Seismologists report a groundbreaking study suggesting that significant earthquakes could be predicted by identifying early warning signals several months before the event.

The research, published in Nature Communications, focused on the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February 2023, bringing to the fore&nbsp;unique seismic signals approximately eight months before the quake.

The earthquake wreaked havoc, claiming over 50,700 lives, injuring double that number, and causing extensive damage to 4 million buildings, including the destruction of around 345,000 apartments.

Earthquake prediction remains an immense challenge, prompting ongoing exploration of warning signs to enhance preparedness for such catastrophic events.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-will-collide-with-moon-this-is-what-a-rogue-star-can-do-to-our-solar-system-664214">Also read |&nbsp;‘Earth will collide with moon,’ This is what a rogue star can do to our solar system</a>

<h2>Fault zone and signal clusters</h2>

The Turkey-Syria earthquake originated in the East Anatolian Fault Zone, commencing at a secondary fault before propagating to the main fault.

The study identified increased seismic signals and larger energy releases within 40 miles of the epicentre around eight months before the earthquake. Notably, these signals manifested on a secondary fault, often overlooked in seismic assessments.

While the study's lead author, Patricia Martínez-Garzón, acknowledges the ability to sense changes in fault activity, determining the precise size of an impending earthquake remains a challenge.

Predictive techniques, though valuable, encounter variations in earthquake nucleation processes across different events, making immediate-term warnings currently unattainable.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-worlds-1st-transatlantic-flight-using-100-green-fuels-takes-off-from-london-all-you-need-to-know-663945">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | World’s 1st transatlantic flight using 100% green fuels takes off. All you need to know</a>

Martínez-Garzón stressed on the need for further research to discern when these signals can reliably indicate an impending earthquake.

Combining field observations with laboratory experiments is deemed crucial for advancing understanding and potentially contributing to earthquake forecasting.

Recognising the immense destruction caused by large earthquakes, any progress in prediction techniques holds significant value.

Hazard and risk scientists stress the importance of case histories like this in enhancing comprehension of processes leading to major earthquakes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Seismologists report a groundbreaking study suggesting that significant earthquakes could be predicted by identifying early warning signals several months before the event.

Seismologists report a groundbreaking study suggesting that significant earthquakes could be predicted by identifying early warning signals several months before the event. The research, published in Nature Communications, focused on the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February 2023, bringing to the fore unique seismic signals approximately eight months before the quake. The earthquake wreaked havoc, claiming over 50,700 lives, injuring double that number, and causing extensive damage to 4 million buildings, including the destruction of around 345,000 apartments. Earthquake prediction remains an immense challenge, prompting ongoing exploration of warning signs to enhance preparedness for such catastrophic events. Also read | ‘Earth will collide with moon,’ This is what a rogue star can do to our solar system Fault zone and signal clusters The Turkey-Syria earthquake originated in the East Anatolian Fault Zone, commencing at a secondary fault before propagating to the main fault. The study identified increased seismic signals and larger energy releases within 40 miles of the epicentre around eight months before the earthquake. Notably, these signals manifested on a secondary fault, often overlooked in seismic assessments. While the study's lead author, Patricia Martínez-Garzón, acknowledges the ability to sense changes in fault activity, determining the precise size of an impending earthquake remains a challenge. Predictive techniques, though valuable, encounter variations in earthquake nucleation processes across different events, making immediate-term warnings currently unattainable. Also read | Explained | World’s 1st transatlantic flight using 100% green fuels takes off. All you need to know Martínez-Garzón stressed on the need for further research to discern when these signals can reliably indicate an impending earthquake. Combining field observations with laboratory experiments is deemed crucial for advancing understanding and potentially contributing to earthquake forecasting. Recognising the immense destruction caused by large earthquakes, any progress in prediction techniques holds significant value. Hazard and risk scientists stress the importance of case histories like this in enhancing comprehension of processes leading to major earthquakes. (With inputs from agencies)

Major earthquakes can be predicted months in advance, scientists say

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On Tuesday, the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Tuesday put out a report on natural disasters, highlighting how the number of disasters have increased over the last half century. However, the disasters have caused fewer deaths than anticipated.

Based on WMO data, over 11,000 disasters struck the planet over the last 50 years. Most of these may be attributed to extreme changes in weather, unpredictable patterns triggered by climate change, and additional factors like tsunamis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/20-years-witnessed-rise-in-natural-disasters-especially-in-asia-united-nations-334738" hreflang="en">20 years witnessed rise in natural disasters, especially in Asia: United Nations</a>

At least 2 million people lost their lives to such disasters in the last 50 years, which cost 3.6 million USD to the global economy.&nbsp;

The organisation’s Secretary-General Peter Taalas referred to China and said that the country produces “25 per cent of the global emissions”. At the same time, Taalas praised China for its “record investment in renewable energy”.

