CLIMATE CHANGE: Cassava key to food security, say scientists

Photo: Ikhlasul Amal/Flickr

Cassava tubers

KAMPALA, 20 June 2012 (IRIN) - An alliance of scientists has been formed to help promote cassava, which has emerged as a "survivor" crop able to thrive in the expected higher temperatures engendered by climate change, a scientific conference in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, heard.

Some 300 scientists attending the second International Scientific Conference of the Global Cassava Partnership for the 21st Century (GCP-21-II) announced the alliance, named the Global Cassava Modelling Consortium, which will offer a platform to world cassava researchers to share research information, better understand the physiology of the plant, and explore avenues for protecting it from attacks now that it has even greater importance for the food security of many regions in the world.

The new consortium will initially establish a loose network of scientists sharing and analysing current cassava research and historical research data. As it grows, the network will include the sharing of experiences with cassava farmers across the Tropics, with farms being treated as experimental stations in their own right.

Andy Jarvis, a climate change scientist at the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and CGIAR’s [ http://www.cgiar.org/who-we-are/ ] Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) Research Programme, told the conference that a study [ http://www.springerlink.com/content/n36675226277455j ] published in February in the journal Tropical Plant Biology revealed that temperatures in East and West Africa - two major cassava growing regions - are expected to rise by around 1.8 degrees Celsius by 2030, but that the cassava plant will thrive.

"While this [rising temperature] poses problems for the suitability of food staples like bean, banana and sorghum, cassava suitability is likely to be the exception to the rule... Research shows that it will brush off the higher temperatures," he said. "Its potential is tremendously exciting. But now we have to act promptly on the research, as more pests and diseases are manifesting themselves because of climate change."

Cassava is the second most important source of carbohydrates in sub-Saharan African, after maize, and is eaten by around 500 million people every day, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Globally, 280 million tons are produced every year, with half the supply coming from Africa; Uganda produces 5.4 million tons of cassava every year. It is also grown by millions of smallholder farmers in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Achilles heel

Despite its robust survival in the face of climate change, it has an Achilles heel; it is susceptible to diseases related to global warming like mealy bug, cassava brown-streak disease and cassava mosaic disease.

The cassava study described cassava as "the Rambo root" for its resilience, with authors reporting that the tuber becomes even more productive in hotter temperatures and outperformed potatoes, maize, beans, bananas, millet and sorghum - some of Africa's main food crops - in tests using a combination of 24 climate prediction and crop suitability models.

Read more

EAST AFRICA: Cassava comes in from the cold

KENYA: Maize farmers have rain but lack seeds

UGANDA: Cassava disease threatens food supplies

Cassava in Cote d’Ivoire (film)

The study found that in East Africa cassava could see a 10 percent increase in production if temperatures rise as predicted. In West Africa cassava will hold its own, doing better than potatoes, beans and bananas. Cassava, along with banana and maize, will see a 5 percent increase in suitability in Southern Africa, with only Central Africa registering a I percent decrease in cassava suitability - significantly better than the substantial declines expected in potato and bean, according to Jarvis.

Vitamin-rich varieties

Scientists at the Kampala meeting are also focusing on aspects of cassava breeding - conventional, genetic engineering, the biology of the cassava crop, pests and disease, and nutrition enhancement by moving away from the usual white cassava which is Vitamin A-deficient, a problem in many developing countries. In Uganda for example, Vitamin A and iron deficiencies are major health problems with 32 percent of children under 60 months, and 31 percent of child-bearing mothers, deficient in the vitamin.

"We are planning to introduce nutritious yellow cassava varieties that are rich in Vitamin A and protein," Robert Kawuki, a cassava breeder at a government agro-laboratory facility told IRIN.

Uganda's Minister of State for Agriculture Zerubabel Mijumbi Nyiira told IRIN at the conference venue that the findings would prove useful to farmers in sub-Sahara Africa. "The crop can work as social and economic transformer," he said.

"Cassava used to be a poor person's crop, but now it has the potential of becoming the main food of millions of people while its commercial potential is unimaginable. It is not only for food but it can also be used for industrial starch and used in more than 300 industrial products.

