Fallen branches following the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Ana in Suva, Fiji, Jan. 31, 2021. Xinhua / Zhang Yongxing via Getty Images
A 49-year-old man drowned and five are missing after Cyclone Ana struck Fiji, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) said Monday.
<p>Authorities said more than 10,000 people were sheltering at 300 evacuation centers.</p><p>The cyclone, a Category 2 storm, made landfall <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/un-rights-body-picks-fiji-politician-in-first-ever-presidential-vote/a-56238572" target="_blank">on the Pacific archipelago</a> on Sunday with wind speeds of up to 140 kilometers an hour (87 miles per hour) and heavy rain.</p><p>It caused floods, including on the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and in the capital city, Suva.</p><p>The NDMO identified the missing as four fishermen and a toddler.</p><p>Local media reports said a 3-year-old boy went missing when he accompanied his grandfather to check their boat, which was stuck in mangrove plants.</p>
<h2>River Bursts Its Banks</h2><p>Office Director Vasiti Soko said a river near Suva unexpectedly burst it banks and crews needed to rescue villagers from their homes.</p><p>She said there was severe <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/flooding">flooding</a> on the other main island of Vanua Levu and it was getting more rain as another storm passed through.</p><p>"But in Suva, the sun is out again, the water is going down and the evacuees are returning," she said.</p><p>On Monday, schools remained closed but other civil servants were told to head to work unless they had been directly affected by the cyclone.</p>
<h2>Is Climate Change to Blame?</h2><p>Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama pointed <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/coral-reefs-in-hot-water/a-38788501" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">to climate change as a cause</a> of recent deadly storms.</p><p>"Today, my priority is on Fijians' safety — but the rest of the world needs to wake up and reckon with why this is happening," Bainimarama wrote on Twitter.</p><p>It is the second storm to hit Fiji within two months. In December, the more <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/fiji-braces-for-cyclone-yasa-with-16-meter-waves-forecast/a-55970237" target="_blank">powerful Cyclone Yasa struck,</a> killing four people, with a fifth person listed as missing.</p>
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<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/deadly-cyclone-batters-fiji-sparks-flooding/a-56401612" target="_blank">DW</a>.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
- 2 Killed, Thousands Evacuated as Cyclone Yesa Slams Fiji ... ›
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An image grab taken from an AFP TV shows people standing among damage in the port city of Beira on January 24, 2021, after Tropical Cyclone Eloise hit Mozambique. -/AFPTV / AFP / Getty Images
Tropical cyclone Eloise deluged Mozambique's Sofala Province with heavy rain and hurricane-force winds on Saturday, killing at least nine, displacing nearly 7,000, and destroying more than 300,000 acres of crops.
<p>Mozambique officials also estimated the storm completely destroyed over 1,000 homes and partially destroyed or flooded another 4,843. </p><p>Extreme precipitation is a clear signal of human-caused climate change; global warming increases ocean evaporation and the amount of moisture the atmosphere can hold, effectively creating and filling a bigger bucket that can dump more water when it rains. </p><p>Social media posts showed large swaths of the port city of Beira submerged by severe flooding, Deutsche Welle reported.</p>
<p>Forecasts show more than 200,000 people in Mozambique alone are still at risk for more flooding. </p><p>Water levels are already high following Tropical Storm Chalane, which hit near Beira last month, and aid workers are working to prevent a cholera outbreak. </p><p>Yesterday, the storm — downgraded to a tropical storm — continued to dump heavy rain on Zimbabwe, eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland) and South Africa.</p>
