Disasters Archives - Page 13 of 42

Jan272025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Greenland’s Lakes Transform from Carbon Sinks to Sources Due to Extreme Climate Events

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

A new study has revealed alarming changes in over 7,500 lakes in western Greenland, which have shifted from being carbon sinks to carbon sources due to extreme climatic conditions. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), highlights the profound ecological transformation of these vital ecosystems caused by atmospheric rivers (ARs) and other climate extremes in recent years. In September 2022, a series of atmospheric rivers long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that carry large amounts of water vapor struck western Greenland, causing record-breaking heat followed by rains. These events significantly altered the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the region’s lakes. In addition, the impact of Hurricane Fiona further raised ...

Jan262025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Deadly Threat Lingers as Rain Looms Over Los Angeles Wildfire Zones

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

While firefighters continue to battle wildfires in the Los Angeles area, another danger is fast approaching. Rain expected over the weekend of January 25–26 may help extinguish the flames, but it also carries the risk of triggering deadly debris flows in the burned hillsides. These fast-moving torrents of water, ash, and debris can wreak havoc, destroying homes, infrastructure, and lives in minutes. The phenomenon is not new to California. In 2018, the hills above Montecito, scorched by the Thomas Fire, gave way during a storm, unleashing a devastating debris flow that killed 23 people and damaged over 400 homes. Similar events now threaten wildfire-affected areas near Los Angeles, where experts warn that the conditions for another disaster are already in place. When wildfires scorch...

Jan262025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Megaberg A23a Threatens Wildlife Haven South Georgia

Breaking News, Disasters, Fact Check

A23a, the world’s largest iceberg, weighing over a trillion tons, is on a collision course with South Georgia, a remote British island in Antarctica. According to a BBC report, this "megaberg," spanning 3,900 square kilometers about three times the size of New York City is currently just 280 kilometers from the island and is expected to make contact within two to four weeks, depending on ocean currents. A Wildlife Haven at Risk South Georgia, often called a wildlife paradise, is home to large populations of king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals. Experts warn that if A23a grounds near the island, fragmented icebergs could block access to vital feeding grounds for years. Marine ecologist Mark Belchier, who advises South Georgia's government, explained the region’s vulnerabili...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drones Poised to Revolutionize Weather Forecasting, Study Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech

As the climate crisis intensifies, accurate weather forecasting has never been more critical. From predicting devastating hurricanes to preparing for record-breaking heatwaves, numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems have become vital in safeguarding lives and livelihoods. However, these systems rely heavily on costly and complex data collection methods, including weather balloons and ground-based stations. A groundbreaking study from Japan has now demonstrated that drones equipped with meteorological sensors could provide a practical and affordable alternative, revolutionizing the way atmospheric data is gathered. Led by Professor Jun Inoue from the National Institute of Polar Research, the research team conducted a two-month field campaign in Tsukuba City to test the feasibility of...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction: The Need for Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in SFDRR Implementation

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) emphasizes the critical importance of engaging a broad range of stakeholders to reduce disaster risks effectively. While governments have made strides in integrating the framework into national policies, significant gaps in stakeholder involvement, resource allocation, and governance continue to limit its overall impact. Regional intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and collaborative networks play a pivotal role in advancing the SFDRR agenda. These entities facilitate partnerships among civil society, the private sector, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, youth, and marginalized groups, ensuring that disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts are inclusive and community-oriented. Co-Production: Bridging Polic...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Landslide Risks in La Paz: A Persistent Threat to Lives and Livelihoods

Breaking News, Disasters, Fact Check

La Paz, Bolivia’s high-altitude capital city, faces significant challenges due to its susceptibility to landslides. With its steep slopes, active geological processes, and socio-economic dynamics, the city has become a hotspot for landslide disasters, endangering lives and disrupting livelihoods. A recent overview by AFP sheds light on the persistent hazards posed by landslides in La Paz. The city's terrain, coupled with socio-economic pressures, exacerbates these risks. Notably, government policies aimed at addressing housing deficits unintentionally incentivize residents to settle in high-risk areas. By granting land ownership to illegal settlers, the policy inadvertently encourages habitation in unstable and dangerous locations. History of Devastating Landslides La Paz has a lo...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Global Disaster Losses Hit $368 Billion in 2024, Underscoring Urgency of Climate Resilience

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Economic losses from disaster events worldwide surged to $368 billion in 2024, driven by devastating hurricanes, severe storms, and widespread flooding. Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused significant destruction in the United States, while severe convective storms and flooding ravaged parts of Europe. These disasters highlight the critical need for robust adaptation and mitigation measures to protect lives and enhance resilience against climate-driven risks. According to Aon’s latest Climate and Catastrophe Insight report, the escalating impact of climate risks tells two vital stories. Firstly, weather-related disasters and climate risks now influence nearly every aspect of business operations, from selecting facility locations to ensuring employee safety. Secondly, the report emphasiz...

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drones Combat Bushfires Australia’s High-Tech Plan to Tame Flames Before They Rage

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech

On a typical summer evening in Australia, a dry lightning storm rolls across parched bushland. With hot, windy conditions forecast for the next day, a single lightning strike could ignite a catastrophic blaze. But thanks to cutting-edge drone technology, such threats may soon be contained before they escalate. This innovative vision, outlined in the federal government's latest roadmap, leverages drones to detect and suppress bushfires early. Equipped with thermal detectors and cameras, drones can spot smouldering roots or smoke trails in remote areas, operating tirelessly through the night. Larger drones armed with fire retardants join the effort, slowing flames until human fire crews take over at dawn. The result? What could have become a devastating megablaze is contained to a few hec...

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Earthquakes in Ethiopia’s Afar and Oromia Raise Fears of Volcanic Eruptions Amid Widespread Evacuations

Breaking News, Disasters

Since the start of 2025, Ethiopia's Afar and Oromia regions have been rocked by a series of earthquakes, the strongest measuring 5.7 in magnitude on January 4. The quake's epicenter, 142 km east of Addis Ababa, followed a 5.5-magnitude tremor the previous day. Over the weekend of January 11, two more significant quakes were reported, heightening concerns of further seismic and volcanic activity. The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Council has responded by relocating approximately 60,000 residents to temporary shelters to safeguard lives. The tremors have also sparked fears of potential eruptions at the Fentale and Dofen volcanoes, both located near the quake zones. Unusual Seismic Activity Linked to Magma Movement The current spate of earthquakes is attributed to magmatic activ...

Jan232025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Gas Leak at Sikandarabad Battery Plant Claims Two Lives

Breaking News, Disasters

A gas leak at BATX Energies, a battery recycling facility in Sikandarabad, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the tragic deaths of two workers and left one injured. The incident occurred during the plant’s commissioning phase, raising questions about safety measures in place. Emergency services promptly transported the victims to the hospital, where two workers succumbed to their injuries. The third worker, identified as Girish, is undergoing treatment. District Magistrate Shruti announced a detailed investigation into the incident and assured full support for the affected families. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his condolences to the victims' families and directed officials to expedite relief efforts. The factory management is now under scrutiny as authorities assess compliance...