changeadminNature will do what it wants to do, it does not care if you are grappling with other problems in your lives.
Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, economic crisis, social turbulences, hostile tensions, locust storms – Nature has also thrown its hat in the ring. The news of natural disasters is everywhere. It is not restricted to a particular geography or region but is happening across the globe.
Let’s look at some of the news of the natural disaster in the last few weeks (prominently -June 2020) to give you a perspective.
China – Floods and Deluge
Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, property destroyed, and millions of economic losses due to deadly floods in many parts of China.
Massive floods have hit southern regions of China this summer, with many provinces impacted by heavy rains and deluge. The damage which started in early June is likely to continue in July as more torrential rains are expected in the region, particularly Guizhou and Guangxi.
Europe – Rising Temperatures
The European Meteorological Service has issued a warning of extreme temperatures for parts of Spain and 7 other countries. Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden could expect harsh summers, temperatures in Spain could reach its highest.
As the mercury climbed as high as 38-40 degrees Celsius in most parts of Spain, thousands of people flocked to beaches, parks, and open spaces. With no masks and flouting of physical distancing rules, it poses a high risk of coronavirus outbreak.
US and Mexico – Dust Plumes
A massive dust plume from the Sahara Desert has moved to the parts of the United States in the last few days of June. According to observers, this dust plume had the highest concentrations of dust particles in the last 15 years.
Air quality for the impacted regions will be extremely unhealthy and can aggravate those suffering from respiratory issues.
Massive Saharan dust plume now in the Caribbean Sea to complete a 5,000-mile journey from Africa to the U.S. this week: https://t.co/PQW8IyqAeQ pic.twitter.com/NvSQaXDbkk
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) June 21, 2020
India – Cyclones, Thunderstorm
The eastern part of India, which was battered by Cyclone Amphan, one of the worst storms to hit the region in over three centuries. The cyclone killed approximately 100 people and wiped out thousands of homes in Orissa, West Bengal, and neighboring Bangladesh in the month of May.
Since mid-April, the country’s capital Delhi and nearby districts have witnessed multiple tremors. According to reports, a total of 18 low-intensity earthquakes have been recorded in the region.
If that was not enough, late June has brought more bad news of the natural disaster. Thunderstorms & lightning strikes have killed and injured more than 100 people in parts of Bihar & Uttar Pradesh.
Lightning claims 107 lives in Bihar and UP in one day https://t.co/xgs4LW6Quw pic.twitter.com/Iap4Qfnvjr
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) June 25, 2020
Mexico – Earthquake
A large earthquake at magnitude 7.4 shook southern Mexico on June 23rd. There are few casualties and injuries reported, but structural damage to buildings is a lot more.
The southern state of Oaxaca is near several tectonic plates making it prone to many earthquakes, but something which is beyond 7 on the Richter scale (like this one) is considered as dangerous. The last major earthquake which happened in the region was in September 2017, when more than 300 people died in and around Mexico City.
Indonesia – Volcano
Mount Merapi, which is among the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted twice on 21st June. The eruptions spewed ash and hot gas which went up to 3.7 miles high and lasted around seven minutes each. The 9,737-foot mountain which lies on the main island of Java – last major eruption in 2010 killed over 300 people and thousands of residents had to be evacuated.
Indonesia’s most active volcano erupts…again pic.twitter.com/mhCDQ7z0Kz
— RT (@RT_com) June 22, 2020
In summary – Writing is on the Wall
This is only a small subset of the news of the natural disaster occurring on the planet. Many of these events might also be a common occurrence in these months, but what is unique in the last few years is the enormity of the damage. The number of people who have died, injuries, property loss, and direct impact on humankind is unprecedented.
What is the reason? Let’s not blame the year 2020. This disregard towards nature is happening for decades. The callous attitude by city planners, flouting of rules by authorities, and unconcerned citizens have contributed to this catastrophe.
Utter indifference for the environment, deforestation, increasing pollution, rapid urbanization have contributed to the warming climate live never before. This has resulted in a heightened risk of extreme weather conditions, like rains, storms, cyclones, extreme temperatures.
Can we do something? Yes, We can! if we continue to ignore the problem, saying it is for someone else or related to somewhere else, probably No. But, if we decide to change and bring alterations to our daily lives, things might become better. Before the blame game, let us look inwards and see what can we do to make a sustainable change.
If you change, others will as well.
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