Year: 2024

Japan is in the grip of a powerful natural disaster as Typhoon Shanshan, the strongest typhoon of 2024, made landfall on the southern island of Kyushu. With torrential rainfall and wind speeds reaching a staggering 252 km/h (157 mph), the typhoon is threatening to unleash widespread destruction across the region. As Japan’s Meteorological Agency warns of over a meter of rain falling within 48 hours, tens of thousands of people have been urged to evacuate, while the nation braces for what could become a “major disaster.”

The typhoon touched down at approximately 8 AM in southern Kyushu, already leaving over 254,000 homes without electricity. The storm’s slow pace, moving northwards at just 15 km/h, is exacerbating concerns, as it gives Shanshan ample time to wreak havoc. The meteorological agency has predicted 1,100 mm (43 inches) of rainfall over two days, which is around half of the region’s annual rainfall.

Authorities have issued rare special typhoon warnings, particularly for Kagoshima prefecture, as residents remain on high alert. The risk of landslides in the mountainous regions is escalating, and with transport disruptions, including canceled trains and flights, the country’s infrastructure is straining under the pressure of this massive storm.

Tragically, Typhoon Shanshan has already claimed lives. Three members of a family were buried in a landslide in Gamagori city, central Japan. The victims, a couple in their 70s and their son in his 30s, perished, while two daughters survived with injuries. This heartbreaking incident is just one of many feared to occur as the typhoon continues its path of destruction.

The magnitude of the disaster has forced major automakers like Toyota to halt production in all 14 of its factories. In the meantime, Japan Airlines and ANA have canceled hundreds of flights, stranding 25,000 passengers, and railway services, including the iconic bullet trains, have been suspended.

As public broadcaster NHK TV showed videos of homes with roof tiles ripped off, shattered windows, and trees uprooted, the scale of the destruction becomes apparent. One resident in Miyazaki shared a harrowing story of how their carport roof was blown away entirely, with the violent shaking mistaken for an earthquake by their children. “It was completely beyond our imagination,” they said.

Government officials, including chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, have warned that Typhoon Shanshan’s violent winds, high waves, and storm surges are unlike anything many residents have experienced before. The slow-moving nature of the storm only increases the potential for catastrophic damage. Forecasters have made it clear: this typhoon is not to be underestimated, and the possibility of a major disaster looms large.

Japan has only issued its highest level of typhoon warnings three times before, underscoring the severity of the current situation. The last major warning was in September 2022, when five people lost their lives to a similar storm.

Typhoon Shanshan’s slow march through Kyushu is reminiscent of other recent powerful storms, and experts warn that these intense tropical cyclones are becoming more frequent due to the global climate crisis. Rising sea levels and warmer oceans are contributing to stronger, longer-lasting storms, and the effects are devastating coastal communities worldwide. The storm surge caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, for example, was about 20% higher due to human-caused climate breakdown.

As Japan confronts Shanshan’s fury, the reality of climate change looms large. Warming oceans are fueling stronger storms, increasing rainfall, and pushing coastal storm surges higher. The impacts of these storms are becoming more destructive, more frequent, and more deadly. Typhoon Shanshan is the latest in a growing list of climate-fueled disasters, and its devastating effects will likely linger long after the storm passes.                                                                 

Source:

www.theguardian.com

South Korea is grappling with one of its most devastating bouts of heavy rainfall in recent years as torrential downpours continue to pound Seoul and surrounding metropolitan areas. Beginning in the late hours of July 16 and stretching into the afternoon of July 17, relentless rain battered the capital’s borders, causing severe flooding, landslides, and widespread transportation disruptions. The torrential rain led to catastrophic consequences across northern regions, sparking concerns for even more damage as the downpour continues.

In just a few short hours, staggering amounts of rain submerged entire neighborhoods. Panmunjom in Paju recorded an astonishing 358.5 mm of rainfall, while Baekhak in Yeoncheon saw 212.0 mm, and Changhyeon in Namyangju was hit with 202.0 mm of rain. The situation became particularly alarming when rainfall surpassed 100 mm per hour in Uijeongbu and Paju on the morning of July 17, leaving infrastructure across the region in ruins.

