2024 Disasters in Numbers
<p>In 2024, the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) recorded 393 natural hazard-related disasters. These events caused 16,753 fatalities and affected 167.2 million people. Economic losses totaled US$241.95
Natural Disasters
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3 Tornadoes Strike Virginia, Hurting Hundreds
Three tornadoes ripped through Virginia on Monday, with one hop-scotching across the southeastern part of the state and leaving behind a 25-mile trail of smashed homes, tossed cars and more than 200 injured residents. The twister in this city outside Norfolk cut a fickle, zig-zagging path through neighborhoods, obliterating some homes and spraying splintered wood across lawns while leaving those standing just a few feet away untouched. Buses took residents to safety, steering clear of downed power lines, tree limbs and a confetti of debris.
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At least 200 hurt by three Va. tornadoes
Three tornados ripped through southeastern Virginia on Monday, injuring scores of people and leveling dozens of homes and businesses. Dana Woodson, spokeswoman for the city of Suffolk, said two tornadoes struck the city about 5 p.m. "We have lots of cuts and bruises, contusions," said Dale Gauding, spokesman for Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk. Gauding said about 60 people were being treated there for mostly minor injuries. The National Weather Service reported that at least nine tornados struck Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.
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Kaba crop flattened by hailstorm
Wheat and barley cultivation in Kaba village, Trongsa, has taken a pelting in recent weeks, with hailstorms destroying several acres of the area's two important spring crops. According to villagers, a 6.2 acre area of wheat and barley cultivation was flattened by hailstones to such an extent that it can hardly be harvested at all. "It's essential for barley to be in a standing position for it to be harvested,' said 52-year-old Ugyen from Kaba village, whose one-acre barley cultivation was affected. "I'll be able to harvest only about one-third of the yield.
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The Valley's Fault Lines (Environment)
For residents of the san francisco bay area in California, their home is in one of the most agreeable parts of the world. The Bay Area has good weather, beautiful landscape, great job opportunities, and some of the most competitive and resourceful minds in the world to interact with. However, at the back of their minds is a phenomenon that can destroy the tranquility in Silicon Valley: earthquakes.
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Environmentally sensitive Bhutan on the brink
High in the Himalayas, above this peaceful valley where farmers till a patchwork of emerald-green fields, an icy lake fed by melting glaciers waits to become a "tsunami from the sky.' The lake is swollen dangerously past normal levels, thanks to the global warming that is causing the glaciers to retreat at record speed. But no one knows when the tipping point will come and the lake can take no more, bursting its banks and sending torrents of water crashing into the valley below.
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Moderate quake shakes Mexico
A moderate earthquake rattled Mexico on Sunday, but no major injuries or damages were reported. The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 and was centered 96 miles north of Acapulco, the U.S. Geological Center said. Mexico's National Seismological Service released a preliminary magnitude of 5.6. Sunday's quake caused office buildings to sway and sent many frightened residents into the streets of the capital, Mexico City. "Yes, it scared us," said Julio Lara, 38, a parking attendant in downtown Mexico City. "It was strong."
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Locals to protect five villages from erosion
AN INITIATIVE has been taken by the local people at five villages
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Landslide threat in eight districts
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) yesterday warned the public to be vigilant on sudden landslides that could occur in eight districts Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, Galle and Matara as a result of torrential rains.
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Flood in dry season
A sluice gate built by Water Development Board (WDB) six month ago at the mouth of Barabhetkhali canal in Mirgang river for draining out water has now turned into a bane for local people. At least 18 villages in Munshiganj and Romjannagar unions in Shyamnagar upazila were flooded yesterday as water entered the areas from Mirgang river through holes created in the embankment of the sluice gate. The water is not receding as the sluice gate is inoperative, locals said. WDB constructed the sluice gate at a cost of Tk 75 lakh
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New cyclone institute to be set up in a coastal state
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member M. Shashishar Reddy, who holds the rank of Union minister of state, has said that the National Cyclone Disaster Management Institute (NCDMI) will be established as an exclusive institutional set up in a coastal state. This assumes significance owing to India's vulnerability to cyclones. Most often, cyclones turn destructive because of torrential rain, gales and storm surges.