After a year of closure due to devastating natural disasters, including a glacial lake outburst flood and landslides, the picturesque northern Sikkim region, home to Lachung, Yumthang, and Lachen, welcomes tourists back starting December 1st. The reopening brings hope to the tourism sector, but challenges remain as road repairs continue.
A growing trend of American homeowners dropping their home insurance coverage is alarming experts, as it exposes them to potentially catastrophic financial consequences. This trend, driven by rising premiums, leaves homeowners vulnerable to natural disasters and unexpected repairs. Experts urge homeowners to reconsider their choices and prioritize comprehensive insurance coverage, even if it means adjusting their budgets.
Commercial property insurer FM has announced its third resilience credit, bringing the total allocation to over US$1 billion since 2022. This program empowers FM clients with financial resources to enhance their resilience against natural disasters, particularly in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events. The resilience credit encourages clients to invest in mitigation measures like solar panels and wind farms, contributing to both climate protection and business continuity.
The world’s 26 poorest countries are struggling under a growing debt burden and increased vulnerability to natural disasters, according to a new World Bank report. The report reveals that these countries, home to 40% of the world’s most impoverished people, are poorer now than before the COVID-19 pandemic, while the rest of the world has recovered. The report emphasizes the crucial role of the International Development Association (IDA) in supporting these countries, particularly through grants and low-interest loans.
Poland has pledged 3.2 billion zlotys for a disaster reserve in its 2025 draft budget, responding to devastating floods that have ravaged the country. The government faces mounting financial pressure from the disaster, adding to existing worries about EU budget discipline measures.
Europe’s Vega rocket successfully launched its final mission, carrying the Sentinel-2C satellite, which will be crucial for monitoring water quality, detecting methane emissions, and supporting natural disaster management. The launch, originally delayed due to technical issues, marked the end of an era for the Vega rocket, which will be replaced by the more powerful Vega-C.
Sea travel between Northern Samar and Sorsogon has resumed following the passage of Tropical Storm ‘Enteng’, which caused widespread flooding and landslides in the Eastern Visayas region. While the storm brought disruptions to travel and tourism, the resumption of sea travel marks a return to normalcy, highlighting the importance of preparedness for weather-related events in the travel industry.
A recent survey by Klook reveals that travelers across Asia are increasingly demanding comprehensive travel insurance, particularly due to rising concerns over natural disasters and scams. This trend is impacting the tourism industry, driving a shift towards destinations offering robust safety measures and influencing the development of more tailored insurance products.
A year ago, Southern California experienced a rare double whammy of natural disasters. A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook Ventura County while Hurricane Hilary, downgraded to a tropical storm, brought heavy rainfall and flooding to the region.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will organize two charity football matches in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh to support relief efforts in the wake of recent natural disasters. The matches will feature Mohammedan Sporting Club and a Super League Kerala XI, and are expected to raise significant funds for the affected communities.
