Life-Threatening Drought Plagues NW Haiti

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
WORSENING DROUGHT
WATER FAMINE
CROP DISASTERS
FOOD INSECURITY
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Recurring drought worsening chronic food insecurity in Haiti

Drought has killed crops in Haiti’s poorest region, pushing the people even closer to the margins of survival.

At least 43 percent of households in Haiti’s northwest suffer from food insecurity, compared to a national average of about 30 percent, according to Government statistics.

More than 1.5 million people continue to face severe food insecurity in Haiti and about 82,000 children under five are malnourished, according to the UNOCHA.

The worsening disaster is caused by drought and the impact of hurricanes ISSAC and SANDY, which battered the country last year, said UNOCHA spokesperson.

SANDY struck Haiti in October leaving a trail of destruction and severely damaging the economy.

‘This is the worst disaster the nation has seen’

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
EXTREME RAIN EVENTS
DEADLY FLASH FLOODS
NATIONAL DISASTER
STATE OF EMERGENCY
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Dozens Dead or Missing, Thousands Homeless in Solomons Flooding

Flash flooding has claimed at least 6 lives, left dozens missing and more than 10,000 homeless in the Solomon Islands’ capital Honiara (population: ∼ 70,000), prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency.

“This is the worst disaster the nation has seen,”  said the  Solomon Star newspaper.

Extreme Rain Events lasting for about a week  caused the main Matanikau River to burst its banks, sweeping away entire communities. The rain and flooding continue.

A spokesperson from the National Disaster Management Office said the office will assess the damage to map out the cost but said it will be costly.

“Homes were swept away by flash floods, lives were lost, properties damaged but the real extent of the damage is still sketchy,” the spokesman said.

“Matanikau River caused significant damage and there are other reports from other parts of Guadalcanal that were hard hit on Thursday.”

He said the Guadalcanal plains were also affected.

“Reports from those areas were that homes were flooded and food gardens wiped out.

“Lunga River also unleashed her might yesterday affecting a lot of residents in Lunga.”

The old one-lane Mataniko bridge is gone. On the Guadalcanal plains, hundreds of villagers headed for the hills last night as flooding took away  homes. This is the worst disaster the nation has seen.  Solomon Star News

Strong Quake Strike Solomon Islands

Meanwhile a magnitude 6Mw quake struck about 28km WSW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands.

Magnitude: 6.0Mw
Event Time: 2014-04-04 11:40:32 UTC
Location: 10.530°S 161.672°E
Depth: 63.8km (39.6mi)
Nearby Cities: 28km (17mi) WSW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands
224km (139mi) ESE of Honiara, Solomon Islands
Source: USGS/EHP

Crop Disaster Declared for 45 Counties in Texas, Oklahoma

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
WORSENING DROUGHT
CROP DISASTERS
.

Worsening Drought Causes More Crop Disasters in Texas, Oklahoma

The U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA has designated a total of 45 counties in Texas and Oklahoma as crop disaster areas due to the worsening drought.

Those areas are

• Texas. Bell, Dallas, Hamilton, McLennan, Comanche, Eastland, Hill, Mason, Coryell, Fannin, Lamar, Bosque, Erath, Lampasas, Palo, Pinto, Brown, Falls, Limestone, Red River, Burnet, Gillespie, Llano, Rockwall, Callahan, Grayson, McCulloch, San Saba, Collin, Hunt, Menard, Shackelford, Delta, Johnson, Milam, Stephens, Denton, Kaufman, Mills, Tarrant, Ellis, Kimble, Navarro and Williamson counties.

• Oklahoma. Bryan and Choctaw counties.

Drought Disasters 2014

Since January 10, 2014 USDA has declared at least 909 counties across 16 states as crop disaster areas due to worsening drought.

• Those states are: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah.

• Crop disasters have been declared in an additional 22 counties in the states of New York and Pennsylvania due to  Freeze.

Notes:
i. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

ii. The total number of counties designated as agricultural disaster areas includes both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

iii. A number of counties may have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

iv. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

v. The disaster designations posted above were approved by USDA on April 2, 2014.

Related Links

• Crop Disasters Declared in 5 States as Drought Worsens March 27, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared for Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho March 21, 2014
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Freeze, Freezing Temperatures Destroy Crops in NY, PA

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENT
FREEZE & FREEZING TEMPERATURES
CROP DISASTER
.

Crop Disaster Declared in New York, Pennsylvania due to Freeze and Freezing Temps

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated a total of 22 counties in New York and Pennsylvania as crop disaster areas due to losses caused by a freeze and freezing temperatures that occurred Dec. 1, 2013, and continues.

Those areas are

New York: Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Oswego, Yates, Allegany, Jefferson, Onondaga, Seneca, Cortland, Lewis, Ontario, Steuben, Erie, Oneida, Schuyler, Tompkins, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

Pennsylvania: Erie, McKean and Warren counties.

Notes:
i. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

ii. The total number of counties designated as agricultural disaster areas includes both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

iii. A number of counties may have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

iv. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

v. The disaster designations were approved by USDA on March 26, 2014.

Related Links

• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Houston Shipping Routes Remain Closed Due to Oil Spill

MARINE POLLUTION
MAJOR OIL SPILL
.

The Houston Ship Channel remained closed on Sunday after a collision between an oil barge and a cargo ship, spilling about 640,000 liters (4,000 barrels) of heavy fuel oil.

The channel allows ships to sail from the Gulf Coast to inland terminals, accounting for up to 15 percent of crude delivery to the U.S. refineries.

Major oil spill  in the Houston Ship Channel March 22, 2014. Source: U.S. Coast Guard handout/via Reuters.

“A local official said the channel was expected to be shut well into Monday. The official asked not to be identified as the information had not yet been made public,” Reuters reported.

By late Sunday, nearly 90 ships were waiting either to depart or to enter the port of Houston and/or Texas City, said the report.

Among the ships affected by the channel closure was the cruise ship Carnival Magic.

