disastersnews Archives - Disasters News

Feb222025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Six Workers Trapped in Telangana’s SLBC Tunnel Collapse

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

At least six workers are feared trapped after a roof collapse in the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, on Saturday. A senior police official confirmed that six to eight workers were inside the tunnel, 12-13 km from the entrance, when the incident occurred. The company handling the project reported the missing workers. CM Orders Urgent Rescue Operations Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock and immediately alerted officials to rush to the site. His office issued a statement confirming that some workers suffered injuries, though no exact number was provided. The district collector, superintendent of police, fire services, HYDRAA, and irrigation officials have been directed to oversee the rescue efforts...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction: The Need for Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in SFDRR Implementation

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) emphasizes the critical importance of engaging a broad range of stakeholders to reduce disaster risks effectively. While governments have made strides in integrating the framework into national policies, significant gaps in stakeholder involvement, resource allocation, and governance continue to limit its overall impact. Regional intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and collaborative networks play a pivotal role in advancing the SFDRR agenda. These entities facilitate partnerships among civil society, the private sector, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, youth, and marginalized groups, ensuring that disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts are inclusive and community-oriented. Co-Production: Bridging Polic...

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...

Jan132025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Dangerous Winds Fuel Deadly Los Angeles Wildfires, Death Toll Rises

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

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...

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...

Dec282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

35 Years After Newcastle Earthquake, Calls for Better Preparedness Grow

Breaking News, Disasters, Learning & Developments

On December 29, A 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook Newcastle, New South Wales, leaving a trail of devastation that claimed 13 lives, injured 162 people, and caused widespread destruction. Thirty-five years later, former Lord Mayor John McNaughton, a key figure in the city’s response, warns that Newcastle may still be unprepared for a future disaster of similar magnitude. The earthquake, lasting just six seconds, leveled buildings, toppled power lines, and brought life to a standstill. Among the hardest-hit sites was the Newcastle Workers Club, where nine people perished, and others were trapped beneath the rubble. McNaughton, now 87, recalls the chaos vividly. “I was on our sailing boat at Tea Gardens when I felt the quake. When I got ashore, people were in shock, not realizing how dev...

Dec42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

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

Breaking News, Disasters

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...

Nov252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Japan and UNDP to Build 12 Evacuation Centers in Laos to Strengthen Disaster Resilience

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Vientiane: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of Japan, is set to construct 12 evacuation centers in the provinces of Khammouane, Salavan, and Champasack over the next three years. This initiative, valued at approximately USD 3.8 million, aims to enhance disaster preparedness and safeguard vulnerable communities in Laos. At the signing ceremony, H.E. Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to Laos, emphasized the broader goals of the project: "Through this project, we aim to enhance disaster resilience, not only by ensuring the safety of people during emergencies but also by fostering a culture of disaster awareness and preparedness in advance." The "Strengthening Disaster Response Capacity through the Improvement of Evacuation Shelt...

May202024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Severe Heatwave Grips Delhi: How to Protect Yourself as Temperatures Soar Above 45 Degrees

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

As a severe heatwave grips Delhi and other parts of North India, with temperatures soaring to 45-47 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert. The extreme heat poses significant health risks, including heatstroke, dehydration, and damage to vital organs. It is crucial to take preventative measures to protect oneself from the adverse effects of such high temperatures. High temperatures can overwhelm the body's natural ability to regulate its internal temperature, leading to conditions like heatstroke. Symptoms of heatstroke include high body temperature (above 40°C or 104°F), confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Without immediate medical intervention, heatstroke can be fatal. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can also damage the brain, ...