Disaster management Archives - Page 15 of 19

Jun142024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Massive Teesta Valley Floods: What Happened and What Needs to Be Done Now

The Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative (DHI) recently submitted a comprehensive report to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) of West Bengal and Sikkim regarding the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that ravaged the Teesta Valley in October 2023. This report, based on observations and interactions with affected individuals, was created in collaboration with SaveTheHills and contains vital recommendations to mitigate future disasters. Background of the Disaster In the early hours of October 4, 2023, a catastrophic GLOF event occurred from the South Lhonak Glacier. This disaster, compounded by a massive dam breach at Chungthang, unleashed devastating floods across the Teesta Valley, resulting in significant loss of life ...

Jun122024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New Research Highlights Earthquake Threat in the Cascadia Subduction Zone

Breaking News, Disasters

The Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ), a major geological faultline stretching 1,000 kilometers from Northern California to British Columbia, Canada, is under renewed scientific scrutiny. This zone, marking the boundary between the Juan de Fuca and North American tectonic plates, is not only a key interest for geologists but also a potential source of one of the most powerful earthquakes and tsunamis the world could experience. A new study published in Science Advances on June 7, has brought this peril into sharper focus, indicating that regions within the CSZ might rupture individually or simultaneously, leading to varying impacts. The study underscores the significant threat posed by the CSZ, where massive earthquakes have the potential to generate tsunamis over 100 feet high. Harold Tob...

Jun82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Understanding on How Climate Change Impacting Human Health

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Idea & Innovations

Climate change is not just about melting ice caps and rising sea levels; it poses a significant threat to human health worldwide. From extreme weather events to changes in air and water quality, the effects of climate change ripple through various aspects of our lives, impacting physical, mental, and community health. Here’s a comprehensive look at how climate change affects human health and what can be done to mitigate these risks. Temperature-Related Impacts As global temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with extreme heat. Heatwaves become more frequent and intense, leading to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular/respiratory problems. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those w...

Jun52024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Human Activities Driving Record Levels of Global Warming, Study Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Human activities are accelerating global warming at unprecedented rates, leading to a temperature rise of 1.19 degrees Celsius between 2014 and 2023, according to new research by over 50 leading international scientists. This marks an increase from the 1.14 degrees Celsius observed between 2013 and 2022, as revealed by the second annual Indicators of Global Climate Change report, spearheaded by the University of Leeds, UK. The study highlights that global warming induced by human actions is progressing at 0.26 degrees Celsius per decade, the fastest rate since record-keeping began. "Our analysis shows that the level of global warming caused by human action has continued to increase over the past year, even though climate action has slowed the rise in greenhouse gas emissions," stated Pr...

Jun42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Return of La Niña Expected to Ease Global Heat, UN Weather Agency Reports

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced on Monday that the return of the La Niña weather phenomenon should help to reduce global temperatures after several months of record-breaking heat. This cooling phase comes as the El Niño pattern, which has been contributing to extreme global temperatures since mid-2023, is showing signs of ending. According to the WMO's latest update, the impacts of La Niña will likely be felt in the coming months. However, the organization warns that despite the cooling trend, long-term global temperatures will continue to rise due to human-induced climate change, which exacerbates extreme weather and disrupts seasonal rainfall and temperature patterns. La Niña is characterized by the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the ...

Jun32024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UN Report Reveals Alarming Degradation of Global Rangelands, Urges Immediate Action

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The United Nations (UN) has released a new report highlighting the alarming degradation of rangelands worldwide. Covering more than half of Earth's land surface, rangelands are crucial ecosystems that sustain billions of people by providing meat, dairy, fiber, and other staple foods. However, the report finds that up to 50 percent of these vital landscapes are now degraded, with previous assessments underestimating the extent of the problem. Poor land management practices, exacerbated by climate change, are identified as the primary drivers of rangeland degradation. These practices include land clearing, mining, overgrazing, soil nutrient depletion, erosion, and wildfires. Conflict and border issues in some regions further contribute to overgrazing, hindering livestock movement and exac...

Jun32024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

NASA Shares Stunning Image of Hurricane Idalia Captured from Space

Breaking News, Disasters

NASA's Instagram account recently showcased a breathtaking image of Hurricane Idalia, taken from the International Space Station (ISS). This image, posted by NASA Earth, highlights the agency's efforts in observing and studying hurricanes from space to better understand the impacts of climate change and improve community preparedness for tropical cyclones. In the image, part of the ISS is visible on the left, framing the large white spiral of Hurricane Idalia. The photograph was captured on August 23, 2023, by the ISS's external high-definition camera. At the time, Idalia was a Category 1 storm over the Gulf of Mexico, with sustained winds of 140 kilometers (85 miles) per hour. As the storm progressed northward, it rapidly intensified and made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Au...

Jun12024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Hunga Tonga Eruption Unprecedented Climate Impacts Explored in New Study

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Sydney, Australia – The catastrophic eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano on January 15, 2022, not only created a massive tsunami but also sent shockwaves around the globe, triggering a series of environmental consequences that are still being studied. A new paper published in the Journal of Climate sheds light on the extensive and unusual climate impacts of this eruption. Ozone Hole and Unexpected Weather Patterns According to the study, the Hunga Tonga eruption played a significant role in creating last year's exceptionally large ozone hole and contributed to the unexpectedly wet summer of 2024. The eruption's effects are anticipated to influence winter weather patterns for years to come. Typically, volcanic eruptions emit sulphur dioxide, which cools the Earth's su...

Jun12024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Nagpur Records 56°C, Highest Ever Temperature in India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Nagpur, India – In an unprecedented heatwave, Nagpur has recorded a staggering temperature of 56 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature ever documented in India. This follows closely on the heels of another extreme temperature event, with Mungeshwar AWS in North-West Delhi recording 52.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. According to reports by the Times of India, the Nagpur AWS, located in a 24-hectare open agricultural field at PDKV in Ramdaspeth, registered the record-breaking temperature. Additionally, the Regional Meteorological Centre at Sonegaon reported a temperature of 54 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a press statement noting that on Thursday, the highest maximum temperature reported nationwide was 48.3 degrees Celsius at Sri Gangana...

May312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi’s Water Crisis Worsens Amid Scorching Heat, Delhi CM Appeals for Help from Central Govt

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

As Delhi battles an intense water crisis amidst soaring temperatures, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday appealed to the Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to urge the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to assist in meeting Delhi's escalating water demand. Mr. Kejriwal emphasized the need for collective action rather than political disputes, stating that the water demand has surged due to the extreme heat while the supply from neighboring states has diminished. "In this scorching heat, the water demand has increased a lot. And the water that Delhi used to get from the neighboring states has also been reduced. That means the demand has increased a lot and the supply has reduced. We all have to solve this together," Mr. Kejriwal wrote in a post on X. "I see that...