Category: Know Disasters

The continuing El Niño weather phenomenon led to record rainfall and flooding beginning April 27, 2024 and continuing through mid-May in Rio Grande do Sul, a state in southern Brazil. Warm water in the Pacific Ocean, affected by El Niño, and very high temperatures in the South Atlantic Ocean contributed to humidity and increased the amount of rainfall. While flood waters have receded in some areas, the impacts continue,
From the end of April to mid-May, the area received rainfall three times higher than the usual year-to-date average. On May 15, Reuters reported that some parts of the state had received more than 25 inches of rain in May. Located on the Guaiba River, Porto Alegre, the state’s capital, is usually a bustling city home to 1.3 million people. The airport remains closed and will likely not reopen in 2024. Many roads remained damaged well into June, reducing access for residents to essential supplies such as food, water and gas.
Many streets flooded after the Guaíba River breached its banks in early May, reaching a high of 17.5 feet, breaking the previous record set in 1941 of 15.7 feet. While it subsided throughout late May and June, it started rising again in mid-June and is now at 10.8 feet, several inches above flood alert stage, as of June 20.
Many rivers in southern Brazil remain at one of three risk levels: attention, alert or flood (with flood being the highest) as of June 20. More rain is expected and saturated ground means rivers will continue to overtop the banks.
These stunning photo essays from The Washington Post and New York Times highlight the immense destruction caused by the flooding. Needs will be high for years to come.
One of several major flooding events in Brazil in recent years, the 2024 floods emphasize the need for early warnings for all and a better response to El Niño, La Niña, and other weather patterns and climate change impacts.
Following the floods in Brazil in 2022, Reuters reported the flooding “[underlines] a lack of urban planning in low-income neighborhoods throughout much of Brazil, where shantytowns are often built on hillsides prone to collapse. The destruction also comes as scientists begin to question whether abnormal rain cycles in Latin America’s largest nation could be a result of climate change.”
A recent paper from the Grantham Institute for Climate Change says that because there had not been severe flood events in Porto Alegre this “led to reduced investment, and maintenance of its flood protection system … This, in addition to the extreme nature of this event, contributed to the significant impacts of the flood and points to the need to objectively assess risk and strengthen flood infrastructure to be resilient to this and future, even more extreme, floods.”
The researchers also drew a link between poverty and flood protection systems. If there is not serious mitigation, they feel that the ongoing impacts of climate change will continue to “perpetuate inequalities in urban environments. Unprotected regions, typically inhabited by lower-income populations, face higher risks of flooding and associated impacts. This disparity creates a poverty trap, where those in unprotected areas are more susceptible to flood-related disasters, leading to repeated losses and hindered economic progress. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach to urban planning and flood management that prioritises equitable protection and development.”
Source:
disasterphilanthropy.org

On the first day of 2024, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) near the northern coast of the Noto Peninsula on the west coast of Honshu, Japan. The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the earthquake as magnitude 7.6. According to USGS, it is not uncommon for agencies’ measurements to vary due to different sensors and methods. Dozens of aftershocks were also recorded.
The quake caused severe shaking in Nanao, with light shaking in Tokyo. The quake also prompted a tsunami of nearly three feet in Japan. JMA initially issued a major tsunami warning, the first since Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami, but eventually reduced it to an advisory. Two reactors at the Shika nuclear power plant on the Noto peninsula survived but experienced temporary power outages due to damage. William Frank at MIT described what set this earthquake apart from others, namely that the quake was not due to subduction but rather part of an “earthquake swarm.”
Wajima, a city in Ishikawa Prefecture, was among the areas most affected by the earthquake. Many of the city’s 23,000 residents heeded tsunami evacuation orders and fled. But the city still had most of the total number of casualties. Dramatic images showed the devastation in Wajima. Seven weeks after the disaster, many survivors remained in limbo, living in evacuation shelters and unsure of their future, including whether the region will fully recover economically and culturally. Results from a survey released on March 18 showed about 30% of the residents in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, in Ishikawa Prefecture, were yet to return to their towns.
Earthquakes are among the most devastating natural hazards. Japan introduced regulations to protect buildings from earthquakes in 1981 and is renowned for its disaster preparedness. Japan’s investments, mandates and engineering practices adapted to seismic risk have saved lives during past earthquakes. However, many buildings in the affected areas may not have been built to withstand a strong earthquake. For example, many of Wajima’s traditional wooden homes collapsed.
While natural hazards, such as earthquakes, are inevitable, their impact on society is not. Disaster risk results from the interaction between a natural hazard, such as an earthquake, and the physical, economic, environmental or social characteristics that make people and communities exposed and vulnerable. For this reason, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy does not use the term “natural disaster” and instead refers to these events simply as a disaster. How we talk about disasters matters.
Lessons from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that occurred off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, may have been applied during this disaster. An analysis of smartphone location data during the Jan. 1, 2024 quake shows about half of users began to evacuate within six to seven minutes of the initial quake. During the 2011 quake, it took residents more than twice as long to evacuate. Preparedness activities like drills and increasing awareness of what to do during disasters can minimize the impact.
Source:
disasterphilanthropy.org

