disasters Archives - Disasters News

Jan152025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Mining Impact on Rivers Flood Risks in Dynamic Channels

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Thoughts & Talks

Rivers are often subjected to human interventions such as structural confinement and aggregate mining, which significantly alter their natural flow and topography. A recent study conducted on the gravel-bed Bislak River in the Philippines sheds light on how these activities influence river morphology, hydraulics, and flood risks. Using repeat, system-scale, high-resolution topographic surveys, researchers examined annual morphological changes in the Bislak River. They coupled this data with two-dimensional hydraulic modeling to simulate the impacts on flood risk. The findings highlight a complex interplay between human actions, sediment dynamics, and river hydraulics. Key Findings Sediment Dynamics and Topography Aggregate mining was found to export sediment from the river, lea...

Jan152025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

January 2025 USA in Fire Los Angeles Disaster Wildfires Destroy Thousands of Homes

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

January 2025 has brought devastating wildfires to the Los Angeles area with investigators racing to uncover their origins. The fires, driven by fierce winds, have ravaged thousands of homes, leaving communities in ruins. Early findings suggest that human activities, utility infrastructure, or equipment failures may be to blame, as lightning was absent during the outbreaks. Human activities play a significant role in igniting these blazes. The deadly 2023 Maui fire, for example, began with a broken power line, while California’s largest fire in 2024 started when a burning car was pushed into a ravine near Chico, destroying over 700 structures. This year’s fires are yet another reminder of the devastating impact of human-related ignitions. Wildfires thrive on three elements: conduc...

Jan142025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

IAEA Invites Member States to Participate in High-Stakes Nuclear Emergency Exercise in Romania

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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on Member States to take part in its most challenging emergency exercise, ConvEx-3, scheduled for May 14-15, 2025. Hosted by Romania, the exercise will simulate a severe nuclear emergency at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant, testing and enhancing global preparedness and response mechanisms. “ConvEx-3 is not just an exercise it is a call to action,” said Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. “By participating, Member States and international organizations reaffirm their commitment to global nuclear safety and security, ensuring readiness to respond to emergencies anywhere, regardless of the cause.” What is ConvEx-3? ConvEx-3, the IAEA’s highest-level emergency e...

Jan132025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Dangerous Winds Fuel Deadly Los Angeles Wildfires, Death Toll Rises

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Los Angeles is battling devastating wildfires as officials warn of "dangerous and strong" winds threatening to intensify the infernos that have already claimed 16 lives. Thousands have been displaced, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ashes and firefighters struggling to contain the relentless flames. The Palisades Fire, the largest blaze, has consumed 23,600 acres and is just 11% contained. It continues to spread, posing a grave threat to the Getty Center art museum and the San Fernando Valley. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has scorched 14,000 acres with only 15% containment. FEMA head Deanne Criswell emphasized the ongoing danger, warning that gusts could reach 50 mph, further fueling the wildfires. Though a brief lull offered hope, forecasters predict winds will pick up again overn...

Jan112025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

11 Dead Thousands Displaced as Fires Ravage Los Angeles Area

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

At least 11 people have died, and thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed as massive fires tear through the Los Angeles area. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the blazes, which have devastated neighborhoods and forced widespread evacuations. The Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive, began in Pacific Palisades and quickly spread through the hilly, wooded area. The fire reportedly started behind a house on Piedra Morada Drive. Among the homes destroyed were those of Hollywood stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal, highlighting the fire's indiscriminate path of destruction. The Eaton Fire, which ignited in east Los Angeles County, has also wreaked havoc, destroying hundreds of homes. Together, the two fires have left a trail of devastation, wit...

Jan112025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

L.A. 27,000 Acres Burn Wildfires Unprecedented Devastation Grips City

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Los Angeles is reeling from some of the most destructive wildfires in its history. As flames rage on, five lives have been lost, 27,000 acres have burned, and 130,000 residents are under evacuation orders. The magnitude of the disaster is revealing vulnerabilities in the city’s infrastructure and policies, while experts point to climate change as a driving force behind the escalating crisis. Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, explains the factors fueling these devastating fires. Prolonged drought, low humidity, and the powerful Santa Ana winds have created the perfect conditions for the inferno. “When winds hit speeds of 100 miles per hour, even a small spark can quickly spiral out of control,” Schlegelmilch said. The geography of L.A.’s hi...

Jan72025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Winter Storm Batters Eastern US: Heavy Snow, Freezing Rain Disrupt Travel, Claim Lives

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

A powerful winter storm system swept across the eastern United States on Monday, blanketing cities in heavy snow and freezing rain, disrupting travel for millions, and leaving at least five people dead. The storm, which had already caused hazardous road conditions in the Midwest over the weekend, left a trail of destruction, power outages, and travel chaos. As of Monday afternoon, over 175,000 residents from Missouri to Virginia were without power, according to Poweroutage.us. Meanwhile, air travel was severely impacted, with more than 2,400 flights canceled and thousands more delayed, per FlightAware. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted up to a foot of snow in Washington, D.C., paralyzing the nation’s capital. Schools were closed, and residents waded through snow-laden str...

Dec262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Honoring 20 Years: World Tsunami Awareness Day Commemorates the 2004 Indian Ocean Tragedy

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This year’s World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD) takes on profound significance as it marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Observances aim to honor the lives lost, highlight critical lessons learned, and celebrate advancements in tsunami preparedness, especially through initiatives like the #GetToHighGround campaign, which empowers children and youth with life-saving knowledge. On the morning of December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck along the Indian Ocean subduction zone, triggering one of the deadliest tsunamis in modern history. The massive waves obliterated 800 km of Aceh Province's coastline in Indonesia, penetrating as far as 6 km inland. The disaster radiated destruction across the Indian Ocean, from Indonesia and India’s Andaman an...

Dec62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India’s Cyclone Disaster Management Initiatives and Projects for Safeguarding Coastal Communities

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India with its vast coastline of over 7,500 km, is highly vulnerable to cyclones that often wreak havoc on lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. To address these challenges, the country has implemented several forward-looking initiatives aimed at minimizing the impact of cyclones and ensuring the safety and resilience of its coastal communities. These initiatives combine structural improvements, policy reforms, and advanced forecasting systems, underscoring India's commitment to disaster preparedness and mitigation. National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) is a flagship initiative launched to reduce the vulnerability of coastal states and Union Territories to cyclonic disasters. The project takes a two-pronged approach, i...

Dec42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

5.3 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Telangana: Residents Mistake Tremors for Monkey Mischief

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Mulugu, Telangana: Early Monday morning, residents of Mulugu in Telangana were startled by what they initially thought was the work of mischievous monkeys. However, as walls began to shake and utensils clattered, it became clear that the region was experiencing a 5.3 magnitude earthquake. The quake, one of the strongest recorded in the area in 55 years, caused tremors that rippled across parts of central and northern India. Residents Share Their Experiences Mangamma, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife from SS Tadvai, recalled, “I was sorting things at home when the vessels and cot started shaking. At first, I blamed the monkeys, but when the walls trembled too, I froze in confusion. It lasted about a minute.” Similarly, A. Trishul, lying on his bed during the quake, mistook the monke...