Colombia and Venezuela in misery

BOGOTA, Colombia - President Juan Manuel Santos urged people to evacuate their homes and the surrounding areas on Tuesday due to major floods and mudslides that have plagued the area. Dozens have been killed and thousands have abandoned their homes to try and prevent major disaster. President Santos is doing all he can to try and protect the people saying he already has plans to rebuild 1,000 homes for at-risk families. Meanwhile, more than  700 Venezuelans are staying in shelters and even some military installations to aovid danger. "The government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez plans to take care of 10,000 displaced families while it builds more than 20,000 homes within two years..." (MSNBC).

Although these two fairly low economic regions have suffered some deaths, I think they are doing a good job in trying to prepare adn evacuate as we have covered numerous times in class. Community preparedness and awareness is a key ingredient in maintaining safety. Sometimes it is impossible for rescue squads and aid to reach the areas of major damage, but this is where local people can work together to help rescue people in the "golden hours" after a disaster strikes.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40557703/ns/weather/

Israel suffers worst wildfire in years

ISRAEL - Thursdays fire that hit Israel has killed 41 people and injured 17 others. The fire still continues to burn in several areas, but firefighters have done a good job in putting out a majority of the fire fronts. The flames were fueled by high, shifting winds. The Prime Minister of Israel and the cabinet has already gotten in gear and begun a quick start response. The finance ministry has issued 16 million to aid in people affected by the fire, compensating local governments for damage. Additionally, shelters have been provided for the homeless, and there will be steps taken to restore plant and animal life in the area.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/12/05/israel.forest.fires/index.html?hpt=T2

Artic freeze overwhelms Europe

WARSAW - A huge Artic chill that hit Europe has killed dozens of people in Poland, stranding cats and freezing ducks in lakes. Most of the deaths in Poland were the result of the homeless freezing to death. Southeastern Europe suffered some of the worst flooding in a long time, which added to the major freeze. With the latest deaths in Poland, the total death toll has risen to 40. "...the cold comes from north-south winds pushing an Arctic chill over the continent, a phenomenon also seen at the start of last year's long and frigid winter. Most of the time, winds blow from west to east over Europe" (USA Today). 

2010 calm year for Hurricanes

"For the first time in recorded history, 12 hurricanes formed this year in the Atlantic basin without a single one making landfall in the United States, according to experts at Colorado State University" (USA Today). These hurricanes either turned right towards the Atlantic Ocean or left to the Caribbean Sea; in other words the U.S. got very lucky with the Hurricane season officially ending Tuesday. Now, why did these storms dodge the U.S.? Meteorologists think the hurricanes were deflected due to high and low pressure ridges. Only one actually made landfall, Hurricane Bonnie despite five of the twelve hurricanes being categorized as major. 

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/hurricanes/2010-11-29-hurricanes29_ST_N.htm

Environmental progression remains slow

President Obama seems seems to have an array of problems coming his direction. His plans to reduce industrial pollution 17% from 2005 levels by 2020 has not been accepted by Congress, and with the increase of Republicans in the House and Senate will further push his plans out of the mix. Currently, he is pursuing smaller measures and has made a bit of progress. "He has cited efforts to promote electric vehicles, nuclear power, renewable energy and energy efficiency. He also has touted the Environmental Protection Agency's plans, beginning next year, to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases" (USA Today). 


The major problems with Obama's plans and environmental agencies, is that they are trying to promote large scale changes. "Climate" is a word that seems to scare people, rather than inspire people to make a change. Companies need to begin focusing on what the people find appealing such as electric cars; things that directly affect people right now.


http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/2010-11-29-climatepolicy29_ST_N.htm

Wintery weather across the globe

LONDON - Heavy snow spread across much of the United Kingdom over the weekend and temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through Sunday afternoon. Up to 6 inches of snow was expected for Scotland and around 4 inches for Northern Ireland. Snow blanketed the Netherlands as well which was the first snowfall of the year. On Saturday, up to 16 inches of snow buried northeast England and Scotland which the BBC said was the most widespread snow for the date since 1993 (MSNBC). This harsh weather pattern caused several delays and cancellations of races and soccer matches. Meteorologists warned people to avoid travel and stay indoors if possible. 


