disasters risk Archives - Page 5 of 5

Jan112025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Hydroclimate Whiplash Intensifies Amid Global Warming, Researchers Warn

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

Rapid swings between extreme wet and dry weather known as hydroclimate whiplash are accelerating globally due to climate change, with further escalation expected as temperatures rise, according to a study led by UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain. The study, published in Nature Reviews, highlights the role of the "expanding atmospheric sponge," a phenomenon where the atmosphere absorbs, evaporates, and releases 7% more water for every degree Celsius of global warming. This process intensifies the swings between droughts and floods, posing new challenges for water and disaster management. California offers a vivid illustration of hydroclimate whiplash. Following years of drought, the state experienced record-breaking precipitation during the winters of 2022-23, triggering floods, sno...

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

9 Laborers Trapped in Assam Coal Mine Rescue Efforts Underway

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Nine laborers were reported trapped in a coal mine in the Umrangso region of Assam's Dima Hasao district on Monday. The incident occurred after water unexpectedly entered the mine, raising fears about their safety. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the situation and said all efforts are being made to rescue the trapped workers. Chief Minister Sarma, sharing the names and details of the laborers on his X handle, expressed deep concern over the situation. He said that assistance from the army has been sought while rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are en route to the site. "Distressing news from Umrangso, where laborers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown. The D...

Dec302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Massive Underwater Landslide Discovered in Krishna-Godavari Basin: Potential Tsunami Threat Identified

Breaking News, Disasters, Fact Check

A massive underwater landslide in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin, reaching depths of 950 meters to 1.1 kilometers below the ocean surface, has raised concerns about its potential to trigger a tsunami and disrupt critical infrastructure. The discovery was announced by the Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), which described the landslide as one of the largest ever recorded in this part of the Bay of Bengal. The landslide, which could have occurred between 2009 and 2015, displaced an estimated 11 cubic kilometers of sediment—enough to fill around 44 lakh Olympic-sized swimming pools. At some points, sediment deposits from the landslide are as thick as 60 meters, covering an area of approximately 70 square kilometers, equivalent to 10,000 football fields. “The enormous d...

Nov182024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Ethiopia Ranks Among Top Countries Feeling Unthreatened by Climate Change Despite Rising Risks

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

According to the Lloyd's Register Foundation World Risk Poll, Ethiopia ranks second globally among countries where a significant proportion of people feel unthreatened by climate change. The poll reveals that 39% of Ethiopians believe climate change is "not a threat at all" to their safety, while 40% see it as a threat, including 16% who regard it as "very serious." Additionally, 21% are unsure whether climate change poses a threat. This perception contrasts starkly with scientific projections about the country's climate future. The UN Development Programme's Human Climate Horizons platform predicts Ethiopia’s average annual temperature could rise from 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75°F) by the century’s end. It also forecasts up to 71 days annually exceeding 35°C (95°F), exacerbating the nation...

Nov122024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Smallest Nations Biggest Impact: Study Shows Small Island States Facing Severe Flooding Risks Due to Climate Change

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

A new study led by the University of Bristol has highlighted how Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which contribute the least to climate change, are already facing severe and escalating flood risks. The research reveals that nearly 20% of people living in these islands about 8.5 million are now exposed to coastal and inland flooding. For nations like the Bahamas, Guyana, and Tuvalu, this figure skyrockets, affecting over 60% of their populations. The study, published with data from Fathom’s Global Flood Map and worldwide population databases, marks the first comprehensive assessment of flood risks across all 57 SIDS. These islands, spread across the Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea, are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and severe weather due to thei...

Nov112024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Climate Change Alters Avalanche Patterns in Switzerland: Wet Avalanches Set to Increase as Snowfall Declines

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

A recent study by Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) expert Stephanie Mayer reveals that less snowfall doesn't necessarily equate to fewer avalanches. Instead, climate change is shifting the nature of avalanche risks in Switzerland, particularly at elevations above 1,800 meters. Mayer’s research indicates that as temperatures rise, dry avalanches are likely to decrease, but they’ll be partially replaced by wet snow avalanches, especially at higher altitudes. These wet avalanches occur when part of the snowpack is moistened by rain or meltwater, making them challenging to control through traditional safety methods, such as artificial triggering. “Closing off endangered areas may be the only solution,” Mayer explains, highlighting the challenges this change pose...

Oct152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

“We Must Learn to Live with Disasters,” Says CM Sukhu, Urges Preparedness for Future Challenges

Breaking News, Disasters

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the importance of adapting to disasters caused by climate change, during the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction event, Samarth-2024. He highlighted that with the increasing frequency of natural disasters, the key to minimizing damage and loss is heightened awareness and preparedness. Presiding over the event in Shimla, CM Sukhu outlined the state government's proactive measures to mitigate disaster risks. He noted that a project worth Rs. 800 crore is being executed in partnership with the French agency AFD, alongside Rs. 500 crore allocated from the state’s mitigation fund. A major announcement included the establishment of a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) training institute in Palampur, along wit...

Jan12024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Use of Emerging Technologies like Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning in Disaster Risk Reduction: Opportunities, challenges, and prospects

Breaking News, Tech, Thoughts & Talks

In the recent era of digital world, Artificial intelligence has become most popular and innovative technology, which is playing a critical role in managing disaster risk and predicting the extreme events. It has a wide range of applications from the forecasting the extreme weather events, to development of hazard maps, to the detection of events in real time basis, and integrated with spatial technology can provide the real-time situational awareness for any disaster event, and beyond. When we talk about AI let’s try to understand the AI form technology perspectives and how this can improve the disasters management practices. AI refers to emerging technologies that mimic or even outperform the human intelligence while performing certain tasks or even to automate the things. AI tools an...