Houston Related Links

• Hundreds of Children Hospitalized in Houston due to RSV January 10, 2014
• Global Disasters/ Significant Events – Nov. 22, 2013 November 22, 2013
• Severe Flooding Plagues Parts of Houston April 28, 2013
• Houston: A Nightmare of Lights  March 22, 2010
• Texas is Fracked ! August 19, 2013

Major Disaster Declared for South Carolina (DR-4166)

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
CLIMATE RELATED DISASTERS
FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATION
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Major Disaster Declaration For South Carolina – March 12, 2014

The White House has declared South Carolina a Federal Disaster Area due to a severe winter storm that struck the state during the period of February 10-14, 2014.

The severe winter storm caused widespread losses and damage across at least 21 counties throughout the Palmetto State.

Areas worst affected by the  storm were the counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Berkeley, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Edgefield, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Marion, Orangeburg, Saluda, Sumter, and Williamsburg.

The above Federal Disaster Declaration (ref: DR-4166) is in addition to an earlier Presidential Disaster Declaration declared  on February 12, 2014 (ref: EM-3369) for all counties of the State of South Carolina.

Recent Federal Disaster Declarations

• Major Disaster Declared for Georgia March 9, 2014
• White House Issues Federal Emergency Disaster Declaration for South Carolina February 14, 2014
• White House Signs Pennsylvania Emergency Declaration February 7, 2014
• Oklahoma Declared Major Disaster Area January 31, 2014
• Vermont Declared Major Disaster Area January 31, 2014
• Major Disaster Declared for Alaska January 24, 2014

• Alaska Declared Major Disaster Area January 18, 2014
• Major Disaster Declared For Arkansas  January 10, 2014
• Texas Declared Federal Disaster Area December 22, 2013
• Federal Disaster Declared in California December 14, 2013
• Nebraska Declared Federal Disaster Area November 27, 2013

• Major Disaster Declared for South Dakota November 9, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in North Dakota November 1, 2013

• North Carolina Declared Federal Disaster Area October 31, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in New Mexico October 30, 2013
• Kansas Declared Federal Disaster Area October 30, 2013

• Major Disaster Declared for Pennsylvania October 3, 2013
• New Mexico Declared Federal Disaster Area October 2, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared for Santa Clara Pueblo September 28, 2013
• Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina September 26, 2013
• N. Colorado Declared as Federal Disaster Area September 14, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared for Vermont, New Hampshire, Florida August 6, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in El Paso County, CO Posted on August 1, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in West Virginia Posted on July 27, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in New York, North Dakota July 16, 2013
• Michigan Declared Major Disaster Area June 19, 2013

• Drought 2013/14
• Agricultural Disasters Index

 

Record Drought Plagues Australia’s Queensland

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
RECORD DROUGHT
CROP DISASTERS
.

Back-to-Back Disasters Continue to Hit Australia as Forecast…

Australia’s Queensland is experiencing its worst drought on record, with about 80% of the state affected.

Rainfall deficits for the 17-month (October 2012 to February 2014) period

Serious to severe deficiencies (lowest 10% to 5% of records) remain in central Queensland and in an area inland of the Great Dividing Range extending from southern Queensland into northern New South Wales as well as in small areas around the Queensland–South Australian border (affecting the Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland) and in eastern New South Wales, western Victoria and on the coast of Western Australia near Shark Bay.

Rainfall deficiencies for the 23-month (April 2012 to February 2014) period

Serious to severe deficiencies (lowest 10% to 5% of records) persist in areas of western and inland northern Queensland, a large area around the Queensland–South Australia border and smaller areas along the eastern border of South Australia, an area extending from inland southern Queensland through much of New South Wales inland of the coastal ranges and into northwestern and north-central Victoria. Deficiencies also persist in an area between Geraldton and Shark Bay on the west coast of Western Australia. [Source: Australia BOM]

Rainfall deficiencies for the 23-month (April 2012 to February 2014) period. Source: Australia BOM.

Related Links

• Back-to-Back Disasters Could Hit Australia: FIRE-EARTH Forecast 2011

Thousands of Fires Caused by Dry Spell in Malaysia

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
DRY SPELL
LARGE SWARMS OF WILDFIRES
WATER FAMINE
“STATE OF CRISIS”
.

Water rationing enforced as thousands of wildfires plague Malaysia

The state of Selangor, Malaysia’s wealthiest state, began water rationing on Tuesday as their reservoirs dipped to critically low levels.

“We pledge that every consumer will receive water, but it will be rationed to ensure supply every two days,” the state chief minister was reported as saying.

“In a week, consumers will receive water for four days.”

Meanwhile, authorities revealed more than 7,000 forest and bushfires had been reported throughout the country since early February, five times the normal.

The state of Negeri Sembilan, near the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, has already declared a “state of crisis” due to water shortage.

“In peninsular Malaysia, 15 areas have not had rainfall in more than 20 days, with some of them dry for more than a month, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department. The dry weather is expected to run for another two weeks,” reported Reuters.

SE Asia 30-day precipitation anomaly (mm) for 27 Jan. – 25 Feb. 2014. Source: cpc.ncep.noaa

Singapore

The city-state of Singapore has experienced its longest dry spell on record, between January 13  and  February 8,  and has received little rain since.

Authorities say the dry weather contributed to the death of fish stocks at offshore aquaculture facilities. More than 160 tons of fish have perished recently due to a lack of oxygen in the water.

Indonesia

Governor of Riau declared a province-wide state of emergency as forest-clearing fires raged out of control due to drought.

Smog caused by record air pollution has enveloped a large region of Sumatra, forcing the pollutants standard index (PSI) to climb to a hazardous 778, and prompting authorities to close schools and urge residents to stay at home.

Forest-Clearing Fires in Indonesia

Many of the fires, started intentionally to clear the forests, have been raging since early February, engulfing forests in six provinces on Sumatra Island.

Smoke rises from a burning forest in Sumatra. Credit: Antara/FB Anggoro. Image may be subject to copyright.

Satellite images showed more than 700 hotspots in Sumatra alone on February 15, nearly twice the number the previous day, with at least 600 of the blazes in Riau Province , said a report.

“We have asked the central government to help with fighting fires by sending aircraft,” said the newly-sworn-in governor of Riau.

“If it’s just helicopters, we won’t be able to cope.”

Apocalyptic Smog Covers 10 Percent of China

FIRE-EARTH Models show smog affecting at least 500millon people in China, or 37% of the population.

ENVIRONMENTAL HOLOCAUST
“APOCALYPTIC SMOG”
.