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40399876/ns/weather/

Minnesota storms take residents by surprise

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Rare November tornado strikes southeast Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE - Cleanup has begun for southeast Wisconsin after a rare and unusual Novemeber tornado went through the area late Monday night. Racine county was one of the hardest hit, and winds were strong enough to damage several homes and overturned semis. Approximately 3,000 homes lost power in the storm. Fortunately, no one was killed and only a few minor injuries were reported. Utility services returned power to people in the area quickly and clean-up crews standing by to help. By early Tuesday, the storms had moved from southeast Wisconsin into Indiana and Michigan.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2010-11-22-midwest-storm_N.htm

Pakistan flooding major wake up call

ISLAMABAD - As posted earlier this year in my blog, Pakistian was hit with major flooding. This summer's floods covered 1/5 of the country, approximately the size of Louisianna. The disaster caught everyone by surprise, and overwhelmed emergency response teams. Many experts believe the floods were due to climate change, and others aren't sure the direct relation, but almost all can agree the floods are occuring more frequenty and people are ill equipped to handle the situation. People agree that changes need to be made and soon. Implementing programs that help the displaced and get people back to their normal lives a bit easier. "The failure to address the threat of climate displacement could undermine the long-term stability of countries likely to experience increased floods, storms, droughts and other disasters," said Gabaudan, the Refugees International chief. "Taking preventive steps now will strengthen these countries and provide support to the world's poorest people" (MSNBC).


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40309467/ns/us_news-environment/

State of emergency declared

BOGOTA, Columbia - Columbian President declared a state of emergency Thursday for Columbia after heavy rains and flooding hit the area affecting 1.2 million people. 136 people have been killed already and over 200 have been injured due to the flooding and mudslides in the area. Many people have lost everything they have, so the President really wants to try to utilize outside resources to help the people. Additionally, large amounts of crop and livestock have been damaged. Meterologists are predciting more rainfall in Columbia for the next two weeks, so help right now is neccessary to prevent more death and damage.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/11/19/colombia.rain.calamity/index.html?hpt=T2

http://gnrworld.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/colombia_bogota-lg-map.jpg

Flooding and mudslides hit London

LONDON - Wednesday morning large amounts of heavy rainfall hit southwest London causing major flooding and muslides around the area. Water levels and damage was so high that many people were trapped in houses and cars and numerous road systems remain unpassable. Barry Green, an owner of a local bakery shop said, "One minute I was making bread, the next I was wading waist high through muddy water. We've had people coming in to help but it's pretty much destroyed the shop" (MSNBC). Fortunately, several search and rescue teams were able to use helicopters to rescue people in trapped cars. No injuries were reported thus far.


This news article relates very well to this past week's lectures. Flash flooding comes suddenly and unexpected which correlates to the situation in England. People were unprepared and large amounts of rain hit the area quickly and in a short period of time. Although no one was hurt, the damage was apparent.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40234497/ns/weather/

Building collapse: Cause of bad weather or bad construction?

NEW DELHI - A five story tenement suddenly collapsed Tuesday morning, killing at least 64 people and that number could rise. Survivors of the collapse used cell phones to try and call rescuers to the area, but struggled to reach the site because of the poor building contruction and soggy soils surrounding the area. Rescuers worked all through the night using jackhammers and sniff dogs to try and find the trapped bodies, hoping to find some alive.

 The cause of the collapse was not immediately clear, but many think it has to do with this year's heavy monsoon rains. Additionally, the building complex had very poor construction and it's location was right near a river. "The area is frequently flooded, and sits near a waterlogged riverbank. Residents said that this year’s unusually heavy monsoon had left the basements of buildings in the low-lying area flooded" (NY Times). Apparently, the tenant of the building is looking to be arrested, but has yet to be located.

This news article ties directly into this weeks lecture. We have been talking about mudslides quite frequently, and although the building collapse was not directly related to a mudslide, the collapse happened under similiar circumstances. The ground was extremely wet and the soil beneath the building became quite unstable and weak.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/world/asia/17india.html?_r=1&ref=world

High-rise fire causes 53 deaths

SHANGHAI - A massive fire that burned a high-rise building in Shanghai killed 53 people and sent 70 people to the hospital with injuries. The cause of the fire is still unknown but a witness says the fire began when some materials in the building complex caught fire. "The government said more than 100 fire trucks were called to battle the blaze, which was largely put out about four hours later. Firefighters could be seen taking bodies from the building, while survivors were rushed away in ambulances" (Yahoo news). 


