The storm is expected to reach China’s coast on Saturday night near the border of Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, according to official forecasts. Its arrival comes after a week of extreme weather that has already left at least 50 people dead in separate flooding and severe storm events across China, highlighting the mounting humanitarian and emergency response challenges facing the country.

Taiwan braces as Bavi approaches

Typhoon Bavi was carrying maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (96 mph) as it tracked northwest, with forecasters expecting it to pass north of Taiwan before heading toward mainland China.

Taipei suspended classes on Friday as heavy rain and strong winds were forecast to affect the island through Saturday. Fishing vessels were secured in northern ports, while many international flights to destinations including Japan and Hong Kong were canceled through Saturday, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported, although some services continued to operate.

The storm’s projected path also takes it across remote Japanese islands before approaching the Chinese mainland.

China mobilizes emergency response

Chinese authorities have expanded emergency preparations in advance of the expected landfall.

State-run Xinhua News Agency reported that more than 17,000 residents have been evacuated in Zhejiang province, while approximately 170,000 rescue personnel have been placed on standby. In neighboring Fujian province, officials suspended several ferry services because of rough seas and strong winds and instructed fishing boats to return to port.

Bavi has weakened since earlier this week, when it reached supertyphoon strength and brought destructive winds to Saipan and other U.S. Pacific territories.

Latest storm follows deadly flooding and severe weather

The approaching typhoon arrives as China continues to recover from multiple deadly weather disasters.

Authorities in southern China announced Thursday that flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Maysak killed 39 people in the Guangxi region after days of record rainfall. Floodwaters breached reservoirs, including the partial collapse of a dam in Hengzhou, sending fast-moving muddy water across surrounding communities.

Many residents became stranded on upper floors of buildings, in some cases without electricity for several days, before rescue teams were able to reach them.

Earlier in the week, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes killed 11 people in Hubei province in central China.

Separately, a landslide in Gansu province on Tuesday claimed the lives of 21 forestry workers. Authorities said that disaster was not related to the recent storms.

Authorities monitor evolving weather risks

Emergency agencies continue to monitor Typhoon Bavi as it approaches China’s densely populated eastern coast, where authorities are maintaining evacuation measures, maritime restrictions and rescue resources ahead of the storm’s expected landfall.

The latest weather emergency underscores the strain placed on disaster response systems after successive storms and natural disasters affected several regions of the country within the same week.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Typhoon Bavi | China | Taiwan | Extreme Weather | Flooding | Disaster Response | Zhejiang | Fujian

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On Friday, Myanmar was rocked by a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake, the most powerful to hit the country in over a century. The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders, shaking Thailand and even reaching nearby regions of China.

This earthquake struck a nation already grappling with turmoil. Myanmar has been in the throes of a brutal civil war since the military junta seized power in 2021, cutting off much of the country from the rest of the world. The tremors from this natural disaster have added yet another layer of suffering for a population already living in crisis.

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly in the aftermath, sifting through rubble in hopes of finding survivors. Entire buildings have collapsed, and early reports indicate a tragic loss of life. While the full scale of the damage is still unfolding, experts warn that it could take weeks before the complete toll is known.

The destruction is so widespread that satellite images have become a vital tool in assessing the aftermath. These before-and-after images starkly reveal the scale of devastation, showing entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.

The powerful images highlight the vastness of the earthquake’s impact—flattened structures, damaged infrastructure, and swathes of land left in ruin. As Myanmar struggles to recover, these visuals underscore the dire need for immediate international aid and support.

In the midst of a long-standing political crisis, Myanmar’s latest tragedy serves as a harsh reminder of how natural disasters can further compound the suffering of those already facing immense challenges.

As rescuers continue their search and the world watches, the full extent of the destruction remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Myanmar faces an uphill battle as it grapples with this latest catastrophe.

