Thematic Digest

Water and Hazard - Issue 27

In this issue

News from ICIMOD Regional Member Countries (RMCs)

Global News

Events

Regional News

  • China River Pollution Cleanup to Last Month03 Feb 2012

    Cleanup efforts have brought down cadmium levels from 80 times to 20 times the official limit of 0.005 milligrams per litre Thursday, said professor Zhang Xiaojian of Tsinghua University.

  • Disaster Risk Reduction Training for Elderly in India01 Feb 2012

    In an attempt to equip the elderly to face disasters and hazards preparedly, a two-day training programme on ‘Disaster Risk Reduction’ (DRR) for Elderly Self Help Groups (ESHGs) jointly organised by HelpAge India and Association for Stimulating Know-How (ASK) was inaugurated by Dominic Presentation MLA at Ashirbhavan in Kacheripady on Monday.

  • Kashmir Approves Disaster Management Policy01 Feb 2012

    The Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Wednesday approved a three-tier draft disaster management policy for the state "which is vulnerable to natural calamities".

  • Seismometers in Pakistan are not Transmitting Data in Real Time 31 Jan 2012

    Around 30 of the 62 seismometers in Pakistan are not transmitting data in real time to the national seismic activity monitoring network speaks volumes for the level of official apathy where disaster preparedness is concerned. 

  • 2010-like Flood Likely in Ravi, Satluj Rivers 30 Jan 2012

    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has cautioned about 2010-like floods situation in the Ravi and Satluj rivers this year, saying that the situation might deter with the start of pre-monsoon season.

  • Time Running Out for Displaced Farmers in Afganisthan27 Jan 2012

    More than 1,000 families from Alburz in Balkh Province abandoned it 4-6 months ago after a drought affecting nearly half the country left 2.8 million people in need of food assistance, according to the World Food Programme. 

Global News

  • Aid Agencies Appeal for $39 Million to Assist Sendong-affected in Mindana in Philippines 03 Feb 2012

    The United Nations and its humanitarian partners issued today the second emergency revision of the Humanitarian Action Plan for Mindanao, responding to the dramatic increase of needs in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Washi, known locally as Sendong. The revised appeal seeks $39 million necessary to continue providing vital assistance to more than 300,000 people over the period of six months. The amount represents a $10.6 million increase from the $28.4 million requested initially.

  • Fiji Declares 15 day State of Disaster03 Feb 2012

    A flood watch is in place as periods of heavy rain are expected. All those living in flood-prone areas have been advised to evacuate and take with them food, water and a change of clothes. As of today, there are 21 active evacuation centres with a total of 1,333 evacuees.

  • $257,978 in Mental Health Grants Help Disaster Survivors Cope03 Feb 2012

    Along with the economic damage caused by tornadoes, flooding and violent storms that struck U.S communities in 2011, many survivors struggle with post-traumatic stress and other psychological challenges. As part of its 2011 U.S. Disaster Recovery Initiative, AmeriCares has awarded four grants totaling $257,978 to provide crucial mental health and psycho-social support to help families in New York, Alabama and South Dakota.

  • Tokyo Conducts Disaster Drill at Stations, Companies03 Feb 2012

    The Mainichi Daily News reports that about 10,000 people took part in a large-scale drill aimed at avoiding the chaotic overcrowding at train stations and on streets that left many stranded following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

  • European cold Snap Death Toll Rises to 8302 Feb 2012

    While Eastern Europe faces severe cold spell, more people freeze to death and others are missing in the snow, reports the Herald Sun. "The situation is dramatic, the snow is up to five metres high in some areas, you can only see rooftops," said Dr Milorad Dramacanin, who participated in the helicopter evacuations in central Serbia.

  • Winter Weather Patterns can Increase Risk for Flooding 01 Feb 2012

    Areas that receive less snow and rain this winter season may later experience drought-like conditions that, when it does rain, can lead to flash flooding. The onset of seasonal rains and snowmelt can also lead to flooding.

  • Authorities Boost Flood-control Measures in Thailand01 Feb 2012

    The Thai government is pressing ahead with efforts to mitigate the risk of flooding during the upcoming rainy season, but greater coordination is still needed, flood experts say. The US$9.6 billion measure was announced on 20 January as a first step, ahead of the annual May-October rainy season, at a flood forum organized by the National Economic and Social Development Board and the Asian Development Bank. 

  • Weather Data for All01 Feb 2012

    Disaster risk reduction officials planning emergency responses now have the option to consult a new online international weather, climate and water system operated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 

  • Mangroves Reduce Tsunami Impacts - Researchers31 Jan 2012

    An analysis of earthquake and tsunami risks presented this month in the Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology suggests that mangrove forests have a protective role in the event of a tsunami. 

  • Geo-hazard Maps go Public in Philippines31 Jan 2012

    The Philippine government has made geo-hazard maps, which outline areas prone to natural disasters, publicly available in a bid to reduce vulnerability at community level. The geo-hazard map developed by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR) uses colour to classify areas as either low, moderately or highly susceptible to floods, flash floods and landslides. Some areas are marked as being prone to riverbank erosion.

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