Author: Leanne Auyeung

In 2010, western Russia, Belorussia, Ukraine, and the Baltic nations experienced more than 10°C increase in temperature with numerous cities registering readings near 40°C.  In part, the heatwave was caused by both anticyclonic blocking and the presence of elevated levels of greenhouse gases. As this is described as a unique event, since it was abrupt and unpredicted, preventative measures and early warning were not carried out on a timely basis. The effects of heatwaves such as droughts, wildfires and widespread loss of crops have indirect public health impacts but will contribute to the mortality rates that resulted that summer, additionally, deaths caused by heat illness and the effects of poor air quality will be more obviously and immediately recorded due to this disaster. This historical event led to 55,000 deaths and may appear to be an isolated event since it is the worst that has transpired in 130 years, but this phenomenon will likely reoccur and lead to more severe heat waves in the future.

Read the full article here

On October 8th 1871, the Peshtigo Fire swept through parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, destroying 1.5 million acres of land and taking 1200 to 2400 lives. The event started when steam locomotives produced sparks that set alight some brush and wood that was left in piles after clearing nearby forests for farming and logging. The rapidly changing direction of hot winds created a “tornado of fire” that traveled and destroyed multiple villages in the area.  The responsibility to respond to this disaster fell on the Peshtigo Fire Company which had only a single horse-drawn steam pumper to protect the houses and factories nearby and was not equipped for a forest fire.  The houses and the immediate surroundings were comprised with wood and other flammable material which made them vulnerable to fire. The main reason that the largest recorded forest fire in the history of North America occurred is the ineffective preventative and mitigation measures put in place against forest fires and fire storms.  

Find out more by reading the full article here

On November 12th and 13th 1970, the Great Bhola Cyclone hit Bangladesh causing one million deaths according to official government figures.  The shocking tragedy has prompted the need that people need comprehensive early warning systems that involve chancing the populations understanding on what actions to take.  The Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) was established with this concept in mind, and has been successful in preventing avoidable deaths and injury since the last major storm has only 20 fatalities.  The government of Bangladesh has identified the need to establish 5,500 cyclone shelters and mass evacuation plans leading to mortality rates dropping dramatically between 1991 and 2007.  Although the program relies on volunteers, they are able to sustain operations required to prevent and respond to events such as disseminating cyclone warning signals, evacuating high risk-category populations, provide first aid and humanitarian assistance, conducting community outreach activities and deepening the understanding of disaster risk amongst the populations served. 

Read the full article here