Source: CNN – Before and after: Satellite images show the destruction left by Myanmar earthquake

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A devastating earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, intensifying the suffering in a country already reeling from years of civil war. The 7.7 magnitude quake hit the heart of a conflict-torn nation, further isolating Myanmar, which had already been struggling with disrupted communications and transportation. As rescue operations struggle to gain ground, voices from the rubble are starting to emerge, revealing a story of desperation, loss, and a glimmer of hope amidst devastation.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since the military junta seized power in a 2021 coup. Pro-democracy fighters and ethnic rebel groups have fought back against the regime, leaving the country divided and vulnerable. Now, just as things seemed at their worst, the natural disaster has piled on fresh misery.

The earthquake struck in the middle of this ongoing conflict, further complicating efforts to provide relief. The military government has reported over 1,600 deaths, but experts warn that the true toll could be much higher. Given the ongoing communications breakdown and the scale of destruction, it may take weeks for the full impact to be known.

As reports began trickling in from the epicenter of the quake, the city of Mandalay – Myanmar’s former royal capital and home to over 1.5 million people – emerged as the hardest-hit area. Known for its Buddhist monasteries and historical sites, Mandalay saw its infrastructure collapse under the intense force of the earthquake, which released energy equivalent to “334 atomic bombs,” according to one geologist.

Residents recalled the chaos as buildings crumbled and roads were ruptured. “It hit very strong and very fast,” said a woman from Mandalay, describing the terrifying moment her grandmother was trapped under debris. “The door couldn’t open as a fence had collapsed onto it. I shouted for help, and my husband managed to open it just in time.”

As the earth shook, residents frantically tried to rescue loved ones, often with nothing but their hands. A former lawyer in Mandalay told CNN that three members of his wife’s family had been killed. “We haven’t been able to recover their bodies,” he said, overwhelmed by grief and helplessness.

Mandalay’s mosques, busy with Friday prayers, were also hit. “When the buildings collapsed, many Muslims were trapped inside,” one man recalled. “There are more than a hundred injured.”

Across the Irrawaddy River in Sagaing region, a more rural area of Myanmar, the destruction continued. Many homes there are made from wood and thatch, which are more likely to survive earthquakes. Yet, in some areas, buildings were still destroyed, leaving survivors in urgent need of medical care.

Nang Aye Yin, a resident of Sagaing, spoke of the collapse of a nunnery where his relative was studying. “Luckily, no one died, but two were badly wounded,” he said. “One niece lost three toes, and another nun suffered severe head injuries.”

Hospitals in both Sagaing and Mandalay were overwhelmed with casualties and turned many away. “They’re already at full capacity,” Nang said. “We were forced to wait for care.”

Meanwhile, survivors and rescue teams have voiced frustration over the lack of heavy machinery and military support for recovery efforts. “There’s too much rubble, and no rescue teams have come for us,” one Mandalay survivor told Reuters.

In an unprecedented move, Myanmar’s military junta has appealed for foreign aid. Historically, the junta has resisted international assistance, opting instead to minimize the impact of disasters. This time, however, the scale of the destruction has forced their hand.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visited Mandalay on Saturday to assess the damage. Shortly after, neighboring countries, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Russia, announced plans to send rescue teams and supplies.

In an unusual turn, Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG), a group formed by deposed lawmakers, declared a two-week pause in military operations. This “temporary ceasefire” aims to allow humanitarian relief efforts to take precedence. The NUG called on all ethnic groups and citizens to cooperate in rescue operations, providing much-needed relief to the victims.

The earthquake that struck Myanmar is the most powerful in a century. Experts explained that the rupture, which lasted a full minute, released immense energy, causing dramatic sideways movements on the ground. “Think of a piece of paper tearing,” said James Jackson from the University of Cambridge, describing the force that sent shockwaves across the country.

Despite its magnitude, the quake was not entirely unexpected. It occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line that has historically been the site of large earthquakes.

As the dust settles, Myanmar faces an uncertain future. The government, already stretched thin by internal conflict, is struggling to provide adequate relief to the tens of thousands affected by the quake. Meanwhile, the resistance forces and civilian groups are stepping in to fill the gaps, offering what help they can in the absence of military support.