NO “Red Alert” for Beijing despite 6th consecutive days of hazardous smog

Satellite remote monitoring showed 980,000km², or 10 percent of the country,  blanketed by smog Sunday including Beijing and the provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, and Shanxi.

Beijing entered its six consecutive day of hazardous smog (AQI above 300), described by as “Apocalyptic smog” by the residents, on Tuesday. However, the authorities have failed to issue a “Red Alert” for the capital, breaking their own rules.

“A red alert indicates the most serious air pollution (AQI above 300) for three consecutive days. An orange alert indicates heavy to serious air pollution (AQI between 200 and 300) alternately for three consecutive days. A yellow alert indicates severe pollution for one day or heavy pollution for three consecutive days,” said a report.

Beijing was placed on “Yellow Alert” on Thursday, but the alert was upgraded to “Orange” for the first time on Friday, where it has stayed since.

The poisonous smog is forecast to linger until at least Thursday, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

Smog shrouds the Imperial Palace in Beijing, China, Feb. 24, 2014. Many parts of China have been enveloped by poisonous smog since last week. The potentially deadly pollution will linger in Beijing until at least Thursday,  forecasters said.  (Photo: Xinhua/Li Wen)

Beijing AQI

PM2.5 AQI for Beijing was 413 , indicating a PM2.5 concentration of between 350.5 and 500.4  micrograms per cubic meter (µgm–³), as of posting. (PM10 AQI: 240+; Temp: 2°C ; Range: 0°C to 12°C; Pressure: 1028hpa).

Pollution levels below 15.4µgm–³ (AQI of up to 50) are considered as “safe.”

A formula for calculating the AQI from the concentrations of various air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, O3, CO, SO2, NO2 …)  is posted HERE.

Related Links

• Hazardous Smog Continues Choking N China February 24, 2014
• Beijing 398 February 23, 2014
• Derisory “Yellow Alert” as Brown Smog Bears on Beijing  February 21, 2014
• Smog and Mirrors in Beijing February 16, 2014
• “Breathtaken” Beijing Brown January 16, 2014
• “Apocalyptic” Smog Smothers China January 14, 2014
• “Apocalyptic” Smog Paralyzes Much of China December 6, 2013
• “Apocalyptic” Smog Turns Skies Yellow in North, East China December 5, 2013
• Shanghai Air Pollution Shoots Off the Chart Posted on December 2, 2013
• China’s Air Quality Chart Goes Apesh*t Again  October 28, 2013
• Air Pollution Levels Climb in China, India  October 27, 2013
• It won’t get any better, before it gets a lot worse! October 22, 2013
• Major City Shuts Down in China Smog Emergency October 21, 2013
• Smog Forces China’s Expressways Closures October 6, 2013
• Breathtaking Beijing in ‘Maroon Alert’  October 4, 2013
• Air Pollution: Visibility Down to 10 Meters in E China September 30, 2013

For earlier posts on Beijing AQI, search blog content.

2013 Disasters in China Cost about $70B

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
HUMAN-ENHANCED NATURAL DISASTERS
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Natural disasters cost China about $70 billion in 2013

Droughts and deluge, earthquakes and typhoons cost China about $70 billion in 2013, nearly twice the total in 2012.

The National Statistics Bureau reported flooding and mudslides cost China about $32billion in 2013, an increase of nearly 11 percent on  previous year, said Reuters.

Damage from droughts nearly quadrupled to about $15billion, while storm surges, snowfall and freezes cost an additional $7 billion.

Seismic disasters, primarily the deadly Sichuan Earthquake, added more than $16 billion to the total.

[For a comprehensive listing of disasters in China search blog content.]

China is the world’s biggest energy-related CO2 emitter (23.6% in 2009), and 2nd biggest cumulative energy-related CO2 emitter during the 158-year period between 1850 and 2008, accounting for about 9.37 % of the total.

Top Ten cumulative energy-related CO2 emitters (1850 – 2008)
1. The United States (28.56 %)
2. China (9.37%)
3. Russia (7.98%)
4. Germany (6.77%)
5. United Kingdom (5.78%)
6. Japan (3.94%)
7. France (2.75%)
8. India (2.53%)
9. Canada (2.18%)
10. Ukraine (2.14%)

Seawater intrusion affecting 2 million people in Shanghai

Meanwhile, CNTV reported:

Seawater is causing problems for two million people in Shanghai. The city is enduring its longest-lasting salt tide in more than 20 years. As of this morning, the salt tide intrusion has already lasted for 21 days, the longest since 1993. Shanghai is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River.

The intrusion occurs periodically, especially in winter and spring when the Yangtze water level is relatively low. High salt levels in water is harmful to people’s health, machinery, and crops. Shanghai’s water authorities say the reservoir built in 1993 can only hold a ten-day water supply. They’ve established a comprehensive plan to coordinate the city’s waterworks and appealed to the national government for support.

Chen Guoguang, senior engineer of Water Supply Distribution & Monitoring Center, said, “Together with the previous two salt tides, the intrusion this time is causing huge harm to our water safety. The whole process isn’t expected to end until early next month.”

Brazil Drought Continues Intensifying

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENT
SEVERE DROUGHT
WATER RATIONING
.

Water rationing enters third week as cities across 11 Brazilian states impose penalties on waste

Water rationing, which began more than two week ago in cities across 11 Brazilian states, has now entered a new phase with authorities imposing penalties for water waste.

The water rationing has affected about 10 million people throughout the country.

Meanwhile, temperatures continue to set new records in many regions, including the northeast, where up to a million cattle have perished due to heat exhaustion.

Brazil is world’s 7th largest economy and leading exporter of beef, coffee, orange juice, soybeans and sugar.

Brazil 30-day precipitation anomaly (mm) for 23 Jan. – 21 Feb. 2014. Source: cpc.ncep.noaa

Related Links

• Major Blackout in Brazil amid Record Heat, Low Rainfall February 5, 2014
• Worst drought in half a century destroying dozens of communities in NE Brazil  January 6, 2013

Japan Hit by Major Snowstorm

EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
MAJOR SNOWSTORM
.

Major Snowstorm leaves 5 dead, 500 injured across Japan

A major snowstorm, said to be the worst to hit japan in two decades, has left at least 5 people dead and more than 500 others injured in snow-related incidents, according to reports.

