Disasters Archives - Page 31 of 42

Jul302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New Study Reveals 2022 Hunga Tonga Volcano Eruption Cooled Earth’s Climate

Recent research from a team including Dr. Andrew Dessler, an atmospheric scientist at Texas A&M University, is challenging the widely held belief that the 2022 Hunga Tonga volcano eruption contributed to Earth's recent extreme warmth. Contrary to initial assumptions, their findings indicate that the eruption actually had a cooling effect on the global climate. The Hunga Tonga eruption, occurring over two days in mid-January 2022, was a significant event, releasing vast amounts of volcanic aerosols and water vapor into the atmosphere. Unlike past volcanic eruptions, such as Tambora in 1815 and Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, which led to global cooling by blocking sunlight with aerosols, Hunga Tonga's underwater eruption added an unprecedented amount of water vapor to the stratosphere, increas...

Jul302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Wayanad Landslides: 106 pepole Dead, many missing and Hundreds Feared Trapped in Kerala

Breaking News, Disasters

Wayanad, Kerala – July 30, 2024: In a tragic turn of events, massive landslides early Tuesday morning have claimed 106 lives in Kerala’s Wayanad district. The calamity has left hundreds feared trapped, with rescue operations underway amidst challenging conditions. The landslides struck the hilly areas of Meppadi, Mundakkai Town, and Chooral Mala, causing widespread devastation. Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan initially confirmed eight fatalities, a number that has now risen to 106 as rescue efforts continue. Government and Rescue Efforts Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that all available government agencies have mobilized to conduct rescue operations. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed teams from the Fireforce and the National Disa...

Jul252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New AI Tool Enhances Coastal Risk Assessment Amid Rising Extreme Weather Events

Breaking News, Disasters

An innovative tool, combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), is now available to study and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on coastlines. Developed from a study involving the CMCC (Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change), this prototype offers decision-makers new capabilities to evaluate hazard factors and devise effective adaptation strategies. Coastal areas, characterized by high population density, interconnected economic activities, and fragile ecosystems, are particularly susceptible to extreme weather events, which are increasing due to climate change. The complexity of these interactions necessitates improved methodologies for assessing risks. Among the first studies of its kind, titled “A machine learning approach to evaluate coast...

Jul242024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Death Toll in Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 229 Search for Survivors Continues

Breaking News, Disasters

The death toll from two devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia has surged to 229, with the number expected to rise further as rescue efforts continue, a government official reported on Tuesday. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the first landslide occurred in the Gofa zone of Southern Ethiopia's regional state on Sunday night, burying numerous residents. A second landslide struck on Monday morning, engulfing many who had gathered to assist in rescue operations. "I don't know when it will stop. We are still recovering bodies," said Markos Melese, head of the National Disaster Response agency in Gofa Zone, in a phone interview with Reuters. "We are still digging." Initially, officials reported at least 50 fatalities, including children and police officers. However, the toll has esca...

Jul232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Impact of the Teesta Valley GLOF: Photo Feature on Krishnagram – A Sinking Zone in Teesta Bazar

Breaking News, Disasters

In a poignant revisit to Krishnagram, a sinking zone in the Teesta Bazar, the devastation wrought by the October 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) remains starkly evident. Documented by Junkeri Studio in collaboration with SaveTheHills, this photo feature highlights the ongoing crisis faced by the residents of this beleaguered area. Bhasuwa Renamed Krishnagram: A Submerging Reality Coordinates: 27°03'41.7"N, 88°25'29.2"E, Elevation 248m Formerly known as Bhasuwa, Krishnagram has experienced a dramatic increase in subsidence since the GLOF raised the Teesta river levels by 4-5 meters. The river now flows perilously close, exacerbating erosion and ground instability. Desperation Amidst Destruction Ganga Sarki's Plight Mrs. Ganga Sarki, 55, and her paralyzed elder brot...

Jul232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Fiber Optic Cables: The Future of Earthquake Detection

Breaking News, Disasters

Submarine communication cables, like the intricate network branching off from Japan, illustrate our planet's interconnectedness. These cables, with their colorful lines connecting Japan’s islands to the rest of the world, are not only vital for data transmission but may also be key to detecting natural disasters. Innovative Use of Existing Infrastructure Dr. Tonegawa and his team highlight the potential of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, which could transform submarine cables into extensive seismic monitoring networks. DAS offers two major advantages over traditional seismic tools: Governments and companies globally have already laid about 1.4 million kilometers of submarine cables. Although DAS cannot be applied along the entire length of these cables, collaborat...

Jul192024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Advanced 3D Modeling Framework for Predicting Flood Risks

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a cutting-edge 3D modeling framework to predict long-term flooding risks by capturing the intricate dynamics of water flow across landscapes. This tool is designed to provide crucial insights into community vulnerabilities as climate conditions change, specifically for urban areas like Southeast Texas. Framework Overview The model offers powerful capabilities for urban planning, generating robust estimates of both frequent and rare flood events by simulating physical processes that turn rainfall into runoff. By incorporating factors such as land cover, soil properties, and land slope, along with population density data, the framework provides a comprehensive perspective on flood risks across ...

Jul192024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Strong 6.5 Earthquake Hits Near Antofagasta Chile

Breaking News, Disasters

Antofagasta, Chile – A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 struck 265 kilometers east of the coastal city of Antofagasta, Chile, at a depth of 128 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at 9:51 PM local time, and there were no immediate reports of damage. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that no tsunami warning has been issued following the earthquake. In January, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the northern Chilean region of Tarapaca at a depth of 118 kilometers, with no loss reported at the time. Chile's Earthquake Prone History Chile, located on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. This seismically active region is notorious for frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes....

Jul172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Why Does Delhi Flood? The Answer Lies in Our Urban Stormwater Management

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

Every year, we witness flooding in our large metropolises and most state capitals. Normally, Delhi is in the news for flooding due to the overflowing of the Yamuna River when large volumes of water are released from the Tajewala dam upstream. However, on June 28, 2024, we witnessed flooding from a high rainfall episode in south Delhi. What explains the frequent in-situ urban flooding in Delhi? This happened in Bengaluru and Lucknow in 2023 as well. High rainfall and climate change are undoubtedly a reality. But is it just that, or something more? To understand the recent flooding in Delhi, let us first understand why 15 minutes of rainfall causes flooding on the Mehrauli-Badarpur road (MB Road) in south Delhi. What does this have to do with understanding Delhi’s urban stormwater managem...

Jul122024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

FEMA Adopts New Rule to Improve Flood Resilience by Redefining Floodplain Standards Amid Rising Climate Change Risks

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at enhancing community resilience to flooding by redefining the floodplain standards it uses to determine safe building locations. This move follows an executive order from President Joe Biden, compelling government agencies to incorporate climate change impacts into their flood risk assessments. Historically, FEMA and other federal agencies have defined a floodplain based on an area having a 1 percent chance of flooding in any given year, known as the 100-year floodplain standard. However, this standard has proved insufficient, as floods frequently submerge buildings outside these designated zones. The new rule requires FEMA to factor in the effects of climate change, such ...