For the people of Mandalay and beyond, the road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges. But amidst the destruction, the resilience of the Myanmar people shines through, as they continue to search for survivors and rebuild their shattered communities.

Source: CNN – Voices are starting to emerge from quake devastated Myanmar. Here’s what we are hearing

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A truck that plunged into a sinkhole near Tokyo has sparked national concern as rescue efforts to free the 74-year-old driver continue. The incident has highlighted issues surrounding Japan’s aging infrastructure and raised fears of flooding and sewage leaks in the surrounding areas.

What Happened?

On Tuesday morning, a sinkhole suddenly appeared on a road in Yashio City, located just northeast of Tokyo. The hole, initially 10 meters (33 feet) wide and 5 meters (16 feet) deep, quickly grew to double its size, swallowing a 3-ton truck.

The Driver’s Condition

The driver, a 74-year-old man, was initially conscious and communicating with rescue workers, but has since failed to respond since Tuesday afternoon. Yoshifumi Hashiguchi, an official from the Yashio fire department, confirmed that the man is believed to be trapped in the truck’s cabin.

Cause of the Sinkhole

Authorities have speculated that corrosion in a sewage pipe, possibly caused by strong acid regularly flowing through it, led to the formation of a hole in the pipe. This caused the soil above to collapse, creating a large hollow space beneath the road. While the pipe had passed its last visual inspection just five years ago, officials believe that the damage may have been overlooked.

Leaking sewage water from the damaged pipe has raised concerns about possible flooding in the area.

Why Is the Rescue Taking So Long?

The unstable ground is complicating the rescue efforts. Television footage captured the road cracking and collapsing further, with billboards toppling into the sinkhole. Authorities have attempted to use cranes to lift the truck, but so far, only the loading platform has been recovered, leaving the driver’s cabin intact, where the driver is believed to still be trapped.

Efforts to remove sediment and dig down to reach the driver have been unsuccessful. Rescue teams also attempted to send a drone into the hole to assess the situation, but no significant progress has been made.

Impact on the Community

Nearby residents have been advised to reduce their water consumption as authorities work to prevent sewage overflow into the sinkhole. Road closures have been enforced, and 20 residents within a 200-meter radius of the hole have taken shelter at a local junior high school as a precaution.

Saitama prefecture, where the sinkhole occurred, has asked over one million residents—especially those in areas connected to the sewage pipe—to cut back on activities like laundry and bathing to minimize strain on the system. To manage the situation, officials have started to divert sewage from an upstream pumping station and treat it before releasing it into a nearby river.

Next Steps

Once the driver is rescued, experts will enter the sinkhole to examine the damaged sewage system.

In response to the incident, Japan’s Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Ministry has ordered a nationwide inspection of all sewer systems. The sinkhole has raised alarm about the aging infrastructure in a country known for its vulnerability to natural disasters. Many of Japan’s key public infrastructure systems were built during the country’s rapid economic growth in the 1960s and 1970s. The damaged pipe in Yashio, for example, is about 40 years old.

This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the ongoing need for infrastructure upgrades in Japan to prevent similar situations in the future.

Source

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President Donald Trump, while touring disaster-stricken areas in California and North Carolina on Friday, proposed a radical shift in disaster management: eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Trump criticized the agency for being “bureaucratic” and “very slow,” suggesting states should take over disaster response efforts with direct funding from the federal government.

Trump’s Criticism of FEMA

“FEMA has been a very big disappointment,” Trump said during his visit to North Carolina, where communities are still recovering months after Hurricane Helene. He suggested letting states handle tornadoes, hurricanes, and other disasters directly, without relying on federal oversight.

This aligns with his broader vision of limiting federal government involvement, a stance supported by many conservative allies. Trump’s comments have drawn criticism from disaster response experts, including Michael Coen, a former FEMA chief of staff, who described the idea as “misinformed” and emphasized FEMA’s critical role in aiding overwhelmed states during catastrophes.