Taalas added, however, that the country needs to invest in ways to avert climate catastrophes, or more commonly called “climate mitigation”.

Complied by 16 international agencies along with financial institutions, the 2020 State of Climate Services report urged governments across the world to invest heavily in mitigation measures alongside warning systems to be better prepared for natural calamities in the future.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-disaster-95-per-cent-of-sea-floor-marine-life-killed-in-avacha-bay-cause-unknown-333066" hreflang="en">Russia disaster: 95 per cent of sea-floor marine life killed in Avacha Bay, cause unknown</a>

WMO's Deputy Director, who is also in charge of Climate Services, Maxx Dilley, during a news conference in Geneva said the report held importance for all countries, and that "no individual country is self reliant and self contained when it comes to these types of system and services".

According to WMO predictions, the number of people that require international humanitarian aid could rise by 50 per cent by 2030, compared to 2018’s 108 million people who required aid.&nbsp;

Owing to climate change, phenomenas like heat waves, forest fires, droughts, storms, and hurricanes will only increase in the future.

On Tuesday, the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Tuesday put out a report on natural disasters, highlighting how the number of disasters have increased over the last half century.

On Tuesday, the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Tuesday put out a report on natural disasters, highlighting how the number of disasters have increased over the last half century. However, the disasters have caused fewer deaths than anticipated. Based on WMO data, over 11,000 disasters struck the planet over the last 50 years. Most of these may be attributed to extreme changes in weather, unpredictable patterns triggered by climate change, and additional factors like tsunamis. Also read: 20 years witnessed rise in natural disasters, especially in Asia: United Nations At least 2 million people lost their lives to such disasters in the last 50 years, which cost 3.6 million USD to the global economy. The organisation’s Secretary-General Peter Taalas referred to China and said that the country produces “25 per cent of the global emissions”. At the same time, Taalas praised China for its “record investment in renewable energy”. Taalas added, however, that the country needs to invest in ways to avert climate catastrophes, or more commonly called “climate mitigation”. Complied by 16 international agencies along with financial institutions, the 2020 State of Climate Services report urged governments across the world to invest heavily in mitigation measures alongside warning systems to be better prepared for natural calamities in the future. Also read: Russia disaster: 95 per cent of sea-floor marine life killed in Avacha Bay, cause unknown WMO's Deputy Director, who is also in charge of Climate Services, Maxx Dilley, during a news conference in Geneva said the report held importance for all countries, and that "no individual country is self reliant and self contained when it comes to these types of system and services". According to WMO predictions, the number of people that require international humanitarian aid could rise by 50 per cent by 2030, compared to 2018’s 108 million people who required aid. Owing to climate change, phenomenas like heat waves, forest fires, droughts, storms, and hurricanes will only increase in the future.

China contributes 25% to global emissions, says UN

Tropical storm Isaias has killed at least four people so far, as it made its way through the US Atlantic Coast.

Two deaths were recorded at a trailer park in North Carolina, which fell in the pathway of a tornado emerging out of a hurricane speed winds.

Owing to the ferocious storm, over 2.8 million homes have been left without electricity, in places across New York to North Carolina.

Isaias made landfall on Monday

Isaias was briefly a Category 1 hurricane, following which it made landfall in North Carolina on Monday.

The trailer park where two deaths occurred was reduced to rubble in a matter of time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/isaias-strengthens-into-hurricane-ahead-of-expected-landfall-in-carolinas-317997" hreflang="en">Isaias strengthens into hurricane ahead of expected landfall in Carolinas</a>

"It doesn't look real. It looks like something on TV. There's nothing there," Bertie County Sheriff John Holley could be heard telling local reporters.

"Vehicles are turned over. Vehicles are piled on top of each other. It's just very sad”, Holley said.

A mother and her two children were allegedly missing for hours in NA, but were later found by authorities.

A large tree fell on a car in Mechanicsville in North Caroline, which led to the death of the driver, as per information revealed by the St Mary’s County Sheriff’s office. The motorist was not immediately identified.

According to North Carolina’s governor Ray Cooper, as of 2.30 PM ET on Tuesday, over 172,000 homes had no electricity, even though Isaias is now moving northward, and skies are starting to clear.

US President has pledged aid to the state, the state governor added.

Multiple deaths due to trees falling

Another man was killed due to a tree falling on his car in New York City’s Queens borough. He was crushed inside his car.

Tornadoes have been spotted in Cape May, Marmora, Long Beach Island, New Jersey’s southern shore, with damage spotted in Dover, Delaware.

"The damage is crazy. No power, almost all my trees are split or uprooted, water is coming in all windows," Tammy Trelford Campos said in a Facebook post.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/isaias-grazes-florida-as-tropical-storm-heads-up-east-coast-317734" hreflang="en">Isaias grazes Florida as tropical storm, heads up East Coast</a>

New York City, along with neighbouring New Jersey, with Massachusetts and other parts of New England has remained under a tornado watch. NY state officials were forced to shut down COVID-19 testing centres owing to the damage, and as a precautionary measure.