<p><strong>For a deeper dive:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mozambique-cyclone-idUSKBN29T0H6?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=108000642&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_HZGifd2iiKvoKYWlooRQig97LDdRq1NBeHfrCCwquWUaHuICnqDBmMr_VkTrxOmU_jj0IPqOS9es-t6iX9NCSk6RvmsNts7D5Tg7RxZyUYMi13lI&utm_content=108000642&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">Reuters</a>, <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/tropical-cyclone-eloise-several-dead-as-storm-sweeps-africas-east-coast/a-56326719?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=108000642&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_A8OXySvlbON3b4JnYldGYKOyRIlDxyLXGTHochjgwtMrXBpy-fJR9wuRCO4uBFWeBEMfFiUyJchP2Fm2dAtf88C0julEHZBRX0l2PXcsqy9lafQ8&utm_content=108000642&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">Deutsche Welle</a>, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-22/ports-power-plants-brace-for-storm-heading-to-southern-africa?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=108000642&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8AEXo87y0qFKstCagGBXPs9gFmGUbYarHRkmREvWjklYVMK4R0ji6ftKeYF3ZBFkwIp0duyMXS4PdKHJz9VG-SknP4QCMODC3-lEl2Jd8l2z-0Uxo&utm_content=108000642&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a>, <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210125-cyclone-eloise-leaves-hundreds-homeless-in-mozambique?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=108000642&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9xtUaw2tM8LdtLKHE012pQLJnvg0QcOfOZzcDMtjTVspdYGc6on5NWs__AOcMOZKnOyeIj7I183C-h16Ba3VZ2lP69VW3KfQDLX1_Msz7srxETdu0&utm_content=108000642&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">AFP</a>, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/1/25/in-pictures-cyclone-eloise-displaced-thousands-in-mozambique?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=108000642&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--pZLXksePtvYpeFg_klX96qPqWv4hOCyh2oWvHG4QxZulcwlkqzwHlXq5Snt6Kr0nkvhnws9CjwhJ7GFZrnWsjnHh0NyUog2ZHh75YNx2ZlHwZSU8&utm_content=108000642&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">Al Jazeera</a>; Climate Signals background: <a href="https://www.climatesignals.org/climate-signals/extreme-precipitation-increase?utm_campaign=Hot%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=108000642&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8i6jKj4ax0lkqZBkByuaClh18R3Aj_iS_kq1_z0vx54F1QVXx4Qn-unte5q1yePTniIHvl2Zz6v6UhUL1l6q20dEfQEoIpeFdEWONQfr7tnQxhx9s&utm_content=108000642&utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">Extreme precipitation increase</a><br/></p><p><em>For more </em><a href="http://ecowatch.com/climate-change-news/" target="_blank"><em>climate change</em></a><em> and </em><a href="http://ecowatch.com/business/renewables/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>clean energy</em></a><em> news, you can follow Climate Nexus on </em><a href="https://twitter.com/ClimateNexus" target="_blank"><em>Twitter</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClimateNexus/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Facebook</em></a><em>, sign up for daily </em><a href="https://www.linktrack.live/hot-news-sign-up" target="_blank"><em>Hot News</em></a><em>, and visit their news site, </em><a href="https://nexusmedianews.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Nexus Media News</em></a><em>. </em></p>
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Looking for ways to cut down on single-use plastic while grocery shopping? You may already have eco-friendly shopping bags, but bringing your own reusable produce bags is another easy swap.
According to the UN Environment Program, up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used globally each year, and because of the material they're made from, most municipal recycling centers don't accept them (more on this below).
The most sustainable option is to skip the bag altogether. You can also make your own reusable produce bags out of old T-shirts. But if you'd rather purchase them new, here are our recommendations for the best reusable produce bags on the market today.
