The Stream, October 2: Indonesia Earthquake Cuts Water to Palu, City of 380,000

The Global Rundown

Water is cut off to Palu, Indonesia, where a major earthquake and tsunami struck over the weekend. Drought-driven economic losses could double in China if global temperatures continue to rise. Plans to expand a dump in Queensland, Australia, will likely lead to long-term water contamination, a study warns. Monsoon rains in India were 9 percent below average this year, despite heavy rainfall in many areas. Florida officials confirm that the deadly “red ride” has spread to the state’s Atlantic coast. Residents of the Southwest United States brace for rain and flash flooding as Tropical Storm Rosa makes landfall.

“There has been no help from the government. We’ve got no water. We’re trying to get whatever we can from the pipes.” –Ruslan, a resident of Palu, Indonesia, in reference to the lack of running water following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Palu on Friday. The quake, which also triggered a 20-foot tsunami, has left 844 people dead as of Monday evening. Reuters

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By The Numbers

12 million People in the southwestern United States who face possible flash flooding from Tropical Storm Rosa. The storm was forecast to make landfall late Monday along Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Flood watches are in effect in several major U.S. cities, including Phoenix, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Salt Lake City, Utah. USA Today

15 million tonnes Amount of salt and other waste that will potentially be deposited near the Stockyard Creek if a dump in Queensland, Australia, moves forward with a planned expansion. The waste would sit within 100 meters of the creek, and researchers say there is a “considerable” chance that the waste would cause future water contamination. The Guardian

Science, Studies, And Reports

A recent economic assessment by Chinese scientists found that the country’s economic losses due to drought will likely double if global temperatures rise by 1.5°C to 2.0°C (2.7°F to 3.6°F). Currently, about 20 percent of China’s weather-related economic losses are caused by drought. Phys.org

On The Radar

Florida’s red tide, which has killed scores of marine life along the state’s Gulf Coast in the past year, has now spread to the Atlantic coast. According to officials, the phenomenon is very rarely seen along the state’s Atlantic coast, and can be influenced by sunlight, winds, and nutrients in the water. Miami Herald

Spotlight: India

Follow The Stream for daily coverage on India’s water crisis.

Overall, India’s monsoon season ended with a 9 percent rainfall deficit, despite torrential rains in several states. The shortfall was mainly due to below-average rains in northeast India, which experienced a 24 percent deficit in rainfall. Deccan Herald

Kayla Ritter

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