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AlertsUpdated
Information and Actions Needed to Protect !
Pakistan Earthquake -- Latest update 16
January 2006 |
Landslides continue to threaten populations and relief efforts in this earthquake-stricken region. Care must be taken as aftershocks can trigger more landslides at any time.
Shelter and food are still desperately needed by thousands of people living in the high mountain regions of northern Pakistan. But starvation and exposure are only part of the dangers they face during and after the relief effort.
Above: Confluence of the Muir Glacier (left) and Riggs Glacier (right fork) at Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, USA in 1941. Photo: William Field, U.S. Geological Survey Below: Same scene in 2004. Note that the Muir Glacier has now disappeared from view. Many parts of the world face losing their major source of fresh water as glaciers disappear. How does that affect you? Photo by glaciologist Bruce Molnia
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THE
DANGER FROM PAKISTAN'S EARTHQUAKE IS NOT OVER The World Conservation Union (IUCN), the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and CARE International warn against further risks from environmental hazards in Northern Pakistan The worst earthquake in Pakistan's history has killed an estimated 58,000 people, wounded another 77,000 and spread devastation over nearly 30,000 square kilometers, as well as leaving at least 3.5 million people homeless. Rescue and reconstruction efforts have been seriously complicated by the quake's destruction of communications networks and roads. The World Conservation Union, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and CARE International warn now that many more people may die unless the aid organizations pay attention to the environmental hazards resulting from the quake. The imminent onset of brutal winter conditions makes getting shelter and supplies to isolated quake victims at high altitudes an urgent priority, but in the rush to beat the winter deadline, it is important not to forget the ongoing dangers resulting from the quake. These include Aftershocks, Landslides, Disease, Debris, and Deforestation. Among the many groups that mobilized to send relief, The American Alpine Club (AAC) and international freight-forwarder DHL combined efforts to help victims in the most remote mountain areas affected. AAC members organized a campaign to collect and expedite over 12 tons of warm clothing, boots, tents, and sleeping bags to this region. In addition, over $30,000US was raised from members to provide needed medicines and other supplies for the earthquake victims. These items were delivered via DHL services and distributed by AAC members who live and work in that region such as Greg Mortenson of the Central Asia Foundation. These
sites provide updates on this effort and ways you can help: Learn more about these issues in the following Updates forwarded by Mountains Network Member Ms. Nikhat Sattar, Head of Emerging and Emergency Programmes of the Strategic Planning Team of IUCN Asia Programme in Karachi. UPDATES
January
16, 2006 December
21, 2005 December
21, 2005 December
21, 2005 |
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EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING PROVIDE STRIKING EVIDENCE: GLACIERS ARE VANISHING Many huge glaciers of the world are receding dramatically, especially those in the Arctic region. Here is a dramatic photo comparison which clearly demonstrates the magnitude of change. Read Melting Alaska Makes the Front Page in the Alaska Science Forum, December 30, 2004. The Mountain PA Network is helping protected area managers and stakeholders learn more about melting glaciers and the impacts they are presenting to societies and ecosystems. Plans are in the works to develop ways to help PA managers and stakeholders react effectively to these changes. What
can you do? |
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