The problem with this fire, and other disasters which have been occuring in recent years is due  to a recent new contruction stint in Shanghai. This construction frenzy ranges "from high rises that dot its skyline to new subway lines, highways and airport upgrades. But unsafe building work remains a chronic problem in China" (Yahoo news). High-rise buildings, although stable and conveinient in many cases, pose a large threat. These create major problems for hazards such as fires, and earthquakes. 


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101116/ap_on_re_as/as_china_fire;_ylt=AqNeCjM6fKW0dhWCSup4AWlw24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTJqM2E5amJrBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMTE2L2FzX2NoaW5hX2ZpcmUEcG9zAzQEc2VjA3luX3BhZ2luYXRlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDc2hhbmdoYWloaWdo

400 car crashes in Minnesota

EDEN PRARIE, Minnesota - Heavy snowfall and winter storms struck the state of Minnesota over the weekend leading to a large number of car accidents, 45 of them which led to minor injuries. Additionally, a large crash in western Wisconsin was said to be the cause of two deaths. "Nearly a foot of snow had fallen in parts of the Twin Cities area by Saturday evening, downing trees and causing sporadic power outages" (USA Today). The cooling temperatures in the area also lead to large patches of ice on the roads which is the major reason for the large number of crashes around the same time. Fortunately, meteorologists have predicted weather in the high 30's which will keep the pavement a bit warmer, hopefully melting the ice.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/2010-11-13-midwest-snow_N.htm

Global Warming vs. Wild Weather

This year's unusual weather has had many people wondering, is global warming contributing to the wild weather? Well the truth is the year has been very strange in correlation with the last several years. "In Brooklyn, residents were surprised by what seemed to be a tornado in September. That came on the heels of a 2007 tornado in the borough—the first in more than a century. Last winter, much of the northern hemisphere experienced record cold temperatures and heavy snowfalls, while the southern hemisphere had record heat. Seoul had its heaviest snowfall in recorded history; Australia, Pakistan, and Brazil experienced torrential rainfall that caused massive flooding; in Florida, the unusual winter freezes threatened citrus crops, and the summer of 2010 was a scorcher for much of the U.S." (MSNBC). However, are all the changes and record numbers due to global warming? Many people seem to be under the assumption that global warming has to do with increases in temperature, but that's not always the case. In some cricumstances, rising sea levels attribute to changes in wind and rainfall patterns. In order to properly determine the effects of global warming on weather, scientists choose to focus on large scale, long term weather patterns instead of one big storm, or one big rainfall. Afterall, an unusually large storm could be attributed to the collision of two large storm fronts. 
However, people may not be entirely wrong in their assumptions. Recent research has definitely shown a slight alteration of these weather patterns. "Eleven of the past 30 summers were either abnormally wet or abnormally dry in the Southeastern states" (MSNBC)." Scientists will continue to study the various theories and assumptions, to determine just how much of an effect global warming has on our wild weather.


http://www.newsweek.com/2010/11/09/the-truth-behind-wild-weather-and-global-warming.html

Massive Mudslide a Coincidence?

TAIPEI, Taiwan - After Typhoon Megi struck the Taiwan area, the forces led to a large mudslide on a mountainside highway which covered a nearby Buddhist temple. The landslides caused by the typhoon killed nine people and also damaged a large bus carrying Chinese tourists traveling on the highway. Searchers found the bus parts covered in mud and crushed parts scattered about. Reporters noted that the area had an astounding 45 inches of rainfall causing the mudslide to be quite large.

This event that occured alongside the mountain is not uncommon for a landslide. In fact, areas with steep terrain and high relief are topographically prone to cause landslides. This is due to the fact that there is are high levels of rockfall, deformed rock masses, and areas high in rainfall. The rainfall triggers slope instability and can prolong the landslide causing even greater damage.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/world/asia/24typhoon.html?ref=landslides_and_mudslides

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39772671/

Mount Merapi Continues to Strike

MAGUWOHARJO, Indonesia - Mount Merapi, after dozens of blasts and weeks of disruptions and disaster to the people of Indonesia, has not finished causing turmoil. On Friday, and explosion of hot gases sent 160,00 villagers to areas to underprepared evacuation camps which created chaos among the disaster relief. This new explosion will now cause that stress and chaos to rise even more, and will continue to raise the death toll. "At least 64 people were killed by the latest eruption, which was by far the largest since the volcano on central Java Island started spewing ash and gas on Oct. 26" (New York Times).