Up to 22 cm (8.7 inches) of snow fell over Tokyo on Saturday, breaking the previous record of 20 cm set in 1994, according to reports citing the meteorological agency.

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a severe storm warning for the capital Tokyo, and the suburb of Tama, advising people stay at home.

The agency forecast heavy snow for Saturday through Sunday morning, for the Greater Tokyo Area.

Heavy snow forced airport authorities  to cancel up to 1,000 flights into, within or out of Japan late Friday through Saturday. Many train  services were  suspended and dozens of major roads closed, especially in the Kanagawa prefecture, a part of Greater Tokyo Area.

More than 3,200 snow-related accidents were reported across the country, many caused by vehicles skidding on icy roads, said NHK.

Catastrophic Superstorm to Smash into Britain Shortly

EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
CATASTROPHIC SUPERSTORM
.

Gigantic Atlantic storm to crash into Britain in a few hours

Britain braces for possibly the worst ever hurricane-force winds and extreme rain events.

An Atlantic Superstorm packing major hurricane force winds of 240+km/hr is about to smash into Britain in the next few hours [Image Source: magicseaweed.com]

More Intense than the Great Storm of 1987

Forecasters say the superstrom about to hit Britain is more intense than the Great Storm of 1987, which left at least 22 people dead in Britain and France, causing substantial damage over much of England, and uprooting an estimated 15 million trees.

Giant Waves

Colossal storm surges generating 25-meter waves are forecast to bury coastal areas along the entire west coast this weekend triggering unprecedented flooding and widespread destruction.

UK Met Office

The UK Met Office said: “An Atlantic frontal system will bring a band of rain quickly eastwards during Friday night and early Saturday, with the heaviest rain again likely to be across parts of southern England, followed in turn by heavy showers.”

“Winds will also be a feature during Friday night and Saturday with severe gales possible around coasts in the south and southwest of England.The low pressure system is expected to sweep past the Irish coast on Saturday before smashing into the UK.“The deep area of low pressure will move east into Ireland during Saturday,” said the Met Office.

“Severe gales [are] likely to develop on the southern flank, with parts of southwest England and coastal districts bordering the Bristol Channel and English Channel bearing the brunt of the strongest winds, particularly through Saturday afternoon and evening.

“These winds will also whip up large waves over the eastern Atlantic which will affect southwest facing coasts during Saturday.”

“Weather forecasters say the exceptional low pressure driving the storm threatens to whip up gales which could exceed 100mph – way off the Beaufort scale,” said a report.

FIRE-EARTH / EDRO Forecast

In November 2009,  EDRO/FIRE-EARTH Models showed climate change could directly affect about half the UK population within 3 to 5  years. Our Forecast and most of the links posted below have since been filtered, censored, blocked or buried by Google, WordPress and others.

• Climate change could directly affect about half the population in the UK  in the next 3 to 5 years  posted on November 20, 2009.

Related Links

• Superstorm to Hit UK February 5, 2014

• Storms Cause Major Power Outages in UK February 5, 2014
• Deadly Storms Battering Ireland, UK, France February 3, 2014
• Extreme Weather Battering Europe February 1, 2014
• UK Coastal Towns Destroyed in Colossal Storm Surge January 5, 2014
• Extreme Winter Storms Lash Britain, France  January 4, 2014

• Tidal Surge Floods Western, Southern Scotland January 4, 2014
• More Severe Storms to Hit the UK, Tens of Thousands Without Power  December 27, 2013
• Massive Storm System Batters UK, France  December 24, 2013
• Thousands Lose Power as Storm Hits UK  December 19, 2013
• Mega Storm Threatens Biggest Tidal Surge in History  December 6, 2013

What you should know by now

• RAPID DECLINE IN PROGRESS!
• Critical Overload Threatens Planetary Life Support Systems

Other Links

• Britain Set for “Worst Winter in History” December 2, 2013
• ‘Catastrophic Losses’ of Animals Feared due to UK Spring Snow Posted on March 26, 2013
• How Homo Ignarus Killed Spring Posted on March 21, 2013
• Intensifying Winter Drought in England Worst Since 1888 Posted on March 12, 2012
• British Govt Makes Another Straw Man March 17, 2010

Drought Disaster Declared for 18 Additional Texas Counties

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
DROUGHT DISASTER
CROP DISASTER AREAS
.

USDA Designates 18 Additional Counties in Texas as Crop Disaster Areas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 18 additional counties in Texas as agricultural disaster areas due to the worsening drought.

The latest disaster areas are Dewitt, Gray, Karnes, Armstrong, Carson, Goliad, Lavaca, Atascosa, Collingsworth, Gonzales, Live Oak, Bee, Donley, Hemphill, Roberts, Victoria, Wheeler, and Wilson counties.

Texas Drought Map as of January28, 2014. Source: U.S. Drought Monitor

For earlier crop disaster declarations see links below.

Notes:
1. Some of the posts linked to below may have been removes, censored or hacked by Google, WordPress and others.

2. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

3. Total number of counties designated as agricultural disaster areas includes both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

4. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

5. A number of counties have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

6. The disaster designations were approved by USDA on January 22 and released on January 24, 2013.

2014 Agriculture Disaster Declarations

• California Communities Could Run Out of Water in 60 to 120 Days January 29, 2014
• Drought Disaster Declared for Multiple Counties in Four States January 25, 2014
• California Declares Drought State of Emergency January 18, 2014
• California Governor to Declare Drought Emergency January 17, 2014
• High Fire Danger in Southern California amid Driest Conditions on Record January 17, 2014
• 520 Counties across 16 States Declared Crop Disaster Areas due to Drought January 16, 2014

• Drought Disaster Declared for Multiple Counties in Four States January 25, 2014
• Crop Disaster Declared in 40 Counties due to Drought January 16, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in 6 States January 10, 2014

Related Links

• Drought 2013
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Major Disaster Declared for Alaska

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
MAJOR DISASTERS
.

Alaska Declared Federal Disaster Area

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Alaska  in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of November 5-14, 2013.

Much of the facilities and infrastructure were damaged or destroyed by the severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding in the areas of the Bering Strait Regional Education Attendance Area (REAA), Fairbanks North Star Borough, Lower Kuskokwim REAA, and the Lower Yukon REAA, said the White House in a statement.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said Fema.

