Today’s Critical Disaster Intelligence Brief — Jul 21, 2024

Critical disaster and crisis insights of the last 24 hours

Today’s news is dominated by a series of natural disasters across the globe, including earthquakes, flash floods, heavy storms, and highway collapses, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of infrastructure and human life to extreme weather events.

China

• Flash floods in northern and southwest China have killed at least 20 people and left dozens missing, after a week of deadly downpours across the country. Source: NDTV
• A highway bridge in northwest China collapsed partially following heavy storms and flooding, resulting in at least 11 deaths and 30 missing. Source: ABC News
• The highway collapse is the second such rain-related disaster in less than three months, raising concerns about the resilience of China’s extensive network of newly built expressways in the face of extreme weather. Source: The New York Times

India

• A light-intensity earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter Scale hit Jammu and Kashmir. Source: NDTV
• At least 40 people have died in rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh since the onset of monsoon on June 27. Source: NDTV

Indonesia

• A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, but did not trigger any large waves. Source: China.org.cn

Philippines

• Footage captured a waterspout off the coast of Misamis Oriental province. Source: BBC News

New Zealand

• The Esk Valley in Hawkes Bay was flooded in 1924, taking the territorials by surprise. Source: NZ Herald

United States

• Hurricane Beryl exposed the dangers of a storm cutting off power and a heat wave following in its wake. Source: Scientific American

The past 24 hours have illustrated the global impact of extreme weather events, with both developed and developing countries facing significant challenges. The events in China, in particular, are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of infrastructure and the need for robust disaster preparedness measures. The escalating frequency and intensity of these events are raising serious concerns about the long-term implications for human life, economies, and global security. These incidents also highlight the need for increased international cooperation to address climate change and mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather.

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