"The world is moving away from using fossil fuel, and therefore fermented cassava starch can produce ethanol used in bio-fuel. But more importantly, its survival in circumstances of this nature makes it one of the most important crops that can make Africa food secure."

vm/kr/cb

Theme (s): Early Warning, Environment, Food Security, Health & Nutrition,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

Link to the source:- http://www.irinnews.org/Report/95694/CLIMATE-CHANGE-Cassava-key-to-food-security-say-scientists

NASA to carry out research on climate in Bangladesh

NASA to carry out research on climate in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka

The National Aeronautic and Space Administration, the US space research centre, is keen to carry out research on weather and climate in Bangladesh, the most vulnerable country to climate change.
The visiting chief scientist of Earth Science Division of NASA, Hal Maring, expressed this when she called on the environment and forest minister, Hasan Mahmud, at the latter’s secretariat office in Dhaka Thursday.
Maring said the NASA would conduct the multidisciplinary research on Bangladesh’s environment and climate change under its South and South East Asia Composition, Cloud, Climate Coupling Regional Study Programme.
Over 250 scientists of this region, using the biggest aircraft of NASA, would take part in the research in the Asia-Pacific region’s sky including Bangladesh scheduled to begin from August and September next, the NASA scientist said.
She said information and data, to be collected from this research, would help efficient weather forecasting and agriculture research activities of Bangladesh which at risk of climatic disorders including cyclone, floods and tidal surge.
Lauding the NASA’s research initiative, Hasan said Bangladesh would be benefited enormously as the research on environment and climate change would help exchange information and data among the member states of this region.

Source:- http://newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2012-04-13&nid=7147

Towards a Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 Building the Resilience of Nations and
Communities to Disasters (HFA) is the inspiration for knowledge, practice,
implementation, experience and the science for disaster risk reduction. As we head toward
the end date of the current HFA it is important to outline an approach and shape the
discussions on a continuation to be considered at the World Conference on Disaster
Reduction in 2015


Read the detailed framework at :- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=23248

Good governance in disaster risk reduction helps reduce losses

Rome - Good civil protection governance for effective disaster risk reduction will be the main theme addressed during the EU-funded PPRD South Programme workshop on Civil Protection Organisational Models scheduled in Geneva, Switzerland, on 14-16 February 2012.

During the workshop, which includes a meeting with Margareta Walström, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, 22 strategic planning experts from the national civil protection authorities of Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Tunisia and Turkey, will discuss with the European Commission, United Nations and private sector international experts about the key functions, responsibilities and organizational models of national civil protection organizations that help minimize human, economic and environmental losses due to disasters.

According to the United Nations “There are many examples of good governance in relation to disaster risk reduction over the world. In many countries, however, legal and regulatory regimes for disaster reduction are to be further developed, institutional frameworks and mechanisms are to be strongly improved, levels of participation need decisive steps forward, and additional capacities and resources are required”.

Taking into account the challenges and priorities of disaster risk management in their countries, the participants will be able to learn the recent developments and trends concerning the organization of civil protection services, identify strengths and weaknesses of their organisations, learn from each other’s experience and discuss among them and with the experts possible improvements.