In an era where climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the importance of robust Early Warning Systems (EWS) cannot be overstated. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Istanbul Regional Hub, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, recently conducted a comprehensive mapping exercise of EWS stakeholders across Central Asia. The findings of this exercise underline the urgent need to enhance early warning mechanisms, emphasizing proactive disaster risk management (DRM) to safeguard communities against future calamities.
One of the critical insights from this exercise is the need for a paradigm shift in disaster management. Historically, many regions have adopted a reactive approach, responding to disasters as they occur. However, the report recommends a transition towards proactive DRM, prioritizing resilience and sustainability over mere risk concentration. This approach involves comprehensive strategies that address all hazards, engage all sectors of society, consider the entire disaster life cycle, and emphasize forward-thinking risk reduction policies. Such a future-oriented approach is essential for building resilient communities that can withstand the increasing threats posed by natural disasters.
A key recommendation from the exercise is the expansion of regional and national EWS stakeholder lists through systematic mapping exercises. By broadening the scope of stakeholder involvement, the roles and responsibilities of various entities in the early warning cycle can be better understood and coordinated. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for ensuring that every link in the early warning chain is robust and effective.
The report also highlights the importance of fortifying the entire value chain of EWS. This includes improving the understanding of risk, enhancing data collection, and refining monitoring and forecasting capabilities. Effective dissemination of warnings and ensuring prompt responses are equally critical. By strengthening each of these components, risks can be mitigated, and communities can be better protected, paving the way for a resilient future for all.
Moreover, the report calls for improvements in policy and regulatory frameworks to prioritize early warning systems. In particular, it advocates for a focus on people-centered Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in the region. Restructuring the institutional architecture to allow greater inclusivity and participation of all stakeholders in the early warning process is also recommended. This inclusive approach ensures that early warnings are more effective, reaching those most vulnerable in a timely manner.
The Early Warning for All (#EW4All) initiative is a crucial global effort aimed at enhancing the reach and impact of EWS. The report suggests replicating successful models and scaling up efforts across Central Asia to contribute to this initiative. By doing so, the region can significantly improve its resilience to natural disasters, ensuring that early warning systems are not just a tool for survival but a cornerstone of sustainable development.
In conclusion, the findings of the EWS stakeholders mapping exercise underscore the necessity of a proactive, inclusive, and comprehensive approach to disaster risk management in Central Asia. By implementing these recommendations, the region can build a resilient future, where communities are better prepared, risks are minimized, and the impacts of disasters are significantly reduced.
Source:
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently published an insightful article, shedding light on the implications of Generative AI (GenAI) on gender through a value chain approach, with a focus on human rights. The article, produced by the Aapti Institute and commissioned under the Business and Human Rights in Asia program funded by the European Union, delves into the risks that GenAI poses to women and gender minorities and offers strategies for mitigation grounded in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it has become increasingly clear that its applications, particularly GenAI, can have significant impacts on different segments of society. The article systematically examines these impacts, emphasizing the human rights risks associated with GenAI, particularly for women and gender minorities. The risks are multifaceted, ranging from perpetuating existing gender biases to creating new forms of discrimination, and the consequences can be profound.
A key aspect of the article is its focus on the Gender Dimensions of the UNGPs. These guiding principles provide a comprehensive framework for businesses to respect and support human rights, including those of marginalized and vulnerable groups. By applying the UNGP lens, the article offers a structured approach to understanding and mitigating the risks posed by GenAI, ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the expense of gender equality.
The value chain approach taken in the article is particularly noteworthy. By examining the entire value chain of GenAI, from development to deployment, the article highlights the various points at which human rights risks can emerge. This approach not only helps in identifying potential risks but also in developing targeted mitigation strategies that can be implemented at different stages of the GenAI lifecycle.
One of the key recommendations offered in the article is the need for robust regulatory frameworks that prioritize human rights, with a specific focus on gender equality. These frameworks should be designed to hold businesses accountable for the impacts of their AI technologies, ensuring that they are developed and used in ways that are fair and equitable. Additionally, the article calls for greater inclusion of women and gender minorities in the development of AI technologies, recognizing that diverse perspectives are crucial for creating AI systems that are truly inclusive.
In conclusion, the article published by the UNDP provides a critical analysis of the gender implications of GenAI, offering valuable insights and recommendations for businesses, policymakers, and civil society. As AI continues to shape the future, it is imperative that its development is guided by principles that uphold human rights and gender equality. By adopting the strategies outlined in the article, we can ensure that GenAI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a source of discrimination.

