HADR Institute Global Disaster Snapshot - Edition 023

Welcome to this new edition of the HADRI GDS (023), 4th - 10th September 2023.

Thank you for reading and subscribing! Please feel free to reach out with requests or suggestions.

A short reminder too that we are fundraising both via crowdfunding and sponsorships. Whether you can contribute or share with your networks, please stand with us and let’s make a difference together!

This report includes analyses on:

1️⃣ Indonesia | Air quality impacted amidst wildfires

2️⃣ China | Flooding after typhoon Haikui

3️⃣ Morocco | Earthquake takes thousands of lives

4️⃣ Europe | Rain, flooding in Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey

1. Indonesia | Air quality impacted by wildfires (September 05, 23)

Wildfires in Indonesia are continuing to burn as the country faces an incredibly dry period. There have been 64 hotspots in Sumatra on the 4th of September and 70 hotspots on the 5th. The wildfires are igniting amid an increase in temperature and aridity owing to El Nino. Almost 3,000 hectares in central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) have been burned this year alone. The drier climate increases the risk of peatland and vegetation fires, although there is risk that pesticides could further toxify air quality as plantations face the blaze.

2. China | Flooding follows typhoon Haikui (September 07, 23)

Typhoon Haikui was downgraded to a tropical storm shortly after making landfall at China’s east coast on the morning of 5 September 2023. However, its relentless heavy rainfall, which is expected to continue until at least 8 September, has caused severe flooding in China’s Fujian province. As reported on 6 September, the volume of rain brought by Haikui has surpassed the amount brought by Typhoon Doksuri in late July. Reports indicate that at least 2 people have died in the resulting floods, whilst more than 36,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Approximately 2,500 homes have been damaged in the floods and almost 10,000 hectares of farmland have been affected, resulting in severe crop damage.

3. Morocco | Earthquake claims thousands of lives (September 08, 23)

On 8 September 2023, Morocco was struck by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake. As of the 9 September, the death toll has reportedly reached over 2000 with an additional 2059 people injured. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported the epicentre of the earthquake to be approximately 72 kilometres (44.7 miles) southwest of Marrakech. The majority of deaths and injuries have been reported in the city of Marrakech, as well as significant damage to infrastructure, inclusive of UNESCO listed world heritage sites. The provinces of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant have also reportedly been impacted. Access to remote mountain villages is reportedly limited due to boulder-strewn roads.

4. Europe | Flooding in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria (September 08, 23)

Storm Daniel has hit parts of Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria earlier in the week triggering flooding that has caused over ten deaths. This comes only days after a deadly wildfire was brought under control in the north of Greece. Citizens that have been impacted by the storm in Bulgaria have been warned not to drink tap water due to contamination from the floods. In Istanbul, heavy rain flooded streets has resulted in at least two dead. Across the three countries there have been at least 16 deaths with more expected.

Access the full Global Disaster Snapshot by clicking the button below:

📣 Event report

We're excited to share the conclusion of several months of intense technical advice and mentoring for the Australian Crisis Simulation Summit. This past week, delegates stepped into the shoes of government department officials, tackling everything from food insecurity and humanitarian crises to disaster relief, cyber threats, and innovative tech challenges.

Focus: Empowering young professionals with real-world skills. The HADR Institute was all about imparting practical skill sets, enabling teams to handle intricate situations seamlessly.

HADR Institute would like to particularly acknowledge:
Ryan Zabik, our stellar Brisbane Hub coordinator.
Hannah Koorockin, the powerhouse behind ACSS crisis operations.
BJ Pearce CSM, the mentorship maestro in Canberra, bringing his experience from the ADF to support delegates. And of course, the enthusiastic and professional Brisbane Delegates!

👩‍🚒 How HADRI can help you/your organization

The HADR Institute has a broad number of contributors, with over 40 active members of diverse backgrounds and expertise. We can provide a range of services and analyses to on-the-ground organizations, NGOs and governments.

Access and read our capability statement here.

The HADR Institute publishes the Global Disaster Snapshot on a weekly basis. If professionals in your network would benefit from reading it, feel free to forward it to them and invite them to subscribe. If this email has been forwarded to you, subscribe through the button below to ensure you receive this weekly update.