Tour of California Wildfire Zones

In California, Trump surveyed fire-ravaged areas, including Pacific Palisades, where entire neighborhoods were reduced to ashes. Accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, he walked through devastated streets, spoke with residents, and called the scene “devastation” and “incineration.”

Despite his rocky relationship with California’s Democratic leaders, Trump met with Governor Gavin Newsom, who called for federal support. “We’re going to need your help,” Newsom said, praising Trump’s cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressing optimism about future collaboration.

However, Trump’s tone toward California wasn’t entirely conciliatory. En route to Los Angeles, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to Newsom as “Newscum” and criticized him for “wronging the people of his state.” Trump also reiterated unfounded claims that California’s water policies worsened the fires.

Tensions Over Hazardous Waste

Trump also urged local officials to expedite rebuilding efforts by waiving permitting requirements, downplaying concerns about hazardous materials on burned properties. “What’s hazardous waste? We’re going to have to define that,” Trump said, dismissing the risks.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the need to ensure residents’ safety from toxins before allowing them to return home, but her remarks were repeatedly interrupted by Trump, who pushed for faster action.

North Carolina: A Message of Support

In North Carolina, Trump visited towns still reeling from Hurricane Helene. Residents shared harrowing stories of fleeing waist-deep floodwaters and struggling with unresponsive insurance companies. Trump criticized the federal response under President Joe Biden, claiming residents were “treated very badly by the previous administration.”

“We’ve come to North Carolina with a simple message,” Trump told residents. “You are not forgotten any longer.”

Trump’s FEMA Replacement Plan

Trump proposed an alternative to FEMA’s current structure, suggesting federal disaster funds flow directly to states, bypassing FEMA altogether. Critics argue that such changes could leave states ill-equipped to handle large-scale disasters on their own. FEMA, as it stands, coordinates resources and provides financial aid when disasters overwhelm state capabilities, including debris removal and stopgap financial assistance for individuals.

Michael Whatley, chair of the Republican National Committee and a North Carolina native, was appointed by Trump to coordinate recovery efforts in the state, despite holding no official government role.

Climate Change Debate

Trump’s visits to North Carolina and California reignited debates about climate change, which he has consistently downplayed. Scientists have linked both Hurricane Helene and California’s wildfires to climate change.

• A study by World Weather Attribution found that climate change increased Helene’s rainfall by 10%.
• California’s record-dry winter left the state more vulnerable to fires, particularly in areas like Los Angeles.

Amanda Stasiewicz, a researcher at the University of Oregon, commented, “This is just breaking our comfort zone of what is supposed to be normal.”

Looking Ahead

Trump’s push to reshape disaster response raises questions about the federal government’s role in crises and the future of FEMA. His tour comes as he plans to hold a rally in Las Vegas on Saturday, shifting focus back to his political ambitions.

Source

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Nic Arnzen can easily recognize fellow victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. “We have the same look in our eyes, the same zombie-like walk,” he reflects.

Arnzen’s home in Altadena, a diverse community in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, was devoured by the Eaton Fire. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in the region, he estimates, and “half of them won’t have a home to come back to.” The destruction is staggering. As a member of the Altadena Town Council, Arnzen calls it “unimaginable.”

The wildfires, among the most devastating and costly in California’s history, have destroyed over 60 square miles and claimed at least 27 lives. For survivors like Arnzen, a haunting question lingers: What’s next? Should they rebuild in a fire-prone area or leave in search of safer ground?

The Changing Face of Wildfire Risk

California has long been wildfire territory, but climate change has turned up the heat—literally. “Fire is a part of living here,” says Kaitlyn Trudeau, senior researcher at Climate Central, a non-profit focused on climate research.

However, as Trudeau points out, fire behavior is evolving. Hotter, drier conditions fueled by the climate crisis have created more volatile fires. This year’s LA fires were supercharged by a deadly combination: powerful Santa Ana winds and “weather whiplash,” a phenomenon where extreme wet winters are followed by parched, dry conditions. This cycle amplifies the risk, particularly in sprawling neighborhoods that edge into fire-prone wildlands.

