Thursday, April 24News That Matters

Disasters

Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal Intensifies, Landfall Expected in Bangladesh and West Bengal

Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal Intensifies, Landfall Expected in Bangladesh and West Bengal

Breaking News, Disasters
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into severe cyclonic storm Remal. The storm is anticipated to make landfall on the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal early Sunday morning, May 26, bringing with it heavy rainfall and strong winds. According to the IMD, Cyclone Remal is projected to move northward and then eastward, gaining further intensity over the east-central Bay of Bengal by Saturday morning. It is expected to track towards the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, with a potential landfall between Sagar Island (India) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) by Saturday night. The forecast indicates wind speeds reaching 110-120 kilometres per hour (kmph) gusting up to 135 kmph at the time of landfall...
Pre-Cyclone Watch: Severe Weather Warnings for West Bengal Coast

Pre-Cyclone Watch: Severe Weather Warnings for West Bengal Coast

Breaking News, Disasters
The depression over the central Bay of Bengal, reported by IMD at 0830 hours IST on 24th May 2024, has moved northeastwards. It is currently centered near latitude 15.5° N and longitude 88.7° E, approximately 730 km south-southwest of Khepupara, Bangladesh, and 750 km south of Canning, West Bengal. This system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of 25th May and further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by the night of 25th May. It is projected to move northwards, crossing between Sagar Island (India) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) around midnight on 26th May as a severe cyclonic storm indicated by India Meteorological Department (IMD). Heavy Rainfall Predictions Significant rainfall is anticipated across various regions due to the depression: West Benga...
Devastating Landslide in Papua New Guinea: Over 100 Feared Dead

Devastating Landslide in Papua New Guinea: Over 100 Feared Dead

Breaking News, Disasters
On Friday, May 24, 2024, a catastrophic landslide struck Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, resulting in the feared deaths of over 100 people, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The disaster occurred around 3 a.m. local time, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Port Moresby, the nation's capital. The Aftermath Residents have reported that the current death toll estimates exceed 100, although these figures have yet to be officially confirmed by authorities. Eyewitness accounts and social media videos depict locals desperately attempting to rescue and recover bodies buried under the debris. Response and Challenges The Papua New Guinea government and police have not yet issued an official response or confirmed the casualty figures. ...
Massive Factory Explosion in Thane 8 Dead, Dozens Injured, and Many Feared Trapped

Massive Factory Explosion in Thane 8 Dead, Dozens Injured, and Many Feared Trapped

Breaking News, Disasters
A catastrophic explosion at a chemical factory in Thane's Dombivli near Mumbai has resulted in the deaths of eight people, with at least 60 others injured. The blast occurred on Thursday following the explosion of a boiler inside the factory, leading to a massive fire. Witnesses reported hearing three explosions from the factory, located in MIDC Phase 2. The impact of the explosion created a large crater, with shockwaves damaging nearby factories and shattering windows in adjacent buildings. The explosion caused heavy iron beams to bend and blew off the roofs of neighboring structures, resulting in extensive damage. The fire spread to two other buildings, including a car showroom. Rescue teams, including NDRF, TDRF, and the fire brigade, have been deployed to the site, with around 15...
IMD Issues Red Alert as Heatwave Intensifies in Northern India

IMD Issues Red Alert as Heatwave Intensifies in Northern India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert' for several northern states, predicting that maximum daytime temperatures in districts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh could breach the 47°C mark over the next five days. Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar, speaking to our reporters, stated, "Temperatures are currently above normal across North West India, and we had issued a red alert for the region over the past 2-3 days. In Rajasthan, the maximum temperature is likely to inch further up from 45°C and settle at 47°C." The IMD's forecast indicates a marginal drop in temperatures in Punjab and Haryana due to a prevailing western disturbance, but these are expected to increase gradually by 2 to 3 degrees. Additionally, an orange ...
Heatwave and Heavy Rainfall Alerts Across India major states IMD Issues Severe Warnings

Heatwave and Heavy Rainfall Alerts Across India major states IMD Issues Severe Warnings

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
Amid rising temperatures in North India, the national capital Delhi recorded a scorching maximum temperature of 47.4 degrees Celsius, the highest in the country on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe heatwave alerts for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chandigarh, forecasting that these conditions will persist for the next five days. North India Swelters Under Intense Heat Delhi's peak power demand surged to a record high for May due to the extreme heat. In response, the Delhi government has mandated immediate commencement of summer vacations for all private and government-aided schools. The Directorate of Education has declared summer break from May 11 to June 30 for this academic year. In Himachal Pradesh, the State Education Department has adjusted sc...
Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
A new study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences has uncovered a worrying presence of microplastics in every human testicle examined. This finding heightens concerns about the potential impact of plastic pollution on male fertility. Comprehensive Analysis of Microplastics Researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) conducted a detailed analysis of tissue samples from both dogs and humans. The study, led by Xiaozhong "John" Yu, MD, PhD, MPH, a professor in the UNM College of Nursing, identified 12 types of microplastics in 47 canine and 23 human testes. The results showed that microplastics were present in all samples examined. "Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all human and canine testes," Yu stated. He emphasized the potential implications for ...
Solar Storm Impacts Ocean Depths: Unveiling the Power of Solar Activity

Solar Storm Impacts Ocean Depths: Unveiling the Power of Solar Activity

Breaking News, Disasters, Space
In May 2024, a powerful solar storm not only illuminated Earth's skies with breathtaking auroras but also extended its influence deep into the ocean. The effects were detected by Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), whose magnetic compasses, used to monitor the ocean off Canada's coast, recorded significant distortions in Earth's magnetic field due to an influx of solar particles. These measurements demonstrate the extraordinary power of the solar storm. The data collected provides valuable insights for future solar storm events and enhances our understanding of how these solar activities impact Earth. "The next two years will be the peak of the 11-year solar cycle. After a decade of relative inactivity, aurora events like this past weekend are likely to become more frequent over the next co...
Mild Heatwave Sweeps Across Bangladesh Amid Rising Temperatures

Mild Heatwave Sweeps Across Bangladesh Amid Rising Temperatures

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
As temperatures continue to soar across the country following a period of continuous rains earlier this month, a mild heatwave has gripped over 58 districts, with the potential to spread further in the coming days. The Department of Meteorology has issued a two-day heatwave warning or 'heat alert' in response to the escalating temperatures. Meanwhile, meteorologists have raised concerns about a potential cyclonic formation in the South Bay of Bengal after May 20, with the risk of down pressure in the sea that could intensify into a cyclone. Meteorologist Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallick warned of the likelihood of a cyclone forming in the South Bay of Bengal after the 21st, based on observations from various cyclone models. While the trajectory and intensity of the potential cyclone, ...
Intense Cyclone Forming in Bay of Bengal, Set to Impact Multiple Indian States

Intense Cyclone Forming in Bay of Bengal, Set to Impact Multiple Indian States

Breaking News, Disasters
An intense cyclone is currently forming in the Bay of Bengal and is anticipated to impact the Indian states of Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat between May 23 and May 27, according to Mumbai Nowcast. Meteorological models predict heavy rains in Gujarat and Mumbai around May 28. The cyclone, gaining strength, is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast before moving westward, affecting a broad area of the country. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet issued an official announcement on the cyclone, it has noted the likelihood of heatwave conditions in isolated pockets over Gangetic West Bengal on May 18 and 19, Odisha from May 19 to 21, and Gujarat from May 17 to 18. Similar heatwave conditions are expected to prevail in Bihar from May 17 to 19 and Jharkhan...