Friday and an even hotter 39.4°C on Saturday about 16°C above average for this time of year. These temperatures shattered previous winter records for the state. Similar heatwaves were recorded across Australia, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting that the trend will continue into the coming week. A persistent high-pressure system over eastern Australia and the Tasman Sea is the main driver behind this unusual heatwave. This system has kept skies clear and brought northerly wi...

Aug252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Nepal Accuses China of Withholding Critical Data on Himalayan Glacial Lakes

Breaking News, Environment

Nepal has raised concerns over China's failure to provide essential information about its Himalayan glacial lakes, which poses a significant threat to flood-prone regions in Nepal. A senior Nepali official has accused Beijing of not fulfilling its promises to share crucial data, hindering efforts to prevent devastating flood disasters in the mountainous region. The issue has gained urgency after two lakes in Nepal burst last Friday, destroying dozens of homes in the village of Thame, known for its Everest sherpas. The disaster has heightened fears that global warming, which is accelerating the melting of glaciers, could lead to more such incidents in the future. Jagadishwor Karmacharya, the head of Nepal’s hydrology and meteorology department, emphasized the importance of collaborati...

Aug252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Advancing Climate Predictions: Researchers Enhance Models to Understand Global Warming

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Researchers worldwide are refining climate models to improve predictions of climate change impacts. These models simulate potential climate scenarios by incorporating data on Earth's chemical, physical, and biological processes. A significant international collaboration, the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), allows scientists to compare and merge various models under standardized frameworks, thereby enhancing climate predictions. The latest phase, CMIP6, includes the Detection and Attribution Model Intercomparison Project (DAMIP), which focuses on identifying the specific contributions of factors like greenhouse gases, aerosols, and volcanic activity to climate change. In a recent study, Jones et al. detailed the contributions of the UK's Met Office Hadley Centre, specifi...

Aug242024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Kyrgyzstan Faces Severe Mudslides Amidst Rising Climate Concerns

Breaking News, Disasters

Kyrgyzstan has witnessed an alarming rise in mudslides, with over 240 cases reported between April and July 2024, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES). This surge in natural disasters has claimed at least 17 lives, predominantly children, and caused widespread destruction across various regions. Tragic incidents include a 10-year-old boy who was swept away by a mudslide in Nooken district of Dzhalal-Abad on June 17, and a 5-year-old boy who perished in Batken region on June 24. Further, on June 28, mudflows in Noookat district of Osh resulted in the deaths of nearly 10 people, mostly children and teenagers. Another devastating event occurred on July 14 in Osh, where a woman, three children, and a market worker lost their lives. Mudslides have not only taken lives b...

Aug232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Unprecedented Sea Temperatures Threaten Great Barrier Reef: Scientists Warn of Imminent Coral Bleaching Crisis

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Recent data has revealed a grim reality for the Great Barrier Reef: sea surface temperatures surrounding the iconic reef have reached their highest levels in over 400 years. This alarming finding is part of a long-term study that highlights the growing threat posed by rising summer temperatures in the Coral Sea, largely driven by human-induced climate change. Tipping Point for the Great Barrier Reef Scientists are now sounding the alarm, warning that the continued warming of the planet could push the Great Barrier Reef to a point of no return. The relentless rise in sea temperatures is placing immense stress on coral ecosystems, leading to an increased likelihood of widespread coral bleaching events. If immediate and decisive action is not taken, the reef a UNESCO World Heritage site...