Read in detail at :- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=23219

Cyclone Thane: City was ill-prepared

Floods: City was ill-prepared

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The heavy downpour and the subsequent flash floods that submerged several parts of the city on Friday night have once again questioned the preparedness of the district administration.
�Though officials of various departments put in their best, the rescue operations at several places were affected by the lack of sufficient equipment.
�‘’The flash floods were an eye-opener for us. Several new places were affected by the floods. We should be better prepared to face a similar situation in future,’’ said District Collector K N Satheesh.
�‘’The Fire and Rescue Services Department should be given more efficient pumps, ropes, inflated boats and other necessary equipment,’’ he said. The Fire and Rescue brigade used inflated boats at several places to bring the people from flood-affected residential areas to safer locations.
�‘’The calamity assessment report to be submitted to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) will have suggestions to face such a situation in future,’’ he said.
�The Collector also said that the drainage system in the city needs to be improved. ‘’We will also hold a meeting with Corporation officials to chart out ways to improve he drainage system,’’ he said.
�SDMA officials said that they will prepare a detailed plan to manage similar situations in future. ‘’A meeting of top officials of the Authority will be held in a couple of days to discuss the Collector’s report and to chart out a detailed plan to carry out more efficient rescue operations in future,’’ SDMA secretary K B Valsalakumari said.
�‘’We will also identify the vulnerable areas,’’ she said.
Rescue Camps
A good majority of the 14 rescue camps opened by the district administration were closed on Sunday evening after people left for their homes.
At several locations, people used the camp for having food only. In some areas, the officials set up marquees near the submerged areas for the residents who desired to be close to their houses.� �


Read in detail at :- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=23070

Food crisis looms large in Arunachal

Food crisis looms large in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Food crisis hit remote Kurung Kumey district in Arunachal Pradesh with many places remaining cut off since July 19 following massive landslides triggered by incessant rainfall. Parsi Parlo Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) Sangha Tagik, who toured many disconnected areas of the district, said in a statement “there is acute shortage of essential commodities with the people deprived of any supply from outside and all schools have been closed for want of ration rice”. The State Government has allocated very little air tonnage, limiting it to almost two ration sorties, which, Tagik said was completely insufficient to meet the requirements of the local populace. The 39-km Koloriang-Parsi Parlo road, built with NABARD funding, was completely washed away and blocked at least at 45 places by heavy landslips in the first week of August, while numerous culverts and wire-road suspension bridges have been completely washed away, including at Mengio, Patuk, Lebia, Kemiya, Piglo and Tamin, Tagik said. Describing the situation as ‘grave’ and people’s sufferings as ‘immeasurable’, Food and Civil Supplies Parliamentary Secretary Lokam Tassar, who hails from the district, today urged the State Government to sanction immediate funds for undertaking relief and rehabilitation. (PTI)

Source:- http://www.sentinelassam.com/arunachal/story.php?sec=2&subsec=7&id=86816&dtP=2011-08-24&ppr=1#86816

Severe Weather Warnings DATE : AUGUST 26,2011

Severe Weather Warnings

DATE : AUGUST 26,2011

HEAVY RAINFALL WARNING

ISOLATED HEAVY RAINFALL WOULD OCCUR OVER ORISSA, NORTH ANDHRA PRADESH, GANGETIC WEST BENGAL, CHHATTISGARH, EAST MADHYA PRADESH, VIDARBHA, MADHYA MAHARASHTRA AND GUJARAT REGION DURING NEXT 48 HOURS.

www.cdrn.org.in

Source:- http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/severe.htm

Severe Weather Warnings DATE : AUGUST 25,2011

Severe Weather Warnings

DATE : AUGUST 25,2011

HEAVY RAINFALL WARNING

ISOLATED HEAVY RAINFALL WOULD OCCUR OVER OVER ORISSA, CHHATTISGARH , EAST MADHYA PRADESH DURING NEXT 24 HOURS AND OVER EAST RAJASTHAN , WEST MADHYA PRADESH, MADHYA MAHARASHTRA, MARATHWADA, VIDARBHA AND GUJARAT REGION DURING NEXT 48 HOURS.

Source:- http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/severe.htm

Climate change 'to increase malaria' in Indian Himalayas

Climate change 'to increase malaria' in Indian Himalayas

T. V. Padma

11 August 2011 | EN

Climate change may affect mosquitoes' range and behaviour

Flickr/wildxplorer

[NEW DELHI] Climate change is likely to spreadmalaria to new areas in the Indian Himalayas, and lengthen the periods in which the infection is spread in a number of districts, according to projections from malaria researchers in India.

But the country's east coast could see fewer malaria cases by 2030, because of rising temperatures which affect mosquitoes' activity, they said.

The projections by the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Delhi, published in a special issue of Current Science on climate change yesterday (10 August), indicate that malaria could spread to districts in three states it is currently absent from — Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir — during the next 20 years.

