disasters Archives - Page 3 of 8

Jan272025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Rising Debris Flow Risks Dangerous Link Between Wildfires, Rainfall, and Climate Change

Debris flows, fast-moving masses of mud, rocks, and water, are becoming a growing concern in the United States, particularly in areas recently affected by wildfires. A map produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) highlights high-risk zones near Los Angeles after the Palisades Fire. The model simulates a scenario where 15 minutes of rainfall, at just under 1 inch (24 mm) per hour, could trigger debris flows in vulnerable regions. The landscape itself can create ideal conditions for debris flows. Steep slopes, the presence of clay-rich soil, and silt-sized particles in watersheds are key contributors. Generally, slopes gentler than 23 degrees and lacking fine-grain materials are less likely to experience debris flows. Post-wildfire conditions worsen the risk. Severely burned areas...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drones Poised to Revolutionize Weather Forecasting, Study Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech

As the climate crisis intensifies, accurate weather forecasting has never been more critical. From predicting devastating hurricanes to preparing for record-breaking heatwaves, numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems have become vital in safeguarding lives and livelihoods. However, these systems rely heavily on costly and complex data collection methods, including weather balloons and ground-based stations. A groundbreaking study from Japan has now demonstrated that drones equipped with meteorological sensors could provide a practical and affordable alternative, revolutionizing the way atmospheric data is gathered. Led by Professor Jun Inoue from the National Institute of Polar Research, the research team conducted a two-month field campaign in Tsukuba City to test the feasibility of...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Landslide Risks in La Paz: A Persistent Threat to Lives and Livelihoods

Breaking News, Disasters, Fact Check

La Paz, Bolivia’s high-altitude capital city, faces significant challenges due to its susceptibility to landslides. With its steep slopes, active geological processes, and socio-economic dynamics, the city has become a hotspot for landslide disasters, endangering lives and disrupting livelihoods. A recent overview by AFP sheds light on the persistent hazards posed by landslides in La Paz. The city's terrain, coupled with socio-economic pressures, exacerbates these risks. Notably, government policies aimed at addressing housing deficits unintentionally incentivize residents to settle in high-risk areas. By granting land ownership to illegal settlers, the policy inadvertently encourages habitation in unstable and dangerous locations. History of Devastating Landslides La Paz has a lo...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Global Disaster Losses Hit $368 Billion in 2024, Underscoring Urgency of Climate Resilience

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Economic losses from disaster events worldwide surged to $368 billion in 2024, driven by devastating hurricanes, severe storms, and widespread flooding. Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused significant destruction in the United States, while severe convective storms and flooding ravaged parts of Europe. These disasters highlight the critical need for robust adaptation and mitigation measures to protect lives and enhance resilience against climate-driven risks. According to Aon’s latest Climate and Catastrophe Insight report, the escalating impact of climate risks tells two vital stories. Firstly, weather-related disasters and climate risks now influence nearly every aspect of business operations, from selecting facility locations to ensuring employee safety. Secondly, the report emphasiz...

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drones Combat Bushfires Australia’s High-Tech Plan to Tame Flames Before They Rage

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech

On a typical summer evening in Australia, a dry lightning storm rolls across parched bushland. With hot, windy conditions forecast for the next day, a single lightning strike could ignite a catastrophic blaze. But thanks to cutting-edge drone technology, such threats may soon be contained before they escalate. This innovative vision, outlined in the federal government's latest roadmap, leverages drones to detect and suppress bushfires early. Equipped with thermal detectors and cameras, drones can spot smouldering roots or smoke trails in remote areas, operating tirelessly through the night. Larger drones armed with fire retardants join the effort, slowing flames until human fire crews take over at dawn. The result? What could have become a devastating megablaze is contained to a few hec...

Jan232025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Landslide in Pekalongan Leaves 16 Dead, 10 Injured

Breaking News, Disasters

A devastating landslide struck Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia, on Tuesday, claiming 16 lives and injuring 10 others. Heavy rains triggered the disaster, with officials from the regional disaster mitigation agency confirming the tragic toll. The landslide occurred amidst relentless rainfall, severely hindering rescue operations. Local disaster official Bergas Caturasi, speaking on Kompas TV, highlighted the urgency "The search continues because we don't have much time. We're in a race with the weather." Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate individuals still missing, but ongoing rains are complicating efforts to access affected areas safely. This landslide is the latest in a series of disasters linked to extreme weather in Indonesia, a country prone to flooding and lan...

Jan222025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Ethiopia Faces Earthquake Surge, Volcanic Eruption Fears

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Ethiopia's Afar and Oromia regions have experienced a series of earthquakes since early 2025, sparking fears of volcanic eruptions near the Fentale and Dofen volcanoes. The strongest quake, with a magnitude of 5.7, struck on January 4, a day after a 5.5-magnitude tremor hit the same area. Two additional earthquakes followed over the weekend of January 11. The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Council is relocating around 60,000 residents to temporary shelters, citing risks of further quakes and potential volcanic activity. The earthquakes are linked to magmatic activity, where magma (molten rock) is intruding beneath the Fentale and Dofen volcanoes. Ethiopia lies within the East African Rift System, a geologically active zone, making both earthquakes and volcanic activity common. ...

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

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments, Tech

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...