"The center of Isaias will continue to move farther inland over eastern New York and Vermont this afternoon and evening, and over southern Canada tonight," the US National Hurricane Center said.

As of now, the storm is headed out of Albany, New York, with winds of over 100 kilometres per hour, the US NHC added.

Tropical storm Isaias has killed at least four people so far, as it made its way through the US Atlantic Coast. Two deaths were recorded at a trailer park in North Carolina, which fell in the pathway of a tornado emerging out of a hurricane speed winds.

Tropical storm Isaias has killed at least four people so far, as it made its way through the US Atlantic Coast. Two deaths were recorded at a trailer park in North Carolina, which fell in the pathway of a tornado emerging out of a hurricane speed winds. Owing to the ferocious storm, over 2.8 million homes have been left without electricity, in places across New York to North Carolina. Isaias made landfall on Monday Isaias was briefly a Category 1 hurricane, following which it made landfall in North Carolina on Monday. The trailer park where two deaths occurred was reduced to rubble in a matter of time. Also read: Isaias strengthens into hurricane ahead of expected landfall in Carolinas "It doesn't look real. It looks like something on TV. There's nothing there," Bertie County Sheriff John Holley could be heard telling local reporters. "Vehicles are turned over. Vehicles are piled on top of each other. It's just very sad”, Holley said. A mother and her two children were allegedly missing for hours in NA, but were later found by authorities. A large tree fell on a car in Mechanicsville in North Caroline, which led to the death of the driver, as per information revealed by the St Mary’s County Sheriff’s office. The motorist was not immediately identified. According to North Carolina’s governor Ray Cooper, as of 2.30 PM ET on Tuesday, over 172,000 homes had no electricity, even though Isaias is now moving northward, and skies are starting to clear. US President has pledged aid to the state, the state governor added. Multiple deaths due to trees falling Another man was killed due to a tree falling on his car in New York City’s Queens borough. He was crushed inside his car. Tornadoes have been spotted in Cape May, Marmora, Long Beach Island, New Jersey’s southern shore, with damage spotted in Dover, Delaware. "The damage is crazy. No power, almost all my trees are split or uprooted, water is coming in all windows," Tammy Trelford Campos said in a Facebook post. Also read: Isaias grazes Florida as tropical storm, heads up East Coast New York City, along with neighbouring New Jersey, with Massachusetts and other parts of New England has remained under a tornado watch. NY state officials were forced to shut down COVID-19 testing centres owing to the damage, and as a precautionary measure. "The center of Isaias will continue to move farther inland over eastern New York and Vermont this afternoon and evening, and over southern Canada tonight," the US National Hurricane Center said. As of now, the storm is headed out of Albany, New York, with winds of over 100 kilometres per hour, the US NHC added.

Storm Isaias kills four in US, leaves over 2.8 million homes without electricity

Seven persons died due to lightning in Bihar on Tuesday, state Disaster Management Department said. 
 
Three persons died in Begusarai and one each in Bhagalpur, Munger, Kaimur and Jamui.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/climate-change-fuelling-deadly-india-lightning-strikes-310899" hreflang="en">Climate change 'fuelling deadly India lightning strikes'</a> 
 
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds have been predicted for Bihar by Indian Meteorological Department for the next few days. 
 
IMD said in its evening bulletin that moderate to intense thunderstorm and lightning is "very likely" to occur over Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, coastal Karnataka, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 12 hours.

Seven persons died due to lightning in Bihar on Tuesday, state Disaster Management Department said. Three persons died in Begusarai and one each in Bhagalpur, Munger, Kaimur and Jamui.

Seven persons died due to lightning in Bihar on Tuesday, state Disaster Management Department said. Three persons died in Begusarai and one each in Bhagalpur, Munger, Kaimur and Jamui. Also read: Climate change 'fuelling deadly India lightning strikes' Heavy rainfall, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds have been predicted for Bihar by Indian Meteorological Department for the next few days. IMD said in its evening bulletin that moderate to intense thunderstorm and lightning is "very likely" to occur over Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, coastal Karnataka, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 12 hours.

Lightning kills 7 in Bihar

Two&nbsp;people were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;on Sunday by&nbsp;floods&nbsp;in the French Riviera, which has been hit by fresh torrential rains a week after extreme weather left six dead, authorities said.

In the Var region, a shepherd was swept away as he was trying to cross a ford in his 4x4 while tending to his flock. His body was found in his vehicle late Sunday night 300 metres&nbsp;downstream from where he was last seen, the prefecture said early Monday.

Elsewhere in the region, the owner of a stable was found dead&nbsp;two&nbsp;hours after he was also washed away while out watching over his animals, it said.