In the eastern Himalayas, in north-eastern India, the window of malaria transmission would increase from 7–9 to 10–12 months in length. The region is humid and wet, with mild winters, which makes it "highly conducive for mosquito breeding, survival and transmission" of vector-borne diseases.

But India's east coast would have reduced transmission, because of an increase in temperature, and the western regions would see a minimal impact, the analysis showed.

The study is one of several by the Indian Network of Climate Change Assessment programme at the Ministry of Environment and Forests. It used the regional climate modelling system developed by the Hadley Centre, United Kingdom, to analyse temperature and relative humidity scenarios across India, and mapped districts to show 'transmission windows' during which infection is spread.

The researchers said higher temperatures increased the rate at which malaria-carrying mosquitoes digested their blood meal and laid eggs.

But, the report cautions, this climate assessment needs to be integrated with socio-economic factors, as transmission is also driven by crop practices,water availability, urbanisation, and interventions such as bednets and insecticide sprays.

Read in detail at :- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22343

Bihar Flood Situation Report :9 August 2011

Flood Situation Report : 8

Dated: 9 August 2011, 18:00 hrs

Reviewed by: Mr. Sanjay Pandey

Prepared by: Mr. Jeevan Kumar

Current Situation:

Continual rainfall in Nepal’s catchment area and resultant rise in the water level of the Kosi and Gandak Rivers has raised the water level above red mark and is threatening the embankments in various areas of Kosi and Champaran region of Bihar.

Situation Report on KOSI RIVER

The Chief Minister, Bihar had planned to visit Birpur on Indo –Nepal Border to access the situation on the 20 K.M vulnerable stretch of Embankment on the Indian Side.The visit has been postponed to 13 August due to bad weather conditions. Notably, this was the portion of the embankment, which had come under tremendous pressure of water and the structure could anyhow been saved from being breached. As a precautionary measure, the WRD had planned to dig a pilot channel in the downstream

of the river in Saptari district(Nepal) of the Himalayan territory to re-establish the central flow of water. But the scheme could not be executed in the face of the stiff resistance by the local Nepalese authorities.

According to the Water Resources Minister, Govt. of Bihar --“To a large extent, we have succeeded in easing the pressure on the embankment by skillfully maneuvering the gates of the Birpur barrage, But then it is Kosi, which can hardly be predicted, the discharge in the river on Monday was 1.47 lakh cusecs. Which is relatively higher in comparison to the discharge last year” Situation at Raja Baas(Nepal) at 26 to 26.40 KMs in Nepal region is normal and river is flowing 15 meters away

from the embankment.

Situation Report on GANDAK RIVER

Meanwhile, the Gandak, which the chief minister visited on Saturday, is in spate. The gushing water of the river extensively damaged the newly built cut end nose of the PD ring bund at Koerpatti in east Champaran. According to Media reports-- WRD officials said that small embankment at Patraha was also damaged but has been restored.

