FLOODING
The Mississippi on May 10, 2011 crested at Memphis at 48 feet, just shy of 1937 record of 48.7 feet. The flooding created havoc in agricultural belt of Missouri, Illinois, Tennesse and now Mississippi. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour on May 10 was busy removing the furnitures from his lake house outside Vicksburg. Mississippi in Vicksburg is inching toward the record high of 56.2 feet witnessed in 1927. Earlier this month, Army Corps of Engineers blew up a levee in Missouri to save a levee that is protecting the river city of Cairo, Illinois, population 2,800. As a result of that, 200 square miles of Missouri farmland was inundated and 100 homes were destroyed. Information Based on May 15, 2011, Edition of The Dallas Morning News The Corps on May 14, 2011 opened the Morganza Spillway, northwest of Batton Rouge, to flood the Cajun Country in a desperate effort to save cities such as Batton Rouge and New Orleans downstream. As a result, the Atchafalya River Basin will be flooded in coming days. Information Based on May 18, 2011, Edition of The Dallas Morning News A recent academic study estimated the costs to Memphis area and its 630,000 residents, stemming from the unprecedented Mississippi flooding, to be around $753 million.
HURRICANE
******************************** HURRICANE IDA ******************************
Hurricane Ida Makes Landfall as a Category 4 Storm, All of New Orleans Loses Power
Hurricane Ida on August 29, 2021 made landfall in the coastal areas of Louisiana as a Category 4 storm with howling wind and dangerous force. The hurricane came ashore on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a Category 3 storm, that had ravaged Louisiana and Mississippi. Louisiana's major port city, New Orleans, bore the brunt with almost all of the city losing power. There is fear that refineries along the Louisiana coast may take the heat of the hurricane. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality said during that day that it would be in touch with the state's more than 1,500 chemical plants, refineries, processing plants and other energy facilities. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards called the Hurricane Ida as "stronger than usually we see".
Miseries Loom Large in the Wake of Hurricane Ida
A day after Hurricane Ida made landfall on the Louisiana coast, all of New Orleans is without power and utilities crews have rushed in on August 30, 2021 for repair work and restoration of electricity in the middle of late-summer's stifling heat. At least 1 million people in Louisiana and Mississippi are without power. President Joe Biden met virtually with Governors John Bel Edwards and Tate Reeves as well as mayors and local leaders of towns, cities and parishes affected by the Hurricane Ida, and offered them the necessary help. FEMA have rushed in 35,700 tarps, hundreds of generators, more than 3.4 million meals and millions of bottles of water to the region in the run-up to the hurricane. Hundreds of people were rescued from the marooned homes in Louisiana. Some hospitals' power were knocked out.
Sweltering
Heat, Continuing Power Outages Add to Miseries
As
more than 25,000 utility crews are working 24/7 to restore electricity
in New Orleans and beyond, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on August 31,
2021 asked for patience. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has said
that the [recovery and restoration] process will move slowly. There are long
lines of people in front of a few gas stations and retail fronts, which have remained
open, trying to buy gasoline in jars or groceries and other supplies. New
Orleans authorities has set up cooling stations for the people to seek refuge
in the sweltering heat. In addition to power outage, there is “boil-water”
advisory for 319,000 people, and 441,000 people in 17 parishes have no drinking
water. The death toll from the Hurricane Ida mounted to four in
Louisiana and Mississippi as of August 31, 2021.
************ HURRICANE IDA'S WRATH IN THE NORTHEAST
Ida Stuns Northeast, Kills at least 45
Hurricane Ida created havoc as it passed over the Northeast, overwhelming towns and cities in its wake with incessant rain on September 1, 2021 night and September 2, 2021 and at least 10 tornadoes and twisters spawning on areas from Maryland to Massachusetts. At least 23 people were killed in New Jersey state. At least 12 people were killed in New York City, many in basement apartments. Basement apartments in New York City are popular to working class people as they are more affordable in the nation's most expensive rental market. Five people were killed in Pennsylvania. A police sergeant was dead after his cruiser got swept away in torrents of rain water. Another death was reported in Connecticut.
Why Did Ida Yield so much of Rainfall so far from Its Landfall Area?
The question that is in everybody's mind is why Ida has so much rain in the northeast and New England after making landfall on the Louisiana's Gulf Coast as the fifth-most powerful storm and subsequently losing most of its more than 150 mph [landfall] wind force. There are two reasons. First, although Ida lost much of its gale force, it retained its rainy core. Second, along its journey, it merged with another wet non-tropical system, pouring unprecedented amount of rain and resulting a massive deluge in the Northeast. Also, because of the warming ocean due to Global Warming, the air over the world's ocean system holds on the average 10% more moisture than in 1970s. The extra moisture condenses and releases extra heat energy, which leads to updrafts and makes storm systems more intense and longer lasting, resulting in increase in rainfall by as much as 30%.
At least 50 Deaths Reported in Northeast
As of September 5, 2021, at least 50 people were dead due to Ida's fury in the Northeastern states.