In class we dicussed some of the problems with volcanoes, especially in terms of environmental disaster mitigation and discovered that there are not many opporunities to prevent volcanoes from happening. There are ways scientists can monitor and warn people of volcanic activity, through various tools such as measuring seismic waves, but all in all it is important to have prepared evacuation sites and community awareness. This seems to be the major problem with the Indonesian eruption. Not only is the volcano not letting up, but disaster aid and preparedness is low increasing the death toll.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/06/world/asia/06indo.html?_r=1&hp


Slideshow of the Volcanoes Devastation

Tropical Storm Tomas Builds up Again

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Tropical Storm Tomas, which built up again throughout the week, heads towards the coast of Haiti and is expected to approach Haiti sometime on Firday. There have been several warnings issued for Cuba, The Domican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. In addition to the trpoical storm warning for Haiti, there has also been a hurricane watch issued for the area.

If the tropical storm does hit the coast of Haiti, this will be the second storm to hit the area after the devastion of the Haitian earthquake. So far, there have only been several deaths, and the people of Hatiti hope things will remain that way. There have been U.S. navy vessels that have been in the area trying to provide relief which is a very good mititgation strategy; get aid in before the disaster strikes.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/hurricanes/2010-11-02-haiti-hurricane_N.htm

Mount Merapi Erupts Again

MOUNT MERAPI, Indonesia - After a week of turmoil, and a tsunami that killed hundreds and left many displaced, the trouble continued into the weekend. On Saturday, the volcano erupted and the eruptions have been going on all week long. People have been asked to stay at their evacuation sites. Scientists have been predicting an explosion all week, and are still issuing warnings for other volcanoes in the area.

The eruption at Mount Merapi had large pyroclastic flows that lasted for approximately 22 minutes. The problem with the current situation right now is that people are still recovering from the weeks events and aid workers are overwhelmed with the number of refugees. Soldiers have been placed around the premises to try and keep people from going back to check on livestock and crops. However, as I mentioned earlier, the warnings are still being put out. Afterall Indonesia is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making the area a vulnerable place for disasters. Hopefully coninuted education will help Indonesia in the future.

http://www.volcanolive.com/news.html

Midwest Brings Wicked Weather Forecast

Midwest - The monstorous storm that has been brewing these past few days is not quite done yet. The next few days are expected to bring strong, cold winds and snow to the region. Tornado watches and warnings continued across the Southeast on Wednesday afternoon as the huge storm headed towrds the eastcoast. Strong winds in Minnesota and North Dakota have led to blizzards which are headed for Wisconsin sometime later this week. North Dakota received record numbers of snow, approximately 8 inches.  


The strong storm which is now on whirling towards the east coast, was one of the strongest storms in decades which cause major damage including crushed power lines, toppled trees, and tornados. 


http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/2010-10-26-midwest-storm_N.htm

Mount Merapi Erupts In Indonesia; Tsunami Follows

Indonesia - Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's many volcanoes, erupted Tuesday killing 18 people. However, Mount Merapi is continuing to cause many scientists worry. They claim that all the pressure building up beneath the volcanic dome which could trigger one of the most powerful explosions in years. Scientists said that the volcano is beginning to let off steam, but people need to remain very cautious. 


Additionally, a tsunmai hit some remote shores of Indonesia killing 113 people and causing a slow rescue and recovery process. In fact, fisherman were left to search for the bodies, dead or alive. 


Indonesia and the surrounding islands have been going through a very rough time these past few days. Not only did the volcano and a tsunami hit the area on the same day but, "The fault that ruptured Monday on Sumatra island's coast also caused the 2004 quake and monster Indian Ocean tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries" (USA Today). 


