The Stream, August 9: Flooding in Thailand and Vietnam Kills Dozens
The Global Rundown
Floods in northern Vietnam killed 26 and caused an estimated $41 million in damage over the past week. Farmers in Thailand, which was also hit by recent flooding, will receive $48 million in relief. Officials in Hong Kong close more than a dozen beaches as congealed palm oil washes ashore. Tropical Storm Franklin brings heavy rains to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. A new proposal in Sacramento, California could permanently limit watering days to once or twice a week. Scientists worry that Trump will dismiss a draft report on climate change which concludes that Americans are already feeling the effects of global warming.
“We are fixing roads, water systems and other infrastructure to make sure people can resettle.” –The Vietnamese Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control in reference to rebuilding attempts after flooding washed away hundreds of homes in northern Vietnam. Twenty-six people were killed and 15 remain missing. Reuters
By The Numbers
1,000 Tonnes of palm oil that spilled into the ocean near Hong Kong on Thursday. Since then, officials have closed a total of 13 beaches due to congealed, foul-smelling oil clumps washing ashore. The oil is non-toxic but Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department is testing water samples from the beaches as a precautionary measure. Reuters
560,000 Number of Thai farming households that will receive aid from a $48 million flood relief package. The funds were approved Tuesday by the Thai government after recent flooding devastated 700,000 hectares of farmland. Twenty-nine people were killed by the deluge. Reuters
Science, Studies, And Reports
A draft report by scientists from 13 federal agencies concludes that every corner of the United States has been impacted by climate change, and estimates that the average annual temperature in the United States will increase by 5.0 to 7.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the next 75 years. Although the report has not been officially released to the public, the 673-page draft was leaked amid fears that the Trump administration would squelch the report’s findings. The New York Times
On The Radar
Residents of Sacramento, California have been limited to twice-a-week yard watering in an attempt to assuage drought conditions. Now, the drought is over, but a new proposal could permanently restrict watering to two days per week. If approved, the water conservation measures would be implemented next March. KCRA
Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Franklin are pelting Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. The storm appears to be weakening but is expected to regain strength on Wednesday and make landfall on Thursday, which could cause flash floods and mudslides in central Mexico. ABC News
Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter
