The Stream, November 13: Deadly Earthquake Shakes Iraq-Iran Border, Cuts Water and Electricity
The Global Rundown
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake strikes the Iran-Iraq border, killing at least 140 people and damaging water and electricity lines in several villages. Authorities in New Delhi, India, announce plans to spray water over the city as toxic smog continues to disrupt daily life and sickens thousands in South Asia. In southern California, 12 people fall ill with Legionnaires disease, including nine who recently visited Disneyland. A report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that drinking water contamination caused hundreds of illnesses and 13 deaths in recent years. As climate change threatens coastlines, the Netherlands’ flood prevention technology becomes a lucrative export.
“The quake was felt in several Iranian provinces bordering Iraq … Eight villages were damaged … Electricity has been cut in some villages and rescue teams have been dispatched to those areas.” –Iranian state TV, in reference to a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Iraq near the Iraq-Iran border on Sunday evening. Several deaths and injuries have been reported, as well as damage to water and electricity infrastructure. The Independent
By The Numbers
$1.16 billion Amount that the Netherlands, a perennially flood-prone country, sets aside each year to maintain and strengthen the country’s dikes and levees. Dutch water expertise and technology is becoming increasingly valuable as climate change increases the likelihood of flooding in other seaside nations. ABC News
9 Number of guests or employees at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, who have fallen ill with Legionnaires disease, prompting the theme park to shut down two water cooling towers which could potentially transmit the Legionella bacteria. Three other people in the area also contracted the respiratory illness. Reuters
Science, Studies, And Reports
From 2013-2014, contaminated drinking water caused 42 disease outbreaks across 19 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreaks, which were caused largely by Legionella bacteria, various parasites, chemicals, or toxic algal blooms, led to over 1,000 cases of illness and 13 deaths. The report did not include lead contamination. CNN
On The Radar
Thick smog continues to blanket parts of South Asia, including the cities of New Delhi, India, and Lahore, Pakistan. Almost 15,000 people have been hospitalized with acute respiratory infections and other pollution-related illnesses in and around Lahore. In India, New Delhi authorities prepare to spray water over the city in a bid to minimize the toxic smog. Reuters
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
