Stories about Disaster from March, 2010
Kazakhstan: Flood Kills 47, Leaves Hundreds Homeless
Thousands of people were moved out of threatened areas after two dams burst in Kazakhstan on Thursday and Friday. The tragedy has taken place in the Aksuisky district north of the country's business capital, Almaty.
Year After Coup, Madagascar's Leaders Face Sanctions
On the anniversary of last year's coup d'etat, the international community is set to impose sanctions on the current leaders of Madagascar for failing to respect the resolutions of Maputo. These sanctions would result in a freeze of financial assets and possible arrest if they travel outside Madagascar.
Guadeloupe, Martinique: From dry season to drought
As some posts on GV have shown recently [Eng], the Caribbean has been going through a severe drought for the past few weeks. In the French West Indies, bloggers react to this natural disaster which influences their everyday life and affects even politics.
Haiti: Two Months Later
Today marks two months since the January 12 earthquake devastated Haiti - and even in the midst of other natural disasters, bloggers still seem to be struggling to come to grips with what this tragedy actually means for the people of a nation that is often referred to as "the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere."
Chile: Earthquake Reveals Social Inequalities
The quick burst of lawlessness that ensued after the February 27 earthquake in Chile sparked a national debate about the existing social and economic inequalities in the country.
Chile: Mapuche Communities Affected by Earthquake
After the February 27 earthquake in Chile, the media and the government have faced strong criticism for their lack of coverage and support for the small Mapuche indigenous communities closest to the epicenter. Mapuche leaders have called out for international aid.
Pakistan: Suicide Bombing In Lahore
Five Rupees reports that a suicidal car bomb has ripped through government buildings in Lahore today killing 12 people and injuring many.
Haiti: Permaculture
Repeating Islands looks at permaculture as a possible environmental solution for Haiti following the January 12 earthquake.
Ethiopian ‘aid for arms’ story sparks storm
The BBC sparked a storm this week with a story claiming millions of dollars sent to help starving people in Ethiopia's 1980s famine were used to buy arms by rebels.
Japan: Flight Doctor Tweeting in Chile
Flight doctor George Tomioka, who is in Chile as part of the Japan Disaster Relief Team from JICA, is tweeting at @georgetomioka [ja]. Here's a tweet from March 7th: “[Chile Info #3] The parks in Chillan were filled with tents right after the earthquake, but people have started to head...
Haiti: More than a FAD
Emmanuel Midi blogs about “formation, animation, discovery” for children in Haiti's disadvantaged Cité Soleil and Bas Delmas communities after the January 12 earthquake.
Chile: Earthquake Testimonials
The site Terremoto 2010 [es] invites readers to submit their testimonials when and after the earthquake hit Chile.
Kenya: Massive Flooding in Samburu as Ewaso Nyiro River Bursts its Banks
At dawn on Thursday, 4 March 2010, a massive flash flood hit Samburu in northern Kenya destroying 6 tourist lodges, some wildlife research camps and leaving thousands marooned on roof tops and on trees. This wave of rushing water came from the Ewaso Nyiro River which has burst it's banks following...
Haiti: Short Order
Repeating Islands is pleased that “Carel Pedre, a Haitian radio host who used Twitter to inform the world about the earthquake which ravaged his country” was among users honoured at the annual Shorty Awards.
Uganda: Landslides have always been a problem
Rosebell discusses mudslides in Eastern Uganda: “Landslides have always been a problem in eastern Uganda but what has been put in place to lessen the risk of many in these villages being buried whenever it rains.”
Peru: New Floods in Cusco Region
When it was believed that the disaster situation caused by rains and flooding in Cusco, Peru and surrounding areas had gotten better, on March 1st strong rains once again caused the overflow another river.
Chile: Criticism of Television Coverage of Earthquake Aftermath
Andrés Azócar of the blog Hijo del Medio [es] writes about some of the criticisms aimed at Chilean television for its post-earthquake coverage. He supports some of that criticism including its sensationalist nature, for example accompanying shots of looting with ‘terror music.”
Uganda: Hundreds feared dead in landslide
A mudslide in eastern Uganda Monday evening left at least 80 people dead and over 300 missing. The mudslide, triggered by a day of heavy rain, has buried three villages in Bududa district and displaced more than 2000 people from their homes.
Bangladesh: Salty Tears
Photo blogger and journalist Monirul Alam highlights the threat of salinity and lack of drinking water in the Southwest coastal region of Bangladesh with his photo-essay.
Chile: Communication Failure
Jorge Barahona writes about the digital communication failure by the Chilean government [es] after the earthquake, who did not make best use of the tools available. However, he praised channels like Twitter and his 3G connection that allowed him to access information.
Chile: Army Deployed to Streets of Concepción
The situation in Concepción, Chile’s second largest city, has worsened considerably after the earthquake. Confirmed reports of uncontrolled looting, building collapses, violence, and even in some cases, arson led to the deployment of a strong contingent of 4,500 soldiers to the city.