Source:- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22299

A YEAR AFTER Leh struggles to get back on its feet

Dipti Jain TNN

Leh: Rigzin Angmo, a middle-aged nurse at a government hospital, is all smiles as she shows you her new house that was built this June. She got a compensation of Rs 2.3 lakh from the government after her house was washed away in the floods, exactly a year ago, and she chipped in with another Rs 2 lakh to rebuild her house. “We had no place to go to as the houses provided by the NGOs were too cold. We used to sleep here on wet mud. Now it is much better,” she says.
Rigzin is among the few people in Choglamsar, a small village, who could afford to rebuild her house washed away by the cloudburst last year. Choglamsar was the worst-affected village in the Leh floods on August 6, 2010. The cloudburst had left 257 dead, 57 people missing, 424 disabled, 664 houses destroyed and 783 homes partially damaged. A year after the incident, the village is full of small boxlike pre-fabricated houses built by several NGOs, with a few brick houses.
With winter just a few months away residents are trying to collect funds to avoid sleeping in the cold again. “We have to build a house for ourselves before winter sets in but we have no money,” says a troubled Murup Dolma, a housewife.
Even the likes of Rigzin have had to settle for a smaller house. “I had enough space for 10 guests in my old house. Today there is space only for the three of us. But I am glad at least I have that. The government and the NGOs have helped us a lot,” she says. Several NGOs and organizations still continue to work with the government to complete the rehabilitation process and fill the loopholes. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) helped provide shelter to the people in Saboo village. The industry chamber handed over 13 houses to the victims of the cloudburst in Leh, on Thursday. The Rural Development and You (RDY), a local NGO in Ladakh, worked in collaboration with Oxfam India to provide over a thousand shelter kits and water sanitation kits in several villages. The NGO is currently working with Society for Energy, Environment and Development (SEED) to establish three other houses in Sakti and Egoo villages.
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) too has been working with smaller NGOs to help remove the debris from the agricultural lands and irrigation canals. “Our main focus is on livelihood, as loss of land has caused many to live from hand to mouth,” said Sonam Jorgyes, Project Director LAHDC.

Source:- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22301

Rising rivers flood more Terai villages

Rising rivers flood more Terai villages
TNN | Aug 3, 2011, 04.25AM IST

LUCKNOW: More areas in Terai region along theUP-Nepal border and central UP were flooded aswater level of rivers flowing via Nepal continued to rise on Tuesday. The situation in Barabanki and Gonda worsened with water from the Ghaghra river, which breached an embankment at Elgin on Monday, entering more villages forcing people to shift to safer places.

Though the officials of the districts affected by the floods have launched a relief operation, they feared that incessant rains along the Himalayan foothills may aggravate the situation further. Meanwhile, the state government has ordered suspension of a chief engineer and four other engineers on charges of neglecting maintenance of the embankment at Charsari, which was constructed a few years back. Repair of Charsari embankment on Gonda-Barabanki border was underway. At least 30,000 people in parts of Barabanki, Gonda, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Balrampur and Siddharth Nagar districts have been affected by the floods. More than 2,000 hectares of agricultural land has also been inundated, destroying paddy and cane crops.

The PAC has been deployed and districts magistrates are personally supervising the relief operations.

Officials said that no loss of life has been reported so far. "We have taken all possible relief measures including shelter and food for those displaced," said an official spokesman of Barabanki district administration. Gonda district magistrate, Ram Bahadur said the water level of the river is rising because of release of water from the dams in Nepal. "We have made all arrangements to tackle the situation. However, the next three days will be crucial as there are reports of more rains in Nepal," he said.

Water level of the Ghaghra was rising in Bahraich and Ayodhya as well. The Rapti was rising dangerously in Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharth Nagar and Gorakhpur while the Sharda was in spate in Lakhimpur Kheri.

The Betwa was flowing above normal level in Jalaun and Hamirpur. The Ganga was in spate in Fatehgarh, Kanpur, Kannauj, Rae Bareli, Ballia and Allahabad. The water level of Yamuna was increasing along its route from Mathura, Agra, Etawah to Auraiya, Harmirpur, Banda and Allahabad. The Gomti river was rising in Sitapur, Sultanpur and Jaunpur.

Read In Detail At :- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22261

Flood-induced erosion wreaks havoc in Panchmile

TEZPUR, July 25 – After inundation of a large area in greater Panchmile area by flash floods followingt incessant rains during the last one week, both flood and erosion have posed a serious problem to the residents of the greater area.

People of the area have expressed their strong resentment over the government’s apathy towards the problem, creating a serious threat to more than 25 villages under Sootea, Rangapara and Tezpur LACs including Salonibari Air Force Station, one of India’s most important SSB training centres, Tezpur University and many public properties including schools, madrassas, bridges and so on.

It may be mentioned that the greater area has been facing the serious problem of flood-induced erosion created by Jiabharali river since 1988 and same year the Garshinga Bihiagaon and Tengabasti falling under the greater area were completely washed away by the floodwater of Jiabharali River. In 2000, the same problem was witnessed at Panchmile channel (Panchmile Khuti) where heavy erosion was occurred and many public properties like, Panchmile Higher Secondary School, Panchmile High and ME Madrassas, Panchmile Mahila Samittee hall, Panchmile rest house and a temple had been eroded.

