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Archive for February 19th, 2014
United Kingdom: Insurance industry ‘must not drag its feet’ helping flood victims
Posted by Blue and Green: None Given on February 19th, 2014
Blue and Green: The insurance industry has insisted that the situation “is under control” after facing criticism and calls for faster service to people affected by the UK flooding crisis.
On Tuesday, government ministers met with insurers to discuss how those living in flooded homes were being helped.
Representatives from 60% of the insurance market assured the government that they were acting quickly and agreed to meet with ministers each month to report on their progress.
This came after prime minister...
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Flooding poses risk UK economy and could worsen with climate change
Posted by Blue and Green: None Given on February 19th, 2014
Blue and Green: The UK has been ranked among the countries where flooding poses the greatest risk to their economic output, according to new research. The findings come after heavy rain and high winds battered the country, resulting in flooding – particularly in the south.
The Natural Hazards Risk Atlas, produced by Maplecroft, assesses 197 countries on their physical and economic exposure to 12 types of natural hazards, including flooding, storm surges, earthquakes and cyclones.
Whilst the UK was ranked as...
How do we involve most vulnerable in flood protection decisions?
Posted by Blue and Green: Clare Downing on February 19th, 2014
Blue and Green: If you talk to anyone who has been affected by a flood, they would no doubt have a long list of questions and complaints about flood defences, prevention and the grim process of cleaning up. Giving vulnerable or disadvantaged people the opportunity to have their say, and finding an inclusive way to capture their comments, is a challenge. In the meantime, communities deal with the immediate problems, working together and supporting each other. The community strength and togetherness generated by...
Chevron’s ‘pizza and soda’ apology turns tragedy into farce
Posted by Yahoo: Aaron Task on February 19th, 2014
Yahoo: On Feb. 11, an explosion at a Chevron natural gas well in Bobtown, Pa. exploded, killing one worker. The fire burned for four days and gas and heat are still emanating from the site. The cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time and residents of Bobtown remain understandably concerned about the safety of other wells in the area.
The situation at the well "remains serious," Chevron said in a statement Tuesday.
But the oil giant is threatening to turn this very serious and tragic event...
TransCanada Natural Gas Pipeline Ruptures in Alberta
Posted by Calgery Herald: Dan Healing on February 19th, 2014
Calgery Herald: Rural customers affected by a natural gas pipeline rupture north of Rocky Mountain House will be receiving a replacement supply of the heating fuel, TransCanada Corp. said Tuesday afternoon.
The Calgary-based company reported Tuesday that a leg of its Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. pipeline system lost pressure at about 5 a.m. Tuesday morning and was shut down.
The closure was contained to its Ferrier North Lateral and did not affect service to the west central Alberta town of Rocky Mountain House,...
California leaders propose drought-relief funding plan
Posted by LA Times: Anthony York on February 19th, 2014
LA Times: Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders unveiled a proposed $687.4-million drought-relief package Wednesday to free up water supplies and aid Californians facing financial ruin because of the state's prolonged dry spell.
The proposal would provide millions of dollars to clean up drinking water, improve conservation and make irrigation systems more efficient. It would increase penalties for those who illegally divert water.
The plan also contains money for emergency food and housing for those...