Category: Earth/Climate science

Why it is Difficult to Deliver Earthquake Relief Aid to Syria

Why it is Difficult to Deliver Earthquake Relief Aid to Syria

Why it is Difficult to Deliver Earthquake Relief Aid to Syria

02/13/23

“Why is it difficult to deliver earthquake relief aid to Syria?”

The Northwestern Syrian province of Idlib has been a warzone for over a decade now. The Assad regime and Russia’s bombing campaigns have forced over 4.1 million Syrian civilians to flee to this patch of rebel-held territory. The recent (as of writing) earthquake has only made matters worse. While there is a strong desire to send aid, delivering it is greatly difficult. Why is this so?

To understand, we need to learn a bit about the ongoing civil war and genocide in Syria. The Assad regime considers any international aid being brought from other countries such as Türkiye to be a violation of its sovereignty. Currently, there is only one border pass, Bab al-Hawa, where aid is allowed to flow through. The Assad regime’s backers, Russia and China, have used their veto powers at the U.N. Security Council to block more aid routes into Syria from Türkiye.

When the earthquake struck, the road through the crossing border was severely damaged. This is Why it is Difficult to Deliver Earthquake Relief Aid to Syria. With the cold winter in place, please make a donation to the Syrian White Helmets.

Why Türkiye is Incredibly Prone to Earthquakes

Why Türkiye is Incredibly Prone to Earthquakes

Why Türkiye is Incredibly Prone to Earthquakes

02/12/23

“Why is Türkiye incredibly prone to earthquakes?”

The nation of Türkiye holds many geographic wonders. From the high coasts of the black seas to the straights of the Bosphorus to the caves of Kappadokia, there’s always something to behold. But how did it get this way? Well, it all has to do with the fact that the nation sits mostly within one tectonic plate (the Anatolian plate) that’s squished between the major Eurasian and African plates and the more minor Arabian plate. Earthquakes happen when these plates get unstuck from friction from one another. Given the many plate boundaries, it’s clear Why Türkiye is Incredibly Prone to Earthquakes.

Türkiye’s Earthquake Tax

Türkiye’s Earthquake Tax

Türkiye’s Earthquake Tax

02/11/23

“Why does Türkiye have a special earthquake tax and how can you help recovery efforts?”

In 1999, a devastating earthquake near Istanbul claimed the lives of more than 17,000 people in Türkiye. To fund future recovery work, the government introduced a special earthquake tax called the Special Communications Tax. By charging a fee on the use of internet and mobile phone telecommunications, Türkiye’s Earthquake Tax has raised (adjusted for inflation) over $36 billion in a fund.

As of writing, there is no strong signal that the Erdoğan regime is using this funding for recovery work. To make a difference, please make a donation to ahbap, the Syrian White Helmets and the Anatolian Arts Institute Earthquake Relief Fund. My friends are also connecting donations through the venmo account @earthquake-relief.

The 2023 Türkiye–Syria Earthquake

The 2023 Türkiye–Syria Earthquake

The 2023 Türkiye–Syria Earthquake

02/08/23

“What happened in the 2023 Türkiye–Syria earthquake?”

On February 6th at 04:17 am Istanbul time, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Southern Türkiye and Northwestern Syria. The event was so strong that it caused structural damage as far away as Cyprus and Israel. Multiple aftershocks followed that only wreaked more devastation. This was the most deadly earthquake recorded since the 2011 Japan Earthquake that ruptured the Fukushima reactor.  

As of writing, the death toll has surpassed 11,000 and is rapidly rising. Many of these fatalities are due to the pulverization of infrastructure caused by the Syrian Civil War and corruption in the Erdoğan regime. Many civilians are still trapped under the rubble in brutal cold and need help with rescue. To help the victims of the The 2023 Türkiye–Syria Earthquake, please send donations to the Syrian White Helmets and the Turkish AKUT Search and Rescue Association.

Why Rainwater System Operators Should Consider Installing Purification Systems

Why Rainwater System Operators Should Consider Installing Purification Systems

Why Rainwater System Operators Should Consider Installing Purification Systems

02/06/23

“Why should rainwater system operators consider installing purification systems?”

Rainwater systems can collect water from natural events to be stored for later use. However, these systems may be vulnerable to contamination, whether it be from waste, air pollution, or living organisms. If left untreated, this water can seriously harm anyone who drinks it. If the system operator intends for this water to be potable, then a purification system will go a long way in making it safe. This is Why Rainwater System Operators Should Consider Installing Purification Systems.

Why Power Shut-Offs From Heat Waves Can Lead to Public Health Crises

Why Power Shut-Offs From Heat Waves Can Lead to Public Health Crises

Why Power Shut-Offs From Heat Waves Can Lead to Public Health Crises

02/05/23

“Why can power shut-offs from heat waves lead to public health crises?”

Heat waves are major public health problems. The intense temperatures can lead to mass dehydration, strokes, and even death. Electricity usage spikes during heat waves. If there is not enough supply to meet demand, then power shut-offs can ensue. Such events further exacerbate the public health crisis, whether it be air conditioners not working to hospitals and water filtration systems shutting down. Loss of functioning infrastructure reduces regional capacity to deal with heat waves, starting an intense domino effect of catastrophes. This is Why Power Shut-Offs From Heat Waves Can Lead to Public Health Crises.

Why Virtual Reality First Responder Training Can Reduce Injuries

Why Virtual Reality First Responder Training Can Reduce Injuries

Why Virtual Reality First Responder Training Can Reduce Injuries

02/04/23

“Why can virtual reality first responder training reduce injuries?”

First responders are the backbone of disaster assistance. However, training for the dangerous scenarios they must face provides a unique challenge. Either they must prepare by performing dangerous maneuvers and risk getting injured or do toned-down training but make themselves more liable for mishaps in the field. 

So how can we get around this? Well, one solution may come through virtual reality training. With virtual reality, complex situations can be simulated without exposing trainees to injury. This will make them prepared to take on any challenge without getting hurt. This is Why Virtual Reality First Responder Training Can Reduce Injuries.

Town Flood Evacuations

Town Flood Evacuations

Town Flood Evacuations

02/03/23

“What happens when an entire town has to evacuate from a flood?”

Floods are devastating natural disasters. If the force is too powerful and mitigation efforts are not sufficient, then entire towns can become flooded. To prevent colossal loss of life, the entire town may have to be evacuated before a floods hits. Emergency response professionals and urban planners are typically involved in putting together plans for these events. Town Flood Evacuations may be short-term if the flood is only moderate or long-term (possibly permanent) if the entire town becomes destroyed.

How Hospitals Can Use Weather Prediction to Determine When to Ramp up Capacity

How Hospitals Can Use Weather Prediction to Determine When to Ramp up Capacity

How Hospitals Can Use Weather Prediction to Determine When to Ramp up Capacity

02/01/23

“How can hospitals use weather prediction to determine when they should increase capacity?”

Extreme weather events can lead to more people checking into hospitals. Whether it be dehydration from heat waves or frostbite from cold snaps, medical institutions are almost guaranteed to see more activity. Since measures to accompany this increased demand may take time to set up, hospitals can look to weather predictions to understand when they have to act.This can be combined with other information such as celebration of local holidays to make even more accurate preparations. If implemented correctly, hospitals can better channel their resources to people in need and save lives. This is How Hospitals Can Use Weather Predictions to Determine When to Ramp up Capacity.