************ HURRICANE IDA'S WRATH IN THE NORTHEAST
Cleaning Begins as Death Toll Mounts as President Visits Louisiana
Death toll from flash flood, tree fall and other causes due to Hurricane Ida in a broad swath of Northeast has climbed to 49 on September 3, 2021. New York City's drainage system could not handle the fury of rain that has fallen as much as 3 inches an hour, leading to flooding of low-lying areas and entrapping people in the basement apartments. At least 11 people were killed. Mopping, cleaning, restoring of power and draining out of water from clogged streets had begun on September 3, 2021 in the earnest.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden on September 3, 2021 visited Louisiana's flood-devastated area of LaPlace and told the officials there: "I promise we are going to have your back".
Power May not be Restored before the Month-end, Utility Company Says; Oil Spill Reported in Gulf
Entergy, primary electricity provider in New Orleans and surrounding areas, said on September 4, 2021 that some places might stay in outage state for the rest of the month. Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May on September 4, 2021 gave some "staggering" numbers to reporters: Hurricane Ida damaged more than 22,000 power poles, more than those of Hurricanes Katrina, Zeta and Delta combined, more than 5,200 transformers and around 26,000 spans of wire--the stretch of transmission wires between poles.
The Associated Press reported on September 1, 2021 that, based on aerial images, there might be a significant oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico about 2 miles south of Port Fourchon. The oil spill is reported to be coming from an area where Houston-based Talos Energy has a significant operational presence, and it may be due to the leakage from one of its pipes, according to the September 5, 2021, edition of The Dallas Morning News. Talos said that it had hired Clean Gulf Associates, a non-profit oil-spill response cooperative, and added that Clean Gulf Associates had placed containment boom and its vessels were running skimmers to remove oil.
Death Toll Mounts 15 in Trio of States
As of September 5, 2021, the death toll from Hurricane Ida rose to 15. Deaths were reported in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Talos says that It's not the Source of Oil Spill
Houston-based Talos Energy, which has commissioned Clean Gulf Associates for mopping and clean up oil slick 2 miles south of Port Fourchon in the Gulf of Mexico, on September 6, 2021 said that it was not the source of the spill and it was looking for the owner of the oil spill source.
******************************** HURRICANE IDA ******************************
******************************** HURRICANE IAN ******************************
Ian's Wrath Felt by Cuba, Warm Gulf Waters to Add Fuel before Landfall in FL
Hurricane Ian on September 27, 2022 left a trail of devastation in Cuba's western Pinar del Rio province, affecting the island's main tobacco-growing region. About 50,000 people were evacuated prior to the landfall of Ian. Ian will become stronger over the warmer Gulf waters before it makes landfall in Southwest Florida. About 2.5 million Floridians are in the path of Ian. Major evacuation was ordered in the coastal areas surrounding Fort Myers. Warmer Gulf water will provide the needed fuel.
Ian Makes an Ominous Storm for Millions of Floridians
Ian on September 28, 2022 overwhelmed a large parts of southwest Florida as one of the most potent storms in the U.S. history, knocking out power to more than 2 million people, flattening neighborhoods, pushing huge volumes of sea waters to the coastal communities, sliding cars yards away and uprooting trees. The hurricane made landfall on Cayo Costa, a protected island west of the densely populated Fort Myers. Ian came ashore on Florida as Category 4 storm with a sustained wind of 150 mph.
Hurricane Ian Makes Second Landfall on South Carolina
Hurricane Ian after cutting across Florida, on September 30, 2022 made second landfall as Category 1 storm on near Georgetown, South Carolina with a sustained speed of 85 mph.
Toll Mounts as Ian Turns out to be One of the Costliest Hurricanes
On October 1, 2022, media outlets and authorities gave a fresh estimate of death toll from Hurricane Ian. At least 35 people were killed in its wake, including 28 people in Florida. The toll is sure to rise as rescue workers wrap up elaborate search-and-rescue operation and relatives account the missing beloved ones. As of October 1, 2022, at least 1,000 people were rescued in Florida. Meanwhile, flooding, broken structures and loosely hanging tree limbs litter the coastal landscape of Carolinas.
At least 68 Deaths Reported in Hurricane Ian
As the emergency personnel are carrying out grueling search and Floridians have begun to take stock of destruction that has pummeled their communities, authorities on October 2, 2022 sharply upped the estimate of deaths to at least 68, including 61 in Florida, four in North Carolina and three in Cuba. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on October 2, 2022 told the Fox News Sunday that federal government would send a major reinforcement of resources to Florida to help the state cope with the situation.
Hundreds of Thousands of Floridians without Power Days after Ian Hits the State
Almost six days after Hurricane Ian has pummeled the state, Florida is still reeling under the impact the storm. As of October 4, 2022, at least 2,350 people were rescued in various counties since the storm had made a landfall on September 28, 2022. The death toll climbed to 79: 71 in Florida, five in North Carolina and three in Cuba. As of October 4, 2022, about 365,000 people are living without power, down from a peak of 2.5 million six days ago.
