7 of 10 SINKING & TILTING; India: 36 people were killed and 50 others went missing in floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and JK! Philippines: Week-long floods kill 45, affected 858,534!

[Stanislav]

India TILTING & BACKWASHING:

/ Over 36 people were killed and 50 others went missing on Saturday after flash floods battered Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. /

/ In one of the worst natural disasters to have struck North-India, at least 30 people were feared dead and over 50 missing in the flash floods that swept through Uttarakhand since Friday night. /

/ Over 30 feared dead in flash floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal and J-K
At least 30 people are feared dead and dozen others reported missing as flash floods battered the north Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. As many as 40 people, including 19 labourers at a project, are missing after flash floods and cloud bursts ravaged Uttarakhand. The government on Sunday asked the ITBP, police and army for help. Twelve people have already died in the calamity in , said officials.

The government asked the army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and state police to search for the 19 labourers who went missing at a hydel project in Assi Ganga in Uttarkashi, about 180 km from here, late Saturday, officials said. The government also confirmed the death of 12 people, including three children, in the flash floods, cloud bursts and incessant rains that have ravaged the sub-Himalayan state. Hundreds of people were trapped in various places in Jammu as heavy rains continued on Sunday, triggering landslides and posing a threat to many villages with rivers flowing close to the danger mark. About 50 people were rescued, officials said. /

Philippines SINKING:

/ THE death toll from week-long floods in the Philippines caused by a typhoon has risen to 45, authorities said. Monsoon rains continued to pound large parts of the country while some areas in Manila and surrounding towns remained knee-deep in floodwater, the civil defence office said. Typhoon Saola did not hit the Philippines directly but passed near its northeast, causing storm surges from Manila Bay that swamped parts of the capital. /

/ The death toll from Typhoon Gener (international codename Saola) and the southwest monsoon has reached 45, the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday, August 5. In a situation report issued at 5:30 a.m., the NDRRMC said the typhoon left 45 people dead, 35 injured and 6 missing in various parts of the country. NDRRMC said that a total of 72 roads, five bridges, and 7,459 houses were damaged due to heavy rains, floods, and landslides caused by the typhoon. NDRRMC also reported that a total of 84 incidents occurred in various parts of the country, mostly caused by maritime incidents and flooding, and affected 190,196 families in 35 provinces.
The following areas were declared under state of calamity:

* Navotas City
* Bulacan (Obando)
* Laguna (Mabitac)
* Cavite (Bacoor, Tanza, Ternate, Rosario, Kawit, Naic, Noveleta, and Cavite City)
* Batangas (San Luis and Lemery)
* Occidental Mindoro (San Jose)
* Negros Occidntal (Valladolid)
* Pangasinan (Brgys. Hacienda, Portic and Cayanga in Bugallon)
* Antique (Lauan and Culasi) /

/ The death toll from the effects of typhoon “Gener” that was enhanced by a low pressure area and southwest monsoon climbed to 46, while the number of affected population reached 858,534 as of Sunday morning. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that as of press time, 31 areas mostly in Central Luzon remain flooded. Six people remain missing, the NDRRMC said. /

--------------------------------------

India:

Over 30 feared dead in flash floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal and J-K

At least 30 people are feared dead and dozen others reported missing as flash floods battered the north Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

As many as 40 people, including 19 labourers at a project, are missing after flash floods and cloud bursts ravaged Uttarakhand. The government on Sunday asked the ITBP, police and army for help.

Twelve people have already died in the calamity in , said officials.

The government asked the army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and state police to search for the 19 labourers who went missing at a hydel project in Assi Ganga in Uttarkashi, about 180 km from here, late Saturday, officials said.

The government also confirmed the death of 12 people, including three children, in the flash floods, cloud bursts and incessant rains that have ravaged the sub-Himalayan state.

Rain continues in Jammu

Hundreds of people were trapped in various places in Jammu as heavy rains continued on Sunday, triggering landslides and posing a threat to many villages with rivers flowing close to the danger mark. About 50 people were rescued, officials said.

Evacuation efforts were on in villages of Akhnoor area, about 50 km northwest of Jammu, as the Chenab river touched the danger mark.

Amongst those rescued were 26 people trapped in Kathua district due to flash floods Saturday night. They were rescued with the help of police and the army.

Deputy Commissioner Kathua Zahida Khan said: "Twenty-six people, mostly from Gujjar families, were trapped at several places in the flood-hit Ujh. With the help of the police, the army and the civil defence volunteers the people were rescued.