Source:
UNDP

On May 27, 2024, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) published a critical review study aimed at enhancing Bangladesh’s capacity to manage water resources in the face of climate change. The study, titled “Bangladesh: Adapting to a Changing Climate by Water Accounting,” is a technical paper produced by ADPC’s Climate Resilience and Risk Governance Department. It focuses on developing a comprehensive framework for climate-inclusive water accounting (WA) specifically tailored for the agricultural sector in Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh’s deltaic environment, where the dependency on water is exceptionally high, efficient water management is crucial, particularly for agriculture. The ADPC’s study assesses the current status of water accounting practices in the country, addressing eleven critical questions to evaluate the effectiveness of existing systems. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a technical reference and knowledge base for integrating water accounting into the broader water governance process. By doing so, the country can design a climate-informed water accounting system that addresses the unique challenges faced by its agriculture sector.
The responsibility for implementing water accounting in Bangladesh lies primarily with the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). However, the ADPC’s report highlights the need for collaboration with other key ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (MoLGRD&C). The report is therefore directed not only to the MoWR but also to the MoA, MoLGRD&C, and other relevant agencies that will play a vital role in the successful adoption of this framework.
The review conducted by ADPC focuses on the agricultural sector’s water use, particularly in the sub-sectors of crop production, fisheries, and livestock. Agriculture remains the largest consumer of Bangladesh’s freshwater resources, making it imperative to adopt scientifically recognized techniques like water accounting. Such measures are essential for the efficient management of water resources, ensuring food security in the face of growing demand and increasing climate vulnerabilities.
As Bangladesh continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, the ADPC’s work represents a significant step forward in building resilience within the country’s agricultural sector. By adopting a climate-inclusive water accounting framework, Bangladesh can better manage its water resources, safeguarding both its agricultural productivity and its population’s food security.
Source:
Asian Disaster Prepardeness Center

