Disaster management Archives - Page 15 of 22

Aug112024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Ganga Rivers has Likely Altered their Course due to the mega earthquake occured in 2,500 Years Ago: New Study Reveals

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment, Idea & Innovations

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have revealed that an earthquake approximately 2,500 years ago may have caused the Ganga River to abruptly change its course. This seismic event, which was previously undocumented, is believed to have been of a magnitude 7-8 and could have significantly altered the landscape of present-day Bangladesh. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, suggests that the earthquake was powerful enough to reroute the main channel of the Ganga, one of the most significant rivers in the world. The Ganga, which originates in the Himalayas, eventually merges with other major rivers, including the Brahmaputra and the Meghna, before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. This river system forms the world’s second-largest delta, surpassed only by the Am...

Aug102024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Harnessing AI to Predict and Mitigate Climate-Induced Displacement: Study Reveals

Breaking News, Climate Actions

As the planet faces escalating climate change, extreme weather events like floods, storms, and landslides are forcing millions to abandon their homes and livelihoods. Understanding and anticipating these disaster-driven displacements has become more crucial than ever. To tackle this challenge, researchers are turning to a groundbreaking tool: machine learning. This sophisticated form of artificial intelligence (AI) is not just predicting displacement but also holds the potential to mitigate its impacts, transforming how we respond to the growing crisis. What Drives Forced Displacements? When we think of climate change, images of melting ice caps and drought-stricken lands often come to mind. Yet, another pressing consequence is the forced displacement of human populations due to inte...

Aug92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Monsoon Havoc in Himachal Pradesh 100 Lives Lost, Traffic Disrupted as Heavy Rains Continue

Breaking News, Disasters

Himachal Pradesh is reeling under the impact of relentless monsoon rains that have claimed 100 lives since June 27 and caused widespread disruption. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, heavy rains have taken 100 lives in Himachal Pradesh, as the state grapples with ongoing weather challenges. As of Thursday, traffic remains severely impacted, with 97 roads closed across various districts, according to state officials. The Meteorological Department has issued an 'orange' warning for Saturday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, in Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts. The state emergency operation center reported various causes of fatalities: 30 people died after falling from heights, 23 in accidental drownings, 14 from...

Aug72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Rapid Glacier Melt Threatens Global Freshwater Supplies and Ecosystems

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Roughly one out of every four people on Earth depends on freshwater supplied by glacial regions, which cover 10 percent of our planet's surface. However, this crucial resource is in crisis. New research highlights the alarming pace at which these frozen ecosystems are changing. A study conducted by an international team of scientists reveals that glaciers in the tropics are melting faster than previously forecasted, retreating to sizes researchers did not expect to see for many years. "This shocked us, frankly," said Andrew Gorin, a paleoclimatologist at the University of California, Berkeley, speaking to New Scientist. "I think this is clear evidence that at least one region in the world has now departed the hospitable climatic conditions that have fostered the development of human civ...

Aug62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Early Warning for All: Liberia Becomes First West African Nation to Launch EW4All Initiative

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech

In a significant move towards enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience, Liberia has become the first West African nation to launch the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. The launch event, held over two days, saw participation from key stakeholders, including Ansu V. S. Dulleh, Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency. Dulleh highlighted the need for inclusive and equitable early warning systems that account for diverse vulnerabilities, such as gender, age, and disability. Upcoming Events RA V TCC-22 with EW4All & WRP Programme Date: July 30 - August 2, 2024 Location: Brisbane, Australia Workshop & Study Tour on CAP & CB Date: August 1-2, 2024 Location: New Delhi, India Mozambique National EW4All Roadmap Launch Date:...

Aug52024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

When Wildfires Create Their Own Weather: Understanding Extreme Fire Situations

Breaking News, Disasters

Wildfires are becoming increasingly destructive, and in some cases, they can become so intense that they create their own weather systems. This phenomenon, seen in the massive Park Fire near Chico, California, in summer 2024, highlights the complex interplay between wildfires and atmospheric conditions. Here's a detailed look at how wildfires can influence weather and the implications of these extreme fire events. Wildfires can start with a simple spark, ignited by lightning or a downed power line, and quickly spread in hot, dry, and windy conditions. As vegetation burns, it releases a significant amount of heat, which causes the air near the ground to rise rapidly. This rising hot air, much like a hot air balloon, creates its own wind patterns as cooler air rushes in to replace it. ...

Jul232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Fiber Optic Cables: The Future of Earthquake Detection

Breaking News, Disasters

Submarine communication cables, like the intricate network branching off from Japan, illustrate our planet's interconnectedness. These cables, with their colorful lines connecting Japan’s islands to the rest of the world, are not only vital for data transmission but may also be key to detecting natural disasters. Innovative Use of Existing Infrastructure Dr. Tonegawa and his team highlight the potential of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, which could transform submarine cables into extensive seismic monitoring networks. DAS offers two major advantages over traditional seismic tools: Governments and companies globally have already laid about 1.4 million kilometers of submarine cables. Although DAS cannot be applied along the entire length of these cables, collaborat...

Jul192024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Strong 6.5 Earthquake Hits Near Antofagasta Chile

Breaking News, Disasters

Antofagasta, Chile – A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 struck 265 kilometers east of the coastal city of Antofagasta, Chile, at a depth of 128 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at 9:51 PM local time, and there were no immediate reports of damage. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that no tsunami warning has been issued following the earthquake. In January, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the northern Chilean region of Tarapaca at a depth of 118 kilometers, with no loss reported at the time. Chile's Earthquake Prone History Chile, located on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. This seismically active region is notorious for frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes....

Jul92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Rajasthan to Launch First 10 Year Road Safety Action Plan in India

Breaking News, Learning & Developments

Rajasthan is set to become the first state in India to adopt a comprehensive 10-year action plan for road safety, aiming to reduce road accidents by 50% by 2030. The action plan, supported by a government policy, seeks to raise public awareness and foster behavioral changes for better compliance with road safety rules. On July 8, Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa announced that the action plan is being developed by the Transport Department's road safety cell as part of the BJP government's 100-day blueprint. The World Bank will assist in preparing the action plan and policy, incorporating best practices from around the world. “The action plan will be implemented in three stages,” said Mr. Bairwa, who also oversees transport and road safety. The stages are: 2025-2027: Focus o...

Jul92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New Source of Chemical Pollution Found in Electric Vehicle Batteries: Study Claims

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Scientists have uncovered a new source of hazardous "forever chemical" pollution: the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in most electric vehicles (EVs). This discovery highlights a significant trade-off in the transition to cleaner energy solutions, as the drive to reduce carbon emissions inadvertently introduces other environmental and health risks. Role of PFAS in Lithium-Ion Batteries Certain lithium-ion battery technologies use a class of PFAS chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which help make batteries less flammable and more efficient at conducting electricity. These PFAS chemicals, specifically bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides (bis-FASIs), have been found in various environmental samples near plants manufacturing these chemicals in the US, Belgium, ...