As we learned in class, some areas are more vulnerable due to a variety of factors. Indonesia just so happens to be located near the Ring of Fire, a place frequent for natural disasters and hot spots. 


http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-10-26-indonesia-earthquake_N.htm

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Indonesia-Mount-Merapi-Begins-To-Erupt-Up-To-19-Dead/Article/201010415774167?f=rss

Tropical Storm Richard Nears Honduras

Tropical Storm Richard nears the Caribbean causing storm and hurricane watches to be issued for Honduras. Although the winds are only thought to hit speeds of around 40 mph, meteorologists say the storm could eventually gain wind and strength and turn into a hurricane over the weekend. "The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the tropical storm could dump rain on Honduras that could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides" (USA Today). 


As we have recently discussed in class, there are many factors that take part in determing the strength and damage of a natural disaster. For example, it is not uncommon for a small earthquake to turn into a life threatening tsunami. In this case, a somewhat common tropical storm for this time of year could cause major damage if turned into a large scale hurricane. 


http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/2010-10-21-tropical-storm-richard_N.htm

http://www.cfnews13.com/static/articles/images/2010/tropical-storm-richard-path-1021-11am_rdax_676x456.jpg

Typhoon Megi will most likely strike again

CAUAYAN, Philippines - Typhoon Megi swirled through the Philippines Tuesday killing ten people. Although Typhoon Megi had winds of around 140 miles per hour, the area was luckily very sparse in population sparing a lot of lives. However, Megi continues to roar on and will most likely hit the southern portion of China sometime on Thursday. Scientists are even predicting that Megi may hit Vietnam at some point which would more than likely cause a lot of damage. Monday night, Vietnam was hit by large flooding, heavy rains and is still in the midst of a disaster.

Fortunately for the Philippines, damage was seen, but the people were prepared having had significant warnings to protect themselves. This case relates very well to the video we just watched in class covering the 2004 tsunami because in that case, a vast majority of the people were completely thrown for a loop without any warning and without knowing the severity of the tsunami.

Meteorologists will continue to issue warnings and track Typhoon Megi, in hopes that people especially in Vietnam can prepare themselves for the worst.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/2010-10-17-typhoon-philippines_N.htm

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/101018-typhoon-megi-hmed-110a.grid-8x2.jpg

Hurricane Paula Weakens

HAVANA, Cuba -- Hurricane Paula weakened as it neared the coastline Wednesday afternoon from a category 2 storm to a category 1. Forecasters in the US were monitoring the storm and authorities in Cuba had issued a storm warning and were in preparation to begin evacuating people. However, after the storms began to calm people were able to remain put. After the 2008 hurricanes hit Cuba, officials said they didn't want to take any chances in being under prepared. The hurricane is likely to reach the Florida Keys sometime Friday, but by then will have most likely weakened to a tropical storm.

The forecasting and warnings issued are all part of the engineering portion of the hazard paradigm we discussed in class. Forecastings, warnings, and predictions are also used for the adaptation portion in the "Big Three".

http://www.cfnews13.com/static/articles/images/2010/hurricane-paula-map-1013-5am_rdax_676x456.jpg

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/hurricanes/2010-10-13-hurricane-paula_N.htm

FEMA Begins to Take a Closer Look at the Flooding That Recently Hit Wisconsin

Now that high waters have dropped in western Wisconsin, FEMA officials and authorities have begun to look at the flooding in terms of damage to the counties, new plans for infastructure, and the effect the flooding had on each community's budget. Doing this analysis will hopefully determine whether or not counties, specifically Arcadia, will receive federal funding. As we learned today in class however, was how hard it is for an area to get federal funding and there are many problems associated with government funding. Government aid is expensive, inefficient, inconsisten, and inequitable. A hazard must be assessed looking at many aspects and if the damage and money is not significant, funding is hard to come by.

The total estimated amount of damage to public property has been just over 10 million statewide, and authorities are hoping the funding will come through. Plans are already being discussed and the funding could be used to build a flood control system. Wisconsin will simply have to keep fingers crossed and hope the funding is declared.

http://www.wqow.com/Global/story.asp?S=13273919

Sludge Flooding Surges Through Hungary

KOLONTAR, Hungary - Flooding has been causing residents in hungary to escape. However, this is not the typical flooding we think of when large amounts of rain fall, or a large dam collapses. This flooding was caused by large amounts of red sludge originating in a nearby reservoir. The sludge was a bi-product coming from the process which turns bauxite into aluminum. A large corner of the reservoir broke on Monday killing four people and sending hundreds to hospitals to treat burns.

