Friday, April 4News That Matters

Tag: Flood disasters

Mathare Flood Survivors Struggle to Rebuild Amid Climate and Housing Crisis

Mathare Flood Survivors Struggle to Rebuild Amid Climate and Housing Crisis

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Fact Check
In the shadow of Nairobi’s skyline Mathare one of Kenya’s largest informal settlements bears the deep scars of nature’s wrath. The March-to-May rainy season of 2024 brought devastating floods that swept through the community, destroying homes, displacing thousands, and claiming lives. On April 24, floodwaters surged through Mathare, leaving more than 7,000 people displaced, according to a report by Save the Children. A month later, families were still grappling with the scale of destruction. Doreen Achieng, a mother of four, recalls how water seeped into her house overnight. Used to occasional flooding, she began mopping until she realized the water wasn’t stopping. Within hours, it had risen three meters, trapping her family inside. “We were stuck in the water, but the men came t...
Rising from Ruin: How Pakistan Flood Disaster Sparked a Revolution in Resilience

Rising from Ruin: How Pakistan Flood Disaster Sparked a Revolution in Resilience

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
In the heart of devastation, where floodwaters swallowed entire villages and millions were left stranded, a remarkable transformation began. The 2022 Pakistan floods were among the worst climate disasters of the century, leaving one-third of the country submerged. But within this crisis lay an opportunity—one that would redefine how nations respond to catastrophe. From tragedy to triumph, the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP) has emerged as a global model for disaster recovery. In just two years, it rebuilt lives, strengthened infrastructure, and pioneered a new approach to resilience that could change how the world confronts climate disasters. A Disaster of Unprecedented Scale The numbers were staggering. Over 33 million people affected. Nearly $15 billion in d...
Burundi Faces Rising Challenges as Climate Disasters Magnify Vulnerabilities

Burundi Faces Rising Challenges as Climate Disasters Magnify Vulnerabilities

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Fact Check
In April 2024, torrential rains in southwestern Burundi triggered a devastating landslide in Gabaniro village, Rumonge province. Nearly 500 homes were flattened, one child was killed, and 2,500 residents were left homeless. Alongside the tragic loss of life, 500 hectares of cropland were destroyed, threatening livelihoods in one of the country’s most vulnerable regions. Survivors are struggling to recover from the disaster. Evangélique Hatungimana, a resident of Gabaniro, recalled the terror of the event. "We have been living in constant fear since witnessing something we never thought possible," she told Dialogue Earth. In nearby Mubone, Christine Tuyisenge’s home now bears deep cracks from the flooding. "When it rains, I take my children and leave the house for fear it will be swept a...
Mining Impact on Rivers Flood Risks in Dynamic Channels

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...
Thailand Flooding Death Toll Rises to 25, Heavy Rain Expected to Continue

Thailand Flooding Death Toll Rises to 25, Heavy Rain Expected to Continue

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
The death toll from devastating floods in southern Thailand has climbed to 25, with more than 660,000 homes affected since the deluge began on November 22, according to the country’s disaster management agency. Officials warned of days of continued heavy rain as the Thai weather agency forecast downpours to persist until December 5. The flooding, which has wreaked havoc across Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhla, and Yala provinces, has displaced over 22,000 residents. The Thai government’s public relations department confirmed the scale of the disaster, which has overwhelmed local communities and left many struggling to rebuild. Among those severely impacted is Suwas Bin-Uma, a chicken farmer from Songkhla, who lost his entire flock of more than 10,000 birds. “I’ve lost at least 3 million...
Smallest Nations Biggest Impact: Study Shows Small Island States Facing Severe Flooding Risks Due to Climate Change

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

“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...
Is Flood Hazards one of the man created Disasters?: Lets Understand and Analyze

Is Flood Hazards one of the man created Disasters?: Lets Understand and Analyze

Breaking News, Disasters, Thoughts & Talks
Flood disasters have profound impacts on communities, causing widespread devastation and posing significant challenges for both immediate response and long-term recovery. These natural disasters occur when water exceeds normal levels, inundating land and infrastructure. The consequences of floods range from loss of lives and displacement of populations to damage to homes, agriculture, and vital services. One of the primary causes of floods is heavy rainfall, often exacerbated by factors like deforestation, urbanization, and poor land management. Additionally, storm surges, melting snow, and dam failures can contribute to the escalation of flooding events. The aftermath of floods includes the destruction of homes, displacement of families, and disruptions to critical infrastructure such ...