Disaster management Archives - Page 18 of 19

Apr272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Nainital Forest Fire: Uttarakhand CM Calls Emergency Meeting as Blaze Threatens High Court Colony

Since inception in 2000, Uttarakhand has witnessed over 54,800 hectares of forest land succumbing to the ravages of these fires, underscoring the urgent need for sustained efforts to mitigate this environmental crisis. Since November 1, 2023, Uttarakhand has witnessed a staggering 575 forest fire incidents, resulting in the destruction of over 689.89 hectares of forest land. The damage is widespread, with significant losses recorded in both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, as well as in administrative wildlife areas. In the face of a relentless forest fire raging through Nainital district in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced an emergency meeting to address the escalating crisis. The inferno, which has persisted for over 36 hours, poses a grave threat to the...

Apr272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drought Threatens Endangered Hippos in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

In Botswana's northern region near the vast wetlands of the Okavango Delta, herds of endangered hippos are facing a dire situation as severe drought grips the area. The dried-up Thamalakane River, exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, has left these magnificent creatures stranded in dried-up ponds, raising concerns about their survival. Conservation authorities have sounded the alarm, warning that the hippos, already endangered, are at risk of dying if immediate action is not taken. The scarcity of water has forced the animals to seek refuge in natural water reserves near the tourist town of Maun, further highlighting the severity of the situation. Lesego Moseki, spokesperson for Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), expressed concern over the compromi...

Apr252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Russia’s Massive Flood Crisis: A Wake-Up Call for Climate Preparedness

Breaking News, Disasters

As floodwaters inundate vast regions of Russia, leaving homes submerged, infrastructure damaged, and lives disrupted, the nation faces one of its most severe environmental crises in recent memory. The catastrophic flooding, which has affected areas from the Urals and western Siberia to the Far East Khabarovsk region, underscores the urgent need for enhanced climate preparedness and adaptation measures in the face of escalating climate change impacts. The scale of the disaster is staggering. Entire settlements have been plunged underwater, with thousands forced to evacuate their homes. In Orenburg, a regional capital near the border with Kazakhstan, residents have been grappling with rising water levels, anxiously monitoring the Ural River's relentless surge. High-rise buildings and cott...

Apr232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Avalanche from Mt Manaslu Causes Overflow of Birendra Lake in Nepal

Breaking News, Disasters

Nepal's Birendra Lake, nestled below the towering slopes of Mt Manaslu, recently experienced a dramatic surge in water levels after being struck by a massive avalanche on Sunday morning. The avalanche, cascading down from the heights of Mt Manaslu, triggered an overflow of Birendra Lake, raising concerns about potential flooding downstream. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or casualties thus far, as the site of the overflow is located away from human settlements. However, officials have issued precautionary notices to residents living in downstream areas along the river to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential ramifications of the heightened water flow. Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Home Ministry, emphasized the need for residents near the a...

Apr172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Ruang Volcano Eruptions Prompt Evacuation of Hundreds in North Sulawesi

Breaking News, Disasters

Amidst multiple eruptions of Indonesia's Ruang volcano, located in North Sulawesi province, at least 800 individuals have been evacuated from the area, revealed the country's volcanology agency on Wednesday. Situated on Ruang Island approximately 100 km (62 miles) from the provincial capital Manado, the volcano has unleashed its fury in several eruptions since Tuesday, prompting authorities to escalate the alert level to the second highest. The eruptions, triggered by recent earthquakes on the island, have led to the emission of hazardous and "explosive hot clouds" reaching heights of up to 1.8 km (1.1 miles) into the sky, as confirmed by Heruningtyas Desi Purnamasari, an official at Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). "To ensure safety, we...

Apr22024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Second 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan’s Hokkaido in Over a Month

Breaking News, Disasters

Japan's Hokkaido region was struck by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, marking the second occurrence of a quake of similar intensity in just over a month. The seismic event occurred at 6:18 pm local time (0918 GMT) at a depth of 20 kilometers (12 miles), as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. While a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale typically poses a risk of damage in densely populated areas, Japanese media outlets have not yet reported any casualties or significant destruction. As of now, no tsunami warning has been issued following the quake. This recent earthquake follows a similar event that shook Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on February 25, further highlighting the region's vulnerability to seismic activity. Earlier this month, Japan faced another s...

Mar122024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New Index Shows Western Indian Himalayan Region More Prone to Climate Change Risks

Breaking News, Climate Actions

A pioneering climate risk index developed by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), reveals that the Western Indian Himalayan Region faces greater vulnerability to climate change compared to the Eastern Himalayan ranges. Utilizing the latest framework from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the index integrates both physical and socio-economic indicators to assess climate risk in the Himalayas comprehensively. The Himalayas, often referred to as the "third pole" due to their vast ice and water reserves, are highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. While the region is experiencing warming temperatures and declining snow cover and glacier mass, few studies have attempted to map climate risks at a district level. The new study by...

Mar32024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Fluttering Hopes and Fading Wings: The Tale of Britain’s Butterflies

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments

In the delicate dance of nature, Britain's butterflies are both messengers and victims of environmental change. While some species soar, others struggle, revealing a nuanced narrative of adaptation and decline. Amidst the flutter of brown hairstreaks and comma butterflies, a somber truth emerges: the majority of Britain's 57 breeding butterfly species face a daunting challenge. Despite the resilience of a few, Butterfly Conservation's 2022 report paints a stark picture of dwindling abundance and distribution since the 1980s. Pioneering citizen science unravels the complexities behind these shifts. From the high brown fritillary's dependence on vanishing habitats to the wall brown's plight in a changing climate, each species tells a tale of survival against the odds. Picky Eaters: ...

Feb292024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Record Warmth in North Atlantic Raises Alarm Bells: What It Means for the Planet and Its Inhabitants

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Amidst the wintry chill, an unsettling reality lurks beneath the surface of the North Atlantic waters: they're warmer than ever before. The sea surface temperature in this region, between South Carolina and Spain, is currently running about 2 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the average temperature over the last three decades, marking a record high. Visualizing the data reveals a stark picture: the thick orangey-red line representing 2023 stretches conspicuously above all others on the chart, signaling unprecedented warmth. Even more concerning is the shorter line from 2024, indicating a continued surge in temperature well above historical norms. Brian McNoldy, a climate researcher at the University of Miami, expressed deep concern over this alarming trend, emphasizing its implications...

Feb102024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Strong Earthquake Hits Hawaii, No Tsunami Threat Reported

Breaking News, Disasters

On Friday, Hawaii experienced a significant earthquake, according to US seismologists, though there is no risk of a tsunami. The quake, measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale, struck near Pahala on the main island of Hawaii, with its epicenter located approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) below the Earth's surface, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The tremor was felt across the main island, with reports flooding in from various locations via a website where individuals share their earthquake experiences with the USGS. Fortunately, the agency stated that the likelihood of casualties or extensive damage was minimal. Despite being situated in the middle of a massive tectonic plate, Hawaii remains an area of high seismic activity. The region is home to six active volcanoes, includin...