The flooding wreaked havoc on critical roads, causing closures in several key areas, including the main entry road to Dangdong, and roads from Jayu-ro and Munsan-eup in Paju-si. In Uijeongbu-si, the eastern main road had to be completely shut down due to impassable water levels. Vehicles, including cars and motorbikes, were abandoned in rising floodwaters, while train services on the Gyeongwon Line between Uijeongbu Station and Deokjeong Station, as well as between Mangwolsa and Uijeongbu Station, were suspended indefinitely. Electric trains were halted, leaving commuters stranded and cities paralyzed.

As emergency services sprang into action, small motorized rubber boats were deployed for rescue efforts, reaching those stranded in the worst-hit areas. Nearly 900 residents from eight cities and provinces across South Korea have been forced to evacuate, with many seeking refuge in temporary government-provided shelters. The situation remains dire as residents struggle to recover from the devastation caused by the unforgiving rains.

Landslide warnings have been issued across several districts in Seoul, with areas like Jongno experiencing the collapse of embankments in residential zones. The saturated ground has led to fears of further landslides, as more rain is forecasted to hit urban areas, including northern Chungcheongbuk-do, with rainfall expected to exceed 70 mm per hour.

The South Korean government is bracing for continued challenges as the monsoon rains show no signs of relenting. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay indoors and remain cautious, warning of further disruptions to daily life, increased flood damage, and potential fatalities if the downpours persist. With more landslides and flooding expected, the nation remains on high alert as it battles one of the most intense rainstorms in recent memory.                  

Source:

Disasterscharter.org

Panama is facing a mounting public health crisis as the number of dengue cases skyrockets, prompting health authorities to declare a nationwide health alert. As of late July 2024, the Ministry of Health has sounded the alarm across four key regions: Panama Metro, Colon, Panama Oeste, and Panama Este. With 9,830 confirmed cases and 22 fatalities reported by epidemiological week 30, the outbreak is a significant cause for concern, and the entire nation is on high alert.

The presence of all four dengue serotypes—DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4—circulating in the country is fuelling the spread of this mosquito-borne illness. These serotypes, which have been persistent in Panama since 2018, have exacerbated the health crisis, putting millions at risk. The Gorgas Memorial Institute (ICGES) has confirmed the genotypes responsible for the outbreak, with the DENV-2 Asian American genotype making a notable impact on the region. Thankfully, the more dangerous Cosmopolitan genotype of DENV-2, which is driving severe dengue outbreaks in other Latin American countries, has not yet been detected in Panama.

In response to the growing threat, the Panamanian Ministry of Health issued resolution N. 1580, officially declaring the Dengue Health Alert on July 25, 2024. This move is part of a broader effort to contain the outbreak and protect communities from further harm. To bolster its efforts, the Ministry formally requested the Red Cross Society of Panama to join the national response plan. The collaboration aims to enhance the country’s capacity to manage and curb the spread of the virus, particularly in high-risk zones.

The rapid surge in cases has overwhelmed local healthcare systems, and public health officials are working tirelessly to raise awareness and implement preventative measures. Communities across the nation are being urged to eliminate standing water, a breeding ground for the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the virus. Public health campaigns are in full swing, emphasizing the importance of mosquito control and protective measures.

While the situation remains critical, Panama’s swift response and the mobilization of national and international resources offer hope for containing the outbreak. Still, with thousands affected and new cases emerging daily, the fight against dengue is far from over. Public health officials continue to stress vigilance and community cooperation as key to overcoming this challenging crisis.