"Near Kot Punnu and Khagial, boats were used by the army."

Over a dozen people were rescued from Samba district where the Basantar river flooded its banks.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/flash-floods-in-uttarakhand-hima...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Over 36 dead in flash floods in Himalayan region

Dehradun: Over 36 people were killed and 50 others went missing on Saturday after flash floods battered Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

In the worst-hit Uttarakhand, 34 people, including two children and three firefighters, were killed.

The floods flattened several of homes in Uttarkashi and Chamoli districts of the state. With scores of pilgrims stranded, Chardham yatra has been suspended to all the four shrines.

A cloudburst in the middle of Friday night triggered landslides and flash floods. The cloudburst swept away a dozen bridges and a large chunk of the Gangotri national highway.

The Uttarakhand government has sounded a high alert across the state after the MET department predicted more heavy rains. The state government sought the help of the Army for carrying out the rescue and relief operations. ITBP and state disaster management forces are currently involved in rescue operations.

The Uttarakhand government has launched a manhunt to trace missing people.

In Himachal Pradesh, two people were reportedly killed in flash floods caused by heavy rains in Manali area of Kullu district.

Several vital bridges and large stretches of roads were washed away in the floods caused by heavy rains in Manali.

Border Roads Organisation personnel, with the help of local authorities, were providing relief to the affected people.

In Jammu and Kashmir, water level in Chenab, Tawi, Ujh and Basantar rivers are nearing the danger mark.

Twenty-two people trapped in flash floods in Kathua and Jammu districts were safely rescued by police and locals. A flash flood alert has been sounded in Jammu region.

http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/over-36-dead-in-flash-floods-i...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Torrential Rains in Uttarakhand: 30 Feared Dead in Flash Floods

In one of the worst natural disasters to have struck North-India, at least 30 people were feared dead and over 50 missing in the flash floods that swept through Uttarakhand since Friday night.

The unrelenting rains have been pounding the Uttarakhand state, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir for the last few days. Massive landslides and flash floods were also triggered, bringing normalcy in the states to an indefinite halt.

Three officials of the fire brigade and two children were amongst the others who were killed in the floods. The children died in a roof collapse, while the flash floods washed away another child in Pokhri area. Three firemen were also swept away by the floods after the Gangotri Bridge collapsed.

Heavy landslides have blocked the main highways, mainly those that lead to Badrinath. Reports suggested that the fresh landslides have left hundreds of pilgrims stranded in Patalganga, Lambagar and Birahi.

The pilgrims' tour to Gangori and Yamunotri remained disrupted for the straight second day on Saturday. Officials are evacuating the inhabitants of Gangori area in Uttarkashi as the holy river Bhagirathi is reportedly overflowing and crossing the danger level.  

Reports said that the government has asked for army interventions in carrying out rescue operations as the MET forecasted that the heavy rains would continue to pound the state for several more days.

Disaster Management and Mitigation Centre was put on high alert following a forecast that suggests heavy rains to come in the next two days. Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has directed officials to immediately undertake rescue operations and personally look into the calamity, a source said.

The source also said that the state government has temporarily closed the annual Chardham Yatra pilgrimage owing to the number of deaths caused by the unrelenting rains and flash floods since Friday. 

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/370448/20120805/uttarakhand-flash...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Philippines:

'Gener' death toll at 45, damages reach P339.81-M

MANILA, Philippines - The death toll from Typhoon Gener (international codename Saola) and the southwest monsoon has reached 45, the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday, August 5.

In a situation report issued at 5:30 a.m., the NDRRMC said the typhoon left 45 people dead, 35 injured and 6 missing in various parts of the country.

NDRRMC said that a total of 72 roads, five bridges, and 7,459 houses were damaged due to heavy rains, floods, and landslides caused by the typhoon.

The cost of damages left by the bad weather condition are as follows:

    * infrastructure - P111.56 million
    * private properties - P500,000
    * agriculture lands - P222.75 million


NDRRMC also reported that a total of 84 incidents occurred in various parts of the country, mostly caused by maritime incidents and flooding, and affected 190,196 families in 35 provinces.

