Storm surge virtual reality simulation designed to save lives
Weather the Storm, a virtual reality simulation that takes users through the effects of storm surge to communicate its devastating and sometimes fatal consequences, is now available for download. This simulation is available thanks to a partnership with University of Georgia, Clemson University, Georgia Sea Grant and South Carolina Sea Grant and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Flooding expected sooner in Hawai’i’s sinking coastal areas
Some parts of Hawai‘i are sinking faster than others. That discovery, published recently in a study by researchers at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) at Mānoa, also highlights that as sea level rises, the infrastructure, businesses, and communities in these low-lying areas are at risk of flooding sooner than scientists anticipated, particularly in certain urban areas of O‘ahu.
Compound climate events are on the rise. It’s time for action
Compound events – where two or more hazards, such as heatwaves and floods, occur simultaneously or in close succession – are becoming more common. This phenomenon often results in more severe negative outcomes than if each hazard were to occur separately. Recent incidents in Pakistan and the United States highlight existing resilience gaps, and the adaptation solutions required to reduce the impact of compound events.
Water and climate: Rising risks for urban populations
Right now, 90% of climate disasters are water-related, and the 4.4 billion people who live in towns and cities – especially in low-income countries – are on the frontlines.
As the climate crisis continues to throw the water cycle out of balance, many of the world’s largest cities are impacted in ways that are hard to anticipate and plan for. The frequency and magnitude of events such as floods and droughts are evolving due to climatic trends. And when water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services and systems cannot cope with intensifying and unpredictable climatic extremes, it is often the most vulnerable and marginalised people who suffer the worst impacts on their health, education and livelihoods, pushing them further into poverty.
Enhancing climate resilience with smarter data: the role of dynamic social registries
2024 has been marked by catastrophic floods caused by climate change in many regions of the world. In West and Central Africa alone, nearly 7 million people have been affected by rising waters following torrential rains. These floods exacerbate food insecurity, which is expected to impact 55 million people this year. As is often the case, the poorest populations are the most vulnerable. In response to the increasingly frequency of floods and droughts, several countries in West and Central Africa are developing climate-adaptive social protection systems. The goal is to build the resilience of poor populations and ensure a rapid response in times of crisis.
The Philippines: Harnessing smart tech for disaster preparedness
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), has developed the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS). This technology provides science-based data to facilitate quick, informed decision-making during disaster events.
REDAS is a powerful tool that simulates earthquake impacts, monitors various hazards, and offers near-real-time risk assessments. It is designed to provide LGUs with the crucial information needed to reduce disaster risks and improve response times.
New Zealand and Japan collaborate on smart disaster resilience
The New Zealand Government is investing in research and technology partnerships that will significantly enhance the nation’s ability to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. Dr Shane Reti, Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology, announced that three research teams from New Zealand have been granted funding to collaborate with leading Japanese research organisations on projects designed to boost New Zealand’s resilience when disasters strike.
Water and climate: Rising risks for urban populations
This report highlights how the cities facing the worst climate impacts are often those with the highest social vulnerability. Many communities ‘whiplash’ between droughts that dry up water sources followed close by floods that overwhelm infrastructure, destroying toilets and sanitation systems, contaminating drinking water. Other cities are experiencing dramatic climate reversals – places accustomed to heavy rainfall now face drought, while historically arid regions now grapple with unexpected floods.
Flood impacts on healthcare facilities and disaster preparedness – a systematic review
This study reviewed scientific articles to assess the impacts of floods on healthcare facilities (HCFs) and the risk management strategies used. Researchers searched four databases for English-language studies on flood and cyclone hazards, HCF types, and disaster risk management, following PRISMA guidelines. From 7,500 records, 74 studies were selected.
Pre-financing anticipatory action: a practical guide for national societies
This guide explains the value of a pre-financing strategy and key factors to consider in its development. It details different pre-financing options to support effective decision-making and provides step-by-step guidance for National Societies to design and implement their strategy.
While relevant to all National Societies engaged in anticipatory action, different sections may be particularly useful for program managers, finance officers, and logistics teams based on their roles in the process.
GEOGLAM Crop Monitor for Early Warning report: March 2025
he GEOGLAM Crop Monitor for Early Warning (CM4EW) is an international and transparent multi-source, consensus assessment of the crop growing conditions, status, and agro-climatic conditions that are likely to impact global production. This is the March 2025 report.
Climate change in rural landscapes – systemic solutions for a sustainable future
This factsheet examines the systemic challenges of climate change in rural landscapes and explores integrated solutions for climate-resilient and low-emission development. It highlights the interconnections between climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and livelihoods, emphasizing equitable access to land, water, and resources.
World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater.
Deep-dive on Satellite Observations for Hydrology
The central goal of the International Multi-risk Seminar is to advance the conceptual and methodological debate on how to evaluate and manage contexts where multiple risks overlap and result in other forms