The fires did more than just destroy homes—they incinerated schools, daycare centers, grocery stores, and workplaces, severing ties that hold communities together. For many, life in LA’s fire zone now feels increasingly untenable.

Rebuilding or Moving On?

The question of whether to stay or leave is deeply personal and incredibly complex. Jesse Keenan, associate professor of sustainable real estate and urban planning at Tulane University, explains that decisions about where to live depend on a web of factors: family ties, jobs, affordability, and the psychological weight of starting over.

The Immediate Aftermath

In the short term, many wildfire survivors lean on family, friends, or local resources to stay nearby. Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications at First Street Foundation, suggests that most displaced residents will eventually return to their communities, driven by deep-rooted connections.

However, returning isn’t easy for everyone:

• Renters face a grim reality. California’s already overheated housing market will now grapple with the strain of even fewer affordable homes.
• Homeowners face lengthy waits for insurance claims, and payouts often fall short of rebuilding costs. Keenan warns that labor shortages will make rebuilding slow and expensive.

In some cases, rebuilding may not even be allowed. The state might step in to create fire buffer zones, preventing reconstruction in the most vulnerable areas.

The Hidden Costs of Wildfires

Rebuilding is only part of the equation. Toxic contamination from chemicals released during the fires poses a long-term health risk, particularly to children. Meanwhile, California’s worsening insurance crisis threatens to leave homeowners in limbo.

“Many homeowners will no longer be able to make the economics of home ownership work,” Porter explains. Rising insurance costs could force more people to sell, often to predatory property buyers who rebuild higher-end homes, further exacerbating inequality. Keenan calls it “climate gentrification,” where displaced residents are priced out as wealthier newcomers move in.

Seeking Safety Elsewhere

Some residents, traumatized by repeated disasters, may choose to leave California altogether. Climate scientist Peter Kalmus made that choice in 2022, leaving Altadena for Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “It felt like heat waves, drought, and fires were getting worse,” he says, though he acknowledges that no place is truly safe from climate change.

Lower-risk areas like Buffalo, Detroit, and parts of Ohio are gaining attention as “climate havens” due to their ample water and lower fire and heat risks. However, as Hurricane Helene’s impact on Asheville, North Carolina, proved, no region is entirely immune to extreme weather.

The Long Road to Recovery

Despite the devastation, many survivors like Arnzen remain determined to rebuild. “I have lost so much that all I can do is focus on and be determined to gain more than I’ve lost,” he says.

Still, the future of wildfire-prone communities hangs in the balance. Repeated disasters could erode infrastructure, reduce local resources, and push more people to reconsider their ties to high-risk areas.

Arnzen knows the fires will come again, but he remains steadfast in his commitment to Altadena. “This was traumatic. This is something we’re going to never recover from,” he admits. Yet, for him, rebuilding is not just about restoring a home but about fortifying a community.

By spotlighting the resilience and challenges of wildfire survivors, Arnzen and others hope to inspire a more sustainable and fire-resilient future. The question now is whether California can rise from the ashes stronger than before.

Source

The post Living on the Edge: How Climate Change Fuels California’s Wildfires appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

It’s been over a week since two massive wildfires forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate in the Los Angeles area, and authorities have confirmed that many won’t be able to return home anytime soon. As officials continue the grim search for human remains in neighborhoods that were completely destroyed, new dangers are emerging, including the risk of landslides from burned slopes and hazardous debris laden with toxins like asbestos.

More than 80,000 people are still under evacuation orders, many uncertain about the fate of their homes and possessions. At checkpoints, residents have gathered, hoping to access their properties, but law enforcement has restricted entry, with police and soldiers manning the area. Despite the understandable frustration, officials are urging residents to be patient as hazardous materials teams and cadaver dogs methodically search through the wreckage. It could take a week or more before people can return.