In the same way, the devastating flood and erosion caused by Jiabharali river has been on in Rajgarh, Singitoli, Jothaimari, Borghat, Rajbhoral, Dikoraijan, Kurukani, Samdhora, Tengabasti, Koroini, Saloibeel, Bihiagaon, Garshinga-Bihiagaon area and in a part of Bhumuraguri Hillock where the Koliabhumura bridge exists.

Raed in detail at :- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22209

NGO demands proper relief for flood victims

NGO demands proper relief for flood victims

By our Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, July 24: The NGO Brothers has alleged corruption in the distribution of relief items to people affected by flood in the State this year. General secretary of the NGO, Dibyajyoti Saikia said, “Members of our NGO had visited flood-affected areas in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Kaziranga recently. There is widespread corruption going on in the name of distribution of relief items to flood victims. Fake lists of villages and flood victims are being made. State Water Resources minister Rajiv Lochan Pegu had visited only a few flood-affected areas in Lakhimpur recently. He saw the pitiable condition in which the flood victims are living. But why has he not taken any measures for proper relief and rehabilitation of these people?” The NGO has demanded that the State Government should issue strict orders to the district administration in the flood-affected districts of the State to ensure that there is “no corruption whatsoever in the distribution of relief items” and to ensure that the flood victims get proper medical treatment.

Flood situation grim in UP after release of water from Nepal, Narora

Flood situation grim in UP after release of water from Nepal, Narora

United News of India

Lucknow, July 24, 2011

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The flood situation in Uttar Pradesh has deteriorated following the release of water from Nepal and the Narora dam, threatening the embankments of the rivers flowing through the state.

Several low-lying areas of Gonda, Balrampur, Faizabadand Barabanki have been submerged by the overflowing Ghagra and Saryu rivers.

Nepal has released 2 lakh cusecs of water due to which the Ghagra river has crossed the danger level at Elgin Bridge and at Ayodhya while water level of river Ganga was rising all through its course after 11 lakh cusecs of water was released from Narora dam last night.

A report from Gonda said over 115 villages had been submerged with the water of river Ghagra in Colonelganj and Tarabganj tehsils.

Official sources said 26 flood check posts have been set up while jawans of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) along with boats had been pressed into service to rescue the people.

An official statement from the Flood Control Cell here today said that the water level of Ganga and Yamuna were rising all through its course in UP following the release of 11 lakh cusecs of water last night.

The release said river Ghagra had crossed the danger level at Elgin Bridge and Ayodhya while they would do the same at Turtipar by tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, the weather office here said light rain and thunder showers occured at isolated places in the state.

Source:- http://netindian.in/news/2011/07/24/00014429/flood-situation-grim-after-release-water-nepal-narora

P. Chidambaram Releases Book on Disaster Management in India

P. Chidambaram Releases Book on ‘Disaster Management in India’

Union Home Minister Shri P. Chidambaram released the book on Disaster Management in India prepared by Disaster Management Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs, here today. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chidambaram urged the stakeholders to come together by contributing their knowledge and experience in mitigating disaster in the country. He said that disaster management must become part of the general administration at the district level and first and second response at the ground level in States must be prepared. The Home Minister expressed the hope that the Book will be useful in disseminating knowledge on disasters and disaster management in the country.

http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22193

Warning of climate change’s threat to global security, Ban urges concerted action

Warning of climate change’s threat to global security, Ban urges concerted action

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks to journalists after a Security Council meeting on climate change

20 July 2011 –

Climate change is a real threat to international peace and security, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, urging developed countries to lead the global effort to find ways to mitigate and adapt to it detrimental effects, with emerging economies shouldering their fair share of the responsibility.

“Extreme weather events continue to grow more frequent and intense in rich and poor countries alike, not only devastating lives, but also infrastructure, institutions, and budgets – an unholy brew which can create dangerous security vacuums,” said Mr. Ban, addressing the Security Council’s debate on the impact of climate change on international peace and security.

