February 2023 Current Events: Disaster News
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the Disaster news events you need to know so far for February 2023.
- Auckland, New Zealand Continues To Suffer Heavy Rainfall
- Turkiye And Syria Devastated By Massive Earthquake
- Multiple And Rapidly Spreading Wildfire Kills 23 In Chile
- Death Toll Rises And Rescue Efforts Continue In Turkiye After Earthquake
- 45,000 Animals Estimated To Have Been Killed In The Ohio Toxic Train Crash
Auckland, New Zealand Continues To Suffer Heavy Rainfall
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ryan Benton
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 – The city of Auckland in New Zealand experienced a series of rainfall, which has led to a halt in the residents' daily lives. Recently, more roads were closed down, homes were flooded, the power supply was disrupted, and four people were found dead following the heavy downpour on Friday.
In a statement by the Mayor of Auckland, more rainfall is expected and could be even more dangerous than what the city has experienced due to the backlog of floods in different areas of the city. As a result, evacuation plans are being instituted in different places, especially those more vulnerable to the expected flooding.
While the authorities are trying to clear the roads and restore life to normal in the region, schools in Auckland have suspended physical attendance for a week to monitor the situation's progress.
Source: BBC
Turkiye And Syria Devastated By Massive Earthquake
Monday, February 6, 2023 – Earthquakes hit the border of Turkiye and Syria, leading to widespread disorder and destruction in the two countries. A first Earthquake of magnitude 7.8 hit south of the East Anatolian fault, which separates the Anatolian plate and the Arabian plate, while a second quake of magnitude 7.5 hit north of the Faultline.
Since the incident, the death toll has continued to rise, with a count of over 12,000 people killed in the disaster. Sources report that the death toll could go much higher because the widespread destruction has led to the delay in emergency services reaching the affected area.
Authorities reported that up to 10 cities were affected in Turkiye. In Syria, Aleppo, which contained more than a million refugees fleeing from war, is one of the most affected cities in Syria.
Criticism has grown as families in some hard-hit communities have complained that the delayed pace of rescue attempts has left them digging for relatives alone.
International support has arrived from major countries as Leaders of both Syria and Turkiye have acknowledged that there was no way to prepare for an earthquake and that they cannot face the disaster alone.
Source: BBC
Multiple And Rapidly Spreading Wildfire Kills 23 In Chile
Sunday. February 5, 2023 – Over the past few days, there have been reports of dozens of wildfires raging across central Chile, killing at least 23 people, destroying 800 homes, and prompting the declaration of an emergency in three regions. Sixty-six people have been injured in the fires, and nearly 1,500 others have sought refuge in shelters.
Three sparsely populated central regions have declared a state of emergency, home to many grape, apple, and berry farms and large tracts of forest land.
Carolina Tohá, Chile's interior minister, stated, "The flames should serve as yet another reminder of the consequences of the climate catastrophe. The development of climate change has repeatedly demonstrated its importance and potential to have a significant influence, which we must internalize much more."
Spain, the United States, Ecuador, Brazil, and Venezuela have all offered assistance, including aircraft and firemen, while Argentina is sending 64 firefighters, a forest fire pump truck, and a Chinook helicopter.
Source: The Guardian
Death Toll Rises And Rescue Efforts Continue In Turkiye After Earthquake
Photo Source: SOURCE
Thursday, February 16, 2023 – 10 days following multiple earthquakes along the border of Turkiye and Syria, emergency services continue to rescue people from under the rubble. So far, the death toll after 10 days stands at 42,000.
Most people blamed poor construction standards for the massive death toll, and some even mentioned that the actual number of fatalities exceeded official figures. More than 100 developers and builders have been arrested in Turkey, but the officials authorized the construction have escaped.
The UN has launched separate appeals for Turkiye and Syria separately, amounting to $1bn and $400m, respectively, as relief funds. In both countries, more than 1 million people have been displaced, with NATO commenting on the Turkish disaster as one of the most devastating natural disasters ever on NATO soil.
Source: The Guardian
45,000 Animals Estimated To Have Been Killed In The Ohio Toxic Train Crash
Photo Source: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Friday, February 24, 2023 – In a news conference, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) stated 43,700 aquatic animals were discovered dead following the train Crash in East Palestine, Ohio, three weeks ago.
None of the animals affected were thought to be terrestrial or endangered. And reports showed that live fish have already been observed returning to one of the streams impacted by the railway crash.
According to the director of ODNR, the department "haven't observed any more evidence of marine life suffering since the poisons were confined," she added that all of the deaths occurred soon after the accident three weeks ago.
The train crash involved 38 cars, 11 transporting hazardous items. Following containment of the fire after the crash, authorities remain worried that five vehicles carrying 437,500 liters of vinyl chloride — an odorless gas used to produce PVC — may explode.
Source: BBC
Not spooked by disasters quite yet? Check out the Largest Earthquakes in the United States to discover more. And if you enjoyed this article, why not drop a line to let us know, or share it with others who might be interested in Disaster events!
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