The report investigates the broad concept of the economics of drought management, provides a conceptual, two-tier framework for the assessment of proactive and reactive actions, and disseminates case studies
Tremors resulting from the huge earthquake in China yesterday, which has claimed more than 10,000 lives, were felt all the way here in Maldives, Department of Meteorology has said. Fathmath Fairooza, a Geological Observer at the Department of Meteorology, said that the effects of the 7.82 magnitude earthquake in China 4300km away was felt in Maldives as a tremor of magnitude 3 on the Richter scale. "The effects of the earthquake were felt in Shanghai in China and Bangkok in Thailand also,' she said. "The tremor was recorded by the sensors at Hanimaadhoo.'
President Hu Jintao on Monday ordered large-scale efforts to help those affected by the earthquake that jolted Wenchuan County of south-west China's Sichuan Province on Monday. Mr. Hu directed local authorities to rescue the injured as soon as possible and to ensure the safety of people in the quake-hit areas. Premier Wen Jiabao flew into Sichuan on Monday to oversee rescue work.
Monday's deadly earthquake occurred on a fault where South Asia pushes against the Eurasian landmass, smashing the Sichuan plain into mountains leading to the Tibetan highlands. Worst affected were four counties including the quake's epicenter in Wenchuan, 60 miles northwest of Chengdu. Landslides left roads impassable Tuesday, causing the government to order soldiers into the area on foot, state television said. Heavy rain prevented four military helicopters from landing.
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda sent a message Monday to Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao saying that Japan is prepared to offer every support to quake-hit China if necessary, the Foreign Ministry said. In the message conveyed through the Japanese Embassy in China, Fukuda also expressed sympathy over the damage caused by the powerful earthquake in western China, it said.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has procured machinery worth Rs 950 lakhs to cope up with situations arising out of natural or man-made disasters. The purchase was made after the committee, headed by MCD commissioner, suggested that the procurement of the machinery is necessary to deal with disaster management. The committee also comprised of other senior member of the MCD, including engineering-in-chief, all chief engineers and director vigilance.
Typhoon Rammasun moved northeastwardly off the coast of eastern Japan in the Pacific on Tuesday morning while causing high waves but losing its strength, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. The season's second typhoon, generating winds of up to 126 kilometers per hour, was located about 240 kilometers southeast of Hachijo Island in the Izu island chain and was moving at around 35 kph as of 3 p.m. The island lies about 300 km south of Tokyo. The tropical cyclone is expected to be downgraded to an extratropical depression Tuesday night.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao described a powerful earthquake that struck southwest China on Monday as a "major disaster", and called for calm. "(When) facing (a) disaster, the most important thing is calm, confidence, courage and strong leadership," said Mr Wen, talking to China's CCTV television station on a flight to quake-hit areas. The 7.8-magnitude quake, which hit Wenchuan County in the southwestern province of Sichuan shortly before 2.30 pm, left at least 107 people dead and hundreds injured, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.
The European Union offered assistance to China on Monday following the massive earthquake that struck the southwestern province of Sichuan, saying information from the region was "worrying". The European Union was closely monitoring the situation, a statement said, quoting commissioner for development and humanitarian aid Louis Michel. "The initial news from Sichuan is worrying," Mr Michel said. "Actual information is very sketchy but it seems likely that the quake has caused substantial damage over a considerable area, and there are already reports of some loss of life.
Bush sent condolences to the victims of a massive earthquake in central China on Monday and said the United States was ready to help in any way possible. "I am particularly saddened by the number of students and children affected by this tragedy," Mr Bush said in a statement released by the White House. He said the thoughts and prayers of the American people were with the Chinese people "especially those directly affected."
Over 8,000 people were feared killed