Major Flood Disaster in the Kenai Peninsula Borough

On January 16, 2014 the White House declared Alaska a Major Disaster Area due to flooding in the Kenai Peninsula Borough during the period of October 27-28, 2013.

Recent Federal Disaster Declarations

• Alaska Declared Major Disaster Area January 18, 2014
• Major Disaster Declared For Arkansas  January 10, 2014
• Texas Declared Federal Disaster Area December 22, 2013
• Federal Disaster Declared in California December 14, 2013
• Nebraska Declared Federal Disaster Area November 27, 2013

• Major Disaster Declared for South Dakota November 9, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in North Dakota November 1, 2013

• North Carolina Declared Federal Disaster Area October 31, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in New Mexico October 30, 2013
• Kansas Declared Federal Disaster Area October 30, 2013

• Major Disaster Declared for Pennsylvania October 3, 2013
• New Mexico Declared Federal Disaster Area October 2, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared for Santa Clara Pueblo September 28, 2013
• Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina September 26, 2013
• N. Colorado Declared as Federal Disaster Area September 14, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared for Vermont, New Hampshire, Florida August 6, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in El Paso County, CO Posted on August 1, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in West Virginia Posted on July 27, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in New York, North Dakota July 16, 2013
• Michigan Declared Major Disaster Area June 19, 2013

• Drought 2013/14
• Agricultural Disasters Index

State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
ENERGY EMERGENCY
.

Louisiana declares a State of Emergency due to extreme cold temperatures

Gov. Jindal has declared a state of emergency due to the extreme cold temperatures impacting citizens of Louisiana and the rest of the country, according to a statement issued by Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).

The emergency order will allow for the uninterrupted delivery of propane and heating fuels across Louisiana and to other states, said the statement.

“Louisiana is a key producer and exporter of propane and heating fuel products.  State agencies are now authorized to take appropriate actions to ensure these products can be delivered in Louisiana and other states,” said the statement.

State offices in 32 Louisiana parishes to remain closed Friday

State offices in 32 Louisiana parishes will remain closed Friday in anticipation of power outages and hazardous driving conditions.

Louisiana Commissioner of Administration announced today that state government offices will be closed on Friday, January 24, in the following parishes across Louisiana where hazardous driving conditions and scattered power outages are forecast for the morning due to a mix of rain and sleet, as well as snow and ice accumulation:

Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Livingston, Natchitoches, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Vermilion, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, and Winn.

National Heating Fuel Shortages

“Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that cold weather led to record-high natural gas storage withdrawals, as well as propane.  These are the largest drawdowns in the 20-year history of the survey and the second time this year the record has been broken. Efforts are underway with the U.S. Department of Energy to acknowledge that emergency conditions could be forming, as consumers and businesses in dozens of state are faced with higher electricity and gas costs due to persistent cold weather,”  said the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in its latest Statement on Propane Supply, Demand, and Distribution.

Some of the propane gas retailers have run out of supplies in the worst hit areas in the South, East and Midwest, said NPGA.

US-DOT: Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

In addition to the State of Emergency in Louisiana, numerous other states of emergencies and/or executive orders, wavers and exemptions have been issued  for 33 states in the U.S. South, East and Midwest and District of Columbia, according to the Department of Transportation.

The following Emergencies are currently in effect:

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center (PDF)

Affected States: Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.  (Effective Date:  1/21/2014 – In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Eastern Service Center (PDF)

Affected States: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia.  (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Midwestern Service Center (PDF)

Affected States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.   (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Related Links

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

Istanbul Running Out of Water in 100 Days

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
EXCEPTIONAL DROUGHT
.

14 Million people threatened by exceptional drought in Istanbul, Turkey: Expert

Turkey’s largest city, and its cultural, economic, and historical hub, is seriously threatened by exceptional drought. The drought has left more than 14 million in the city with only 100 days of water, according to an expert.

“Having only 100 days of water reserve means that very tight measures should be taken,” Tugba Maden, a water expert in the Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies, told Xinhua.

The dams supplying water to Istanbul are down to about 35 percent of their full capacity, with a total current reserves of about 300 million cubic meters. At least three of the reservoirs are already experiencing severe water shortages.

Additionally, water levels in the Euphrates river valley and the Tigris River, the main water basins of Turkey, are at or near historic lows, with no sign of  rain or snow, said the expert.

Sprawled over an area of 5,343km², Istanbul is one of the largest urban areas in Europe and world’s second-largest city by population.

200,000 Flee Their Homes, Dozens Killed in Philippine Floods

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS –
EXTREME RAIN EVENTS
.

State of calamity declared as severe floods landslides destroy homes, drown people in Mindanao, Philippines

More than 200,000 people have abandoned their homes on the Island of Mindanao, as widespread flooding and landslides destroy or damage thousands of homes, killing dozens of people in the Philippines second largest and southernmost island.

Major rivers have overflowed, forcing mass evacuations and causing many people to drown in areas still recovering from Typhoon BOPHA (locally known as Typhoon Pablo), said the local civil defense operations officer.

Typhoon Pablo killed more than 1,900 people and caused widespread destruction when it struck the region in December 2012.

“Many of the victims had not managed to rebuild and were staying in temporary shelters when they were hit by fresh flooding,” he said.

States of Calamity

States of Calamity have been declared in the towns of Sta. Josefa, Sibagat and Butuan City and at least four towns in Davao Oriental—Panabo City, and the towns of Carmen, Tagum City and Asuncion—due to severe flooding, said a report.

Floods and Landslides Destroy Infrastructure

Severe flooding and large landslides triggered by torrential rains have destroyed much of the infrastructure in the region, including six bridges that collapsed in Davao Oriental, said a report.

 

Many of the worst affected areas are left isolated due to collapsed bridges and impassable roads.

More Heavy Rain Forecast

Additional heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the region as a low pressure low pressure system hovers over Mindanao. Authorities have warned of additional flash floods and landslides throughout Mindanao, Eastern and Central Visayas and the Bicol region.

Residents of Davao, Compostela Valley, Surigao, Bukidnon, Misamis, Dinagat, Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Cebu, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes and Camarines of additional flash floods and landslides, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Typhoon BOPHA

Typhoon BOPHA (locally known as Pablo) made landfall in Mindanao on 4 December 2012, leaving a trail of destruction.