The Var and the neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes region were on red alert for&nbsp;floods&nbsp;which disrupted train services and cut the A8 motorway for four hours Sunday evening.

Many cultural and sporting events were also called off due to the bad weather, including Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 match at Monaco.

During the previous weekend, heavy rains caused the deaths of six people in the Var.

Two people were killed on Sunday by floods in the French Riviera, which has been hit by fresh torrential rains a week after extreme weather left six dead, authorities said.

Two people were killed on Sunday by floods in the French Riviera, which has been hit by fresh torrential rains a week after extreme weather left six dead, authorities said. In the Var region, a shepherd was swept away as he was trying to cross a ford in his 4x4 while tending to his flock. His body was found in his vehicle late Sunday night 300 metres downstream from where he was last seen, the prefecture said early Monday. Elsewhere in the region, the owner of a stable was found dead two hours after he was also washed away while out watching over his animals, it said. The Var and the neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes region were on red alert for floods which disrupted train services and cut the A8 motorway for four hours Sunday evening. Many cultural and sporting events were also called off due to the bad weather, including Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 match at Monaco. During the previous weekend, heavy rains caused the deaths of six people in the Var.

Floods and rain kill two in southern France

A blizzard sweeping through northeastern&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;on Tuesday morning blocked roads and caused hundreds of flight cancellations, thwarting the Thanksgiving travel plans of some of the millions of Americans expected to fly or drive this week.

Seven inches&nbsp;of snow had fallen in Denver by early Tuesday morning, causing more than 460 flight cancellations, the Denver International Airport said on Twitter, and blizzard conditions were expected throughout the day as winds up to 72 km&nbsp;per hour in the eastern plains reduced visibility.

"This storm may be historic in the Fort Collins and Loveland areas where 20 inches&nbsp;or more of snow is expected. That would put the storm near the top five of all snow events there," a National Weather Service forecast said, referring to areas along&nbsp;Colorado's Front Range, some 50 miles (80 km) north of Denver.

Some 55 million travellers planned to fly or drive at least&nbsp;80 km&nbsp;from their homes this Thanksgiving, according to the American Automobile Association, but the snow would likely alter those plans.

Video footage showed snowplows working through cloudy blizzard conditions to clear runways at Denver International Airport. Many airlines would resume flights later in the day, the airport said on Twitter.

"We just landed at the Denver Airport! Crazy conditions. Literally 0 visibility," tweeted Amber Kimbrell, a high school science teacher from Huntsville, Alabama, who posted a photo of a runway covered in white.

The blizzard was expected to drop an additional 5 to 10 inches from the&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;Front Range on Tuesday and would lighten later in the afternoon as the storm moved northeast, the weather service said. Several interstate roads were closed, and the weather service warned travel could become impossible on rural roads and unplowed city streets.

Denver metro area schools and many stores were closed but some grocery stores, already stocked in preparation for Thanksgiving shoppers, were ready for a deluge of customers.

Lines were manageable at Safeway in Denver early Tuesday morning as more than a half-foot of snow accumulated outside.

"So far so good; it doesn't seem to be impacting us much," Phil Vanderlaan, a cashier, said by phone. "Probably later throughout the day it might."

A stronger storm was expected to hit northern California and Oregon by Tuesday night, the weather service said, which may drop 1 to 3 feet of snow across California mountain ranges.

A blizzard sweeping through northeastern Colorado on Tuesday morning blocked roads and caused hundreds of flight cancellations, thwarting the Thanksgiving travel plans of some of the millions of Americans expected to fly or drive this week.

A blizzard sweeping through northeastern Colorado on Tuesday morning blocked roads and caused hundreds of flight cancellations, thwarting the Thanksgiving travel plans of some of the millions of Americans expected to fly or drive this week. Seven inches of snow had fallen in Denver by early Tuesday morning, causing more than 460 flight cancellations, the Denver International Airport said on Twitter, and blizzard conditions were expected throughout the day as winds up to 72 km per hour in the eastern plains reduced visibility. "This storm may be historic in the Fort Collins and Loveland areas where 20 inches or more of snow is expected. That would put the storm near the top five of all snow events there," a National Weather Service forecast said, referring to areas along Colorado's Front Range, some 50 miles (80 km) north of Denver. Some 55 million travellers planned to fly or drive at least 80 km from their homes this Thanksgiving, according to the American Automobile Association, but the snow would likely alter those plans. Video footage showed snowplows working through cloudy blizzard conditions to clear runways at Denver International Airport. Many airlines would resume flights later in the day, the airport said on Twitter. "We just landed at the Denver Airport! Crazy conditions. Literally 0 visibility," tweeted Amber Kimbrell, a high school science teacher from Huntsville, Alabama, who posted a photo of a runway covered in white. The blizzard was expected to drop an additional 5 to 10 inches from the Colorado Front Range on Tuesday and would lighten later in the afternoon as the storm moved northeast, the weather service said. Several interstate roads were closed, and the weather service warned travel could become impossible on rural roads and unplowed city streets. Denver metro area schools and many stores were closed but some grocery stores, already stocked in preparation for Thanksgiving shoppers, were ready for a deluge of customers. Lines were manageable at Safeway in Denver early Tuesday morning as more than a half-foot of snow accumulated outside. "So far so good; it doesn't seem to be impacting us much," Phil Vanderlaan, a cashier, said by phone. "Probably later throughout the day it might." A stronger storm was expected to hit northern California and Oregon by Tuesday night, the weather service said, which may drop 1 to 3 feet of snow across California mountain ranges.

