Disasters Archives - Page 25 of 42

Oct192024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Crucial Climate Processes Weaken as CO2 Absorption by Trees Collapses, Study Reveals

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

The natural processes that help regulate Earth’s temperature are showing signs of alarming decline, according to a recent study that reports a sharp drop in the ability of trees and land to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). In 2023, almost no CO2 was absorbed by forests and other land-based ecosystems, one of the planet’s crucial mechanisms for cooling the atmosphere. The weakening of these carbon sinks raises concerns over the increasing impact of climate change. The study, titled "Low Latency Carbon Budget Analysis Reveals a Large Decline of the Land Carbon Sink in 2023," highlights a record-breaking rise in CO2 levels. It recorded an unprecedented CO2 growth rate of 3.37 parts per million (PPM) at Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory, marking an 86% increase compared to the previous year and th...

Oct192024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Revolutionizing Seismology: Machine Learning in Earthquake Detection

Breaking News, Disasters

In 2017, Ross experienced a breakthrough that could reshape the field of seismology. Observing the prowess of machine learning programs in processing and categorizing vast sets of images with unmatched speed and accuracy, he wondered: could this technology be adapted to detect earthquakes? Ross and his team began their innovative journey by collecting seismic waveforms from across Southern California, using data previously identified by scientists as genuine earthquakes. They created templates—essentially, snapshots of each earthquake's unique seismic wave pattern. With these templates in hand, they developed an algorithm designed to comb through seismic records, searching for quakes that matched these specific patterns. However, the initial program had its limitations. It was a prec...

Oct172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Northeast Monsoon Intensifies Over Tamil Nadu: Heavy Rains Expected in Chennai and Surrounding Districts

Breaking News, Disasters

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Wednesday that the Northeast Monsoon is in full force over Tamil Nadu, predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in certain districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kanchipuram. Over the past 24 hours, several areas in the state have already experienced significant rainfall, with five locations recording extremely heavy rains, 48 recording very heavy rains, and 21 reporting heavy rainfall. S Balachandran, Director of the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre, confirmed that the recorded rainfall for Tamil Nadu since October 1 has reached 138 mm. A depression is currently moving towards the northwest, with expectations that it will cross the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Nellore and P...

Oct162024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Sun Enters Solar Maximum Triggering Strongest Geomagnetic Storm in Two Decades

Breaking News, Disasters, Space

NASA, NOAA, and the International Solar Cycle Prediction Panel have confirmed that the Sun has entered the peak phase of its 11-year cycle, known as Solar Cycle 25. This period, called the solar maximum, is characterized by heightened solar activity, including an increase in sunspots and solar eruptions. The solar maximum, which began earlier this year, is expected to last for about a year, posing both exciting research opportunities and challenges for technology and infrastructure on Earth. What is Solar Maximum? During the solar maximum, the Sun’s magnetic poles flip, and the number of sunspots and solar flares surge. These flares, along with coronal mass ejections (CMEs), can send vast amounts of charged particles into space, which interact with Earth's magnetic field. When these ...

Oct152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

FEMA Opens New Disaster Recovery Centers in the CSRA Following Hurricane Damage

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

FEMA has established new Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) to assist residents affected by the recent hurricane. A new center opened at the Nancy Carson Library in Aiken County, adding to the existing centers in Barnwell, Richmond, and Washington Counties. FEMA’s goal is to establish a DRC in every county impacted by the hurricane, and more centers are expected to open soon. Nikki Gaskins-Campbell, FEMA’s Media Relations Specialist, highlighted the importance of these centers in providing disaster relief. "If you suffered damage to your primary residence in South Carolina or Georgia and live in one of the eligible counties, you may be eligible for disaster assistance. Come out and get in touch with FEMA," she said. At the North Augusta cen...

Oct152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

“We Must Learn to Live with Disasters,” Says CM Sukhu, Urges Preparedness for Future Challenges

Breaking News, Disasters

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the importance of adapting to disasters caused by climate change, during the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction event, Samarth-2024. He highlighted that with the increasing frequency of natural disasters, the key to minimizing damage and loss is heightened awareness and preparedness. Presiding over the event in Shimla, CM Sukhu outlined the state government's proactive measures to mitigate disaster risks. He noted that a project worth Rs. 800 crore is being executed in partnership with the French agency AFD, alongside Rs. 500 crore allocated from the state’s mitigation fund. A major announcement included the establishment of a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) training institute in Palampur, along wit...

Oct132024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Global Climate Crisis Reaches Tipping Point: Immediate Action Crucial for Humanity’s Survival

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

The Earth's climate has been continuously evolving since its formation, but the past few decades have seen an unprecedented acceleration in changes, primarily driven by human activities. As global temperatures continue to rise, the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat but an imminent reality that endangers ecosystems, economies, and human lives on a massive scale. Despite countless efforts by scientists and policymakers to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the planet is hurtling towards dangerous 'tipping points' where the impacts of climate change may become irreversible. These tipping points threaten not just humanity, but the survival of countless species, destabilizing entire ecosystems and disrupting human society on a global level. Escalating Impact of Climate Change To...

Oct82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Shows Tenfold Increase in 40 Years Massive Surge in Antarctic Vegetation as Climate Change Accelerates

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

The Antarctic Peninsula long considered one of the most isolated and inhospitable regions on Earth, is experiencing a dramatic transformation as a result of climate change. A new study has revealed that vegetation cover in the area has increased more than tenfold over the past four decades, with satellite data showing a surge from less than one square kilometer in 1986 to nearly 12 square kilometers by 2021. Published in Nature Geoscience, the research, conducted by the universities of Exeter and Hertfordshire, along with the British Antarctic Survey, highlights the significant acceleration of this "greening" process. Between 2016 and 2021, the expansion rate surged by over 30%, with vegetation spreading by more than 400,000 square meters annually. The extreme warming in the polar regio...

Oct82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Speculations Arise Over Possible Nuclear Test in Iran Following 4.5 Magnitude Earthquake Near Nuclear Facility

Breaking News, Disasters

Speculation surrounding the 4.5 magnitude earthquake recorded in Iran’s Semnan province on October 5 has led to rumors that the tremors might be linked to a nuclear test, especially due to its proximity to a nuclear facility. However, these claims have neither been confirmed nor denied by Iranian officials. Some users on social media have drawn comparisons to past instances, such as North Korea’s 2013 nuclear test that was initially registered as an earthquake. The speculation is fueled by long-standing accusations from the West that Iran has been developing a military nuclear program, despite the country’s insistence that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful. Iran is known to be capable of enriching enough fissile material in a short period of time, but concrete evidence of a nuclear tes...

Oct42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

How Climate Change is Fueling Unpredictable and Intensified Storms: Urgent Need for Adaptation and Advanced Forecasting

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

As global temperatures rise and ocean heat reaches record levels, the world’s most powerful storms hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones are undergoing unprecedented transformations. These changes are pushing scientists to rethink how we understand and predict these storms, often called “nature’s steam engines” due to their ability to convert ocean heat into massive kinetic energy. The consequences of these more intense, unpredictable storms are severe, and scientists are racing to understand the evolving patterns to adapt and protect vulnerable communities. How Climate Change is Redefining Storm Dynamics Rising Ocean Temperatures Hurricanes draw their energy from warm ocean waters. As global warming drives sea temperatures to new highs, the energy available for storms in...