Bidens Visit Florida to Survey Damage
Setting aside their political differences, President Joe Biden and Governor Ron DeSantis, joined by their respective wives, on October 5, 2022 visited parts of Florida devastated by Hurricane Ian. President Biden pledged all help to ensure that Floridians recover fast, and mildly praised his political bete noire, Gov. Ron DeSantis.
******************************** HURRICANE IAN ******************************
******************************** HURRICANE IDALIA **************************
Idalia Leaves a Trail of Damage, but Not as Bad as Initially Anticipated
Hurricane Idalia made landfall in sparsely populated Big Bend region in Florida on August 30, 2023 morning near Keaton Beach. The eye of the hurricane soon moved over to Georgia and was on its way to South Carolina. The hurricane weakened into tropical storm as it began to pass over the inland. The hurricane tore off many of the building rooftops, toppled trees and mangled vehicles in its wake. FEMA Director Deane Criswell said during the day that it was too soon to tell how long it would take for recovery process to complete.
President Visits Devastated Areas in Florida
On September 2, 2023, President Joe Biden took an aerial view over the devastated trail of Hurricane Idalia and later met with the first responders and local emergency personnel at Suwannee Pineview Elementary School. Sen. Rick Scott praised the federal effort to announce disaster declaration early, paving the flow of federal aid. First Lady Jill Biden was present with her husband. Governor Ron DeSantis was conspicuous by his absence. Live Oak Mayor Frank Davis praised Biden's visit to his rural community 80 miles east of Tallahassee.
******************************** HURRICANE IDALIA **************************
******************************** HURRICANE OTTIS **************************
Ottis Strengthens as Category 5 in Short Span
How climate change is shaping up the transformation of the storm system and its aftereffect is exemplified by the degree of sudden acquiring of strength of Ottis from a tropical storm to a Category 5 storm in a span of hours, surprising even the seasoned meteorologists. On October 25, 2023, the violent storm system cut through the resort city of Acapulco in the Guerrero state of Mexico and left behind a devastated city in its wake. There were debris, mud-filled water, broken facade of hotels, downed trees, muds that had slid from the mountain and enveloped the streets on the eastern fringe.
Ottis' Record Strengthening in 12 Hours Surprises Meteorologists
As the death toll from the hurricane with the most ferocious landfall in the Eastern Pacific rose to at least 27 as of October 26, 2023, the scientists, meteorologists and climate experts assessed what had led them to miss forecasting, even remotely, the super-intensification of Ottis in the 12 hours prior to landfall. The storm system gained strength from 70 mph to 160 mph in 12 hours prior to making landfall on the tourist mecca of Acapulco on October 25, 2023. It's to enter the record book as the strongest storm in the Eastern Pacific. More importantly, it's now billed as the most intensifying storm in the 12 hours prior to making the landfall. Warmer ocean water in the Pacific [from global warming] and low salinity [from fresh water from rainfall] are the perfect mix to fuel the process of rapid intensification of the storm system.
Families Bury Their Loved Ones as Acapulco Returns to a Little Normalcy
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado said on October 29, 2023 that at least 43 people were killed in the destructive force of Hurricane Otis. The governor also said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that 36 people remained missing. As relief and aid are pouring into the region, it is a story of contrasting recovery and restoration in the region. While resources are being plowed into getting the tourist division and wealthy scenic boulevards cleared and passable, the outlying areas are suffering from neglect.
******************************** HURRICANE OTTIS **************************
TORNADO
April 25-28, 2011, marked a record for the number of tornadoes (305) that had afflicted at least seven states, killing at least 329, including 238 in Alabama alone. The college city of Tuscaloosa turned into a war zone on April 27 after a massive tornado system uprooted hundreds of communities across a vast area in the south. The death toll could surpass the previous record of 332 set in March 1932, when another deadly storm had struck Alabama. April 2011 also produced record number of tornadoes ever: 875. Another storm system in April 1974 killed 315 people in the South and Midwest. Meanwhile, to predict the direction and destructive force of the future tornadoes and storm systems, government and research institutions will try a new generation of radar system called the Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere, or CASA. CASA radars will send more precise real-time data to the Meteorologists. Source: The Dallas Morning News (April 30, 2011)
Kentucky Takes Severe Hit from Tornadoes
At least 30 tornadoes have clobbered a wide swath of land covering six states in the early hours of December 11, 2021, right after the midnight of December 10, 2021, that span across hundreds of miles from Mississippi in the Deep South to Illinois. The hardest hit state in the December 11, 2021, spasm of twisters and tornadoes was Kentucky. Dozens have been dead in Kentucky alone, with towns literally gone. Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory was leveled in a powerful tornado. Several employees were dead, and many remained missing as of December 12, 2021. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on December 12, 2021 that "we will get through this together". The town of Mayfield has been damaged severely, with many families now being homeless.
Other states took the brunt too. An Amazon distribution facility in Edwardsville, Illinois was hit by a tornado, and at least six people were killed. Four were killed in Tennessee. Two in Arkansas were killed, where a nursing home was destroyed. Two were killed in Missouri.
