It is truly saddening to see what has been taking place around the world. Although it’s the start of the new year and decade, the world has been hit with devastation after devastation. Moreover, instead of sympathizing with those who are in grave danger, individuals end up becoming insensitive as they create and laugh at memes concerning serious issues. However, that’s a discussion for the next time, don’t you think? As previously stated, the devastation has spread across the world. While manmade wars can be avoided, natural disasters cannot. Serious earthquakes take place in Puerto Rico, while wildfires take place in Australia. However, let’s not forget the eruption of a volcano near the Philippines and the life-threatening floods in Indonesia.
Australia:
Australia’s fires were one of the worst seen yet. Through these dangerous wildfires, 28 individuals have died and more than 3,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged. To some extent, climate change has poured a role within the cause of this wildfire. The wildfires have impacted, mainly, New South Wales the most. However, other cities weren’t left safe, either, such as Melbourne & Sydney. Heavy black smoke has clouded many of these cities and of course, damaged the homes. Although there is a wildfire season every year due to the dry and hot weather during the summer, this was one of the worst yet. However, some people have also deliberately begun bush fires too. Twenty four individuals have been charged for starting fires. Not only have homes been damaged but animals have been killed through this too. Billions of animals have been affected while almost nearly millions died. Species have been put into danger and habitats have been lost. While the heat waves are getting worse and worse by day, this is one of the worst droughts Australia has ever experienced in the past decade. Although we come from a small island, we can help them too. You can donate to various organizations such as the Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army Australia, and NSW Rural Fire Service. You can also contribute to saving the koalas through organizations such as WIRES and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
Puerto Rico:
Puerto Rico has been suffering through earthquakes for more than a week. A magnitude of 5.9 earthquakes has struck the island on a Saturday and the island has been facing powerful tremors since that day. The magnitudes varied from 4.5-5.8. These earthquakes have heavily impacted the island as homes have been damaged and broken down. The power around parts of Puerto Rico has been knocked out and at least one death as taken place due to these earthquakes. As the island has yet to recover from Hurricane Maria that happened back in 2017, the islanders are in deep fear. Citizens have said that they feel more in danger than they did during the hurricane as they aren’t sure when the next earthquake will strike. As Puerto Rico is located between the two plates: the North American plate & Caribbean plate, the plates are sliding uber each other creating these earthquakes. Therefore, it is not surprising that multiple earthquakes have been occurring throughout the two weeks due to the pressures of these plates. Some organizations that you can contribute to in assuring Puerto Rico include Hispanic Federation, Direct Relief, World Central Kitchen, and American Red Cross.
Philippines:
As we’ve discussed natural disasters occurring in the continent of Oceania, and also in a country down in the Caribbean, it’s also time to shed some light on some disasters currently taking place in the continent of Asia. Researchers are currently monitoring the Taal volcano in the Philippines for any signs of eruption. Recently, the volcano has been spewing ash and smoke. On January 12th, the Taal volcano began to eject lava and pieces of rocks. The ash from the rocks began affecting different places near Taal. This then compelled the individuals living on Taal Island and nearby provinces to evacuate. Although nothing yet is happening regarding the volcano, no one is sure how long will it continue until something actually takes place. For now, we can only hope for the citizens in the Philippines that nothing goes wrong.
Indonesia:
Last but definitely not least, we have Indonesia. Flash floods have been occurring throughout the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, since last year but have continued on to this year. The flash floods and mudslides in Jakarta has led to over 60 deaths of individuals. More than 2,000 homes have been damaged and over 35,000 individuals are unable to return home. Not to mention, there are some individuals that are missing and are yet to be found till now. The water has reached as high as five feet and over 400,000 individuals have been seeking refuge. How can you help? You can donate to various organizations such as Pemprov DKI Jakarta, River Ranger Jakarta, and Act for Humanity.
Overall, it’s only the beginning of 2020 but our Earth is facing various tragedies. We can only pray and hope that the world can be a better place. Actually, there is so much more we can do than sitting around and praying. It’s our time to take action! Whether you’re part of the youth or the older generations, if you’d like to live to see another year or at least another month, it’s time to do something. We, the youth, have so much ahead of us, so let’s fight for it. You can help these causes by donating to the organizations mentioned above, or by donating to any other trusted organizations you know of. You can spread awareness by hosting multiple fundraisers or share these situations with a click of a button. Lastly, it’s time to minimize our carbon footprint. Go green, use less plastic, do not contribute to companies that produce a lot of waste and so much more. Change can only begin within our community, it’s time to stop waiting for miracles.
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