Sunday, February 23News That Matters

Tag: death

Australians Face Death Risk in Heatwaves: Study Reveals Cities as Hotspots for Extreme Temperature & HVI

Australians Face Death Risk in Heatwaves: Study Reveals Cities as Hotspots for Extreme Temperature & HVI

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland and Griffith University has revealed that urban residents in Australia face a significantly higher risk of death during heatwaves compared to their rural counterparts. The research, published in the Environmental Impact Assessment Review in March 2025, examined two decades of temperature and mortality data across Australia’s major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, and Darwin. The study utilized the Heatwave Vulnerability Index (HVI) to identify regions most susceptible to heatwave-related fatalities. Even during mild heatwaves, there was a notable correlation between deaths and HVI scores in Australia’s capital cities. The far north and southern regions of Western Aust...
B.C. Health Workers Face Mounting Climate Crisis Strain

B.C. Health Workers Face Mounting Climate Crisis Strain

Breaking News, Climate Actions
British Columbia has faced a series of climate-related extreme weather events in recent years, with severe consequences for both residents and health services. The 2021 heat dome led to over 600 heat-related deaths and overwhelmed emergency services, while wildfires caused increased illnesses and forced the evacuation of thousands. B.C.’s health system, already strained by staffing shortages and burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic, has worked to respond to these emergencies. However, many health service workers reported physical and mental health challenges during and after climate events. Front-line staff, such as paramedics and home health workers, faced exposure to heat and poor air quality, especially when facilities lacked proper cooling and air filtration systems. The mental tol...
Gas Leak at Sikandarabad Battery Plant Claims Two Lives

Gas Leak at Sikandarabad Battery Plant Claims Two Lives

Breaking News, Disasters
A gas leak at BATX Energies, a battery recycling facility in Sikandarabad, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the tragic deaths of two workers and left one injured. The incident occurred during the plant’s commissioning phase, raising questions about safety measures in place. Emergency services promptly transported the victims to the hospital, where two workers succumbed to their injuries. The third worker, identified as Girish, is undergoing treatment. District Magistrate Shruti announced a detailed investigation into the incident and assured full support for the affected families. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his condolences to the victims' families and directed officials to expedite relief efforts. The factory management is now under scrutiny as authorities assess compliance...
Landslide in Pekalongan Leaves 16 Dead, 10 Injured

Landslide in Pekalongan Leaves 16 Dead, 10 Injured

Breaking News, Disasters
A devastating landslide struck Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia, on Tuesday, claiming 16 lives and injuring 10 others. Heavy rains triggered the disaster, with officials from the regional disaster mitigation agency confirming the tragic toll. The landslide occurred amidst relentless rainfall, severely hindering rescue operations. Local disaster official Bergas Caturasi, speaking on Kompas TV, highlighted the urgency "The search continues because we don't have much time. We're in a race with the weather." Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate individuals still missing, but ongoing rains are complicating efforts to access affected areas safely. This landslide is the latest in a series of disasters linked to extreme weather in Indonesia, a country prone to flooding and lan...
Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Hotel Kills 66, Leaves Dozens Injured

Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Hotel Kills 66, Leaves Dozens Injured

Breaking News, Disasters
A raging fire engulfed the Grand Kartal Hotel at a popular ski resort in Turkey’s northwestern Bolu province early Tuesday, claiming the lives of 66 people, including two who jumped from the building to escape the flames. At least 51 others were injured, with one reported to be in critical condition. The disaster occurred in Kartalkaya, located in the Koroglu mountains, approximately 300 kilometers east of Istanbul. The hotel, a favorite destination for tourists during Turkey’s two-week winter school holiday, was packed with 238 registered guests at the time of the incident. The fire began at approximately 3:27 a.m., reportedly in the restaurant section of the 12-story hotel. Guests were thrown into panic as the flames quickly spread, engulfing the upper floors and filling the buildi...
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: One Can Turn Deadly

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: One Can Turn Deadly

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Thoughts & Talks
As global temperatures rise heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are becoming more common. While they may seem similar at first, the difference between these two conditions could mean life or death, experts warn. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body struggles to cool down, typically due to prolonged exposure to heat or intense physical activity. The core temperature rises, but remains under 40°C. Symptoms include weakness, nausea, intense thirst, and dizziness, but the individual’s mental clarity remains unaffected. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is far more severe and classified as a medical emergency. When the body’s core temperature surpasses 40°C, the results can be catastrophic, with symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. With...
Toxic Spring Linked to 17 Deaths in Jammu and Kashmir Authorities Seal Contaminated Site

Toxic Spring Linked to 17 Deaths in Jammu and Kashmir Authorities Seal Contaminated Site

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have sealed a water spring in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, after its water tested positive for pesticides or insecticides. The move comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the mysterious deaths of 17 villagers, including 13 children aged between 3 and 15 years. Deputy Commissioner Dil Mir ordered the spring to be sealed and deployed security personnel to prevent access to the contaminated site. Officials aim to ensure the safety of residents while investigations continue into the cause of the deaths. The health and police departments are working to determine how the water source became contaminated. The deaths, initially unexplained, prompted widespread concern in the region. Samples from the spring were analyzed, revealing the presence o...
Dangerous Winds Fuel Deadly Los Angeles Wildfires, Death Toll Rises

Dangerous Winds Fuel Deadly Los Angeles Wildfires, Death Toll Rises

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment
Los Angeles is battling devastating wildfires as officials warn of "dangerous and strong" winds threatening to intensify the infernos that have already claimed 16 lives. Thousands have been displaced, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ashes and firefighters struggling to contain the relentless flames. The Palisades Fire, the largest blaze, has consumed 23,600 acres and is just 11% contained. It continues to spread, posing a grave threat to the Getty Center art museum and the San Fernando Valley. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has scorched 14,000 acres with only 15% containment. FEMA head Deanne Criswell emphasized the ongoing danger, warning that gusts could reach 50 mph, further fueling the wildfires. Though a brief lull offered hope, forecasters predict winds will pick up again overn...
11 Dead Thousands Displaced as Fires Ravage Los Angeles Area

11 Dead Thousands Displaced as Fires Ravage Los Angeles Area

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
At least 11 people have died, and thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed as massive fires tear through the Los Angeles area. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the blazes, which have devastated neighborhoods and forced widespread evacuations. The Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive, began in Pacific Palisades and quickly spread through the hilly, wooded area. The fire reportedly started behind a house on Piedra Morada Drive. Among the homes destroyed were those of Hollywood stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal, highlighting the fire's indiscriminate path of destruction. The Eaton Fire, which ignited in east Los Angeles County, has also wreaked havoc, destroying hundreds of homes. Together, the two fires have left a trail of devastation, wit...
Six Dead in Tirupati Temple Stampede, PM and CM Express Condolences

Six Dead in Tirupati Temple Stampede, PM and CM Express Condolences

Breaking News, Disasters
A tragic stampede at Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati temple late Wednesday claimed the lives of six devotees and left several others injured. The incident occurred near the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan ticketing center as a large crowd gathered to secure tokens for the 10-day Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam, which starts on January 10. The stampede broke out as hundreds of devotees rushed to obtain tickets. Injured individuals were immediately taken to the Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital for treatment. One of the victims, Mallika, tragically lost her life in the stampede. Her grieving husband stated, "While my wife and others were trying to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, a stampede occurred, resulting in her death. I have informed our relatives, and they are on th...