Disaster management Archives - Page 2 of 18

Nov152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

COP29 Urges Swift Action on Early Warnings for Extreme Weather

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Thoughts & Talks

Baku, Azerbaijan: A flagship campaign to ensure universal access to life-saving early warning systems is gaining momentum, but vulnerable nations continue to bear the brunt of climate disasters, leaders stressed at COP29. The high-level event spotlighted the UN Secretary-General's Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, which aims to protect everyone from hazardous weather and climate events by 2027. “This year is on track to be the hottest in history, marked by record-breaking heatwaves, rains, and deadly droughts,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Early warning systems are no longer a luxury; they are a necessity and a sound investment, with a ten-fold return.” COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev highlighted that effective early warning systems could avert losses of up ...

Nov122024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Florida Faces a Critical Choice: Building Resiliently for the Future After 2024’s Hurricanes

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

As Florida and the Southeast recover from 2024's hurricanes, many residents and experts are asking how to rebuild in ways that prevent future losses. Civil engineering and disaster recovery experts are finding ways to build homes more resilient to extreme weather, but homeowners often encounter obstacles. One challenge is the high up-front costs of sustainable building materials, especially when the demand surge after a disaster raises prices and strains supply. Additionally, insurance coverage tends to fund only basic rebuilding, leaving residents without resources to add resilience-focused upgrades. Cost and Complexity: Rebuilding Challenges When disaster strikes, the urgency to restore housing clashes with the time and costs of "building back better." With FEMA's stretched reso...

Nov112024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

USC Unveils Breakthrough Low-Cost Wildfire Detection System Using Mobile Phones to Alert Within Seconds

Breaking News, Environment, Idea & Innovations, Tech

In a significant advancement for wildfire detection, researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed an innovative system named FireLoc that leverages everyday mobile phones to detect wildfires within seconds of ignition. This new approach aims to provide critical early alerts, reducing the time needed to identify and respond to fires and potentially saving lives and properties in high-risk wildfire areas. How FireLoc Works: A Low-Cost, Community-Centric Solution FireLoc, presented at the ACM SenSys conference on November 5, employs a network of strategically placed, affordable mobile phones equipped with basic cameras and sensors, all mounted on properties in fire-prone regions. These devices act as early-warning sensors, scanning their surroundings for tel...

Nov92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cyclone Freddy Shows the Life-Saving Impact of Early Warning Systems in Mozambique

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations, Tech

In a dramatic contrast to Cyclone Idai's devastation in 2019, the powerful Cyclone Freddy, which struck Mozambique twice in 2023, demonstrated the life-saving potential of an Early Warning System (EWS). Mozambique’s preparedness, boosted by United Nations and World Bank support, helped protect communities, saving hundreds of lives and significantly reducing economic damage. This success story showcases how investment in EWS can drastically change outcomes in disaster-prone areas. When Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique in 2019 with winds reaching 195 km/h, it left over 600 people dead and caused catastrophic flooding. The country faced widespread destruction, with estimated damages soaring to US$3 billion. Schools, infrastructure, and critical services were decimated, underscoring the need for...

Nov82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Bank of England Climate Risk Update Spurs Greener Lending, But Experts Call for Government Action to Ensure Equity

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

The Bank of England has recently strengthened its commitment to climate risk management by updating its collateral framework, particularly focusing on residential mortgage assets. These updates, aimed at reflecting climate risks, not only protect the Bank's balance sheet but also encourage a green shift in commercial banks' lending practices. Experts, however, argue that complementary government policies are essential to ensure fair outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups. The Bank of England’s collateral framework determines the assets commercial banks can use to borrow, setting terms to reflect asset risks. By adjusting the criteria to account for climate-related risks, the Bank has introduced measures with the potential to influence lending decisions and support the UK’s transit...

Nov72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heartwarming Rescue Syrian Volunteers Save Over 1,300 Animals After Devastating Earthquake

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In a remarkable display of compassion and resilience, local volunteers in Syria have saved over 1,300 animals in the aftermath of the catastrophic February 6, 2023, earthquakes that hit northwestern Syria and southern Turkey. Led by Wattar’s team, these dedicated rescuers have worked tirelessly to protect pets left vulnerable by the disaster, bringing hope and healing to both animals and the people who cherish them. As human rescue operations took precedence in the initial days, animal advocates soon stepped in to address the plight of pets left in the rubble. Community support for animal welfare grew quickly, driven by the belief in animals’ connection to natural disaster awareness and the comfort they provide in difficult times. The efforts have not gone unnoticed, with residents rall...

Nov72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Mysterious Black Balls on Sydney Beaches May Be “Fatbergs” Containing Human Waste and Chemicals

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In mid-October, Sydney beaches were alarmingly littered with black, tar-like balls. Initial suspicions pointed to tar balls from an oil spill, but a detailed analysis revealed a more disturbing source: these black lumps are likely "fatbergs," congealed masses of human waste and pollutants, including chemicals from industrial and domestic runoff. The first sightings appeared on October 16 at Coogee Beach, with subsequent reports from Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama, and Maroubra. Authorities closed the beaches amid concerns of toxic exposure, initially linking the spheres to oil. However, scientific analysis, led by a team from the University of New South Wales and multiple environmental agencies, found that only 30% of the black balls’ carbon content was fossil-based, ruling out oil as the prim...

Nov52024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Flood Maps Backfire at Coastal Residents Feel Less Concerned About Rising Seas

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The study reveals a surprising challenge for climate risk communication: while maps of projected sea-level rise (SLR) are often used to raise awareness, they may not effectively increase personal concern among coastal residents. Instead, these visual aids may unintentionally reduce perceived personal risk, even for those whose properties are directly threatened by future flooding. When shown maps indicating that their homes could be permanently flooded by 2100, residents tended to view SLR as a broader societal issue, less likely to impact them personally. This detachment underscores a common psychological barrier in risk perception, where people perceive climate threats as more abstract or distant from their immediate lives. Interestingly, the study found that emphasizing infrastruc...

Nov42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Scientists Edge Closer to Creating Heaviest Element Ever Using New Titanium Beam Technique

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

In a groundbreaking experiment, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have fused vaporized titanium with plutonium, successfully creating a few atoms of livermorium, one of the heaviest elements known. This accomplishment, achieved by using a new technique involving titanium-50 heated to nearly 1,650°C, marks an essential step toward synthesizing even heavier elements. Livermorium, first discovered in 2000, contains 116 protons and is far from the heaviest superheavy element ever produced—oganesson holds that record with 118 protons. However, this experiment isn’t about rediscovering old elements; it's a strategic move to develop the tools needed to produce element 120, known as unbinilium, a potential breakthrough in the field of nuclear science. ...

Nov22024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Spain Deadliest Floods Claim Over 200 Lives Rescue Efforts Intensify Amid Rising Tensions

Breaking News, Disasters

Spain faced a somber day as the death toll from the week’s devastating floods climbed past 200, marking the country's deadliest natural disaster in recent history. Heavy rains continued Friday, battering already-stricken regions and challenging strained rescue operations. The Valencia region suffered the worst, with 202 confirmed deaths, as announced by regional president Carlos Mazón. With an additional three fatalities reported in neighboring areas, the total has reached 205, and officials fear the count could rise as rescue teams work through mud-soaked towns and debris-filled streets. Late Thursday and early Friday, intense rains spread to other southern regions. In Andalusia, the province of Huelva was hit hardest as Halloween celebrations turned dangerous under relentless rain....