Residents have been waiting for officials to inform them more about the dangers of the sludge and the chemical content. It is apparent that the sludge has caused damage in the rivers nearby, killing all river life, and continues moving downstream. However, a positive outcome from all of this is the fact that the sludge plants will now be subject to inspections and residents have been promised their homes will be decontaminated.

From various points brought up in class, it is very important to understand and put into perspective the possible losses and damages a hazard will bring. Although this was a technological hazard and unexpected, it was noted that "The sludge reservoirs that dot the area are often poorly maintained...and are supposed to be closed once they are full, but some, like the one that broke this week, are large, and filling them can take decades" (Rosenthal, New York Times).  

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/07/world/europe/07hungary.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hpw

Chippewa River Rises to New Flood Levels

The Leader Telegram has been "flooded" with news stories across the front page concerning the record high levels of the Chippewa River. As mentioned yesterday in class, media coverage of a natural hazard depends on several factors including proximity, loss of lives, and of prominence and interest to the reader. Certainly, the large amounts of rain that have hit Eau Claire in the past few days has been worhty of reporting. Not only are numbers significant, but there was no news coverage leading up to the event so news reporters have been going biserk. Rain is not uncommon in an area like Wisconsin, but the amount of rain that has been unleashed has been so powerful in such a short amount of time, that the Chippewa River River could and will most likely cause significant flooding this weekend.

Additionally, Eau Claire County highway workers were called in yesterday to clean up a mudslide on the U.S. 53. The work temporarily caused a several-mile-long traffic backup, and yet another worry for Eau Claire.

http://www.leadertelegram.com/

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=mpx&gage=eclw3&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

http://www.leadertelegram.com/image_fcc4f690-c853-11df-8a9a-001cc4c03286.html

The Great Coral Reef "On Fire"

"This year’s extreme heat is putting the world’s coral reefs under such severe stress that scientists fear widespread die-offs, endangering not only the richest ecosystems in the ocean but also fisheries that feed millions of people" (Gillis, New York Times). The coral reef stretching across a large portion of the world has begun to shows signs of stress, such a bleeding and shredding their bright colors. Scientists have said that this is the second time there has been a large bleeding of the reef, but they are hoping this recent event won't be so bad or intense. It will take months to know how bad this years toll on the reefs has been, and if the year continues in large monsoons the bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef may cause some problems.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/science/earth/21coral.html?hp

Tropical Storm Karl and Hurrican Igor Cause Panic

CANCUN, Mexico - Tropical Storm Karl has been striking the Yucatan Peninsula hard these last few days, causing a bit of panic from the people of Mexico. Karl is expected to pick up steam as the days continue.

In addition, Hurricane Igor also began to pick up steam in the Atlantic and has reached a category 4 hurricane threatening much of the US East Coast.

Electricity has been failing along these areas and the government of Mexico is on a hurricane watch for much of the eastern gulf.


http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39179237/ns/weather/

Pakistan Still Recovering

PAKISTAN - Six weeks have passed and yet Pakistan still continues to recover after floods hit the area of Islamabad. Not only did the flooding destroy hundreds of acres of cropland, displace millions of people, and destory villages, businesses, and homes, now disease is rampantly spreading throughout the area. Many of these new outbreaks are being caused by water- borne diseases such as cholera. Although much of the water near the north has receeded and contamination is not so prominent, much of the south is still underwater and at high risk for outbreaks. UNICEF members note that people must be aware of the risks and encourages the people of Paksitan to remain extremely vigilant of the ongoing risk factors.



http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38465725/ns/world_news/

BOULDER, Co. - Forest Fires about 50% contained

The Forest Fires that swept through Boulder, Co. six days ago are still continuing to blaze through Four Mile Canyon, but firefighters have been making progress. A September 10th news article published in the New York Times said that the fire is now "50% contained... and about 2,000 people were returned to their homes on Friday". The fire, which is still being investigated for known causes, turned into a massive inferno after strong winds swept through the area. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed leaving people stranded throughout the area. However, things are beginning to look a bit more hopeful for the people of Boulder as firefighters continue to do all they can to contain the fire and place the evacuated back home.




http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/11/us/11brfs-FIREEVACUEES_BRF.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=Boulder%20CO%20fire%20september%2010&st=cse