Latest news with #naturaldisasters
Reuters
17 hours ago
- Climate
- Reuters
Sustainable Switch Climate Focus: Storms hit China and Mexico
June 20 - This is an excerpt of the Sustainable Switch Climate Focus newsletter, where we make sense of companies and governments grappling with climate change on Fridays. To receive the full newsletter in your inbox for free sign up here. Hello, This week's Climate Focus takes a look at the storms that have wreaked havoc across China and Mexico. Central and southern China were on high alert for more flash floods on Friday as the annual East Asia monsoon gathered pace and extreme rainfall threatened disruption in the world's second-largest economy. Extreme rainfall and severe flooding, which meteorologists link to climate change, increasingly pose major challenges for policymakers. They threaten to overwhelm ageing flood defences, displace millions and wreak havoc on China's $2.8 trillion agricultural sector. China's rainy season, which arrived earlier than usual this year in early June, is usually followed by intense heat that scorches any crops that survive waterlogged soil, depletes reservoirs and warps roads and other infrastructure. Economic losses from natural disasters exceeded $10 billion last July, when the rainfall typically peaks. Over in Mexico, Hurricane Erick weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall on the southern Pacific coast on Thursday, leaving flooded streets and damaged boats and buildings in Oaxaca as authorities warned of dangerous rains. In coastal towns, residents began clearing debris. "There are many boats sunk here," fisherman Eduardo Gonzalez said in Puerto Escondido. "We're here to help our colleagues." "Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are expected, especially in areas of steep terrain," the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, forecasting up to 8 inches (20 cm) of rain for Guerrero state with up to 4 inches for its neighboring Oaxaca and Michoacan states. Mexico's environment ministry also had warned of waves of up to 10 meters (33 feet). WHAT TO WATCH - Saving the seas:Click here for a video on marine scientists working to restore underwater forests in Greece's northern Cyclades and click here for a Reuters story on scientists demanding action to protect environmentally important meadows of seagrass at Croatia's Dugi Otok island in the Adriatic Sea. Do check out this Reuters story on the vital underwater forest in the cold seas off Chile's arid northern coast that scientists say are threatened by warming oceans and human pollution. CLIMATE LENS Water watch: Since 2014, India has lost 60.33 billion units of coal-power generation across the country - equivalent to 19 days of coal-power supply at June 2025 levels - because water shortages force plants to suspend generation, according to federal data. Click here for a Reuters analysis on India's coal power boom facing challenges with water supplies. NUMBER OF THE WEEK $10 billion That's the amount raised in deals at a United Nations conference to protect the world's oceans – way below the estimated annual need – as investors seek clearer regulation on ocean management before committing funds. Between 2015 and 2019, only $10 billion was invested against the U.N. estimate of $175 billion in required annual funding. Think your friend or colleague should know about us? Forward this newsletter to them. They can also subscribe here.
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Climate
- Bloomberg
How I Became a Doomsday Prepper
Opinion Natural disasters are on the rise. Bloomberg Opinion's Lara Williams explains why it's time to get prepared. (Source: Bloomberg)
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Natural Disaster Risk Strategic Intelligence Report 2025: Gallagher Re Identifies the Top Threats As Wildfires, Tropical Storms, Flooding and Droughts, and Earthquakes
Climate change and urbanization are escalating natural disaster risks. According to Munich Re, 2024 ranked third in costly disasters over 45 years. Rising global temperatures increase extreme weather, challenging areas previously unexposed. Gallagher Re identifies wildfires, storms, floods, and quakes as top hazards. Discover strategies for business resilience and emerging tech solutions. Dublin, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Strategic Intelligence: Natural Disaster Risk" report has been added to change and urban development are increasing the risk of natural disasters. 2024 was the third most costly for natural disasters in the last 45 years, according to Munich Highlights As shown by the chart on the right, global temperature anomalies over land and ocean have been increasing since 1860. Rising temperatures are driving climate change, which is increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. The most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report from 2023 indicates that disasters fuelled by climate change have become more extreme more quickly than previously predicted. As weather patterns shift, places that did not experience certain hazards now have the weather systems to support them. Scope This report covers wildfires, tropical storms, flooding and droughts, and earthquakes. Gallagher Re, the reinsurance company, calculated that these four hazards had been the four most costly hazards between 2014 and 2024. Other hazards not covered but which are also damaging to populations and industrial activity are extreme cold spells, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and extreme heat. Reasons to Buy Natural disasters can be devastating for businesses. This report looks at the four main types of natural disasters, highlights their potential impacts, and assess how emerging technologies can be used to monitor and mitigate risk. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary An Introduction to Natural Disaster Risk Wildfires Tropical Storms Flooding and Droughts Earthquakes Navigating Natural Disaster Risk Glossary Further Reading Thematic Research Methodology A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to: AIDash Allianz AP Moller-Maersk Black Swift Technologies BT Chubb Early Warning Labs EDF Engie Federato FedEx First Street Google Howden IBM ICEYE IEEE Intel ITIKI John Deere Korea Electric Power Microsoft Mighty Buildings MiT Munich Re National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Natural Hazards Research Australia Nespresso NTT Data Nvidia Orora Technologies Pacific Gas and Electric Pano Pepsico Previsico Rio Tinto Safehub SageSure Saildrone San Diego Gas and Electric Skanska Sky Alert Skyfora Southern California Edison Swiss Re Technosylva Tekever Toyota TSMC Verizon Waterplan Xcel Energy For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Central Vietnam reels from floods as Typhoon Wutip kills seven, devastates 60,000ha farmland