****************** MISSISSIPPI TORNADO
Powerful Tornado Destroys Mississippi Town, Kill 25
A powerful tornado left a trail of catastrophe in its wake in the Mississippi Delta town of Rolling Forks and surrounding areas on March 24, 2023 night. At least 25 people were reported killed. The scene at Rolling Forks on March 25, 2023 resembled one of a war zone, giving a feel from a movie with heart-broken scenes of the destruction of the entire community, houses slammed over one another just like pancakes, cars flipped on sides and trees fallen on power lines on several streets. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and President Joe Biden on March 25, 2023 vowed to help the community recover from the disaster. The March 24, 2023, tornado is the most devastating tornado in the state since April 2011 when 31 people had been killed in tornadoes. According to the Jackson Office of National Weather Service, the tornado that had struck Rolling Forks was of EF-4 magnitude, ranging in 166 mph to 200 mph wind speed.
Biden Issues Emergency Declaration
President Joe Biden on March 26, 2023 issued emergency declaration for Mississippi, paving the way for the federal help to be available for the stricken residents and businesses. Meanwhile, relief and aid have begun to pour in in the economically underprivileged town of Rolling Forks that had been devastated by an EF-4 tornado that had spanned circa 59 miles over a duration of more than an hour.
Death Toll Lowered, Long Road for Recovery for Two Most Affected Counties
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, or MEMA, on March 27, 2023 lowered the death toll to 21from the previously announced figure of 25. Meanwhile, the recovery for Sharkey County and Humphreys County--two worst impacted counties in the March 25, 2023, tornado--is expected to take long time as there have not been enough resources in those two counties even before the tornado, with poverty rates as high as 35% (Sharkey County) and 33% (Humphrey County), respectively, as compared to the state poverty rate of 19% and the U.S. poverty rate of 12%. The Mississippi Delta rural area is sparsely populated, with most of the residents are overwhelmingly African Americans and they are mostly dependent on farming.
Biden Visits Rolling Forks, Pledges to Cover Rebuilding Costs
President Joe Biden on March 31, 2023 visited Rolling Forks and pledged to support the rebuilding and recovery of the entire region afflicted by tornado. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves appreciated President Biden's visit to this slice of small-town America meant a lot.
****************** MISSISSIPPI TORNADO
********************** 85 million PEOPLE at STORM SYSTEM'S CROSS-HAIR
South, Midwest Pummeled by a Violent Storm System
On March 31, 2023, a vast region of South and Midwest experienced a harrowing tale of a killer storm system that had cut a path covering areas home to about 85 million people. Massive destruction and loss of lives was reported from several areas in Arkansas, a theater roof in Illinois, parts of Iowa, Oklahoma and Kansas.
At least 21 Reported Killed in Killer Storm
As a multi-state storm system, involving several tornado touchdowns, has downed trees, led to outages to hundreds of thousands of homes, twisted vehicles on their sides, pancaked homes and dwellings, and threatened almost 85 million people in the South and Midwest, ravaging for hours from March 31, 2023, night to April 1, 2023, morning, authorities are scrambling to conduct rescue operation and provide aid to as many people as possible from Tennessee to Illinois, Indiana to Arkansas, Oklahoma to Iowa. At least 21 people were reported killed as of April 1, 2023.
********************** 85 million PEOPLE at STORM SYSTEM'S CROSS-HAIR
********************** Another Deadly Tornado Strikes Southeast Missouri
Five Killed in Deadly Tornado
Days after a storm system battered eight states in the Midwest and South, spawning a number of tornadoes and killing more than 60 people, another tornado of EF-2 strength struck a rural community, Glen Allen, in southeastern Missouri in the early morning of April 5, 2023. According to the authorities in the mostly rural Bollinger County, many homes, vehicles and other properties had been destroyed, or significantly damaged, in the tornado.
********************** Another Deadly Tornado Strikes Southeast Missouri
********************** TORNADO IN IOWA, NEBRASKA AND OKLAHOMA
Four Dead in Oklahoma Tornado
The U.S. midsection experienced a treacherous and violent streak of storms and tornadoes during April 26-28, 2024 weekend. One tornado system struck near Lincoln area on April 26, 2024, and then rolled into Omaha and farming communities in western Iowa. There were substantial damages and destructions in both Nebraska and Iowa.
On April 27, 2024, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds visited the storm-stricken areas in their respective states. Both governors are planning to seek federal disaster assistance.
The vagary of tornado system had some other places in mind next as it swept through the infamous "Tornado Alley" on April 27, 2024 night. The rural community of Sulphur was heavily damaged in couple of tornado strikes in and around the town. Four people were reported dead in Oklahoma, including one in Sulphur and two other in Holdenville, north of Sulphur, both in Hughes County. A fourth person was killed in the storm near Marietta, close to I-35. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and President Joe Biden spoke on April 28, 2024. President Biden pledged to help Oklahoma.