• BOPHA affected more than 6.2 million people, leaving about 1 million homeless—some 835,934 displaced people outside evacuation centers and 7,524 displaced others inside evacuation centers, according to the latest update by Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), dated Jan 7, 2013.
• “An estimated 1,000,000 people are in need of food assistance. Of these, the Government has requested Food Security Cluster support for 400,000 critically affected people, taking into account also the support provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).” UN-OCHA reporetd.
• The typhoon killed at least 1,067 people, with 834 others reported as missing (presumed dead).
• The deadly typhoon destroyed or damaged 216,817 homes, and much of the region’s infrastructure.
• Much of the damage occurred in the two provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

Typhoon BOPHA Links

• Super Typhoon BOPHA Targets Philippines Posted on December 1, 2012
• BOPHA to Plow thru Palau Posted on December 2, 2012
• TY BOPHA Leaves Hundreds Dead or Missing Posted on December 5, 2012
• TY BOPHA Leaves Hundreds Dead or Missing Posted on December 5, 2012
• TY BOPHA: 250,000 Homeless, 500 Dead, 400 Missing Posted on Dec 6, 2012
• State of National Calamity Declared in the Philippines due to BOPHA Posted on Dec 9, 2012

Cyclone IAN Leaves Thousands of Tongans Homeless

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
.

IAN destroys 75 percent of houses in Pangai, capital of the Haʻapai Group, Tonga

The category 5 tropical cyclone killed at least one person, injuring many leaving thousands of people homeless, as it swept through the Tongan Islands with sustained winds of more than 200 km/h over the weekend.

“The worst affected area was the northern part of the Ha’apai group of islands, with damage to buildings and services such as water, telecommunications and power, said a report.

IAN carves a wide path of destruction on Foa island in Tonga’s Ha’apai group. Image credit: @ProudTongans.

“It was so strong, all the houses gone and it actually lifted cars, lifted cars and moved buses,” said an eye-witness.

On Saturday, IAN  slammed into the northern Tongan islands with sustained winds of 300 km/h destroying or damaging 70% of homes, according to emergency officials.

There are reports of extensive damage also to most of the smaller islands, said officials.

Related Links

• IAN Causes Widespread Destruction on Tonga Islands January 12, 2014
• Super Cyclone IAN Targeting Ha’apai islands, Tonga January 11, 2014
• IAN Threatens Tonga with Cat 4 Hurricane Winds Posted by feww on January 10, 2014

24 Million People Affected by “Cold Disaster” in Thailand

Mega Disasters

Blog readers will have noticed that the number of people affected by various disasters occurring globally have suddenly jumped from hundreds to hundreds of thousands, and from tens of thousands to tens of millions since November last year!

EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
.

526 Districts in 44 provinces declared “cold disaster zones”

At least 24 million people, or 36 percent of Thailand’s population, have been affected by cold since December 2, 2013 as authorities declare 526 districts in 44 provinces “cold disaster zones,” the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported.

Some 20 of disaster-hit provinces are in the northeast, 17 in the North, six in the Central and one in the East, said Bangkok Post.

Meanwhile, at least 17 districts in four provinces—Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Buri Ram and Sing Buri—have been hit by drought, affecting an estimated 4 million others.

It’s unclear whether the drought-hit areas have also been declared disaster zones.

Extreme Heat Wave Setting Australia on Fire

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
.

Extreme Heat Warnings Issued in Australia

Massive bushfire destroys dozens of homes in the Perth Hills area of Western Australia, killing at least one person.

The fire follows a heatwave in Western Australia over the weekend, with temperatures topping 44ºC (111 degrees) in Perth on Saturday and 48ºC degrees (118 degrees) elsewhere in the state.

Massive bushfire leaves a trail of destruction in WA, destroying at least 44 homes. Source: DFES/WA.

Meanwhile, authorities have warned of severe health consequences as extreme heat begins moving from Western Australia into the country’s southeast.

Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is warning temperatures will be in the 40s throughout this week.

Western Australia has just ended a scorching week, with temperatures reaching 48ºC degrees (118 degrees).

“That really extreme heat is now moving eastwards and is expected to move into South Australia and north-west Victoria over the next 24 to 48 hours,” he said.

“That really extreme heat is now moving eastwards and is expected to move into South Australia and north-west Victoria over the next 24 to 48 hours,” said BOM.

“Then it will gradually move down across the rest of south-eastern Australia, into southern New South Wales and western New South Wales as the week progresses.

“So really we’re really looking at a fairly extreme heatwave where temperatures are going to reach into the 40s for quite a number of days in a row.”

Related Links

• Back-to-Back Disasters Could Hit Australia: FIRE-EARTH Forecast

If Anything Can Explode, Leak, Contaminate…

COLLAPSING INFRASTRUCTURE
.

Estimated 100,000 HAZMAT storage sites across the U.S. can potentially explode, leak, contaminate the environment—FIRE-EARTH

United States is dotted with an estimated 100,000 HAZMAT storage sites containing one or more of deadly substances including radioactive, biohazardous, toxic, explosive, flammable, asphyxiating, corrosive, oxidizing, pathogenic, or allergenic materials, as well as herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers that don’t fall into those categories.

Some of the substances (hazchems), which include more than 200 types of dioxins, are so lethal that even a small leak into the water supply could kill or permanently harm millions of people, before they are detected.

*****

Tap water in West Virginia counties remains unsafe

Some 300,000 residents in 9 West Virginia counties would be unable to use tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing or washing for days, following the chemical spill that contaminated the Elk River, on January 9.

Governor Tomblin declared a State of Emergency for nine counties on Thursday in Virginia following a major spill of 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol, a chemical used in the coal industry, along the Elk River in Charleston.

Tomblin has urged the residents NOT to use tap water for drinking, cooking, washing or bathing.

The State of Emergency Declaration is for Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam, and Roane counties.  “This declaration follows a notice from West Virginia American Water Company that its water supply had become contaminated.  Residents served by Lincoln PSD, Queen Shoals PSD, Reamer PSD, City of Culloden PSD, and City of Hurricane PSD are also affected.” according to the WV State website.

A DEP spokesperson said the chemical was 4-methylcyclohexane methanol, a “sudsing agent,”  which is used in the processing of coal.