<p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p>
<h2>Why make the switch to reusable produce bags?<br/></h2><p>According to the <a href="https://www.unep.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UN</a>, humans produce 300 million tons of plastic waste each year, and about 60% of the plastic produced since the early 1950s has ended up in a landfill or the natural environment.</p><p>Plastic grocery bags and produce bags are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Technically, this type of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-recycling-myth-2647706452.html" target="_self">plastic can be recycled</a>. However, in practice, plastic bags easily clog recycling machinery, so <a href="https://millerrecycling.com/ldpe-out-of-landfills" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">most municipal recycling centers</a> do not accept this type of material.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-07/documents/smm_2015_tables_and_figures_07252018_fnl_508_0.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">study by the EPA</a> showed that only about 6% of the LDPE generated in 2015 was recycled. Other types of plastic, by comparison, were recycled at 18% and 10% rates.</p>Although some <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/vancouvers-grocery-store-plastic-bags-2638807121.html" target="_self">grocery stores</a> offer plastic bag recycling, the easiest way to get around this is to refuse plastic bags in the first place. Many cities have instituted <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/new-york-plastic-bag-ban-begins-2645319695.html" target="_self">plastic bag bans</a>, but more often than not, it's up to individuals to choose to make the switch to reusable grocery bags in their day-to-day lives.<p><br/></p><p><em><em><strong><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/about-ecowatch-2641507575.html?rebelltitem=47#rebelltitem47" target="_self">Melissa Smith</a> </strong>is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.</em></em></p><em><em></em></em>
Best Reusable Produce Bag Set: Eco Joy Cotton Reusable Produce Bags
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcxOTAxNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzODE2MDIyNH0.qyiKrnX8T4CRp8Y5Kn_cW1oaSF7vDci2gmKEXxJfQmE/img.jpg?width=980" id="8db60" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d39a705e9f90fc1369a1806bc6d4e016" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Eco Joy
<p>If you're making the switch to more sustainable shopping bags and want a variety of products to use, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Sandwich-Biodegradable-Eco-Drawstring/dp/B003PK4W3I/ref=sr_1_36?crid=3TDUCB8ZOM7WI&dchild=1&keywords=produce+bags+grocery+reusable&qid=1613484643&sprefix=produce+bags%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-36" target="_blank">Eco Joy Cotton Reusable Produce Bags</a> set is a great place to start. The set comes with three mesh drawstring bags, three muslin drawstring bags, a large mesh tote and a zippered sandwich-size pouch.</p><p>Each product is made with organic, non-GMO cotton that's ethically sourced in accordance with Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) standards. The cotton comes from India and Turkey, and the bags are hand-assembled in Canada by the owner of Eco Joy, so you can feel good about supporting a small business while reducing your environmental impact.</p><p><strong>Customer rating:</strong> 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 300 Amazon reviews</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>Zero-waste; Handmade in Canada; WRAP compliant; Machine washable</p>
$13
Best Mesh Bags: Organic Cotton Mart Reusable Cotton Mesh Produce Bags
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcxOTE0OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTQyNDQ5MX0.E6MFCOXZ-3EvKDK0MIv34EJO3oE6WMWxiFZBR5aNU_w/img.jpg?width=980" id="ba5c7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="91a9dd3d18f7b4a41fae606ff4d1204b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Organic Cotton Mart
<p>Some shoppers prefer to use mesh bags when shopping for fruits and veggies. We recommend checking out <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-Reusable-Produce-Organic-Cotton/dp/B07CK2TJKL/ref=sr_1_16?crid=10A7NM0LQ0B7E&dchild=1&keywords=mesh+produce+bags&qid=1613483897&s=home-garden&sprefix=mesh+pro%2Cgarden%2C162&sr=1-16" target="_blank">Organic Cotton Mart's Reusable Cotton Mesh Produce Bags</a> if you're in this camp, as they're made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton.</p> <p>Mesh reusable produce bags can make the checkout process easier than muslin bags since you can see what's inside them without having to open them up. Plus, the tare weight (i.e., the weight of the empty bag that should be subtracted from the total weight of your produce to make sure you don't pay extra for using your bag) is printed right on the label of Organic Cotton Mart's bags, making everything that much more convenient.</p> <p><strong>Customer rating:</strong> 4.6 out of 5 stars with nearly 1,000 Amazon reviews</p><strong>Why buy:</strong> GOTS certified; Machine washable; Biodegradable