HANOI, June 16 — The death toll in Vietnam from heavy rains and flooding caused by Typhoon Wutip has risen to seven, authorities said on Monday. Wutip made landfall in southern China at the weekend with winds gusting up to 128 kilometres per hour (80 miles per hour) before downgrading to a tropical storm. Seven people have been killed, 100 houses damaged and almost 60,000 hectares (148,000 acres) of crops submerged in central Vietnam, according an update on Monday from the disaster and dyke management authority. Vietnam is hit by roughly a dozen tropical storms every year, but in June they normally affect the north of the country and move southwards later in the year. Late last week, central Vietnam, including the world heritage town of Hoi An, suffered serious flooding which caused deaths, disrupted traffic and damaged crops. Experts say human-driven climate change is causing more intense weather patterns that can make destructive floods more likely. Last year, natural disasters claimed 514 lives in Vietnam, three times more than in 2023. In September 2024, northern Vietnam was devastated by Typhoon Yagi, which killed 345 people and caused an estimated economic loss of US$3.3 billion. — AFP
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I've spent years studying natural disasters... here's how likely an apocalyptic-level event really is
A man who has spent years studying natural disasters has revealed how likely an apocalyptic-level event really is. With doomsday shows and movies like The Last Of Us, Don't Look Up, and 28 Years Later taking over screens, many people are often left wondering: can something like that really happen? Thankfully, expert Anthony Finchum, 31, from Omaha, Nebraska, broke down the chances of an incident occurring in our lifetime that will wipe out the human race. And he explained that while it may make for good cinema, the chances of an event like that really happening are actually pretty slim. 'So this is a difficult question to answer. In practice, there are very few ways that an actual apocalyptic level event could happen,' he explained. Anthony, who runs the Disastrous History podcast, said a 'giant hurricane or wildfire' destroying the entire planet is not possible. And while he explained that things like a 'pandemic, asteroid impact, large volcanic eruption, or unregulated climate change' could potentially end our existence, he added that a lot of 'factors would have to align' for it to reach an apocalyptic level. 'Something like a giant hurricane or a giant wildfire or something along those lines is impossible,' he said. With doomsday shows and movies like The Last Of Us and 28 Years Later taking over screens, many people are often left wondering: can something like that really happen? 'There are upper limits on the strength of just about every disaster based on what the earth's atmosphere can handle weather wise and things of that nature. 'The primary [ways the world could end] are pandemic, asteroid impact, a large volcanic eruption, and unregulated climate change. 'But [to reach] the level of apocalyptic, there's a vanishingly small chance because so many precise factors have to align in order for one to occur.' Originally from Indiana, Anthony has lived through several natural disasters, including several tornadoes and blizzards as well as one 'derecho,' which is an intense wind storm. In addition, throughout his career as a first responder and fire investigator, he has assisted in numerous rescues during hurricanes, tornadoes and fires. He explained to the Daily Mail that he has 'always had an interest' in understanding how and why they occur. He would lay in bed at night researching and reading obsessively on past disastrous events, wracking up unrivaled knowledge on the topic. All of that led to him launching his Disastrous History podcast in 2020, where he uses his knowledge to instruct others on what to do if they find themselves facing a natural disaster. 'I really wanted to educate people that yes, these are bad but they are survivable and recovery is always possible,' he explained. 'I have found that breaking these things down into small and manageable pieces makes them seem less scary as they are happening and give people a way to react properly in a stressful situation. 'I feel that understanding the disasters of the past helps us to grow and prevent disasters of all types from happening in the future.' He also shared vital tips to surviving tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and fires exclusively with the Daily Mail. For tornadoes, he said the 'best option' is to head down to the basement, and if you don't have one, then he suggested bunkering down in the 'most center section of your home.' 'A tornado has unlimited energy but only a finite time to use it,' he explained. 'The more you barriers you can put between yourself and a tornado the better. 'When you are in a tornado watch, its time to get things together, hard soled shoes, flashlights, first aid kit, charge your phones, things like that so you're ready in case you have to take shelter quickly.' As for hurricanes, Anthony said the way you react depends on where you are located. And if you live near a beach, he explained that 'evacuation is your best option.' In practice, there are very few ways that an actual apocalyptic level event could happen,' he explained. He's seen with his family 'Storm surge and flooding is the main cause of death in hurricanes,' he shared. 'Because warning time for hurricanes is so long, the best option will always be to simply not be there anymore. 'If that is not an option, sheltering from high winds is similar to a tornado. Get to an interior room without windows. 'If flooding becomes a concern go to the highest available floor without going into the attic. Going into the attic could cause you to become trapped with no escape.' If an earthquake hits, the expert said you should 'place yourself under the sturdiest furniture you can find and protect your head and neck.' He also stated that despite contrary belief, it is not recommended to 'stand in a doorway.' Lastly, if your house has caught fire or if there's a wildfire nearby, Anthony suggested you get as far away as possible. 'Get out. Whether it is a building fire or wildfire, your best option for survival is simply to not be there anymore,' he said. 'If it is a building fire, make sure to stay low and move quickly. Smoke will build along the ceiling first with relatively clean air down low which will allow for quick and safe escape. 'As far as wildfires, as soon as you have an evacuation order, it is time to go.' Anthony and his wife, Kaitlin, 35, recently launched a new charity called Stuffie Strong, which brings toys to children who have endured a natural disaster. 'Our goal is to provide kids that have been through various disasters a new stuffed animal to help them get through it,' he explained. 'Often in the aftermath, parents and adults are focused on the necessities, ie. food, clothing, shelter, toiletries, those kinds of things. 'Kids are shunted around without anything to comfort them after having lost everything they've ever known.' In the end, he said he hopes that he can help as many people as he can through both his charity and by sharing his knowledge.