As the country braces for what could be one of the most severe dengue seasons in recent years, the focus now is on safeguarding lives, improving healthcare capacity, and preventing further escalation of this deadly disease. The weeks ahead will be crucial in determining how effectively Panama can weather this health emergency and protect its citizens from the potentially life-threatening consequences of dengue.                                                     

Source:

Reliefweb.int

As the world grapples with an escalating climate crisis, Australia finds itself at a critical juncture, balancing its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions against the backdrop of increasing natural disasters. Data released on July 6, 2024, reveals that while the Australian government claims national greenhouse gas emissions have declined by 29% since 2005, a deeper analysis shows a sobering reality: emissions that truly matter have dropped a mere 2.5%. This discrepancy raises alarming questions about Australia’s effectiveness in tackling the heat-trapping pollution that significantly contributes to global warming and exacerbates natural disasters.

In recent years, Australia has faced a barrage of climate-related disasters, from devastating bushfires to severe flooding, all heightened by extreme weather patterns linked to climate change. With a legislated emissions target of a 43% reduction by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, current projections suggest that Australia is trailing behind the necessary pace to meet this ambitious goal. But the crucial question remains: is a 43% reduction even sufficient to mitigate the impending impacts of climate change?

Australia’s “fair share” of emissions in limiting global temperature increases has been hotly debated. The nation’s trajectory indicates that it may exhaust its carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C before 2030, while the 2°C threshold could be reached between 2030 and 2040. This timeline presents a dire warning: the difference between 1.5°C and 2°C of warming could lead to catastrophic impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health.

In the year ending December 2023, national greenhouse gas emissions saw a slight decline of 0.5%. However, this figure masks a more troubling reality. When land use changes and forestry emissions—often referred to as “LuluCF”—are factored out, it becomes clear that emissions from the core sectors of the Australian economy, including electricity generation, transportation, and industrial processes, have only decreased by 2.5% since 2005. This highlights a concerning trend: while some progress has been made in transitioning to renewable energy, emissions from key sectors remain stagnant, undermining the nation’s climate goals.

The rise in emissions from transportation, which spiked by 3.6% as pandemic restrictions eased, underscores the volatility of progress. The increased reliance on fossil fuels in transport reveals a lack of comprehensive climate policy that addresses the sources of heat-trapping emissions across the economy. As people return to their pre-pandemic habits, the resurgence in transportation emissions threatens to erase any gains made in other sectors.

Despite the optimistic narrative propagated by government data, many analysts argue that Australia’s climate policies have yet to make a significant impact. The inclusion of land use changes in emissions accounting complicates the overall picture and may mask the actual progress—or lack thereof—in reducing fossil fuel consumption. Critics warn that without more stringent measures to curb emissions from fossil fuels, Australia risks not only falling short of its targets but also facing escalating disaster risks as climate change accelerates.

As Australia grapples with the dual challenges of meeting its emissions targets and mitigating the impacts of climate change, the stakes have never been higher. The need for urgent, comprehensive climate action is clear. Failure to address the underlying causes of emissions could lead to devastating consequences for both the environment and the resilience of communities across the nation. With climate-related disasters already wreaking havoc, the time for decisive action is now.                                                                    

Source:

www.theguardian.com

Hurricane Beryl, the first major hurricane of the 2024 season, has made history with its unprecedented strength and catastrophic impact on the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. Originating from a tropical wave off the coast of Africa in late June, Beryl rapidly intensified into a record-breaking Category 5 hurricane, marking the earliest storm of its kind to develop in the Atlantic’s Main Development Region (MDR).

Beryl’s wrath first hit the eastern Caribbean, making landfall on the island of Carriacou in Grenada on July 1 as a high-end Category 4 storm, with winds of 165 mph (270 km/h). The storm pummeled the region, causing severe flooding, tearing roofs off homes, and leaving communities in devastation. In Venezuela, six people tragically lost their lives, while the small, vulnerable islands in the Cayman chain saw “almost complete destruction,” with at least four fatalities reported. The Government of the Cayman Islands quickly responded, opening emergency shelters as the islands braced for further impacts.

