Disasters Archives - Page 18 of 42

Dec302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Massive Underwater Landslide Discovered in Krishna-Godavari Basin: Potential Tsunami Threat Identified

A massive underwater landslide in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin, reaching depths of 950 meters to 1.1 kilometers below the ocean surface, has raised concerns about its potential to trigger a tsunami and disrupt critical infrastructure. The discovery was announced by the Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), which described the landslide as one of the largest ever recorded in this part of the Bay of Bengal. The landslide, which could have occurred between 2009 and 2015, displaced an estimated 11 cubic kilometers of sediment—enough to fill around 44 lakh Olympic-sized swimming pools. At some points, sediment deposits from the landslide are as thick as 60 meters, covering an area of approximately 70 square kilometers, equivalent to 10,000 football fields. “The enormous d...

Dec282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

35 Years After Newcastle Earthquake, Calls for Better Preparedness Grow

Breaking News, Disasters, Learning & Developments

On December 29, A 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook Newcastle, New South Wales, leaving a trail of devastation that claimed 13 lives, injured 162 people, and caused widespread destruction. Thirty-five years later, former Lord Mayor John McNaughton, a key figure in the city’s response, warns that Newcastle may still be unprepared for a future disaster of similar magnitude. The earthquake, lasting just six seconds, leveled buildings, toppled power lines, and brought life to a standstill. Among the hardest-hit sites was the Newcastle Workers Club, where nine people perished, and others were trapped beneath the rubble. McNaughton, now 87, recalls the chaos vividly. “I was on our sailing boat at Tea Gardens when I felt the quake. When I got ashore, people were in shock, not realizing how dev...

Dec282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Season First Major Snowfall in Srinagar Disrupts Air Travel, Cancels All Flights

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Srinagar experienced its first major snowfall of the season on Friday, bringing picturesque views to the Valley but causing significant disruptions at Srinagar International Airport. Heavy snow accumulation and reduced visibility led to the cancellation of all flights, leaving passengers stranded. Operations at the airport began smoothly but were soon halted due to snow buildup on the runway and dense cloud cover. “So far, five flights have been cancelled. I urge passengers to check the status as the ongoing snowfall is affecting operations,” said the airport director. An airport spokesperson added, “The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority, and operations are heavily dependent on weather conditions.” Passengers expressed mixed emotions about the delays. While so...

Dec272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi experiences rain and foggy morning, slight relief from pollution but air quality remains very poor

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

Delhi witnessed light rain and dense fog early Friday, creating a refreshing yet chilly atmosphere across the city. However, air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371 recorded at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 12°C, with highs expected to reach 20°C. A "thunderstorm with rain" has been forecast for Friday and Saturday, signaling more showers over the weekend. Residents embraced the weather change, calling it a welcome relief. “It feels like Kashmir,” said Deepak Pandey, a local resident. Tourists also appreciated the pleasant weather, with Raman Kushwaha from Madhya Pradesh saying it was ideal for sightseeing despite the chill. ...

Dec262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Honoring 20 Years: World Tsunami Awareness Day Commemorates the 2004 Indian Ocean Tragedy

Breaking News, Disasters, Thoughts & Talks

This year’s World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD) takes on profound significance as it marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Observances aim to honor the lives lost, highlight critical lessons learned, and celebrate advancements in tsunami preparedness, especially through initiatives like the #GetToHighGround campaign, which empowers children and youth with life-saving knowledge. On the morning of December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck along the Indian Ocean subduction zone, triggering one of the deadliest tsunamis in modern history. The massive waves obliterated 800 km of Aceh Province's coastline in Indonesia, penetrating as far as 6 km inland. The disaster radiated destruction across the Indian Ocean, from Indonesia and India’s Andaman an...

Dec262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Dense Fog Envelops Delhi IMD Issues Yellow Alert

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

New Delhi: On Thursday morning, a blanket of dense fog shrouded parts of Delhi, with the minimum temperature dipping to 7°C, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Despite the reduced visibility, flight operations at Delhi Airport remained unaffected, thanks to established low-visibility management protocols. The IMD has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate to dense fog throughout the morning and night. Light to very light rainfall is also expected in some areas of the city. Safdarjung: 3mm rainfall recorded between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Ayanagar: 6mm rainfall during the same period. In response to worsening air quality, the Supreme Court has mandated that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforce Stage-III restrictions if the Ai...

Dec252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Shimla Manali Turn into White Wonderland as Fresh Snowfall Delights on Christmas Eve

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Popular tourist destinations Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, along with parts of Jammu and Kashmir, have been transformed into stunning snowy landscapes, bringing festive cheer for visitors celebrating Christmas. However, the heavy snowfall has also caused disruptions, including road closures and accidents. Shimla, Manali, and surrounding regions have been receiving snowfall, creating picturesque views that have flooded social media. The weather has delighted tourists seeking a ‘white Christmas,’ a rare and cherished experience. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and snow at isolated locations in Himachal Pradesh, with the heaviest snowfall expected between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. The heavy snow has resulted in the closure of over 200 roads...

Dec242024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Tamil Nadu Prepares for Heavy Rains Ahead of Christmas, Holiday Plans at Risk

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Tamil Nadu, which has already recorded an impressive Northeast monsoon season with excess rainfall, is now bracing for another spell of precipitation that could disrupt Christmas celebrations across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that a well-marked low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, along with an associated cyclonic circulation, is advancing toward North Tamil Nadu. Currently positioned near the South Andhra coast, the system is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the region starting Tuesday, December 24, and continuing through Thursday, December 26. North coastal districts, including Chennai, are likely to see widespread rains during this period, with heavy downpours forecast in isolated pockets of Chengalpattu, Viluppuram, and...

Dec242024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Melting Glaciers Linked to Increased Earthquake Activity in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Southern Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, known for their dramatic rise from the flat San Luis Valley, have long been shaped by tectonic activity and glacial forces. Now, a groundbreaking study in Geology suggests that the melting of alpine glaciers thousands of years ago may have significantly increased earthquake frequency in the region by relieving pressure on the underlying fault system. The research connects Earth’s changing climate to tectonic movements, a rare link that sheds light on how warming temperatures like those seen today might trigger fault activity. “Areas where glaciers are retreating or where hydrologic changes occur over active faults could experience elevated earthquake activity,” explained study co-author Sean Gallen, a geologist at Colorado State University...

Dec232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Chokes as Air Quality Dips to ‘Severe’ Levels Amid Winter Fog

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The national capital continues to battle dangerously toxic air, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 410 in the early hours of Monday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This grim figure places Delhi firmly in the ‘severe’ category, with PM2.5 levels tiny particulate matter harmful to respiratory health remaining critically high across the city. A dense layer of fog blanketed Delhi on Monday morning, reducing visibility and plunging the minimum temperature to 9.2°C at 5:30 a.m., according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city also experienced light rain, adding to the winter chill. Visuals from Lodhi Road showed people huddled in night shelters, seeking refuge from the harsh cold. "The temperatures have dropped here because it has been raining… th...