********************** TORNADO IN IOWA, NEBRASKA AND OKLAHOMA
TROPICAL STORM
Hillary Downgraded from Hurricane to Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm Hillary is approaching Baja California on August 19, 2023. There was widespread flooding in Baja and many people were evacuated from their communities. Some of the picturesque resort places have been emptied out prior to the onslaught of the storm system. It will cross to U.S. Southwest on August 20, 2023. Hillary will be the first tropical storm in Southern California in 84 years. Weather professionals and local authorities sounded alarm for dangerous flash flooding in the vast swath of southern California, especially for the inland mountain communities.
Hillary Makes Landfall in Baja California; Desert, Mountain Communities to Receive the Brunt
Tropical Storm Hillary on August 20, 2023 made landfall at a sparsely populated area in Baja California. It's now heading to southern California, making it the first known tropical storm to hit the Southern California in 84 years. Meteorologists are warning people to take the Tropical Storm Hillary seriously not because of its wind gusts, but the amount of moisture it contains, making flash floods widespread and deadly for communities ranging from the California's coastal areas to the inland deserts to mountain slopes to as far flung areas as communities in Idaho.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency. FEMA said that its personnel were also in the state emergency offices with supplies. Authorities issued evacuation warning for Santa Catalina Island. LA authorities are scrambling to get the homeless people into shelters to save them from flash flood.
Hillary Makes Muddy Mess
Tropical Storm Hillary on August 21, 2023 is on its way out, but not before drenching mountainous communities in California's high desert and making a muddy mess in its trail, requiring a massive clean-up effort for the days to come. However, there is no casualty or injury reported in the U.S. from one of the most treacherous tropical storms.
SNOW STORMS
Lake-Effect Snow Storm Creates Havoc in Western and Northern New York
A massive lake-effect snow storm that began on November 17, 2022 resulted in 77 inches of snow in 48 hours at the Buffalo suburb of Orchard Park. The epic snow storm affected towns and cities in the western and northern New York along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Lake-effect snow storm derives the name from the phenomenon that the cold air captures the moistures from the warm lake waters and moves in narrow bands of storm systems, dumping massive amount of snow during a short span of time in a community while a nearby community remains unscathed. On November 19, 2022 forecasters predicted more snow in the region.
Biden Declares Emergency, Sends Federal Help to 11 Counties in Western and Northern N.Y.
President Joe Biden on November 21, 2022 announced emergency declaration, sending help from FEMA and DHS to 11 counties in the western and northern New York that had seen as much as 80 inches of snow in recent days and three deaths. New York Governor Kathy Hochul thanked President Biden for granting her request for emergency declaration.
At least 34 Dead in 2022 Christmas Snowstorm
An unprecedented storm system paralyzed the U.S. from the Great Lakes to Rio Grande, from Maine to Seattle, from Rockies to Appalachians days before the Christmas. The system has started rolling out on December 22, 2022 and its impact will last through December 27, 2022. As of December 25, 2022, at least 34 people were killed due to snowstorm, including at least 10 in Erie County, including six in Buffalo. Buffalo is the worst affected large city in the storm, and the airport there will remain closed through December 27, 2022. About 60% of the America's residents are covered by some sort of weather advisories during the Bomb Cyclone, a phenomenon when the pressure drastically drops in a strong storm system, that has started rolling down the South from the Great Lakes region. At the height of the snowstorm, millions of households were without power amidst plunging temperature.
Airlines Miseries, Blizzards, Rising Death Toll Mark Christmas and Aftermath
Buffalo has become the epicenter of the disastrous fury of the Bomb Cyclone, a phenomenon when the pressure drastically drops in a strong storm system, with more than two dozen people reported dead from the epic snowstorm as of December 26, 2022, and counting. This is probably the worst snow storm in Western New York's history. Governor Kathy Hochul visited her hometown of Buffalo on December 26, 2022, and described the monstrous Bomb Cyclone-induced storm as "one for the ages". The Buffalo Niagara International Airport will remain shut through December 28, 2022. President Joe Biden said that he would press for federal help for Buffalo and surrounding areas. As of December 26, 2022, at least 50 people were reported nationwide as a treacherous storm system began pummeling most of the nation since December 22, 2022, putting country's two-third population under its ferocious grip.
To compound the woes, airlines cancelled, or delayed, tens of thousands of flights since December 22, 2022. On December 26, 2022, at least 3,700 flights were cancelled, including at least 2,700 by the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines. Since December 22, 2022, Southwest Airlines cancelled at least 8,000 flights. Although the operations of the other airlines are improving, Southwest's remain bogged down to massive cancellations and delays, stranding thousands of customers at airports in Dallas, Chicago and Denver. Southwest blamed weather and technology for this massive disruptions. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan emphasized need for massive investment in the technology revamp. The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a statement on December 26, 2022, saying that it was assessing whether to look into the airline's operational woes as well as its compliance with the Dallas-based airline's customer service commitment.