As Beryl entered the Caribbean Sea, it strengthened into a monstrous Category 5 hurricane, fueled by warmer-than-usual waters. GOES-16 satellite imagery captured the storm’s menacing eye, surrounded by radial bands that reflected its tremendous power. By July 5, the storm made landfall on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula near Tulum, causing widespread destruction. Although Beryl had weakened to a Category 2 storm by then, its powerful winds, flooding, and infrastructure damage left communities reeling.

After passing over the Yucatán, Beryl entered the Gulf of Mexico, briefly regaining strength before making a final landfall near Matagorda, Texas, as a Category 1 hurricane on July 8. Texas bore the brunt of the storm’s fury in the United States, with catastrophic flooding, wind damage, and a tragic toll of at least 22 lives lost in the Houston area. Tornadoes spawned by Beryl’s outer bands swept across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and as far north as Indiana, New York, and Ontario, Canada.

The storm dissipated into a post-tropical system over Arkansas on July 9, before finally losing steam over Ontario the following day. However, the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl continues to unfold, with extensive recovery efforts underway across the Caribbean, Mexico, and the southern U.S. In total, the hurricane left behind a trail of devastation and heartbreak, impacting thousands of lives and changing the landscape of communities it touched.

As the 2024 hurricane season presses on, Beryl serves as a grim reminder of the increasing power and unpredictability of tropical storms, amplified by climate change and warmer ocean temperatures.                    

Source:

Disasterscharter.org

In a tragic turn of events, heavy rains on July 21 and 22, 2024, triggered a series of deadly landslides in the mountainous regions of Gezei Gofa Woreda, Gofa Zone, located in Ethiopia’s South Region. Local authorities have confirmed the disaster has claimed at least 236 lives, making it Ethiopia’s deadliest landslide in recent history. The numbers are expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. Thousands have been left displaced, and the humanitarian toll is mounting as relief agencies scramble to respond to the crisis.

The affected area has been left in ruins, with over 15,500 people suffering the aftermath of this catastrophe. Among them, communities in Koncho Gozji Kebele and Koncho Wiza Kebele have borne the brunt of the disaster, where more than 14,000 people have lost their homes or livelihoods. Tragically, 30 pregnant or lactating women and one child under the age of five are among the dead, highlighting the profound human toll of this event.

The Ethiopian Red Cross, alongside local authorities and community members, is leading the response in the ongoing search and rescue operations. However, the scale of devastation is immense, with hundreds still unaccounted for, and families are clinging to the hope of finding their loved ones amidst the debris.

This region has faced significant climate extremes in recent years, with both floods and droughts contributing to the growing humanitarian needs. Just months earlier, in May 2024, the same area experienced a landslide that claimed over 50 lives. The recurrence of such disasters underlines the vulnerability of these mountainous communities to the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns.

The response efforts have been swift, but the situation remains dire. At least 600 people have been displaced from their homes, seeking refuge as they await aid and assistance. While local efforts are underway, international support will likely be crucial in addressing the immediate needs of food, shelter, and medical care for those affected.

As Ethiopia grapples with this ongoing crisis, relief agencies are conducting a multi-agency assessment to further evaluate the scale of the damage. The focus now shifts not only to saving lives but also to rebuilding the livelihoods shattered by the disaster. Ethiopia’s resilience is being tested once again, as the country confronts the harsh realities of climate-induced disasters that continue to devastate communities across the region.

The death toll continues to climb, and with each passing day, the need for urgent humanitarian assistance becomes more apparent. In the face of such tragedy, the strength and resolve of the Ethiopian people, as well as the support of national and international organizations, will be critical in navigating the long road to recovery.                                                     

Source:

Reliefweb.int

The relentless monsoon rains of July 7, 2024, have triggered widespread flooding across Nepal’s western region, wreaking havoc on the southern settlements of Kanchanpur. The torrential downpour has overwhelmed local rivers, with both the Mahakali and Jogbuda rivers bursting their banks, inundating entire villages in the Dodhara Chandani region.