Mr. Ban noted that the international community had made some progress through agreements reached in Copenhagen and Cancún in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), adding that those pacts formed the foundation for action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enabling all countries to adapt.

“Now we need accelerated operationalization of all the agreements made at Cancún, including on protecting forests, adaptation and technology. Climate finance, the sine qua non for progress, must move from a conceptual discussion to concrete delivery of ‘fast-start’ financing and agreement on sources of long-term financing,” said the Secretary General.

He said the next Conference of Parties to UNFCCC in Durban, South Africa, in December must make a decisive move towards achieving those goals.

Source :- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22195

Assam flood situation grim; rail track washed away

The Assam government on Wednesday sounded an alert in the state in view of the grim flood situation after Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi [ Images ] made an aerial survey of worst affected districts. He also made a survey of flood scene inside Kaziranga National Park.

The swollen Drupromg on Tuesday night submerged village Duprong and washed away the Rangiya-Jonai-Mukongchelek metre gauge rail tracks near Tatibahar station affecting movement of trains to the neighbouring state, official sources said.

The Arunchal Express and other goods trains pass through the railway track, they said. An estimated 2.5 lakh people were affected by the first wave of floods in the state as the Brahmaputra and its principal tributary Subansiri rose above the danger level, fed with incessant rain waters from the Himalayan foothills in Arunachal.

In worst-affected Lakhimpur district, both the rivers were in spate with the Subansiri flowing one metre above the danger level at Silikhagur and Ghonsoraighat, the sources said.

The Gohin river rose menacingly and threatened to breach a dyke and affect the construction work of state's second veterinary college in Lakhimpur district.

Meanwhile, most parts of the two rhino habitats of Kaziranga National Park in Golaghat district and Pobitora Wild Life Sanctuary in Morigaon district near Guwahati were submerged, wildlife department sources said. The animals in both the parks were safe taking shelter in the highlands and round-the-clock patrolling continued against poachers.

Source:- http://cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22189

Hansi-Butana Canal Wall Fearing flood,villagers threaten to go on fast

Hansi-Butana Canal Wall

Fearing floods, villagers threaten to go on fast
Umesh Dewan
Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 17
Fearing floods, residents of several villages along the Hansi-Butana canal embankment on the Punjab-Haryana border, 45-km from here, met today and decided to go on fast in case the government failed to come to their rescue.

Farmers from Dharmheri, Sassi Gujaran, Sassi Thay, Haripur and Hassanpur said all they had seen so far was a war of words between the Congress and SAD-BJP over the issue.

“ While the blame game is on, we do not see anything being done by any party to save the villages from the fury of the floods. We are now planning to sit on an indefinite fast in case the state government fails to find a solution within a week,” said Ripdaman Singh of Haripur. Jaswant Singh Shergill and Pyara Singh of Sassi Gujaran village said nobody seemed bothered about the plight of the families living in constant fear of floods.

Source:- http://www.cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22167

Hansi-Butana Canal Wall Fearing flood,villagers threaten to go on fast

Hansi-Butana Canal Wall

Fearing floods, villagers threaten to go on fast
Umesh Dewan
Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 17
Fearing floods, residents of several villages along the Hansi-Butana canal embankment on the Punjab-Haryana border, 45-km from here, met today and decided to go on fast in case the government failed to come to their rescue.

Farmers from Dharmheri, Sassi Gujaran, Sassi Thay, Haripur and Hassanpur said all they had seen so far was a war of words between the Congress and SAD-BJP over the issue.

“ While the blame game is on, we do not see anything being done by any party to save the villages from the fury of the floods. We are now planning to sit on an indefinite fast in case the state government fails to find a solution within a week,” said Ripdaman Singh of Haripur. Jaswant Singh Shergill and Pyara Singh of Sassi Gujaran village said nobody seemed bothered about the plight of the families living in constant fear of floods.

Source:- http://www.cdrn.org.in/show.detail.asp?id=22167