Friday, December 20News That Matters

Tag: disaster news

Drought: A Growing Global Threat Highlighted by Economic Disparities and Slow Onset, Study Reveals

Drought: A Growing Global Threat Highlighted by Economic Disparities and Slow Onset, Study Reveals

Breaking News, Disasters
Drought, one of the most insidious and costliest natural disasters, is increasingly threatening global economies and livelihoods. Unlike sudden calamities such as earthquakes or hurricanes, droughts develop gradually, often intensifying without immediate notice. This slow progression can lead to severe consequences, including drinking water shortages and economic disruptions, particularly in vulnerable regions. A recent study published in npj Clean Water highlights the complex nature of droughts and the global awareness of their impacts. The study emphasizes the gradual onset of droughts, making them difficult to predict and manage effectively. Initially, signs of drought may include reduced rainfall, lower water levels in rivers and lakes, and minor decreases in agricultural yields. Ho...
Earthquake Alert: Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Strikes Bay of Bengal

Earthquake Alert: Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Strikes Bay of Bengal

Breaking News, Disasters
On Sunday morning, a moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the Bay of Bengal, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The quake occurred at approximately 9:12 AM IST, with its epicenter located at a depth of 10 kilometers beneath the ocean floor. The NCS reported the specific coordinates of the earthquake as latitude 8.27°N and longitude 91.67°E, pinpointing its location in the Bay of Bengal. The information was shared by the NCS through a post on X (formerly Twitter), which read: "EQ of M: 5.1, On: 01/09/2024 09:12:50 IST, Lat: 8.27 N, Long: 91.67 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Bay of Bengal." As of now, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties resulting from the earthquake. Authorities continue to monitor the situatio...
Magnitude 6.8 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Mindanao, Triggered by Previous Major Seismic Event

Magnitude 6.8 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Mindanao, Triggered by Previous Major Seismic Event

Breaking News, Disasters
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck offshore eastern Mindanao in the southern Philippines, resulting from renewed movement along a subducting fracture zone. The tremor, which occurred at 6:23 a.m. local time, was centered 48 kilometers east-northeast of Lingig, Surigao del Sur, at a depth of 25 kilometers. This event follows a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit the region eight months earlier, indicating a possible connection between the two seismic occurrences. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the earthquake did not cause significant damage or casualties, although it was followed by six aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.8 to 6.2. These aftershocks occurred at shallower depths, further unsettling the region. Seismotectonic Background ...
Navigating the Challenges of Climate Disclosure: How Companies Can Prepare for the Future of Sustainability Reporting

Navigating the Challenges of Climate Disclosure: How Companies Can Prepare for the Future of Sustainability Reporting

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
As global climate commitments continue to grow, the importance of accurate and comprehensive climate disclosure has become increasingly critical for companies worldwide. Despite the significant strides made in climate actions and pledges to scale up climate finance, the necessary investments and measures to manage the physical risks associated with climate-related events have yet to materialize. Companies, both large and small, have a pivotal role to play in this global effort, particularly in enhancing transparency and accountability through high-quality sustainability reporting. Imperative for Climate Disclosure To effectively scale up private climate finance, investors must have access to reliable information that identifies corporations serious about climate action. High-quality ...
High Level Committee Approves Major Disaster Mitigation and Capacity Building Projects Across India

High Level Committee Approves Major Disaster Mitigation and Capacity Building Projects Across India

Breaking News, Disasters
In a significant move towards strengthening disaster resilience across the country, a High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, has approved numerous disaster mitigation and capacity-building projects for various states. The meeting, held in New Delhi today, also included Finance Minister, Agriculture Minister, and Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog as members. The HLC reviewed and approved nine proposals for funding from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). These projects aim to combat urban flooding in six cities, mitigate Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in four hill states, and enhance fire services in three states. Additionally, the committee endorsed the implementation of t...
Wayanad Landslides Scientists Point to Climate Change, Excessive Mining, and Deforestation as Key Factors

Wayanad Landslides Scientists Point to Climate Change, Excessive Mining, and Deforestation as Key Factors

Breaking News, Disasters
The devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which resulted in over 147 deaths and 128 injuries, are being attributed by scientists to a combination of climate change, excessive mining, and the loss of forest cover in the region. The catastrophic event, triggered by heavy rains, has left many still feared trapped under debris, with the Met Office warning of more rainfall in the coming days. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Patterns Heavy rain on Tuesday initiated the landslides in Wayanad district. According to S. Abhilash, director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), the warming of the Arabian Sea is a significant factor contributing to the extreme and unpredictable rainfall patterns in Kerala. "Our resear...
Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Advanced 3D Modeling Framework for Predicting Flood Risks

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Advanced 3D Modeling Framework for Predicting Flood Risks

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations
Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a cutting-edge 3D modeling framework to predict long-term flooding risks by capturing the intricate dynamics of water flow across landscapes. This tool is designed to provide crucial insights into community vulnerabilities as climate conditions change, specifically for urban areas like Southeast Texas. Framework Overview The model offers powerful capabilities for urban planning, generating robust estimates of both frequent and rare flood events by simulating physical processes that turn rainfall into runoff. By incorporating factors such as land cover, soil properties, and land slope, along with population density data, the framework provides a comprehensive perspective on flood risks across ...
Strong 6.5 Earthquake Hits Near Antofagasta Chile

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....
Floods in Assam Claim Six Lives in 24 Hours: Desperate Search for Missing Boy Continues

Floods in Assam Claim Six Lives in 24 Hours: Desperate Search for Missing Boy Continues

Breaking News, Disasters
Guwahati: The flood situation in Assam has taken a dire turn, claiming six lives over the past 24 hours. In Guwahati, the state's largest city, the relentless search for eight-year-old Abhinash Sarkar continues. Abhinash slipped into a flooded drain three days ago, and his father, Hiralal Sarkar, has not given up hope. Armed with an iron rod, Hiralal has been tirelessly searching the sewage, but has only managed to find his son's slippers. Displaying the pair, he lamented, "I have been searching with an iron rod and have managed to find my son's sandals. I possibly cannot find him with the rod. The government has the machinery, they must find my boy." Hiralal handed over the slippers to the police for verification. Abhinash had slipped from his father's scooter and fallen into the drain...
Transformative AI Initiative Revolutionizes Extreme Weather Forecasting in East Africa

Transformative AI Initiative Revolutionizes Extreme Weather Forecasting in East Africa

Breaking News, Disasters, Tech
In a pioneering effort to revolutionize extreme weather forecasting and early warning systems, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Oxford University Physics Department, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and various national meteorology agencies across East Africa have joined forces. This initiative comes at a crucial time for East Africa, where climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, from devastating droughts to deadly floods. Dr. Shruti Nath, a climate scientist at Oxford University Physics, emphasized the transformative potential of the new AI-based weather forecasting approach. Traditional models often fall short in predicting extreme weather, particularly in regions with limited resources and infrastructu...