As floodwaters surged through the area, three villages were submerged, forcing hundreds to flee their homes. The scene is one of devastation—homes, fields, and roads submerged under water, cutting off vital access to resources and leaving families stranded. The fast-rising waters have unleashed a wave of flash floods and landslides, with deadly consequences. So far, 14 lives have been tragically lost, while search efforts continue for those reported missing. Police, in coordination with local agencies, are racing against time to find the missing and provide aid to those still trapped by the floodwaters.

In the midst of this natural disaster, rescue operations have been in full force. Over 1,600 people across the district have been rescued and relocated to safer areas, but the scale of the displacement is significant. Entire communities are now sheltering in makeshift camps, and the need for emergency supplies like food, water, and medical aid is growing by the hour. Local officials, NGOs, and government forces are working tirelessly to manage relief efforts, but with much of the region still submerged, the road to recovery looks long and challenging.

This flood is a stark reminder of Nepal’s vulnerability during the monsoon season, where flash floods and landslides can strike without warning, leaving behind destruction and heartache. The government is urging caution, as more rain is expected in the coming days, heightening fears of additional flooding and potential damage. While the people of Kanchanpur face an uncertain future, their resilience and the coordinated response of authorities offer hope amidst the devastation.

Source:

Reliefweb.int

On 24 July 2024, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) published the groundbreaking Resilience Expenditure Landscape report, marking a significant milestone in tracking global public spending on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). This first-of-its-kind report offers a comprehensive overview of financial allocations towards building resilience, crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. The initiative, developed by UNDRR, uses a coordinated system of budget tagging to classify expenditures and aims to improve the transparency and efficiency of national and international investments in resilience.

One of the report’s key highlights is its analysis of country initiatives that have employed DRR and CCA budget tagging, a mechanism that allows governments to better understand the size, patterns, and trends of public spending in these areas. By synthesizing lessons learned from various nations, the report identifies both gaps and progress in how countries allocate funds towards reducing disaster risks and adapting to climate change impacts. The analysis is particularly timely, given the growing frequency of extreme weather events and their devastating effects on vulnerable populations.

Budget tagging, as detailed in the report, enables policymakers to categorize public spending based on its direct or indirect contribution to DRR and CCA objectives. This system, tested across different countries, offers valuable insights into the efficiency of current financial allocations. For instance, the report found that average DRR and CCA expenditures in Africa represent about 0.6% of GDP, though this figure varies significantly from one country to another. The analysis shows that while some nations have robust systems in place, others heavily rely on international assistance to meet their DRR and CCA goals.

The Resilience Expenditure Landscape report also examines the financial needs required to achieve effective DRR and CCA outcomes. International data suggest that, on average, countries should be spending between 3% and 6% of their GDP annually on these efforts to adequately address climate and disaster risks. However, the report reveals a stark reality: current investments are meeting only 10% to 25% of these needs in most countries, leaving a substantial funding gap. To address this shortfall, the report calls for a significant increase in both domestic and international financial flows, urging developed nations to fulfill their commitments, including the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge made during the 2009 COP15 summit.

In addition to assessing the financial gaps, the report emphasizes the importance of aligning DRR and CCA policies with national development objectives. The coordinated system of budget tagging allows for better integration of DRR and CCA into broader development plans, ensuring that resilience-building efforts contribute to sustainable development. Furthermore, the report explores how DRR and CCA budget tagging complements other international initiatives, such as the COP28 commitment to operationalize the loss and damage fund, which aims to support nations most affected by climate change.

As a forward-looking document, the Resilience Expenditure Landscape lays the groundwork for future policy developments in DRR and CCA financing. It suggests the establishment of a global Disaster and Climate Expenditure Observatory (DCEO) to maintain a register of DRR and CCA budget tagging initiatives, providing regular updates on spending patterns and influencing policy discussions at both national and international levels.