The Extent of the Damage

“The properties are damaged beyond recognition,” said Mark Pestrella, Director of Los Angeles County Public Works, during a briefing. “They’re filled with debris, silt, and dangerous materials.” In addition to structural damage, unstable hillsides pose a serious threat. A small landslide in Pacific Palisades this week sent debris into the streets, further complicating efforts to stabilize the area.

As the fire crews continue battling the largest of the blazes, which have claimed 27 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures, residents are facing the monumental task of rebuilding. The area affected by the fires is three times the size of Manhattan, marking this as one of Southern California’s most devastating natural disasters.

Health and Safety Risks

In light of the ongoing risks, Los Angeles County has prohibited any fire debris cleanup until a full hazardous materials inspection is completed. Officials are prioritizing public safety, as the charred remains of homes and businesses contain harmful substances.

The city is also working to ensure that storm drainage systems don’t become clogged when rains return in the coming weeks, which could lead to additional mudslides.

A Challenging Time for Los Angeles

These fires have hit at an already challenging time for Los Angeles. The city is in the midst of a post-pandemic recovery period, and many downtown buildings have high vacancy rates. Furthermore, preparations are underway for the 2028 Summer Olympics, while the city grapples with a severe homelessness crisis—an issue that Mayor Karen Bass had made a priority before the fires struck.

Damage estimates have not been officially released, but experts anticipate that losses could exceed tens of billions of dollars, potentially making this the costliest fire disaster in U.S. history.

Heartbreak and Loss

For many residents, the personal loss is staggering. Alex Rosewood, a resident of Altadena, northeast of Los Angeles, shared her story of losing nearly everything in the fires. “We lost our home, my father’s house, and my aunt and uncle’s house next door. We lost family heirlooms—wedding photos, my grandmother’s playing cards, and an unfinished quilt,” Rosewood said.

Despite the devastation, Rosewood and her family remain resolute: “Altadena is home. We plan to rebuild,” she added.

The Future of Rebuilding

The fires have raised important questions about whether rebuilding in these high-risk areas is wise, especially in the context of climate change. Michael Hricak, an adjunct professor of architecture at the University of Southern California, said, “It’s not about being tougher than Mother Nature. It’s about being respectful of her challenges.” Future rebuilding efforts will need to consider fire-resistant materials, safer designs, and better infrastructure to facilitate evacuations and fire-fighting efforts.

As cities like Paradise in Northern California show, recovery can be slow and difficult. Following the state’s deadliest wildfire in 2018, which killed 85 people and destroyed 11,000 homes, the rebuilding process has been hindered by high costs and complicated insurance claims. Paradise has only rebuilt about 3,200 homes since the disaster.

Quick Action in LA

In response to the scale of the devastation, Mayor Bass issued an executive order to expedite the rebuilding process, despite Los Angeles’ notorious bureaucracy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already approved $100 million for the removal of hazardous materials from the wreckage, marking the first step in recovery efforts.

Additionally, FEMA is distributing short-term lodging assistance to displaced residents. Meanwhile, Michele Baron and her daughter, who lost everything in the Pacific Palisades fire, visited a recovery center to replace vital documents like birth certificates and Social Security cards. Despite the overwhelming loss, Baron shared that she plans to stay in the area: “Now that I can go anywhere, I kind of don’t want to,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As the Los Angeles area faces its recovery, both the residents and officials know that the path ahead will be long and difficult. The rebuilding of homes, businesses, and communities is only the beginning. The region must also adapt to new challenges in disaster prevention, climate resilience, and urban planning, ensuring that future tragedies are met with stronger, more prepared communities.

Source

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A powerful earthquake, registering a preliminary magnitude of 6.9, struck southwestern Japan on Monday evening, triggering tsunami advisories in the affected regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the warning, urging people to stay away from coastal areas due to the risk of a tsunami.

Earthquake Details

• Time of Occurrence: 9:19 p.m. local time.
• Epicenter: The quake originated in Miyazaki Prefecture, located on the southwestern island of Kyushu.
• Magnitude: Preliminary readings indicate a magnitude of 6.9.
• Depth: The quake occurred at a depth of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles), shaking a broad area of Kyushu.

