Disasters Archives - Page 15 of 42

Jan182025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UNICEF Provides Critical Aid to Earthquake-Hit Tibet, Supporting Children and Families

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

UNICEF has mobilized emergency relief efforts to assist families and children affected by the devastating magnitude-6.8 earthquake that struck Dingri County in Tibet's Xizang Autonomous Region on January 7, 2025. The disaster, which also impacted nearby Sajia County, caused over 126 fatalities, injured 188 individuals, and displaced more than 30,000 people into temporary shelters. Amid freezing nighttime temperatures plunging to -17°C, over 10,000 children under the age of seven are enduring severe challenges in makeshift shelters. Pregnant women and infants face heightened vulnerabilities in such conditions. UNICEF Representative to China, Amakobe Sande, underscored the critical need for targeted support: “Children and pregnant women have specific needs in emergencies. UNICEF is act...

Jan172025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Wildfire Smoke Crisis in Los Angeles Millions Exposed to Toxic Air as Fires Rage

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Los Angeles, January 2025 – A wildfire crisis is gripping Los Angeles as fires sweep through homes, vehicles, and neighborhoods, blanketing millions in hazardous smoke. The blazes, which have already consumed thousands of structures, are not only destroying property but releasing a cocktail of toxic chemicals that pose severe risks to public health. As homes and urban infrastructure burn, materials like furniture, plastics, paints, and electronics ignite, emitting harmful substances into the air. According to a 2023 study, wildfire smoke from urban-wildland interfaces contains dangerous compounds, including hydrogen chloride, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxins. It also carries heavy metals like lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic elements known to damage vital organs, includ...

Jan162025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Global Risks 2025 Cyber Threats Top Concerns as Climate Change Rises

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment, Learning & Developments

As businesses prepare for 2025, the Allianz Risk Barometer reveals a landscape dominated by interlinked global challenges. Cyber-attacks, particularly data breaches, have been identified as the leading risk, with 38% of companies marking them as their top concern. Following closely are business interruptions (31%) and natural catastrophes (29%). Climate change climbs to its highest-ever position at #5, reflecting a year marked by extreme weather and record-breaking temperatures. Cybersecurity remains the top concern for businesses worldwide for the fourth consecutive year. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats, exacerbated by advances in artificial intelligence, has businesses on edge. Data breaches remain the most feared cyber incident, followed by attacks on critical infrastr...

Jan162025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Kilauea volcano 200 feet Eruption Lead to Disaster crowds with Spectacular Lava Fountains

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island continues to captivate visitors with its periodic eruptions. After a series of pauses since the eruption began on December 23, the volcano resumed activity on Wednesday morning with a "small sluggish lava flow," according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. By the afternoon, the eruption intensified into a fountain reaching heights of approximately 200 feet (60 meters). Jessica Ferracane, spokesperson for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, highlighted the growing excitement: “The park is already very busy with people eager to see the eruption, and we expect visitation to increase as the news gets out again.” Visitors to the national park were treated to the sight of two lava fountains visible from popular overlooks. Observers noted the potenti...

Jan162025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

DO NOT DRINK Notice in LA Wildfires Pose Dual Threat High Winds and Water Contamination Risks

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

As LA wildfires rage on, high winds are expected to worsen conditions, amplifying the destruction and raising new concerns about drinking water safety. Last week, Pasadena Water and Power issued its first-ever "Do Not Drink" notice to a third of its customers, citing the risk of toxic chemicals infiltrating the water supply after infrastructure damage. Although the advisory has since been lifted for most areas, the incident highlights the hidden dangers urban fires pose to water systems. Unlike wildfires in forests, urban fires wreak havoc on critical infrastructure. Andrew Whelton, a Purdue University professor, explains that ash, soot, and debris can enter water systems when pressure drops during a fire. Compounds released from burning synthetic materials are especially harmful, even ...

Jan162025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cyclone Floods Drive India’s Catastrophe Losses to $12 Billion in 2023

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

In 2023, natural disasters caused unprecedented economic losses of $12 billion (₹1 lakh crore) in India, according to a Swiss Re report. The year saw devastating floods and tropical cyclones (TCs) Biparjoy and Michaung, far surpassing the decade’s annual average of $8 billion in losses. Cyclone Biparjoy, a Category 3 storm, made landfall in Gujarat’s Kutch region on June 16, 2023, causing widespread destruction. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges shut down major ports, including Kandla and Mundra, while neighboring Maharashtra and Rajasthan also suffered damages. Chennai Battered by Cyclone Michaung Cyclone Michaung struck Chennai on December 5, 2023, bringing torrential rains that inflicted heavy economic losses on Tamil Nadu. Between July 10-15, 2023, northern Ind...

Jan152025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

January 2025 USA in Fire Los Angeles Disaster Wildfires Destroy Thousands of Homes

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

January 2025 has brought devastating wildfires to the Los Angeles area with investigators racing to uncover their origins. The fires, driven by fierce winds, have ravaged thousands of homes, leaving communities in ruins. Early findings suggest that human activities, utility infrastructure, or equipment failures may be to blame, as lightning was absent during the outbreaks. Human activities play a significant role in igniting these blazes. The deadly 2023 Maui fire, for example, began with a broken power line, while California’s largest fire in 2024 started when a burning car was pushed into a ravine near Chico, destroying over 700 structures. This year’s fires are yet another reminder of the devastating impact of human-related ignitions. Wildfires thrive on three elements: conduc...

Jan142025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Harris County’s Coordinated Response: Supporting Vulnerable Residents During Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and the May 2024 derecho, Harris County demonstrated the effectiveness of proactive planning and coordinated efforts to support vulnerable residents. These incidents caused extensive damage, widespread power outages, and significant challenges for the community. By leveraging the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) provided critical aid to those in need. What is STEAR? The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) was established to identify and assist residents with disabilities, medical needs, and other challenges during emergencies. Registered residents receive wellness checks, medical aid, and logistical support during disasters. Faci...

Jan132025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Dangerous Winds Fuel Deadly Los Angeles Wildfires, Death Toll Rises

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

Los Angeles is battling devastating wildfires as officials warn of "dangerous and strong" winds threatening to intensify the infernos that have already claimed 16 lives. Thousands have been displaced, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ashes and firefighters struggling to contain the relentless flames. The Palisades Fire, the largest blaze, has consumed 23,600 acres and is just 11% contained. It continues to spread, posing a grave threat to the Getty Center art museum and the San Fernando Valley. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has scorched 14,000 acres with only 15% containment. FEMA head Deanne Criswell emphasized the ongoing danger, warning that gusts could reach 50 mph, further fueling the wildfires. Though a brief lull offered hope, forecasters predict winds will pick up again overn...

Jan132025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Scientists Warn Undersea Volcano Off U.S. Coast Likely to Erupt by 2025

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech

A team of researchers has issued a striking forecast: Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano located 300 miles off the coast of Oregon, is primed for an eruption by the end of 2025. This prediction has made waves in the scientific community, as it brings humanity closer to understanding and forecasting submarine volcanic activity. Axial Seamount, situated along the Juan de Fuca Ridge in the northeast Pacific, is the region’s most active submarine volcano. Its frequent activity has made it a prime site for research, housing the world’s first underwater volcano observatory since 1997. Over the years, scientists have meticulously studied its behavior, uncovering patterns that hint at impending eruptions. Key to predicting Axial’s eruptions is the inflation of its surface, caused by magma...