EARTHQUAKES
INDONESIA
More than 160 Dead in 5.6-magnitude Earthquake
A 5.6-magnitude earthquake at the depth of 6.2 miles struck the city of Cianjur and surrounding regions on November 21, 2022 in the West Java province, killing at least 162 people. The main hospital in Cianjur was overwhelmed with injured and panicked residents. Many dwellings had been badly damaged. Power outages were reported throughout the region. There were at least 25 aftershocks reported. The ferocity of earthquake has been felt in the capital region.
Death Toll Rises to 268
On November 22, 2022, the death toll from the 5.6-magnitude earthquake a day earlier rose to 268 as bodies were retrieved from crumbled structures. At least 151 people remained missing. Although the magnitude of this earthquake is only 5.6, the fatal consequence has been pronounced because the quake has originated only at 6.2-mile depth underneath a densely populated area, leading to a vast degree of seismic energy to strike buildings and structures with full force. Indonesia sits on a specific fault region known as the Ring of Fire where the Pacific Plate collides with other tectonic plates in a zone that shapes like a ring. The quake that has erupted on November 21, 2022 is a strike-slip earthquake where two tectonic plates grind with each other, releasing massive seismic energy. Compared to a strike-slip earthquake that struck Cianjur on November 21, 2022, the December 2004 earthquake and resulting tsunami was a subduction earthquake. Subduction earthquake occurs when one tectonic plate dives underneath another tectonic plate.
TURKEY AND SYRIA
Thousands Dead after Earthquake Hammers Vast Areas of Turkey and Syria
That the Mother Nature is oblivious to political boundaries, regional tension and diplomatic barriers proves itself one more time as a 7.8-magnitude earthquake destroyed buildings, infrastructure and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. The earthquake struck the region in the early hours of February 6, 2023 and its epicenter was near the Turkish city of Gaziantep. As rescue workers, law enforcement and emergency personnel and others fanned out as best as possible throughout a vast tract of areas in southern Turkey and northern Syria, death toll was rising exponentially by the hour. Rescuers are fighting against snow and cold weather to search for any survivors amidst mounds of rubble and debris. As of the nightfall of February 6, 2023, at least 4,000 people were reported dead. That number is sure to rise by several tens of thousands in the coming days. Apartment buildings collapsed just like house of cards in both Syria and Turkey. Several aftershocks, including one with magnitude 7.5, occurred over the span of hours after the primary earthquake.
Race against Time in Rescue Efforts
As of early February 8, 2023, rescuers from various nations are trying their best and pushing as hard as possible to find survivors underneath the detritus across hundreds of miles of earthquake-hit areas spanning southern Turkey and northwest Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 7, 2023 said that Turkey's 13 of 85 million people were affected by the February 6, 2023, earthquake. His administration declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces. According to World Health Organization, at least 22 million people in Turkey, rebel-held Syria and government-controlled Syria were affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake and follow-up numerous aftershocks. U.N. is facing special challenge to bringing the relief supplies to rebel-held parts of Syria as the only official border crossing, Bab al-Hawa, used for international aid has been significantly damaged, and the U.N. is negotiating with Syrian President Bashar Assad to open transportation links from the government-controlled parts of Syria. White Helmets are largely carrying out rescue operation in rebel-held parts of Syria. As of February 7, 2023, the death toll crossed 7,000.
Miraculous Rescue Hours after Earthquake that Killed 24,000 and Counting
Almost four days after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck vast areas of south Turkey and northwest Syria, miracle is finding its way to help show the magical power of life and joy as rescuers has pulled quite a few people from underneath the rubble. As of February 10, 2023, the death toll reached 24,000 in addition to 80,000 people injured and millions left homeless.
U.N. Official Acknowledges that It Fails Syria
As the death toll from February 6, 2023, earthquake climbed to some 33,000--Turkey 29,600 PLUS Syria 3,400--the disparity and inequity in relief and aid distribution in Turkey and northwest Syria couldn't be any starker. On February 12, 2023, Martin Griffiths, U.N.'s emergency relief coordinator, said that "we have so far failed the people of north-west Syria".
Syrian Leader Allows Two Additional Relief Routes for Idlib
Syrian President Bashar Assad on February 13, 2023 approved two more crossing points from Turkey for the international agencies to bring relief for earthquake-inflicted regions of Idlib. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the decision of Syrian President Bashar Assad to open crossings at Bab Al-Salam and Al Raee for three months. Meanwhile, the death toll in southern Turkey and northwestern Syria mounted to more than 36,000 as of February 13, 2023. U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffith during a visit to Aleppo on February 13, 2023 said that the operation and focus would now shift from "rescue phase" to "humanitarian phase".
Another Earthquake Kills 3, Injures more than 200
As if there is no abundance of miseries and disasters in quake-inflicted southern Turkey and northwestern Syria, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on February 20, 2023 killed three people and injured more than 200 people. The epicenter of the February 20, 2023, earthquake was centered in Define in Turkey's Hatay province that had been severely affected by February 6, 2023, 7.8-magnitude earthquake too. In the days since February 6, 2023, earthquake, at least 600 aftershocks were reported. At least 45,000 people were killed in Syria and Turkey from the February 6, 2023, earthquake.