Over recent years, Sri Lanka has experienced a rise in both the frequency and intensity of floods. This escalation is linked to changing climate patterns that bring more intense rainfall over shorter periods, overwhelming the existing infrastructure and natural waterways.
Sri Lanka was hit by devastating floods in early June 2024 which resulted in the deaths of 15 people and forced around four million children out of classrooms. The heavy rains and subsequent flooding have disrupted daily life for millions, severely impacting education as schools were closed across the country to ensure the safety of students.
Although Sri Lanka is used to facing extreme monsoon seasons, just like other parts of the world, the floods in Sri Lanka in 2024 are part of a broader trend of increasing extreme weather events, which are exacerbated by climate change. Over recent years, Sri Lanka has experienced a rise in both the frequency and intensity of floods. This escalation is linked to changing climate patterns that bring more intense rainfall over shorter periods, overwhelming the existing infrastructure and natural waterways.
The effects of climate change are not limited to the physical damage caused by floods. They also exacerbate other environmental and social issues. For instance, in Sri Lanka, the increased frequency of floods has heightened human-wildlife conflicts, and in countries like Bangladesh, the weather even during the monsoon season has become unpredictable as the country has seen schools shut down due to the extreme heat and homes destroyed due to heavy rainfall in the short span of two months.
These extreme weather events have significant repercussions for education. When floods force the closure of schools, children miss out on critical learning opportunities, which can have long-term impacts on their educational outcomes and future prospects. In response to such crises, organisations, like Save the Children, are calling for more robust funding and support to build resilient educational systems that can withstand natural disasters and ensure continuity of education for all children
Floods and landslides in Sri Lanka have killed at least 15 [1] people, including two children, and forced schools across the island nation to shut as the seasonal monsoon intensified over the weekend, said Save the Children.
A 3 year-old-child drowned and an 11-year-old child was buried alive in a mudslide, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), as the rains reached record levels in parts of the country.
With 20 of the country’s 25 districts affected since the monsoon rains began, all schools have closed, putting learning out of reach for some four million children[2]. About 4,000[3] homes are damaged, according to the country’s Disaster Management Centre.
Save the Children staff have reported that canals in the capital were overflowing, with crocodiles seen lurking in the waterways. Electricity in up to five districts has also been cut off as a precautionary measure to avoid electrical shocks in flooded areas.
The monsoon rains began two weeks ago, but intensified over the weekend, leading to a record 400 millimetres of rain in parts of the country which has led to floods and landslides.
While monsoon rains are normal in Sri Lanka, impacts such as flooding are now more frequent and severe due to climate change, with school closures demonstrating the unique impacts of the climate crisis on children, Save the Children said.
Julian Chellappah, Country Director for Save the Children in Sri Lanka, said: “This intense destruction and disruption could bring huge long-term damage to children’s lives. A combination of the pandemic and economic crisis has affected children’s education, with an increase in school dropouts.”
“What we have seen this weekend is an example of how extreme weather events, made more frequent and severe due to climate change, are destroying children’s rights: disrupting their learning, ruining their homes and even causing death. For some families, disasters like this could leave them with absolutely nothing.”
In addition to the schools being forced to close for over four million children, the recent flood in Sri Lanka has also caused damage to around 4,000 homes as 20 out of the 25 districts have been effected since the rainy monsoon season started in the country.
Source:
Savethechildren.net

A volcanic eruption in the Philippines has forced at least 684 schools to close, affecting about 385,000[1] students, with nine schools converted into evacuation centers, Save the Children said.
Following the eruption on Monday, Mount Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island in central Philippines is on Alert Level 2, the highest level since the eruption, which indicates an increase in volcanic activity.[2]
Images on social media showed an ash cloud shooting into sky and homes covered in volcanic ash, with at least 43 earthquakes recorded since Monday’s explosion which lasted 6 minutes.[3]
The Philippines is no stranger to volcanic activity and sits in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.
Local relief efforts underway
On June 4, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office-6 was deployed to provide psychosocial support to children and youth evacuees of the eruption at La Castellana Elementary School.
The DSWD, vice-chair of the Disaster Response Cluster and lead agency of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster of the NDRRMC, aims to ensure the well-being of affected individuals.
Meanwhile, Canlaon City Mayor Batchuk Cardenas visited, on June 5, evacuees located at Macario Española Memorial School and Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School-Uptown Campus.
The local government provided relief assistance to the evacuees, with 54 families (equivalent to 162 internally displaced persons) receiving food packs and other kits.
Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager of Save the Children Philippines, said
“This eruption has halted education in at least 684 schools and hundreds of thousands of children have been affected by the Mount Kanlaon eruption. Experts have warned that volcanic activity may continue. We urge everyone to follow safety guidance issued by the authorities and Save the Children Philippines stands ready to assist those affected.”
Source:
Disasternews.com