Blizzard in Colorado forces roads shut, flights cancelled one day before Thanksgiving

Emergency crews found three more bodies on Wednesday morning as they used drones, dogs and heavy machinery to search through the wreckage left by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../one-dead-buildings-down-after-strongest- tremor-in-decades-hits-albania-264576">Albania</a>'s worst earthquake in decades, bringing the death toll to at least 25.

In the town of Thumane, close to the centre of Tuesday's quake, a woman stood in front of a collapsed building calling our for rescuers to find her niece.

Soon after crews brought out two bodies. Police said they had found another victim earlier, before dawn.

Other residents slept out in the streets in tents, fearing aftershocks.

Adrian Muci said six of his relatives had died in two separate buildings, and his own house was on the point of collapse.

"I have other cousins and relatives but I don't know where they are and if they are dead or not," he told Reuters. "I will never be able to live in my house any more."

The 6.4 magnitude quake, centred 30 km (19 miles) west of Tirana, was felt across the Balkans and in the southern Italian region of Puglia, across the Adriatic Sea from Albania.

At least 250 aftershocks - two of them magnitude 5 - then shook the Balkan country, testing strained nerves.

Albania is the poorest country in Europe, with per capita income a quarter of the European Union average, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Emergency crews found three more bodies on Wednesday morning as they used drones, dogs and heavy machinery to search through the wreckage left by Albania's worst earthquake in decades, bringing the death toll to at least 25.

Emergency crews found three more bodies on Wednesday morning as they used drones, dogs and heavy machinery to search through the wreckage left by Albania's worst earthquake in decades, bringing the death toll to at least 25. In the town of Thumane, close to the centre of Tuesday's quake, a woman stood in front of a collapsed building calling our for rescuers to find her niece. Soon after crews brought out two bodies. Police said they had found another victim earlier, before dawn. Other residents slept out in the streets in tents, fearing aftershocks. Adrian Muci said six of his relatives had died in two separate buildings, and his own house was on the point of collapse. "I have other cousins and relatives but I don't know where they are and if they are dead or not," he told Reuters. "I will never be able to live in my house any more." The 6.4 magnitude quake, centred 30 km (19 miles) west of Tirana, was felt across the Balkans and in the southern Italian region of Puglia, across the Adriatic Sea from Albania. At least 250 aftershocks - two of them magnitude 5 - then shook the Balkan country, testing strained nerves. Albania is the poorest country in Europe, with per capita income a quarter of the European Union average, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Rescuers work through the night as Albanian quake toll hits 25

Three people died in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../28-arrests-after-greek-annual-anti-junta-demo- 262882">Greece</a> on Monday as a storm front battered parts of the country, causing flooding and landslides, officials said.

The bodies of two men were recovered after their yacht capsized and sank in the port of Antirion, near the city of Patras, a senior coastguard official told AFP. Antirion lies 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Athens.

Moving eastwards, the storm then caused flooding in the Halkidiki peninsula and the island of Rhodes, where a disabled elderly woman died in her home, the fire department said.

Gale-force winds also disrupted some ferry services on the Ionian Sea.

Earlier Monday, flooding, and landslides at Kinetta, a seaside town 50 kilometers south of Athens, closed rail service and the motorway linking the capital to the Peloponnesian peninsula in the southwest.

Workers laboured through the day to clear the mud, stones and fallen trees the storm left in its wake. A fire destroyed much of the vegetation at Kinetta in 2018, making it more susceptible to landslides.

Strong winds also caused the cancellation of some ferry services linking the Cyclades islands from the ports of Rafina and Lavrion in the east and closed some ports in the northeast.

Dozens of houses were flooded and the emergency services said they had to evacuate some residents.

Flooding in the Attica region around Athens has become more frequent in recent years because of deforestation caused by wildfires.

In November 2017, a mudslide caused by heavy rains killed 23 people at Mandra, 50 kilometers west of the capital.

Three people died in Greece on Monday as a storm front battered parts of the country, causing flooding and landslides, officials said. The bodies of two men were recovered after their yacht capsized and sank in the port of Antirion, near the city of Patras, a senior coastguard official told AFP.

