HADR Institute Global Disaster Snapshot - Edition 022

Welcome to this new edition of the HADRI GDS (022), 28 - 3 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 United States | Hurricane Idalia strikes Florida’s Gulf Coast.

2️⃣ China | Typhoon Saola makes landfall in Guangdong province.

3️⃣ Gabon | Military coup adds to destabilization in the Sahel.

1. United States | Hurricane Idalia Barrels Through Florida (August 30, 23)

Hurricane Idalia struck Florida’s Gulf Coast, unleashing torrential downpours and strong 200 km/h winds. The hurricane is reported to have hit landfall at Keaton Beach in Florida’s Big Bend region. After impacting Florida, the hurricane reportedly weakened as its trajectory turned towards southeastern Georgia and North and South Carolina. According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, Hurricane Idalia reached Category 3, considered a major hurricane due to its potential for devastating destruction. As of 1st September, zero deaths have been reported from the storm in Florida, however two people have died in car accidents due to poor conditions.

2. China | Typhoon Saola's impact felt in the Philippines, Hong Kong and the Guangdong Coast (September 01, 23)

Typhoon Saola has made landfall in the Guangdong province, Southern China on Saturday, 2nd September with reports indicating that one person has been killed and many areas are flooding. The typhoon left a trail of destruction in the Philippines, as reports indicate that monsoon rains and severe flooding have damaged more than 100 houses, displaced nearly 50,000 people and affected approximately 196,000.

In response to Typhoon Saola, China has issued its highest typhoon warning for the Guangdong province whilst Hong Kong has raised its storm signal from T8 to T10, the cities highest level. The forecasted heavy rain and strong winds are expected to cause flooding in the region, particularly to low-lying coastal areas.

3. Gabon | Sahel destabilisation continues with military coup (September 01, 23)

Four days after presidential elections, Gabon Army officers staged a coup, dissolving the county’s institutions. This is the 9th military coup in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2020 and continues the destabilisation of the democracies in the region. Gabon has since been suspended from the African Union, however citizens of Gabon are reportedly celebrating the removal of the Bongo family power from the head of the country. Ali Bongo remains under house arrest and General Brice Oligui Nguema has been named as his replacement. It is likely that there will be some opposition to the appointment of General Brice Oligui Nguema as the new President due to the Opposition Leader proclaiming that the man has his own familial connections to the Bongo family.

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

📣 Event report

On August 31st, HADR Institute CEO Mitch King took part in a significant event Organized in collaboration with Young Australians in International Affairs, 350 Pacific Climate Warriors, and Square Circle. This workshop aimed to unite and engage young people passionate about safeguarding future generations from the repercussions of climate change.

The primary focus of the workshop was to understand how the insights of these young individuals, being the future leaders of the Pacific Islands and Australia, can be integrated into policy making and actions to tackle this threat more effectively. The topics of discussion Included:

• Personal experiences with the effects of climate change.

• The level of support and protection felt from local to national decision-makers.

• Strategies for regional collaboration to address climate threats and necessary policy changes.

• Tailoring climate policies to meet the demands of the youth in Australia and the Pacific Islands.

• Ways for the youth of the region to collaborate and understand the climate threat better.

• Achievements in terms of positive progress at the community level.

• Global sustainability and resilience projects that serve as inspiration and their potential implementation in local communities.

• Personal visions and definitions of climate resilience.

The HADR Institute was honoured to partner with our friends at Young Australians in International Affairs as part of this event. We’d also like to acknowledge HADR Institute Pacific Region analyst, Georgina Richardson, who participated as a guide for the workshop discussions.

🌴 Tonga and climate impact

This video created by HADR Institute member Hannah Stoios, currently on assignment with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Tonga, aims to underline some of the climate risks the island nation faces, while also gaining an insight on the personal impact of irregular weather events. This video was made to support the Climate Workshop with Young Australians in International Affairs.

You can watch the video here.

👩‍🚒 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.