August 2024 - Page 4 of 4 - Disasters News

Aug82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Venus and Earth A Tale of Twin Planets with Divergent Destinies: Study Says

Venus and Earth often referred to as planetary twins, have evolved into starkly contrasting worlds. While Earth is lush and life-sustaining, Venus is a hostile environment with toxic clouds, acid rain, crushing atmospheric pressure, and searing temperatures. Despite their superficial similarities, these differences run deep. Unlike Earth, Venus lacks tectonic plates the shifting, grinding sections of Earth's crust that play a crucial role in maintaining its climate and fostering the continents. This absence of tectonic activity on Venus has been a significant factor in the divergence between the two planets. However, the geological past of Venus remains a mystery, particularly the formation of its oldest surface regions, known as tesserae. Recent research by scientists, including geo...

Aug72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

How Climate Change Impacing Infrasturcture: Heatwaves Cause Major Problems for U.S. Infrastructure Study reveals

Breaking News, Climate Actions

New York's Third Avenue Bridge got stuck for hours when its metal expanded in the heat, preventing it from closing. Roads have buckled on hot days in several states, including Washington and Wisconsin. Amtrak warned passengers about heat-related problems, leading to a daylong outage between New York and New Jersey. High temperatures pose a growing risk to power lines and rails, causing delays for the train system. The worsening heat is hitting an already troubled U.S. infrastructure system. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave U.S. infrastructure a grade of C- in its 2021 report. Despite some improvements, such as a reduction in the number of poor-condition bridges from over 12% to 7.5% in a decade, many bridges remain old and hard to maintain. Forty percent of the road system i...

Aug72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Rapid Glacier Melt Threatens Global Freshwater Supplies and Ecosystems

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Roughly one out of every four people on Earth depends on freshwater supplied by glacial regions, which cover 10 percent of our planet's surface. However, this crucial resource is in crisis. New research highlights the alarming pace at which these frozen ecosystems are changing. A study conducted by an international team of scientists reveals that glaciers in the tropics are melting faster than previously forecasted, retreating to sizes researchers did not expect to see for many years. "This shocked us, frankly," said Andrew Gorin, a paleoclimatologist at the University of California, Berkeley, speaking to New Scientist. "I think this is clear evidence that at least one region in the world has now departed the hospitable climatic conditions that have fostered the development of human civ...

Aug62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Early Warning for All: Liberia Becomes First West African Nation to Launch EW4All Initiative

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech

In a significant move towards enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience, Liberia has become the first West African nation to launch the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. The launch event, held over two days, saw participation from key stakeholders, including Ansu V. S. Dulleh, Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency. Dulleh highlighted the need for inclusive and equitable early warning systems that account for diverse vulnerabilities, such as gender, age, and disability. Upcoming Events RA V TCC-22 with EW4All & WRP Programme Date: July 30 - August 2, 2024 Location: Brisbane, Australia Workshop & Study Tour on CAP & CB Date: August 1-2, 2024 Location: New Delhi, India Mozambique National EW4All Roadmap Launch Date:...

Aug52024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

When Wildfires Create Their Own Weather: Understanding Extreme Fire Situations

Breaking News, Disasters

Wildfires are becoming increasingly destructive, and in some cases, they can become so intense that they create their own weather systems. This phenomenon, seen in the massive Park Fire near Chico, California, in summer 2024, highlights the complex interplay between wildfires and atmospheric conditions. Here's a detailed look at how wildfires can influence weather and the implications of these extreme fire events. Wildfires can start with a simple spark, ignited by lightning or a downed power line, and quickly spread in hot, dry, and windy conditions. As vegetation burns, it releases a significant amount of heat, which causes the air near the ground to rise rapidly. This rising hot air, much like a hot air balloon, creates its own wind patterns as cooler air rushes in to replace it. ...

Aug52024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

High Level Committee Approves Major Disaster Mitigation and Capacity Building Projects Across India

Breaking News, Disasters

In a significant move towards strengthening disaster resilience across the country, a High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, has approved numerous disaster mitigation and capacity-building projects for various states. The meeting, held in New Delhi today, also included Finance Minister, Agriculture Minister, and Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog as members. The HLC reviewed and approved nine proposals for funding from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). These projects aim to combat urban flooding in six cities, mitigate Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in four hill states, and enhance fire services in three states. Additionally, the committee endorsed the implementation of t...

Aug22024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Drenched Heavy Rainfall Causes Widespread Waterlogging and Disruption

Breaking News, Disasters

Delhi experienced a deluge as multiple weather stations recorded over 100mm of rainfall till Thursday morning, following overnight light to moderate showers due to a convergence of thunderclouds over the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday evening. The intense rainfall, exceeding 50mm per hour at its peak, caused severe waterlogging in most parts of the city, including key areas such as Mayur Vihar Phase-2 in East Delhi. The downpour disrupted air traffic and left vehicles stranded on flooded highways, posing significant challenges to commuters. Though the intensity of the rain reduced after 8:30 pm on Wednesday, the showers persisted until around 2:30 am before the skies began to clear. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts scattered drizzles to light rain in som...

Aug12024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Exploring Iceland’s Volcanic Activity and Its Scientific Insights on Volcanic Wonderland

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Iceland, known as "the land of ice and fire," offers a dramatic display of nature's raw power through its volcanic activity. Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula, close to Reykjavík, has witnessed seven eruptions, providing a unique opportunity for scientists to study volcanic behavior. The resurgence of volcanic activity began with the Fagradalsfjall volcano's eruption on March 19, 2021. This was followed by two more eruptions at Fagradalsfjall in 2022 and 2023, and four additional eruptions at the Sundhnúkur fissure system in 2023 and 2024. These eruptions, while spectacular, have also posed threats to local communities, including the fishing town of Grindavík, the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Why So Much Volcanic Activity? Iceland's loca...

Aug12024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Himachal Pradesh Cloudburst 36 Missing in Rampur Region of Shimla District

Breaking News, Disasters

A cloudburst has wreaked havoc in the Samej Khad area of Rampur region in Shimla district, leaving 36 people missing. The disaster has caused severe disruption, with roads washed away and a hydro power project damaged. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap confirmed the immediate deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and other rescue teams to the site. Drones are being used to aid in the search for the missing individuals. The HP Traffic, Tourist & Railways Police have issued an advisory urging people to stay away from riverbanks during the monsoon season due to the rising water levels in the Beas River. The Pandoh and Larji Dams are releasing water to manage the increased flow and silt. The advisory specifically cautio...