Page 26 - Natural Disasters

Study finds human actions speed up climate-driven floods, droughts

A new study has found that streams altered by human activity are at a higher risk of flooding.The research was published in the journal Nature Sustainability.The study from the University of Waterloo analyzed the seasonal flow patterns of 2,272 streams in Canada and the U.S. and found that human-managed streams - those impacted by developments like dams, canals, or heavy urbanization - had significantly different flow patterns compared to streams in natural watersheds.Greater flow increases in managed watersheds indicate more severe flooding -- possibly as a result of the increased paved surfaces in urban regions. Flow dampening on the other hand can lead to water shortages and a loss in biodiversity in managed streams.The study used natural watersheds untouched by human activity to measure the impact of climate change on streamflow. Using them as a baseline, the researchers then compared flow in managed streams within a radius of 115 kilometres to measure the impact of human ...

Unavoidable multiple climate hazards in next 2 decades, warns IPPC report

This report is a dire warning about the consequences of inaction, said Hoesung Lee, Chair of the IPCC while releasing the report Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability

Death toll reaches 204 from landslides, floods in Brazil; 51 still missing

On February 15, Petropolis, a city located 68 km from Rio de Janeiro, was slammed with heavy rains that caused more than 50 mudslides and floods.

Death toll in Brazil mudslides reaches 146 on fifth day of rescue efforts

The number of missing stands at 191

Brazil mudslide death toll is at 117, police say 116 missing

The Rio de Janeiro state government confirmed the rising loss of life, with many feared buried in mud beneath the German-influenced city nestled in the mountains above the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Earthquake measuring 3.5 on Richter scale hits Jammu and Kashmir's Katra

The quake took place at a depth of five kilometres and about 84 kilometres East of Katra

Aid flight lands in Tonga; phones partially restored as airport reopens

The explosion of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano on Saturday killed at least three people, sent tsunami waves rolling across the archipelago.

Three of Tonga's smaller islands suffer serious damage by tsunami

Three of Tonga's smaller islands suffered serious damage from tsunami waves, as a wider picture begins to emerge of the destruction caused by the eruption of an undersea volcano

Colorado wind-fuelled wildfires burn hundreds of homes, force evacuations

An estimated 580 homes, a hotel and a shopping centre have burned and tens of thousands of people were evacuated in wind-fuelled wildfires outside Denver, officials said Thursday evening.

Govt releases additional Rs 3,063 cr to 6 states hit by floods, cyclones

The additional assistance is over and above the funds released by the Centre to the states in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), already placed at the disposal of the states

5.3 magnitude earthquake hits Jammu and Kashmir; no damage reported so far

Tremors were felt around 7.01 pm, officials said

Extreme weather events cost the world billions in 2021, shows study

They include some of the disasters hit rapidly, like Cyclone Yaas, which struck India and Bangladesh in May and caused losses valued at $3 billion in just a few days

Philippines typhoon death toll reaches 208, 52 still missing

Bohol in the central Philippines is one of the hardest-hit

MFIN to launch natural catastrophe insurance cover for micro borrowers

The MicroFinance Institutions' Network is planning to introduce this product with Cholamandalam MS General Insurance as insurer

Joe Biden pledges 'whatever it takes' to assist victims of deadly tornadoes

Biden on Wednesday pledged to do whatever it takes, as long as it takes to help Kentucky and other states after a series of deadly tornadoes that he said left a trail of unimaginable devastation.

Biden visits storm-ravaged Kentucky to offer aid, support after 74 die

For the fifth time since taking office less than a year ago, President Joe Biden is taking on the grim task Wednesday of visiting an area ravaged by natural disaster to offer comfort and condolences.

Death toll from US tornadoes reach 88, more federal help announced

The official death toll from the 30-odd tornadoes that attacked six central US states over the weekend has increased to 88 people, with 74 in Kentucky

Tornado-slammed parts of Kentucky face long road to recovery

Kentucky authorities said the sheer level of destruction was hindering their ability to tally the damage

Biden declares major disaster in Kentucky after deadly tornadoes: Official

Biden declared a major federal disaster in Kentucky after a swarm of deadly tornadoes, paving the way for additional federal aid, an official said

Jeff Bezos says 'heartbroken' over tornado deaths at Amazon warehouse

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on Saturday expressed grief over the death of six people at an Amazon warehouse collapse in Edwardsville, Illinois, due to an ongoing wave of tornadoes in the US