February 8, 2013

What happened this week?

Peru. Landslide (huaico) blocks transit in Cusco-Paucartambo road.

A landslide that occurred due to the constant rain in the region has blocked the road along several sections, leaving vehicles and occupants stranded. Read more

USA. Reservoir drying up: El Paso shifts from Rio Grande to well water

After a period of severe drought in New Mexico and Colorado, the authorities of el Paso are resorting abandon the Rio Grande as their main source of water supply and are looking for alternatives, drilling deep wells, in efforts to maintain the water supply for farmers and other water customers. Read more

Colombia. Department of Cordoba signals for help due to drought.Local authorities have had to institute monitoring and control protocols in order to mitigate a water shortage expected to last until the middle of March. Read more

Interesting Facts: Did you know? 

World Bank Group. Satellite Earth Observation and Disaster Risk

"More than cameras in the sky". Earth-observing satellites can provide vital information to better prepare for disasters and reduce their impact on people and property. Collected data can be used in many high risk areas around the world to support risk assessments for a range of hazards from hydro-meteorological risks to geo-hazards such as landslides and terrain subsidence. Read more

What is new in Disaster Risk Reduction?

Haiti. Haiti launches micro-finance catastrophe insurance program

Insurance for the poor? Absolutely. MiCRO, the first natural catastrophe insurance of its kind, is assisting Haiti, one of the most weather disaster-prone countries in the world, and Haiti's most vulnerable residents who rely on small-scale farming and are in constant risk of losing their livelihoods, with an insurance program to get them back on their feet quickly.Read more

USA. Thomas Menino, Boston Mayor, Calls On City To Prepare For Climate Change

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said that his coastal city will step up efforts to prepare for the effects of rising sea levels, in an attempt to mitigate the risks of flooding. This initiative stems the aftermath in New York City after it was struck by Superstorm Sandy. Read more

Ecuador. The city of Quito defined 30 "safe havens"

In the wake of the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti, the city of Quito has prompted and approved an initiative to build and commission temporary safe havens: public places that would shelter 700 thousand people in the even of an earthquake, fire, slide or flood. Read more.