Tsunami Threat

• Tsunami Advisory: Tsunami warnings were issued for Miyazaki Prefecture and Kochi Prefecture, both located in the southwestern part of Japan.
• Tsunami Height: Initial reports suggested that the tsunami could be as high as 1 meter (3.2 feet).
• Impact: A tsunami wave was detected at Miyazaki Port, with a measured height of 20 centimeters (0.7 feet).
• Evacuations: Residents in the coastal areas of Kochi Prefecture were advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure.

Current Situation

• No Immediate Damage: As of now, there have been no reports of significant damage from the earthquake.
• Power and Infrastructure: NHK TV footage showed busy streets and moving traffic, indicating that electricity was still operational. There were also no reported issues at nearby nuclear monitoring stations.

Japan’s Earthquake Activity

Japan is frequently affected by earthquakes due to its location along the Ring of Fire, a major area in the Pacific Basin known for its volcanic activity and fault lines.

In the aftermath of this earthquake, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Source

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Wildfires raging through Los Angeles have destroyed natural spaces and educational facilities, leaving families, schools, and communities grappling with loss. For many, these areas were more than just land; they were sanctuaries for learning, connection, and healing, especially during the challenges of the pandemic.

A Personal Refuge Turned to Ashes

For Irina Contreras, a program manager at the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, outdoor education became a lifeline during the pandemic. Her 7-year-old daughter, Ceiba, attended Matilija, a bilingual forest school, and participated in outdoor adventure programs like Hawks. These experiences were transformative, offering Ceiba a chance to connect with nature by hiking, climbing, swimming, and journaling about the environment.

One of her most cherished memories was discovering a hidden trail leading to a waterfall—a story Ceiba excitedly recounted for days. But now, many of these treasured spaces, including the 190-acre Eaton Canyon Nature Area near Altadena, have been scorched by fire.

“It’s about so much more than what she’s been learning,” Contreras said. “This loss is deeply personal for both of us.”

Widespread Impact on Schools and Communities

The fires have also burned schools, displacing students and staff alike. Odyssey Charter School in Altadena, attended by Miguel Ordeñana’s children, was among those damaged. Ordeñana, a senior manager of community science at the Natural History Museum, shared the emotional toll:

“The community has been devastated by the fire. Many of my children’s friends lost their homes, and we don’t yet know how the school staff has been affected.”

Even areas untouched by flames, like Griffith Park, are unusable due to hazardous air quality. The park, home to the iconic Hollywood sign and a hub for outdoor programs, remains inaccessible.

School Closures and Damage

As of Friday, all schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s second-largest, were closed due to heavy smoke and ash. Pasadena Unified School District also faced closures, with several campuses, including Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School, sustaining damage.

The California Department of Education reported 335 schools across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, and San Diego counties were closed, though it remains unclear how many will reopen Monday.

A Loss Beyond Structures

Eaton Canyon, a beloved site for field trips and outdoor learning, has been particularly hard-hit. Richard Smart, superintendent of the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, lamented the destruction:

“The wildflowers, shrubs, and the nature center are gone. This park was a touchstone for the community, a safe and accessible place for schools and families. Losing it feels indescribable.”

The park hosted over a thousand students annually, offering opportunities to learn about wildlife in a hands-on environment. “It was free, local, and a vital educational resource,” Smart said.

Healing Through Nature

As the fires continue, parents and educators are searching for ways to support children during this difficult time. Lila Higgins, a senior manager for community science at the Natural History Museum and author of Wild L.A., emphasized the importance of reconnecting with the land post-disaster.

“Learning from Indigenous caretakers of Los Angeles is crucial during fire recovery,” Higgins said. “Time in nature can lower heart rates, reduce blood pressure, and help children with ADHD feel more calm and focused.”

Outdoor spaces also nurture cognitive development, teaching children to form connections with animals, navigate trails, and understand human impacts on the environment.

