700 displaced from Nigeria flooding

Flooding has been striking regions of Nigeria such as Lagos.  700 people from the town Ajegunle will be relocated to a relief camp.  The flooding began last month when the Ogun River rose above its banks after the opening of a dam.  When speaking with affected residents, there were discussions of them moving completely.  They are directly on a flood plain.  What we can do now is wait and hope that the water subsides soon.  I am hoping for the best for these people. 

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/10/12/nigeria.flooding/index.html

Hungary hit with toxic spill, but whos to blame?

The CEO of the Hungarian company that was responsible for the huge toxic spill believes that he is not to blame.  Zoltan Bakonyi is the chief executive of the MAL aluminum plant.  He believes that problems that lead to this spill have been present for 25 years and that he has only been in his position for 2 years.  He will however take place in aid efforts.  Bakonyi also stated that the company had been in compliance with all Hungarian safety regulations.  He denies that idea that overproduction and improper payment of the workers had anything to do with this situation.  Since the spill 9 people have died and over 100 people have been injured.  The spill is now in the Danube and we can only hope that the damage is less than expected.  

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/15/hungary.sludge.ceo/

Floods in Pakistan look to reach 9.7 billion in damages

This small story is a follow up to what occurred in Pakistan this summer.  As you may know there was a huge flood that took place.  Millions of lives were effected and thousands were killed because of it.  The World Bank and Asian Development Bank just announced today that the estimated cost of the flood is 9.7 billion dollars.  What is now important is for Pakistan to step up and to becoming financially responsive and help with this crisis.  The UK, US, etc are doing their share in this aid and need Pakistan to do their job.  Gen. Ban Ki-moon stated the flood was, "The worst natural disaster the United Nations has responded to in its 65-year history."  

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/10/14/pakistan.flood.cost/index.html

Eau Claire Flooding starting to lower

In case you haven't heard, Eau Claire and surrounding areas were hit with heavy amounts of rain resulting in some major flooding.  The flooding occurred due to the build up and rise of the mighty Chippewa river.  I believe this was the 4th largest flood that has occurred in Eau Claire's history.  The water was at the 776 marking that is on the walking bridge on UWEC campus.  The river is now on the decline and people are starting to get back the their normal routines.  I saw many people on the trails along side of the river running or pushing there kids in their strollers.  These are the same trails that were under feet of water just a few days ago.  I'm happy that things are getting back to normal.  That was one heck of a week in Eau Claire! 

Topical Storm Nicole shows its self on the East Coast!

Flooding has started in cities like Jacksonville North Carolina.  Creeks are at a high and there are retention ponds there.  There are people kayaking around the streets because of the rising water.  150 streets have been closed in North Carolina and people were evacuated in Bertie County.  Mass amounts of rain fall have been pouring down on the East Coast over the past week.  Since Sunday, Wilmington North Carolina has received 22.54 inches of rain.  Vehicular traffic was completely cut of in Swansboro.  I hope that they get all of this settled as soon as possible. 

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/01/east.coast.rain/index.html?hpt=C1