The following areas were declared under state of calamity:

    * Navotas City
    * Bulacan (Obando)
    * Laguna (Mabitac)
    * Cavite (Bacoor, Tanza, Ternate, Rosario, Kawit, Naic, Noveleta, and Cavite City)
    * Batangas (San Luis and Lemery)
    * Occidental Mindoro (San Jose)
    * Negros Occidntal (Valladolid)
    * Pangasinan (Brgys. Hacienda, Portic and Cayanga in Bugallon)
    * Antique (Lauan and Culasi)


Gener battered the country early this week and left the Philippine area of responsibility on August 2. The effects of the typhoon in the country were enhanced by the strong southwest monsoon and a Low Pressure Area spotted on August 3. - Rappler.com

http://www.rappler.com/nation/9834-gener-death-toll-reaches-45

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Week-long floods in the Philippines kill 45

THE death toll from week-long floods in the Philippines caused by a typhoon has risen to 45, authorities said.

Monsoon rains continued to pound large parts of the country while some areas in Manila and surrounding towns remained knee-deep in floodwater, the civil defence office said.

Typhoon Saola did not hit the Philippines directly but passed near its northeast, causing storm surges from Manila Bay that swamped parts of the capital.

It also toppled power lines and damaged many roads and bridges.

After wreaking havoc on the Philippines, the typhoon blew into Taiwan late last week, where it killed at least six people.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/week-long-floods-in-the-phil...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

‘Gener’ Fatalities Rise To 46

MANILA, Philippines — The death toll from the effects of typhoon “Gener” that was enhanced by a low pressure area and southwest monsoon climbed to 46, while the number of affected population reached 858,534 as of Sunday morning.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that as of press time, 31 areas mostly in Central Luzon remain flooded.

Estimated cost of damage is now pegged at Php 339,806,796 with Php 222,746,412 in agriculture, and Php 116,560,384 in infrastructure.

NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said the latest fatalities include four family members from Cabaluran, Midsalip, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Ramos identified the victims as Miguel Mandao Sr., 46, and his sons Miguel Jr., 13; Mario, 8; and Belman, 4.

Mandao's wife, Soledad, 46, and son Jomar, 11, sustained injuries.

The NDRRMC said a mudslide followed by a flash flood swept the victims’ house when a tornado hit their village Saturday.

Another fatality was identified as John Mark Rigueros, 15, from Natubleng, Buguias, Benguet, who was earlier listed as missing.

The NDRRMC noted that of the 46 fatalities, 27 were due to drowning, 11 were hit by fallen trees, while the others were either victims of landslide, mudslide, or electrocution.

Six people remain missing, the NDRRMC said.

The NDRRMC also said that “Gener” has affected 190,196 families or 858,534 people from 1,207 barangays (villages) throughout the country.

Of the total affected population, 50,853 people or 236,960 individuals are now being served inside and outside evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC likewise reported that 28 areas in Central Luzon and parts of the cities of Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela remain flooded.

At least 850 houses were destroyed, while 6,609 were damaged, according to the NDRRMC.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/368639/gener-fatalities-rise-to-46

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[astrogal50]

We are supposed to believe that all this flooding is due to rain:  "in the flash floods, cloud bursts and incessant rains that have ravaged the sub-Himalayan state."  It would take a massive amount of rainfall to do what we see in this blog, right?

So how come The Wall Street Journal is saying the opposite, that India is suffering from an unusually dry summer?  The cover up may be trying to have it both ways, as usual, or this may be another example of Zetas right again:  Drought and deluge.

Farmers' Ability to Spend Dries Up in India     A Major Driver of Growth Sputters as Consequences of a Lackluster Monsoon Season Trickle Down Through Economy

DIKSAR, India—For Jayant Godse, the weak rainfall of this summer's monsoon has damped his business selling clothes and mobile phones to farmers in this Indian village.

As India suffers one of its driest summers in decades, Indians in rural areas are putting off spending due to concerns about the coming harvest, hurting thousands of small businesses like Mr. Godse's and adding to mounting gloom about the country's economy....

The specter of a drought hanging over major tracts of farmland across India isn't just bad news for crops but also could pour sand into one Indian economic engine that has been a big driver of growth: rural consumer spending....

With half of the sowing season for summer crops such as rice, oilseeds, pulses, cotton and sugar cane already over, monsoon rainfalls have been about a fifth below the long-term average.... 

Anil Kumar Mittal, whose Ludhiana shop sells pesticides and fertilizers, says farmers have used up their cash reserves on diesel to drive pumps to draw groundwater in the absence of rain....  [Emphasis added.]  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443792604577574882819...