5,000 to 35,000 Gallons Leaked

Gary Southern, President of Freedom Industries, where the leak came from, told reporters he couldn’t say how much of the chemical, 4-methylcyclohexane methanol,  had been leaked, only that it was less than 35,000 gallons.

Gov Tomblin, on the other hand, has stated that only 5,000 gallons of chemical had leaked into Elk River.

A Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) spokesman said the chemical is used a “sudsing agent,”   in the processing of coal. The substance has an odor like licorice or anise.

“Our teams are out and we have employees that have worked this (water) system that are extremely knowledgeable. [They are] out collecting samples and looking at flushing activities at this time,” Jeff McIntyre, president of West Virginia American Water Co, told reporters on Saturday.

“But we are talking days” before water quality meets federally mandated quality standards, Reuters reported McIntyre as saying.

Bottled Water

“As of Saturday, FEMA has delivered approximately 1 million liters of water from its distribution centers in Cumberland and Frederick, Maryland, to the area for use by the state,” said a spokesperson. “FEMA will continue to deliver supplies to the state for distribution, as needed.”

Freedom Industries

The Chemical leak from Freedom Industries occurred upstream of the intake at the Kanawha Valley water treatment—the largest in West Virginia—and has resulted in a tap water ban for at least 100,000 homes and businesses, or about 300,000 people, said West Virginia American Water.

Freedom Industries describes itself as “a full service producer of specialty chemicals for the mining, steel, and cement industries.” The company was founded in 1986 in Charleston, WV, according to the company website.

Freedom Industries Etowah River Terminal.  The terminal is a liquid bulk storage and distribution facility servicing the Port of Charleston, West Virginia. The terminal is located on the Elk River, 2.5 miles from the Kanawha River in Downtown Charleston. Etowah River Terminal operates 13 bulk tanks with a total liquid storage capacity of 4,000,000 gallons. Source: http://www.freedom-industries.com/

The company says it is a “leading producer of freeze conditioning agents, dust control palliatives, flotation reagents, water treatment polymers and other specialty chemicals.”

State of Emergency in West Virginia

Chronology (continued from previous posts)

01-11-14 @ noon

• To read the proclamation extending the State of Emergency to Cabell, Clay, Logan and Roane counties, CLICK HERE.

• To read the proclamation declaring a State of Emergency in Boone, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln and Putnam counties, CLICK HERE.

Developing story …

Related Links

• UPDATE: Hundreds are Sick after West Virgina Water Pollution January 11, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia after Chemical Spill  January 10, 2014
• 737 People Reported Sickness after West Virgina Water Pollution January 11, 2014

• UPDATED: State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia after Chemical Spill January 10, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia due to Chemical Spill January 10, 2014

IAN Causes Widespread Destruction on Tonga Islands

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENT
.

Super Cyclone IAN destroys or damages 70% of homes in Tonga’s northern islands: Emergency Officials

The massive cyclone, probably the worst to hit Tonga in recorded history, slammed into the northern islands on Saturday on its way to the main island.

Severe Tropical Cyclone IAN.  IR [BD Enhancement] Satellite Image. Recorded at 02:52UTC on Sunday, January 12, 2014.  Source: CIMSS/SSEC/WISC.

Tonga’s director of emergencies has expressed grave concerns for the islands in the Ha’apai island group where communications have been cut, said ABC Australia.

The full extent of damage from the cyclone is not yet known because there is no communication with much of the Ha’apai group of islands, ABC Australia quoted him as saying.

“The picture comes to hand now, it was really bad,” he said.

“I think it was 70 per cent of the housing of the two islands that we have access to now have been affected – destroyed or partially damaged.

“We have got some people sheltered in some of the evacuation centres, buildings and some of the churches.”

The island of Lifuka is reportedly the worst hit area.

IAN has since weakened to a Cat 3 cyclone, moving away from Tonga and out into the ocean.

Australian Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale. Copyright: FIRE-EARTH Blog.

Related Links

• Super Cyclone IAN Targeting Ha’apai islands, Tonga January 11, 2014
• IAN Threatens Tonga with Cat 4 Hurricane Winds Posted by feww on January 10, 2014

UPDATE: Hundreds are Sick after West Virgina Water Pollution

This post will probably be filtered or blocked by Google.

Some 737 people have reported sickness, many hospitalized after chemical leak in Charleston

The White House has declared a Federal  State of Emergency and sent disaster aid to West Virginia.

• Some 300,000 people in West Virginia enduring a second night unable drink tap water, bathe, shower or cook, after what is said to be a chemical spill into the Elk River in Charleston, WV.

• Tap Water Ban has been issued for customers in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam and Roane counties.

• As of Friday evening, 737 people had called the West Virginia Poison Center to report symptoms related to poisoning, according to Director Elizabeth Scharman, Reuters reported.

• The reported symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, rashes and/or reddened skin – “varying from very mild to much more bothersome,” said Scharman.

• An Indefinite ban on water tap has left 300,000 people without water in nine counties after a chemical spill into the Elk River in West Virginia.

• Schools, restaurants and businesses have been ordered closed.

• Governor Tomblin has declared a State of Emergency for nine counties in West Virginia following what is said to be a major spill of 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol, a chemical used to wash coal, along the Elk River in Charleston.

• Between 5,000 and 35,000 gallons of the chemical may have leaked into the river, according to reports.

• Tomblin has urged the residents NOT to use tap water for drinking, cooking, washing or bathing.

• “West Virginians in the affected service areas are urged NOT to use tap water for drinking, cooking, washing or bathing. Right now, our priorities are our hospitals, nursing homes, and schools,” said Gov. Tomblin in a statement.

• “I do not know how long this will last,” said Tomblin.

Quote of the Week:  “We don’t know that the water’s not safe, but I can’t say it is safe,” said Jeff McIntyre, president of West Virginia American Water Co, the state’s largest water treatment plant.

Official Messages (Continued…)

01-10-14 @ 7:45PM

For assistance locating a water distribution point in your county, please contact your local emergency management office.