Three people died in Greece on Monday as a storm front battered parts of the country, causing flooding and landslides, officials said. The bodies of two men were recovered after their yacht capsized and sank in the port of Antirion, near the city of Patras, a senior coastguard official told AFP. Antirion lies 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Athens. Moving eastwards, the storm then caused flooding in the Halkidiki peninsula and the island of Rhodes, where a disabled elderly woman died in her home, the fire department said. Gale-force winds also disrupted some ferry services on the Ionian Sea. Earlier Monday, flooding, and landslides at Kinetta, a seaside town 50 kilometers south of Athens, closed rail service and the motorway linking the capital to the Peloponnesian peninsula in the southwest. Workers laboured through the day to clear the mud, stones and fallen trees the storm left in its wake. A fire destroyed much of the vegetation at Kinetta in 2018, making it more susceptible to landslides. Strong winds also caused the cancellation of some ferry services linking the Cyclades islands from the ports of Rafina and Lavrion in the east and closed some ports in the northeast. Dozens of houses were flooded and the emergency services said they had to evacuate some residents. Flooding in the Attica region around Athens has become more frequent in recent years because of deforestation caused by wildfires. In November 2017, a mudslide caused by heavy rains killed 23 people at Mandra, 50 kilometers west of the capital.

Three die as storm front batters Greece

Thousands are feared missing in the Bahamas in the wake of devastating Hurricane Dorian, as residents continue to recount tales of terror more than a week after the top-of-scale Category 5 hurricane ravaged Great Abaco Island, Freeport and other parts of the tourism-dependent country.

"Thousands are missing"- Resident of the Bahamas

Thousands of families in Sudan have been affected by flooding caused by two months of heavy rain, with many forced into temporary accommodation.

Dozens dead across flood-hit Sudan

Typhoon Lekima triggers havoc in Eastern China

Odisha suffered loss and damage amounting to Rs 24,176 crore with the infrastructure sector being the hardest hit due to cyclone Fani which struck the state on May 3, according to a government assessment released on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik released damage, loss and need assessment report on cyclone Fani in the presence of United Nations resident coordinator in India Renata Lok-Dessallien, representatives of World Bank, Asian Development Bank here.

According to the report, an estimated Rs 29,315 crore is needed for recovery.

Infrastructure sector alone constitute about 42 per cent of the total needs and the social sector which includes housing, constitute 36 per cent, the report said.

The assessment report was prepared with data available with the departments which were validated by field visits by a team.

The process spanned over a period of 20 days comprising a team of more than 10 multisectoral experts from World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and various agencies of UN along with officials from several departments of state government and local NGOs.

The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani hit the Odisha coast on May 3, causing extensive damage and impacting the life and property of more than 1.65 crore people in 14 districts of the state.

Odisha suffered loss and damage amounting to Rs 24,176 crore with the infrastructure sector being the hardest hit due to cyclone Fani which struck the state on May 3, according to a government assessment released on Tuesday.

Odisha suffered loss and damage amounting to Rs 24,176 crore with the infrastructure sector being the hardest hit due to cyclone Fani which struck the state on May 3, according to a government assessment released on Tuesday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik released damage, loss and need assessment report on cyclone Fani in the presence of United Nations resident coordinator in India Renata Lok-Dessallien, representatives of World Bank, Asian Development Bank here. According to the report, an estimated Rs 29,315 crore is needed for recovery. Infrastructure sector alone constitute about 42 per cent of the total needs and the social sector which includes housing, constitute 36 per cent, the report said. The assessment report was prepared with data available with the departments which were validated by field visits by a team. The process spanned over a period of 20 days comprising a team of more than 10 multisectoral experts from World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and various agencies of UN along with officials from several departments of state government and local NGOs. The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani hit the Odisha coast on May 3, causing extensive damage and impacting the life and property of more than 1.65 crore people in 14 districts of the state.

Cyclone Fani caused Rs 24,176 crore damage in Odisha

Cyclone Fani that hit the Odisha coast on May 3, 2019, was indeed an extremely severe cyclone — when a super cyclone had hit the state 20 years ago, it had witnessed a loss of life of over 10,000 people!&nbsp;

In 2013, cyclone Phailin with a similar intensity saw 550,000 people being evacuated and an estimated loss of more than Rs 4,000 crore.

Despite over a million people being evacuated from sensitive zones, cyclone Fani caused the death of about 30-plus people in Odisha alone. However, this is still an admirable achievement, given the poor infrastructure in the state, the high incidence of poverty and the normally unwilling response of potential evacuees.

The effort, which the state government of Odisha put in along with the national disaster response agencies and many volunteers, was remarkable in reaching out to vulnerable populations across the length of the Odisha coast, convincing people to evacuate quickly to safe shelters.