This report marks a critical step toward bridging the gap between climate resilience needs and available resources. It provides a valuable tool for governments and international agencies to track, analyze, and ultimately improve the effectiveness of resilience expenditures, ensuring that nations are better equipped to handle the escalating challenges posed by climate change and disasters. As the world continues to grapple with the impact of climate-related disasters, the insights offered by the Resilience Expenditure Landscape are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future global resilience strategies.                                          

Source:

www.undrr.org

Laos is grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented flash floods, which have left a trail of destruction across 14 provinces, displacing tens of thousands and crippling essential infrastructure. Triggered by the intensity of Typhoon Yagi, the floods have affected an estimated 140,000 people, including 60,000 children, as communities face widespread disruption and the challenge of rebuilding shattered lives.

In the worst-hit areas, such as Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane Capital, families are left picking up the pieces after homes were swept away, roads and bridges collapsed, and entire villages were submerged. Northern regions, including Phongsaly, Bokeo, and Oudomxay, have also been ravaged by continuous rainfall since early September, which has led to catastrophic landslides and flooding, cutting off vital access to food, healthcare, and education for thousands. Luang Namtha remains the hardest hit, with at least 40,000 people across 20 villages enduring the brunt of the damage.

The sheer scale of the disaster is daunting. Across 32 districts and 486 villages, 28,000 families are in urgent need of support. The floods have forced the evacuation of 443 families and claimed three lives. With homes destroyed and essential services disrupted, these families are relying heavily on emergency relief efforts. Many areas now face a looming food crisis, as farmlands have been submerged, and key supplies have been cut off.

The deluge has not only ravaged the physical infrastructure but also disrupted the social fabric of many communities. Schools, health centers, and other critical social services have been severely damaged, putting education, mental health, and basic welfare out of reach for countless individuals. With roads and bridges washed away, many communities have been left isolated, heightening the urgency of the relief mission.

Efforts are underway to bring aid to those in dire need, with both national and international organizations rallying to deliver food, shelter, and medical care. The government, along with agencies such as UNICEF and ECHO, is working tirelessly to reach affected areas, but the scale of the damage presents significant challenges. Swift responses are crucial, but with infrastructure in tatters and entire regions submerged, the path to recovery will be a long and arduous journey.

The floods in Laos have highlighted the vulnerability of rural areas to extreme weather events, reminding the world of the devastating consequences of climate-induced disasters. As Laos contends with the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, the focus remains on rescuing those stranded and providing immediate relief to displaced families. However, the broader task of rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure to prevent future disasters looms large on the horizon.                                              

Source:

Reliefweb.int

On July 3rd, Hurricane Beryl unleashed its fury on Jamaica, bringing fierce winds, torrential rain, and widespread devastation to the island. After wreaking havoc across the eastern Caribbean, where it claimed at least seven lives, Beryl made landfall on Jamaica’s southern coast with winds reaching a terrifying 130 mph (215 km/h).

Beryl, now infamous for becoming the earliest hurricane on record to strengthen into a Category 4 storm, delivered catastrophic sea surges and deadly winds fueled by warming ocean waters. The storm’s destructive path is a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of hurricanes in the face of climate change.

As floodwaters swept through the streets of Jamaica and roofs were torn from homes, parts of the island plunged into darkness as power outages disrupted daily life. Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed—a person who lost their life when a tree crashed through their home.

Though Beryl has since weakened to a Category 2 storm and shifted its trajectory toward southern Mexico, the impact on Jamaica remains profound. Residents are grappling with the aftermath of the storm, from damaged infrastructure to displaced families. Recovery efforts are underway, but the sheer force of the hurricane has left scars that will take time to heal.

For those following Beryl’s path, resources like the UNOSAT web map and EUMETSAT’s detailed case study offer critical insights into the storm’s trajectory and impact. As the Caribbean braces for future storms, the lessons from Hurricane Beryl are clear: extreme weather is becoming the new normal, and island nations are on the front lines of this growing crisis.

Jamaica, like its neighbors in the Caribbean, now faces the long road to recovery, but the resilience of its people shines through in the aftermath of this historic storm.     

Source:

Disasterscharter.org