Sunday, January 19News That Matters

Tag: Disaster management

DO NOT DRINK Notice in LA Wildfires Pose Dual Threat High Winds and Water Contamination Risks

DO NOT DRINK Notice in LA Wildfires Pose Dual Threat High Winds and Water Contamination Risks

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
As LA wildfires rage on, high winds are expected to worsen conditions, amplifying the destruction and raising new concerns about drinking water safety. Last week, Pasadena Water and Power issued its first-ever "Do Not Drink" notice to a third of its customers, citing the risk of toxic chemicals infiltrating the water supply after infrastructure damage. Although the advisory has since been lifted for most areas, the incident highlights the hidden dangers urban fires pose to water systems. Unlike wildfires in forests, urban fires wreak havoc on critical infrastructure. Andrew Whelton, a Purdue University professor, explains that ash, soot, and debris can enter water systems when pressure drops during a fire. Compounds released from burning synthetic materials are especially harmful, even ...
Harris County’s Coordinated Response: Supporting Vulnerable Residents During Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho

Harris County’s Coordinated Response: Supporting Vulnerable Residents During Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and the May 2024 derecho, Harris County demonstrated the effectiveness of proactive planning and coordinated efforts to support vulnerable residents. These incidents caused extensive damage, widespread power outages, and significant challenges for the community. By leveraging the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) provided critical aid to those in need. What is STEAR? The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) was established to identify and assist residents with disabilities, medical needs, and other challenges during emergencies. Registered residents receive wellness checks, medical aid, and logistical support during disasters. Faci...
9 Laborers Trapped in Assam Coal Mine Rescue Efforts Underway

9 Laborers Trapped in Assam Coal Mine Rescue Efforts Underway

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
Nine laborers were reported trapped in a coal mine in the Umrangso region of Assam's Dima Hasao district on Monday. The incident occurred after water unexpectedly entered the mine, raising fears about their safety. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the situation and said all efforts are being made to rescue the trapped workers. Chief Minister Sarma, sharing the names and details of the laborers on his X handle, expressed deep concern over the situation. He said that assistance from the army has been sought while rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are en route to the site. "Distressing news from Umrangso, where laborers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown. The D...
Cyclone Fengal Likely to Hit Tamil Nadu Puducherry Coast by November 30 Morning

Cyclone Fengal Likely to Hit Tamil Nadu Puducherry Coast by November 30 Morning

Breaking News, Disasters
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal will intensify into Cyclone Fengal within 12 hours, as it moves northwestward. The system is expected to cross the northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, on the morning of November 30, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Current Location and Forecast The IMD reported the depression is currently stationary near latitude 9.0°N and longitude 82.1°E, about: 100 km east-northeast of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. 550 km south-southeast of Chennai. 370 km southeast of Karaikal. 470 km southeast of Puducherry. The system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm and move north-northwest, skirting Sri Lanka's coast. Upon lan...
Japan Innovates Disaster Preparedness with VR and Interactive Tools

Japan Innovates Disaster Preparedness with VR and Interactive Tools

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech
The devastating torrential rains that struck western Japan in 2018 highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness, especially in Hiroshima Prefecture, where many residents were caught off guard by mudslides and other natural disasters. In response, a range of innovative tools using virtual and augmented reality, as well as interactive games, have been developed to educate and protect communities. VR Brings Disaster Risks to Life in Hiroshima Hiroshima Prefecture, in partnership with Hiroshima University and Tokyo-based disaster prevention company Rikei Corp., has created VR-based materials to simulate natural disaster scenarios. These tools aim to raise awareness of the dangers posed by disasters such as mudslides and heavy rains. By immersing residents in realistic simulati...
Timor-Leste Fight Against Climate Disasters Blend of Technology and Community Action

Timor-Leste Fight Against Climate Disasters Blend of Technology and Community Action

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech
Timor-Leste, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, grappling with the devastating impacts of extreme weather. However, a combination of local knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and support from the United Nations is helping its communities better prepare for disasters. In April 2021, catastrophic flash floods swept through Timor-Leste, killing over 30 people and destroying 4,000 homes. Orlalan, a remote village of nearly 6,000 people, was among the worst-hit areas. With limited disaster preparedness, residents were caught off guard as landslides and floodwaters surged. Today, community leaders like Armandina Valentina are driving grassroots efforts to ensure their neighbors are better equipped for the next disaster. She tirelessly educa...
Japan and UNDP to Build 12 Evacuation Centers in Laos to Strengthen Disaster Resilience

Japan and UNDP to Build 12 Evacuation Centers in Laos to Strengthen Disaster Resilience

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
Vientiane: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of Japan, is set to construct 12 evacuation centers in the provinces of Khammouane, Salavan, and Champasack over the next three years. This initiative, valued at approximately USD 3.8 million, aims to enhance disaster preparedness and safeguard vulnerable communities in Laos. At the signing ceremony, H.E. Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to Laos, emphasized the broader goals of the project: "Through this project, we aim to enhance disaster resilience, not only by ensuring the safety of people during emergencies but also by fostering a culture of disaster awareness and preparedness in advance." The "Strengthening Disaster Response Capacity through the Improvement of Evacuation Shelt...
Japan and UNDP Join Hands to Build Disaster-Resilient Evacuation Centers in Laos

Japan and UNDP Join Hands to Build Disaster-Resilient Evacuation Centers in Laos

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
Vientiane, November 24, 2024: The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to construct 12 state-of-the-art evacuation centers in the disaster-prone provinces of Khammouane, Salavan, and Champasack in Laos over the next three years. The initiative, valued at $3.8 million, aims to enhance disaster resilience and foster a culture of preparedness in the region. At the signing ceremony, H.E. Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Japan's Ambassador to Laos, emphasized the importance of the project: "This initiative not only ensures safety during emergencies but also promotes disaster awareness and preparedness. Japan remains committed to strengthening Laos' resilience as a strategic partner." A Lifeline for Vulnerable Communities The Strengthening Disast...
Tonga Strengthens Disaster Preparedness With Tsunami Drills

Tonga Strengthens Disaster Preparedness With Tsunami Drills

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
According to our sources Residents of Tonga including students participated in a series of tsunami drills designed to enhance awareness and preparedness for future natural disasters. The drills focused on rapid evacuation and community coordination, crucial skills for the island nation, which is highly vulnerable to tsunamis. These exercises reflect Tonga's commitment to building resilience against climate-induced disasters. Preserving Pacific Heritage: Coconut Leaf Weaving Traditions Across the Pacific, the art of coconut leaf weaving continues to thrive, preserving a centuries-old cultural tradition. This intricate craft holds different meanings for Pacific communities, from practical uses like roofing and baskets to symbolic significance in ceremonies. Efforts to pass on this skil...
Typhoon Man-yi Nears Philippines Forcing Evacuations Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Typhoon Man-yi Nears Philippines Forcing Evacuations Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment
The Philippines braces for another powerful storm as Typhoon Man-yi approaches, bringing winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour. Expected to make landfall on Catanduanes Island late Saturday, authorities have initiated mass evacuations, moving hundreds of residents to safer areas. Roberto Monterola, operations chief of the Catanduanes civil defense office, expressed concern over the lack of sufficient evacuation centers. “Some evacuees will need to shelter with neighbors whose homes are built with stronger materials,” he stated, adding that thousands more are expected to evacuate before the typhoon strikes. This comes as the nation is still reeling from Typhoon Usagi, which caused extensive flooding, uprooted trees, and damaged infrastructure in Kaigan Province earlier this week. Res...