Breaking News Archives - Page 265 of 290

Aug62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

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

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...

Jul312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Wayanad Landslides Scientists Point to Climate Change, Excessive Mining, and Deforestation as Key Factors

Breaking News, Disasters

The devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which resulted in over 147 deaths and 128 injuries, are being attributed by scientists to a combination of climate change, excessive mining, and the loss of forest cover in the region. The catastrophic event, triggered by heavy rains, has left many still feared trapped under debris, with the Met Office warning of more rainfall in the coming days. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Patterns Heavy rain on Tuesday initiated the landslides in Wayanad district. According to S. Abhilash, director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), the warming of the Arabian Sea is a significant factor contributing to the extreme and unpredictable rainfall patterns in Kerala. "Our resear...

Jul302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New Study Reveals 2022 Hunga Tonga Volcano Eruption Cooled Earth’s Climate

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Recent research from a team including Dr. Andrew Dessler, an atmospheric scientist at Texas A&M University, is challenging the widely held belief that the 2022 Hunga Tonga volcano eruption contributed to Earth's recent extreme warmth. Contrary to initial assumptions, their findings indicate that the eruption actually had a cooling effect on the global climate. The Hunga Tonga eruption, occurring over two days in mid-January 2022, was a significant event, releasing vast amounts of volcanic aerosols and water vapor into the atmosphere. Unlike past volcanic eruptions, such as Tambora in 1815 and Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, which led to global cooling by blocking sunlight with aerosols, Hunga Tonga's underwater eruption added an unprecedented amount of water vapor to the stratosphere, increas...

Jul302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Wayanad Landslides: 106 pepole Dead, many missing and Hundreds Feared Trapped in Kerala

Breaking News, Disasters

Wayanad, Kerala – July 30, 2024: In a tragic turn of events, massive landslides early Tuesday morning have claimed 106 lives in Kerala’s Wayanad district. The calamity has left hundreds feared trapped, with rescue operations underway amidst challenging conditions. The landslides struck the hilly areas of Meppadi, Mundakkai Town, and Chooral Mala, causing widespread devastation. Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan initially confirmed eight fatalities, a number that has now risen to 106 as rescue efforts continue. Government and Rescue Efforts Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that all available government agencies have mobilized to conduct rescue operations. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed teams from the Fireforce and the National Disa...

Jul252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New AI Tool Enhances Coastal Risk Assessment Amid Rising Extreme Weather Events

Breaking News, Disasters

An innovative tool, combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), is now available to study and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on coastlines. Developed from a study involving the CMCC (Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change), this prototype offers decision-makers new capabilities to evaluate hazard factors and devise effective adaptation strategies. Coastal areas, characterized by high population density, interconnected economic activities, and fragile ecosystems, are particularly susceptible to extreme weather events, which are increasing due to climate change. The complexity of these interactions necessitates improved methodologies for assessing risks. Among the first studies of its kind, titled “A machine learning approach to evaluate coast...