The trail of destruction that Cyclone Fani left behind is mute testimony to the enormous avoided costs in terms of human lives.

While we deservedly pat ourselves on our backs for a job done well in minimising the loss of lives due to an extreme event, we need to do a lot more to make the recovery process from such events less traumatic.

As evacuees in Odisha go back to their villages, they face the humongous task of rebuilding their homes and their lives. Can we provide them requisite support in a timely manner to enable them to stand on their feet quickly once again? How long will the medical and educational services take to serve the needs of these people and alleviate their misery? Do banking services exist in these areas? What financial and material support can be immediately mobilised and delivered? Getting food and water to the affected people days after the incident is inhuman to say the least.

It would also be crucial to ask whether the wider community was mobilised in advance to respond to the needs of those affected. How well were the shelters stocked? Were effective community mechanisms defined to administer relief in the immediate aftermath of the event?&nbsp;

Several questions above address themselves to disaster response and relief measures. But some of them also point towards the need for building systemic resilience in vulnerable populations.

Scientists predict that the looming climate change will result in more frequent and intense extreme events. While Cyclone Fani was not caused by climate change, it would be accurate to say that it probably received its intensity on account of climate change.

The impact of such coastal events would also be exacerbated by rise in sea levels, higher ocean temperatures, wind speeds and changing monsoon patterns. Hence, for both historical reasons and projected intensification, India needs to evolve from merely disaster preparedness and response to investing in and building resilient societies and systems.&nbsp;

Proper zoning laws that would govern developmental activities, quality of construction, development and maintenance of natural barriers, insurance for life and livelihood, empowered village committees and mobile clinics, among others, are some long-term measures to build resilience and to adapt.

Governments at all levels — national, state and local — need to recognise their responsibility and accountability for creating such robust systems.

Cyclone Fani caught the attention of the global community because it was an extreme event of mammoth proportions. However, environmental degradation is also resulting in what are known as creeping events — events that are slow, but inexorable. If we are not watchful, as we tend not to be with creeping events, they can result in tipping points that would have impacts on scales larger than what we experience from extreme events.&nbsp;

Falling water tables, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution and loss of biodiversity are all examples of creeping events that India is already facing.

Climate change is likely to exacerbate these creeping events through its own impact – accelerated melting of our glaciers in the Himalayas that cater to half of India’s population, shifts/variability in monsoon patterns that would be very difficult for farmers to adapt to in current conditions, salt water intrusion and rising temperatures.&nbsp;

It is time for India to wake up and take an integrated approach to its development, more urgently in the context of the existential threats that it is facing.&nbsp;

Our water and food security are under enormous threat and closely inter-linked. India is hosting the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in September this year. A major focus of this COP is to work towards land degradation neutrality. As a theme, this would be a wonderful test case to see how different ministries of the government of India will participate in this conference and if we are able to design a coherent strategy for reversing the land degradation taking place.&nbsp;

Nearly 30 per cent of India’s lands are already degraded and climate change impacts will further exacerbate this damage.&nbsp;

Similarly, several of our cities are becoming (have become?) unliveable – Delhi has demonstrated that there are no silver bullets! Just because we do not have the research (no support for inconvenient questions!) to establish a clear attribution of cause to effect, does not mean that the crisis does not exist – that we are not facing disasters in our daily lives.

Question is: do we have the courage to transform our governance structures and processes to enable effective systemic solutions? 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-going-beyond-cyclone-fani-2746668">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

Cyclone Fani that hit the Odisha coast on May 3, 2019, was indeed an extremely severe cyclone — when a super cyclone had hit the state 20 years ago, it had witnessed a loss of life of over 10,000 people!

