Disasters Archives - Page 30 of 42

Aug142024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Finds Climate Change Intensifies Deadly Landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad District

A new study reveals that the deadly landslides in Kerala's ecologically fragile Wayanad district were triggered by intense rainfall, made 10 percent heavier by climate change. Conducted by a global team of scientists from India, Sweden, the US, and the UK, the study warns that such events are likely to become more frequent as the climate continues to warm. The research, conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group, utilized climate models with high resolution to accurately assess rainfall in Wayanad. The results indicate that the intensity of rainfall has already increased by 10 percent due to human-caused climate change. The models also predict a further increase of 4 percent in rainfall intensity if the average global temperature rises by two degrees Celsius above the 1850-1...

Aug112024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Ganga Rivers has Likely Altered their Course due to the mega earthquake occured in 2,500 Years Ago: New Study Reveals

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment, Idea & Innovations

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have revealed that an earthquake approximately 2,500 years ago may have caused the Ganga River to abruptly change its course. This seismic event, which was previously undocumented, is believed to have been of a magnitude 7-8 and could have significantly altered the landscape of present-day Bangladesh. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, suggests that the earthquake was powerful enough to reroute the main channel of the Ganga, one of the most significant rivers in the world. The Ganga, which originates in the Himalayas, eventually merges with other major rivers, including the Brahmaputra and the Meghna, before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. This river system forms the world’s second-largest delta, surpassed only by the Am...

Aug92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Monsoon Havoc in Himachal Pradesh 100 Lives Lost, Traffic Disrupted as Heavy Rains Continue

Breaking News, Disasters

Himachal Pradesh is reeling under the impact of relentless monsoon rains that have claimed 100 lives since June 27 and caused widespread disruption. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, heavy rains have taken 100 lives in Himachal Pradesh, as the state grapples with ongoing weather challenges. As of Thursday, traffic remains severely impacted, with 97 roads closed across various districts, according to state officials. The Meteorological Department has issued an 'orange' warning for Saturday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, in Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts. The state emergency operation center reported various causes of fatalities: 30 people died after falling from heights, 23 in accidental drownings, 14 from...

Aug62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

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

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech

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...