Hope for the Future

Despite the devastation, there is optimism for recovery. Greg Pauly, co-author of Wild L.A. and director of the Urban Nature Research Center, expressed hope that areas like Eaton Canyon will once again welcome field trips and nature enthusiasts.

“This is the reality of modern Southern California,” Pauly said. “Fire changes the landscape and lives shockingly often, but nature has an incredible capacity for resilience.”

As the region begins to heal, the importance of preserving and rebuilding these spaces remains clear—not just for education, but for the wellbeing of the community.

Source

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The impact of climate change became more evident in 2024, with extreme weather events disrupting lives worldwide. From record-breaking heat to devastating typhoons and droughts, billions faced the harsh realities of a warming planet. This year, which is on track to be the hottest on record, also brought an additional 41 days of dangerous heat due to climate change, according to researchers at the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group and Climate Central.

Heatwaves Scorch Billions

2024 was a year dominated by heatwaves, breaking temperature records on land and in the sea.

Global Impact of Extreme Heat

• Widespread Suffering: Countries from Lebanon to Cambodia faced prolonged heatwaves, increasing the risks of dehydration and heat stroke.
• Vulnerable Populations: Young children, elderly individuals, and those in conflict zones were disproportionately affected, often due to inadequate shelter and disrupted water systems.

Researchers estimate that, compared to a world without climate change, people experienced an additional 41 days of dangerous heat in 2024. Dr. Friederike Otto of WWA highlighted that “the impacts of fossil fuel warming have never been clearer or more devastating.”

Amazon Under Threat

El Niño and Climate Change

The Amazon region faced a deadly combination of a regional heatwave and reduced rainfall, exacerbated by the natural El Niño phenomenon. However, climate change remained the dominant factor:

• Reduced Amazon River Levels: Water levels dropped by 90%, affecting power supply, crop yields, and causing wildfires.
• Human and Ecosystem Impact: Nearly 500,000 children in Brazil and Colombia were affected as schools closed due to a lack of drinking water.
• Global Consequences: Dr. Regina Rodrigues warned that climate change risks pushing the Amazon rainforest to an irreversible, drier state, endangering biodiversity and its role as a carbon sink.

Philippines Faces Unprecedented Typhoons

The Philippines endured a historic typhoon season, with six typhoons striking in just 30 days during October and November. Landslides and floods across Southeast Asia claimed over 1,200 lives.

Climate Change and Storms

While climate change may not increase the number of storms, it likely intensifies their severity. Record ocean temperatures, enhanced by climate change, contributed to this year’s devastating typhoons.

Dr. Zach Zobel of the Woodwell Climate Research Centre noted, “Scientists have been warning about these extreme events for years.”

Hurricanes Devastate the U.S.

The U.S. was hit by two powerful hurricanes, Helene and Milton, leaving 260 dead and causing $115 billion in damages. Elevated ocean temperatures in the Atlantic fueled these storms.

Category Five Hurricane Beryl

Beryl became the Atlantic’s earliest Category 5 hurricane on July 2, underscoring the unprecedented nature of this year’s hurricane season. Dr. Otto explained that the extreme heat in the upper ocean contributed to the persistence of storm activity.

Flooding Wreaks Havoc in Nigeria, Chad, and Sudan

Sudan and Nigeria experienced catastrophic flooding starting in July, triggered by heavy rains that led to dam collapses:

• Deaths and Displacement: Dozens died, and thousands were forced to flee their homes.
• Human-Caused Warming: Researchers linked the heavy rainfall to human-induced climate change, estimating such events will now occur every three to 10 years.

Call for Preparedness and Action

Julie Arrighi of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre emphasized the need for urgent action:
“We are not well prepared for life at 1.3-1.5°C of warming. Enhancing preparedness for extreme weather is critical to reducing loss of life and damages.”

As 2024 closes, the year serves as a stark reminder of the escalating challenges posed by climate change. Immediate global action is essential to mitigate its impacts and adapt to the “dangerous new era” we are living in.

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