Cyclone Fani that hit the Odisha coast on May 3, 2019, was indeed an extremely severe cyclone — when a super cyclone had hit the state 20 years ago, it had witnessed a loss of life of over 10,000 people! In 2013, cyclone Phailin with a similar intensity saw 550,000 people being evacuated and an estimated loss of more than Rs 4,000 crore. Despite over a million people being evacuated from sensitive zones, cyclone Fani caused the death of about 30-plus people in Odisha alone. However, this is still an admirable achievement, given the poor infrastructure in the state, the high incidence of poverty and the normally unwilling response of potential evacuees. The effort, which the state government of Odisha put in along with the national disaster response agencies and many volunteers, was remarkable in reaching out to vulnerable populations across the length of the Odisha coast, convincing people to evacuate quickly to safe shelters. The trail of destruction that Cyclone Fani left behind is mute testimony to the enormous avoided costs in terms of human lives. While we deservedly pat ourselves on our backs for a job done well in minimising the loss of lives due to an extreme event, we need to do a lot more to make the recovery process from such events less traumatic. As evacuees in Odisha go back to their villages, they face the humongous task of rebuilding their homes and their lives. Can we provide them requisite support in a timely manner to enable them to stand on their feet quickly once again? How long will the medical and educational services take to serve the needs of these people and alleviate their misery? Do banking services exist in these areas? What financial and material support can be immediately mobilised and delivered? Getting food and water to the affected people days after the incident is inhuman to say the least. It would also be crucial to ask whether the wider community was mobilised in advance to respond to the needs of those affected. How well were the shelters stocked? Were effective community mechanisms defined to administer relief in the immediate aftermath of the event? Several questions above address themselves to disaster response and relief measures. But some of them also point towards the need for building systemic resilience in vulnerable populations. Scientists predict that the looming climate change will result in more frequent and intense extreme events. While Cyclone Fani was not caused by climate change, it would be accurate to say that it probably received its intensity on account of climate change. The impact of such coastal events would also be exacerbated by rise in sea levels, higher ocean temperatures, wind speeds and changing monsoon patterns. Hence, for both historical reasons and projected intensification, India needs to evolve from merely disaster preparedness and response to investing in and building resilient societies and systems. Proper zoning laws that would govern developmental activities, quality of construction, development and maintenance of natural barriers, insurance for life and livelihood, empowered village committees and mobile clinics, among others, are some long-term measures to build resilience and to adapt. Governments at all levels — national, state and local — need to recognise their responsibility and accountability for creating such robust systems. Cyclone Fani caught the attention of the global community because it was an extreme event of mammoth proportions. However, environmental degradation is also resulting in what are known as creeping events — events that are slow, but inexorable. If we are not watchful, as we tend not to be with creeping events, they can result in tipping points that would have impacts on scales larger than what we experience from extreme events. Falling water tables, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution and loss of biodiversity are all examples of creeping events that India is already facing. Climate change is likely to exacerbate these creeping events through its own impact – accelerated melting of our glaciers in the Himalayas that cater to half of India’s population, shifts/variability in monsoon patterns that would be very difficult for farmers to adapt to in current conditions, salt water intrusion and rising temperatures. It is time for India to wake up and take an integrated approach to its development, more urgently in the context of the existential threats that it is facing. Our water and food security are under enormous threat and closely inter-linked. India is hosting the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in September this year. A major focus of this COP is to work towards land degradation neutrality. As a theme, this would be a wonderful test case to see how different ministries of the government of India will participate in this conference and if we are able to design a coherent strategy for reversing the land degradation taking place. Nearly 30 per cent of India’s lands are already degraded and climate change impacts will further exacerbate this damage. Similarly, several of our cities are becoming (have become?) unliveable – Delhi has demonstrated that there are no silver bullets! Just because we do not have the research (no support for inconvenient questions!) to establish a clear attribution of cause to effect, does not mean that the crisis does not exist – that we are not facing disasters in our daily lives. Question is: do we have the courage to transform our governance structures and processes to enable effective systemic solutions? (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Going beyond Cyclone Fani: India needs to do a lot more to make recovery process less traumatic

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China and India are constantly sharing information over the threats posed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the wake of a landslide in Tibet. "You can't say it is a conspiracy," the minister added.

"Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities and Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy," he stated.

He said that the Siang river is a very big river and "any natural calamity like earthquake or landslide possess a danger to people who live downstream."

Rijiju's comments come a day after Arunachal Pradesh government sounded an alert in the East Siang district of the state and for the regions bordering China's Tibet region owing to a landslide in Tibet.

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Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities &amp; Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
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A landslide that occurred in China on Wednesday created an obstruction on river Yarlung Tsangpo, which is known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and as the Brahmaputra in Assam.

The landslide blocked the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo, creating a lake that poses a threat to the inhabitants of the downstream areas, including those living in Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

Following the landslide, as many as 6,000 people were evacuated in Tibet.

Congress Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering, had earlier written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal seeking their intervention with regards to the blockage.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China and India are constantly sharing information over the threats posed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the wake of a landslide in Tibet.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China and India are constantly sharing information over the threats posed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the wake of a landslide in Tibet. "You can't say it is a conspiracy," the minister added. "Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities and Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy," he stated. He said that the Siang river is a very big river and "any natural calamity like earthquake or landslide possess a danger to people who live downstream." Rijiju's comments come a day after Arunachal Pradesh government sounded an alert in the East Siang district of the state and for the regions bordering China's Tibet region owing to a landslide in Tibet. Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities & Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 × A landslide that occurred in China on Wednesday created an obstruction on river Yarlung Tsangpo, which is known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and as the Brahmaputra in Assam. The landslide blocked the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo, creating a lake that poses a threat to the inhabitants of the downstream areas, including those living in Arunachal Pradesh. Following the landslide, as many as 6,000 people were evacuated in Tibet. Congress Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering, had earlier written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal seeking their intervention with regards to the blockage.

China, India constantly sharing information, can't say it's conspiracy: Rijiju on Brahmaputra river blockage

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