5.6-magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Turkey Again
Three weeks after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake had killed more than 50,000, a 5.6-magnitude quake struck southern Turkey on February 27, 2023. killing at least one person and wounding dozens. The quake was centered around the town of Yesilyurt in Malatya Province. The chief of the country's disaster management agency, Yunus Sezer, said that several already damaged houses also collapsed.
Turkish Deaths Officially Estimated at 47,975
There is now more precise estimate of the death toll from the February 6, 2023, 7.8-magnitude earthquake. On March 11, 2023, Turkey's disaster management agency chief Yunus Sezer said that the official death toll now stood at 47,975, including 6,278 foreigners accounting a significantly high number of Syrians.
Donors Pledge $7.5 billion in Aid to Turkey, Syria
European Commission-led donor conference was held on March 20, 2023 at Brussels to seek pledges to help out millions of people affected in Turkey and Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the conference at Brussels via video link, appreciating the work of donor nations in general and European Commission in particular. The conference committed $7.5 billion---$6.5 billion in grants and loans for Turkey--in pledge to help out people suffering since a 7.8-magnitude on February 6, 2023 had killed at least 52,000 people. The European Commission said in a statement that the "European Commission and the EU Member States, as well as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development represent more than 50% of this total pledge of grants", accounting for $3.9 billion.
Security Council Fails to Continue Speedy Aid Delivery to Northwest Syria
A pair of resolutions--one Russia-backed and another vetoed by Russia--failed to muster support at the U.N. Security Council on July 11, 2023 despite calls from the U.N. and its secretary general, Antonio Guterres, to keep aid flowing through Bab al-Hawa crossing, the main conduit for aid supply to the rebel-held northwestern Syria from Turkey. U.N. calls the Bab al-Hawa crossing the "center of gravity" for the U.N. cross-border deliveries. The recent U.N. mandate for the delivery of cross-border aid through Bab al-Hawa expired on July 10, 2023. Now, the U.N. has to leverage two other border crossings--Bab al-Salameh and al-Rai--that Syrian President Bashar Assad has opened after the February 6, 2023, 7.8-magnitude earthquake to facilitate relief shipment to the rebel-held areas. Assad extended their operation in May for three months through August 13, 2023.
MOROCCO
More than 2,000 Feared Dead in Earthquake
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake is rare in Morocco although the northern African country is situated at the crossroads of Eurasian and African tectonic plates, thus making the collision of two continental plates more likely. At local time 11:11PM on September 9, 2023, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the mountainous areas in Morocco close to the historic city of Marrakech. The epicenter of the quake was near the town of Ighil in Al Houz province, about 44 miles south of Marrakech. Al Houz is nestled with scenic valleys, with villages embedded in the valleys and mountain slopes and displaying an eclectic spectrum of photogenic beauties. The houses in the remote villages fell like house of cards, forcing villagers and townspeople in those rugged and remote areas in High Atlas Mountain Range rushing out of their homes, fearing for their lives. On September 10, 2023, Moroccan government officials put the death toll at more than 2,000. International communities offered condolences and support to help Moroccan people at the juncture of one of the most devastating crises in the nation's history. The scale of devastation is so gruesome that an archenemy like Algeria, which severed diplomatic relations with Rabat in 2021, decided to open its airspace to facilitate the smooth flow of aid into Morocco.
AFGHANISTAN
6.3-magnitude Earthquake, Aftershocks Kill Hundreds in Western Afghanistan
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Herat province near the Iran border on October 7, 2023. The epicenter of the quake was about 25 miles northwest of Herat City. An aftershock of 5.5 magnitude soon hit the area. Hundreds of people were reported killed. People fled their homes as structures fell like cards.
Meager Relief Operation Begins as U.N. Estimates More than 1,000 Dead
As survivors are digging out of the rubble and local health facilities are encumbered by the scale of devastation, the U.N. on October 9, 2023 provided an estimate of deaths only for 11 villages in Zinda Jaan district of Herat province. The death toll in those 11 villages number 1,023 people, and 1,623 people were injured. According to the Taliban regime, at least 4,000 people either were killed or injured. Taliban regime's deputy premier for economic affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, visited the affected communities on October 9, 2023. The U.N. officials also paid visit during the day to Zinda Jaan district. Neighboring Pakistan is also planning to send relief supplies to Herat.
Another Quake Kills at least Four People in Herat
As if an October 7, 2023, initial earthquake of magnitude 6.3, a number of subsequent aftershocks and a second 6.3-magnitude earthquake on October 11, 2023 were not enough, another 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Herat province on October 15, 2023. This time, though, casualty was not high. At least four people were reported killed. Save the Children said that at least 153 people were wounded.
NEPAL
More than 150 People Dead in Earthquake in Remote Region in Nepal
A 5.6-magnitude earthquake around midnight November 3, 2023 led to severe tremor and collapse of thousands of fragile dwelling structures in the Northwestern Nepal. As of November 5, 2023, at least 157 people were reported killed. The relief supplies have remained inadequate for the afflicted region, which even in the best of the time is not easily accessible.
