April 8, 2016

Disaster risk management and the OAS agenda for multilateral action to reduce disaster risks and build more resilient societies.

Simon Bolivar Hall 

Headquarters of the OAS,Washington, DC.

Friday, April, 8, 2016

The Permanent Council and the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) of the Organization of American States (OAS) held a meeting where the representatives analyzed "disaster risk management and the OAS agenda for multilateral action to reduce disaster risks and build more resilient societies." Read more

What happened this week?

Peru. Heavy rain caused deaths and injuries in New Eden Contamana District: Heavy rainfall caused flooding in New Eden Contamana District and affected 12 families as of April 3, 2016. In addition, two deaths occurred, an adult and a child at the age of five, and one injured... Read more

Mexico. Wildfires destroy more than 7000 hectares in Oaxaca: Wildfires have destroyed more than 7000 hectares of forest and grasslands in the state of Oaxaca in recent weeks the Director of the National Forestry Commission reported. The strongest of the wildfire season is expected in occur in the coming weeks, as April and May are the months with the most intense heat... Read more

United States. Wildfires in Kansas and Oklahoma: A wildfire began on April 5, 2016 and has spread burning 600 acres and threatening 342 homes in Wabaunsee County, Kansas. Voluntary evacuations are in effect and the Kansas EOC is monitoring the situation; The Governor of Kansas has declared a State of Disaster Emergency for 3 counties due to wildfire activity... Read more

A wildfire began on April 5, 2016 and has burned 27,500 acres, threatening 500 homes and 50 buildings in Woodward County, Oklahoma. The wildfire is also threatening wildlife, roads, infrastructure, utilities and equipment. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations are in effect for 400 residents. One shelter is open with two occupants... Read more

El Salvador. 98,000 people affected by drought: The Government of El Salvador through the MOH and the World Food Program will provide food assistance to some 98,000 people affected by drought in the municipalities of Ahuachapán, Santa Ana, Usulután, San Miguel and Morazán.  The goal is to develop resilient communities that mitigate the effects of climate change and other natural phenomena such as drought and contribute to food security... Read more

Colombia. Heavy Rain and flooding caused 1,200 people to become homeless: Due to heavy rainfall, 1,200 families in Fuente de Oro, Meta Department have been affected by the overflowing of Ariari River on April 5, 2016. Many are left homeless and taken to shelters and humanitarian assistance has been requested by authorities... Read more

Argentina. Heavy rains and flooding in Santa Fe, Entre Rios and Corrientes: The Secretary of Civil Defense reports that in Corrientes and Entre Rios provinces, 2819 people have been evacuated among four provinces that have been affected by the recent rains and floods in Argentina. In La Paz, 2,000 people were affected and the municipality declared a “weather emergency alert” as the rivers overflowed in to the streets. School activities have been suspended as have administrative and commercial activities. Cities near Feliciano, streets are flooded, rural road have become impassable, and 15 bridges have been affected. 80% of the city of Esquina is less than 350mm of water. In Formosa, there are 5,000 evacuees... Read more

Interesting Facts

Fracking Linked to Most Induced Earthquakes in Western Canada. A survey of a major oil and natural gas-producing region in Western Canada suggests a link between hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" and induced earthquakes in the region... Read more

What's new in Disaster Risk Reduction?

Build better boost for Sendai Framework. The World Bank Group has announced a major new building policy which should address concerns expressed in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the global plan for reducing disaster risk and disaster losses... Read more