Integrated Fire Management (IFM)

After two decades, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has updated its Integrated Fire Management (IFM) voluntary guidelines for managing wildfire risks. These guidelines were prepared by the Global Fire Management Hub (GFMH), launched by FAO and UNEP in 2023. Key Principles of IFM Economic: Aim to maximize benefits and minimize wildfire losses through efficient IFM programs.

Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF)

Azerbaijan has launched the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF) as part of its initiatives for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). This fund aims to enhance climate resilience and support sustainable development in developing countries. Key Features of CFAF Headquarters: Located in Baku, Azerbaijan. Purpose: The CFAF is designed to support climate projects in developing

DM Bill, 2024

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was recently introduced in the Lok Sabha to update and strengthen India's disaster management framework, which was originally governed by the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The Bill seeks to incorporate the evolving needs of disaster management, aligning it with recommendations from the 15th Finance Commission, and aims to ensure more efficient, l

Urban Development and Disaster Resilience

The increasing frequency of disasters, especially during the monsoon season, highlights the urgent need for urban development strategies that prioritize disaster resilience in Indian cities. Here’s an overview of the current situation, vulnerabilities, and what constitutes a disaster-resilient city: Current Context Rising Disaster Frequency: Problem: Indian cities are increasingl

White Paper on Glacial Geoengineering

A recent white paper by scientists has introduced the concept of glacial geoengineering, which involves intentional modification of climate systems to mitigate the effects of glacier melting and sea level rise. This approach is part of a broader field known as geoengineering. Glacial Geoengineering Strategies: Ocean-Heat Transport Interventions: Purpose: To prevent warm circumpolar deep

Wayanad Landslide

Location: Vythiri taluk, Wayanad district, Kerala Impact: Multiple landslides flattened three villages, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Possible Reasons Behind the Wayanad Landslide Heavy Rainfall Rainfall Measurement: The region received more than 140 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, significantly higher than the expected amount. Impact: Extreme rainfall leads to soil saturation a

Series of earthquakes strikes Japan, tsunami warning issued

context: The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning along coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama prefectures. The Japan Meterological Agency reported quakes off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures one of them with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6. Earthquakes An earthquake is the shaking of the earth, a natural occurrence caused by the release of energy t

Accidents in Indian Railways

Accidents in Indian Railways     Why in the News? 23 coaches of the Assam-bound North East Superfast Express derailed in Buxar district of Bihar recently, which has been caused due to cracks in the railway track as per primary investigation. Accidents in Indian Railways: Indian Railways (IR) has classified accidents, as an occurrence in the course of wo

Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)

Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)     Why in the News? Incessant rains have caused flash floods in north Sikkim after the South Lhonak Lake burst, which has killed 14 people so far and 102, including at least 23 Army personnel, are missing.  The South Lhonak Lake outburst: It is a glacial lake situated in the state’s northwest

Disaster preparedness during floods

Disaster preparedness during floods Extreme rainfall events during monsoon along with climate change adversaries, both proactive measures and reactive strategies becomes essential. A Multi-pronged disaster preparedness approach: Robust early warning system about heavy rainfall and flash floods to people.  AI/ML augmented meteorological observations such as Doppler weather radar (D