JAPAN
At least Eight Dead in Japan Earthquake
A series of earthquakes, the strongest one was of 7.6 magnitude, were reported on January 1, 2024 in the Sea of Japan off the coasts of Ishikawa prefecture in the main Japanese island of Honshu. At least eight were reported dead and more than 30 injured, according to the public broadcaster NHK. A tsunami warning was issued and later lifted.
Death Toll Surpasses 200
Authorities are reporting miraculous rescues from underneath the rubles even 72 hours after the quake. Ishikawa Prefecture has gone through hundreds of aftershocks after the New Year's earthquake. The death toll from the quake and in the aftermath now rose to 206, according to The Associated Press' January 11, 2024, report based on the estimates provided by local authorities a day earlier. Some 26,000 people are staying in shelters as their homes had been destroyed or deemed unsafe for living. In the prefecture, Suzu City took the worst hit (91 deaths), followed by Wajima (83) and Anamizu (20), respectively.
TAIWAN
Most Powerful Quake in Quarter Century Has Surprisingly Low Toll Figure
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Taiwan's Hualien County--home to over 300,000 people as well as many scenic trails, mountainous gorges and valleys--on April 3, 2024 morning. 10 people were reported killed, a low number given the earthquake was rated the most powerful in 25 years. Years of preparedness, strict building codes and public education played a significant role for hundreds of thousands of people to stay calm and a bit of luck helped too.
WILDFIRE
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Wildfire Kills at least 53 in Maui
A major wildfire that had erupted on August 8, 2023 on the mountainside in the western Maui Island spread rapidly as a passing hurricane fed high wind and lack of humidity helped it spread rapidly. The downslope fire that compresses the warm air and descends down the mountain slope has turned out to be fatal for the scenic town of Lahaina. Many people jumped into the ocean to eschew the wrath of the fire. As of August 10, 2023, almost nothing is left of Lahaina. At least 53 people were reported dead and counting. President Joe Biden on August 10, 2023 declared a major disaster on Maui. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said that the town [Lahaina] had been "burned down".
More than 70 Dead and Counting as Many More Reported Missing
As the town of Lahaina stood like a ghost place and eerie silence pervaded charred neighborhood after charred neighborhood, lucky people who could make it through the ordeal began to ask questions why emergency notifications didn't work. Governor Josh Green and FEMA officials on August 12, 2023 were taking a sneak-peek of devastation in and around the downtown area of the historic town. The iconic banyan tree covering two-thirds of an acre and spanning more than 60 feet in height bore the brunt of "top kill", an academic forensic terminology to describe the burn on the top while the roots remain intact. As of August 12, 2023, the total fatalities stood at least 70.
President, First Lady Visits Maui
As the death toll from the wildfire rose to at least 110, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Maui on August 21, 2023 and vowed to help out the families there to stand on their feet.
Maui Sues Utility for Sparking the Wildfire
Maui County on August 24, 2023 sued the Hawaiian Electric, accusing the utility for not shutting the power as high wind from a nearby hurricane passed through the western part of the island on August 8, 2023. At least 115 people are now reported killed. The lawsuit alleged that the utility failed to implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs during high-wind events.
Recently there are increasing propensity of the jury and judiciary to impose penalties on the utilities for failing to carry out maintenance and upkeep responsibilities such as trimming the vegetation underneath the electric lines in mountainous terrain. In June 2023, an Oregon jury found PacifiCorp liable for the fire during the Labor Day weekend of 2020 and imposed millions of dollars in damage to be paid to 17 homeowners plus a broad range of compensation that could easily go as high as hundreds of millions of dollars. Pacific Gas and Energy pleaded guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter and filed bankruptcy for 2018 fire that had damaged or destroyed more than 19,000 homes, buildings and businesses and devastated the town of Paradise, California.
Death Toll Revised Downward to at least 97 from at least 115
As thorough testing and updating of the missing persons reports are underway, authorities are revising downward the death toll from the deadliest forest fire in the nation in more than a century. As of September 15, 2023, Maui authorities estimated the death toll at least 97, a sharp revision from at least 115, from the August 8, 2023, wildfire that had ravaged the historic city of Lahaina.
Latest Estimate of Death Toll Stands 101
With one of the three missing persons now declared dead, authorities on February 13, 2024 revised the death toll to 101.
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Wildfire in Panhandle the Largest in the State History
The Smokehouse Creek wildfire that has erupted on February 26, 2024 is now the largest wildfire in Texas' history, according to the March 2, 2024, report by The Dallas Morning News. It's burning more than 1 million acres in the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma. Tens of thousands of cattle heads has perished on the parched land. As of March 1, 2024, the Smokehouse Creek fire was 15% contained. The Smokehouse Creek fire merged with a smaller fire, 687 Reamer fire, couple of days ago to become the largest wildfire in Texas history and the second-largest fire in the U.S.
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