biological disaster Archives

Jan82025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

First US Death from H5N1 Bird Flu Sparks Concern, But Public Risk Remains Low

In a first for the United States, a Louisiana man has died from H5N1 bird flu, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Health experts, however, reassure that the risk to the general public remains low. The Louisiana Department of Health reported on January 6 that the man, aged over 65 and with pre-existing medical conditions, contracted the virus after exposure to backyard poultry and wild birds. Officials confirmed there was no evidence of person-to-person transmission in this case. The man, identified as the country’s first severe H5N1 patient, was hospitalized in December with respiratory symptoms. Health authorities diagnosed him with the D1.1 subtype of the virus on December 13. This strain has been spreading widely in U.S. poultry and wild birds. The D1.1 subty...

Dec262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

What Do Insects Do All Winter?

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments, Thoughts & Talks

As winter envelops forests in snow and icy temperatures the familiar buzz of insects disappears. Yet, contrary to appearances, insects don’t vanish they hibernate, hidden in the bark of trees, buried in the soil, or nestled under the insulating blanket of snow. This incredible survival strategy, known as diapause, allows these cold-blooded creatures to endure months of freezing conditions. Not all insects hibernate instinctively. While some species naturally enter diapause every year, others rely on environmental cues, particularly day length, to prepare for winter. For example, the speckled wood butterfly senses shorter days during its larval stage, triggering it to gain weight and transition into a hibernating pupa. This timing is crucial misjudging winter’s arrival could result in...

Nov72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heartwarming Rescue Syrian Volunteers Save Over 1,300 Animals After Devastating Earthquake

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In a remarkable display of compassion and resilience, local volunteers in Syria have saved over 1,300 animals in the aftermath of the catastrophic February 6, 2023, earthquakes that hit northwestern Syria and southern Turkey. Led by Wattar’s team, these dedicated rescuers have worked tirelessly to protect pets left vulnerable by the disaster, bringing hope and healing to both animals and the people who cherish them. As human rescue operations took precedence in the initial days, animal advocates soon stepped in to address the plight of pets left in the rubble. Community support for animal welfare grew quickly, driven by the belief in animals’ connection to natural disaster awareness and the comfort they provide in difficult times. The efforts have not gone unnoticed, with residents rall...

Oct302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UN Report Record Greenhouse Gas Levels in 2023 Signal Dire Climate Warning

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Greenhouse gas concentrations soared to record levels in 2023, according to the United Nations, underscoring the urgency of climate action ahead of COP29 in Baku. The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealed unprecedented increases in carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide levels, solidifying future temperature increases for decades. The WMO's Greenhouse Gas Bulletin highlighted that CO2 levels hit 420 parts per million, an 11.4% increase over 2004 levels and a staggering 51% above pre-industrial levels. This marks the twelfth consecutive year with a rise over two parts per million, propelled by substantial fossil fuel emissions over recent decades. Methane and nitrous oxide levels also surged to new highs, exacerbating the climate crisis. “Another year, anothe...

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...

Oct12024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Reveals COVID-19 Lockdown Led to Drop in Lunar Temperatures

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

A new study by Indian researchers has discovered a surprising effect of the global COVID-19 lockdown: a noticeable decrease in lunar surface temperatures. The study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters, shows that the Moon's nighttime temperatures dropped by 8-10 Kelvin during the peak lockdown in 2020. The research, led by K Durga Prasad and G Ambily from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in India, analyzed data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which revealed that the decrease in lunar temperatures coincided with a sharp reduction in human activity on Earth. The lockdown led to a significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions and aerosols, which altered Earth's atmospheric radiation and may have triggered this cooling effect on the Mo...