• Boone County – 304 369-9913
• Cabell County – 304 743-5391
• Clay County – 304 587-2019
• Jackson County – 304 373-2208 or 304 372-2000
• Kanawha County – 304 744-6843
• Lincoln County – 304 824-3443
• Logan County – 304 752-7662 or 304 752-8817 or Sharples VFD 304-369-2630
• Putnam County – 304 586-0246
• Roane County – 304 927-0911

01-10-14 @ 7:30PM

West Virginia American Water issued a DO NOT USE WATER NOTICE for all West Virginia American Water customers in Kanawha, Boone, Putnam, Lincoln, Logan, Clay, Roane and Jackson counties, as well as customers in Culloden in Cabell County.  All other WVAW customers in Cabell County are NOT affected, as they receive their water from the Huntington Water Treatment Plant.  Customers who are served by the City of Hurricane, St. Albans, Putnam PSD, Montgomery and Cedar Grove/East Bank are NOT affected.

Please Note: West Virginia American Water is NOT shutting off water to any customers as a result of the “do not use” order currently in place in the Kanawha Valley system.

01-10-14 @ 4PM

GOVERNOR TOMBLIN PROVIDES UPDATE REGARDING THE STATE OF EMERGENCY
During afternoon press conference

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin this afternoon provided an update regarding the State of Emergency still in effect for parts of Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam, and Roane Counties.

“We encourage all individuals to determine whether their home or business is in the affected service areas.  One indicator of the contaminated water is the odor of the water.  We urge all residents in the affected areas to follow West Virginia American Water Company’s “do not use” order until it is lifted.  This includes water companies supplied by West Virginia American Water in this area. If you live in one of these areas, do not use tap water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing, or bathing.  At this time, I do not know how long this will last.

“We ask that all West Virginian’s check on their friends, families, and neighbors—especially those with small children and seniors living in their households—to make sure they have enough water, food, and supplies. If you—or anyone you know–experiences symptoms including: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, irritation of the eyes and skin, seek care immediately.

“Yesterday my DEP ordered the company storing the chemical … to take immediate action and stop additional flows of the chemical into the Elk River.  This discharge of pollutants is unacceptable. I spoke with the president of West Virginian American Water and the COO of American Water, the parent company.  I’ve also spoken with the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary Johnson.  They have pledged their full support and assistance.

“I’ve mobilized and deployed all appropriate government assets and resources, including our Office of Emergency Management, our experts at DEP, DHHR Bureau of Public Health along with our National Guard—who are out doing health and wellness checks across the area along with collecting, testing and monitoring the water. The federal government is also providing assistance. The President has approved my request to issue a federal emergency declaration to provide FEMA resources.  County emergency offices are also working 24-7.

“Until we receive an “all-clear,” we are focusing efforts on helping the most vulnerable in hospitals and nursing homes. We have asked the DHHR Bureau for Public Health, Senior Services, and WVNG to develop a long-term plan to help ensure adequate supplies of water and food is available.

“If you are low on bottled water, do not panic.  Help is on the way.  We are taking every measure to provide water to you. There is no shortage of bottled water.  Supplies are moving into the area as we speak.  We encourage all West Virginians in affected areas to contact their local emergency management office for water distribution sites.

“If you or your organization would like to donate supplies, please contact your local emergency center.  If you are in the Kanawha Valley Area, we are organizing a call to action drive for needed items—including water, sanitizer, wipes, liquid baby formula, paper plates, plastic utensils, and microwavable meals.  The drive will take place on the Boulevard in front of the State Capitol from 2:30 – 6:30 today. It is important to emphasize, water and supplies are available—there is not a persistent shortage of bottled water.

“We are grateful for the offers of support from private firms and charities—and our fellow West Virginians—to aid in providing relief.

“I will direct my general counsel, and my Director of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, General Hoyer to begin reviewing our emergency response to this incident. They reviewed both the response to the Derecho and Hurricane Sandy.  We learned a lot from those disasters.  Our past reviews have prepared us well for this situation.  We can learn a lot from this particular incident.”

01-10-14 @ 10:25AM

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today issued the following statement regarding the current State of Emergency in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam, and Roane counties.

The State of Emergency remains in the affected counties.  The Governor dispatched the state’s Department of Environmental Protection to Freedom Industries yesterday, ordering it to halt further leaching of the particular chemical into the river.

Our emergency response team has worked to develop a testing protocol and a sampling plan on the chemical at issue.  Initial samples have been taken, and additional sampling and testing will continue throughout the situation.

The sampling plan is a coordinated effort with West Virginia American Water Company and the state Bureau of Public Health, and our emergency responders. This process will take time, but we continue to work quickly to provide information related to the ability to lift the “do not use” ordered by West Virginia American Water Company.

Also overnight, water supplies have been relocated and have begun to be distributed to affected areas. Please call your local emergency service office to locate the closest distribution point for your area.  Continue to refrain from using the water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing and washing. Do not boil this water or use it to supply oxygen machines.

Our efforts will continue until we have a resolution. Our main focus continues to center around our hospitals, nursing homes and those most vulnerable.  I will continue to keep our citizens updated as we gather additional information.

Developing story …

Related Links

• State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia after Chemical Spill  January 10, 2014

Major Disaster Declared For Arkansas

State of Arkansas Declared Federal Disaster Area

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the state of Arkansas in the area affected by a severe winter storm during the period of December 5-6, 2013.

A severe winter storm destroyed or damaged facilities in the counties of Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Polk, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Sharp, and Van Buren.

Damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be designated as disaster areas, said FEMA.

Latest Federal Disaster Declarations

• Texas Declared Federal Disaster Area December 22, 2013
• Federal Disaster Declared in California December 14, 2013
• Nebraska Declared Federal Disaster Area November 27, 2013

• Major Disaster Declared for South Dakota November 9, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in North Dakota November 1, 2013

• North Carolina Declared Federal Disaster Area October 31, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in New Mexico October 30, 2013
• Kansas Declared Federal Disaster Area October 30, 2013

• Major Disaster Declared for Pennsylvania October 3, 2013
• New Mexico Declared Federal Disaster Area October 2, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared for Santa Clara Pueblo September 28, 2013
• Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina September 26, 2013
• N. Colorado Declared as Federal Disaster Area September 14, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared for Vermont, New Hampshire, Florida August 6, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in El Paso County, CO Posted on August 1, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in West Virginia Posted on July 27, 2013
• Major Disaster Declared in New York, North Dakota July 16, 2013
• Michigan Declared Major Disaster Area June 19, 2013

• Drought 2013
• Agricultural Disasters Index