$16
Best Muslin Bags: Simple Ecology Reusable Produce Bags
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcxOTE1OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjY3NDE3N30.f2sAcYTGhqq4ytlNGSyzZexPwqH2SpqpTwsX2fvph10/img.jpg?width=980" id="f90b3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e95c082f9b831bf11004e12b73ae8263" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Simple Ecology
<p>On the other hand, if you just want to purchase muslin bags, we like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Ecology-Reusable-Organic-Shopping/dp/B004UJ0U0C" target="_blank">Simple Ecology's Reusable Produce Bags</a>, which are also made with GOTS-certified organic cotton. Simple Ecology also has a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6AUMBG/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01N6AUMBG&pd_rd_w=MA3ZS&pf_rd_p=cbc856ed-1371-4f23-b89d-d3fb30edf66d&pd_rd_wg=hVunQ&pf_rd_r=G6RTQ1Z5DKEY325MAJZ9&pd_rd_r=5d298b3a-1be7-4ebd-a9e1-d5d672a40497&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMzc4RVAxWjNLOTdCJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTc0NTAwMzBDMjFYOVJPTUpWSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjYyOTM4M0s4Vk81SVBPS1NFSyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=" target="_blank">starter kit</a> that comes with several reusable grocery bags if you're looking for more variety.</p> <p>The benefit of using muslin reusable produce bags is that, unlike mesh, there are no holes for small items to slip through. This means that in addition to larger produce, you can use them to purchase bulk foods like lentils, beans and rice — or even powders like flour or spices — without worrying about anything leaking. They're also best for keeping leafy greens fresh.</p> <p><strong>Customer rating:</strong> 4.7 out of 5 stars with nearly 1,500 Amazon reviews</p><strong>Why buy:</strong> GOTS certified; Machine washable; Biodegradable; Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified packaging when purchased from manufacturer
$16
Best String Bags: ECOBAGS Market Collection Reusable Bag Set
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcxOTE2Ny9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NTkzMDc5Mn0.v_aTdf8TPuA39wgpmS2Dgb_88t2jfcbXDJkC9wf5CrE/img.png?width=980" id="c42d2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ada50990c5c2520886afd23fcca522a4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="752" data-height="628" />ECOBAGS
<p>Whether you're buying bread, fresh flowers, produce or all of the above, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ECOBAGS-Market-Collection-Reusable-Natural/dp/B08KFGPGN5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ECOBAGS Market Collection Reusable Bag Set</a> is ideal for <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/farmers-markets-coronavirus-safety-2645581711.html" target="_self">farmers market</a> shopping or large grocery hauls. The netted bags are durable, flexible, and pack down small so they're easy to keep in your car or purse.</p> <p>ECOBAGS is a woman-owned certified B Corp, which means it uses sound social and environmental practices. These bags come in packs of three or five and have a few different handle lengths and color options, but they're all made with GOTS-certified organic cotton.</p> <p><strong>Customer rating: </strong>Not applicable</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> GOTS certified; Machine washable; Biodegradable; Certified B Corp; SA8000 certified for the protection of basic human rights of workers</p>
$36
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Move of Rohingya Refugees Poses Environmental and Human Rights Concerns
18 December 2020
Editor's Pick
Rohingya refugees board a Bangladesh Navy ship to be transported to the island of Bhashan Char in Chittagong on December 4, 2020. AFP / Getty Images
On December 4, about 1,600 Rohingya traveled across the Bay of Bengal in seven navy boats from Chattogram to Bhasan Char. Bangladesh plans to move 100,000 families to the island.
<p>The move poses serious concerns, both with regard to the environment and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/human-rights">human rights</a>.</p><p>Located about 18.6 miles (30 km) from the mainland, Bhasan Char is low-lying and prone to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/flooding">flooding</a>. Therefore, it has been uninhabited. The island only formed in the past 20 years as a result of silt buildup. Bhasan Char rests at the confluence of three large rivers, the Brahmaputra, the Ganges and the Meghna River, which collectively bring rich deposits of silt to the bay.</p>
<p>Bhasan Char rests in the Bay of Bengal subject to frequent cyclones, at risk of intensifying as they circle in the Bay's funnel shape. On average, three to four storms form in the basin and Bhasan Char lies in the historical path of cyclones. This year, Category 5 cyclone Amphan, one of the strongest on record, formed in the Bay of Bengal. Cyclone Amphan, as Refugees International <a href="https://www.refugeesinternational.org/reports/2020/10/5/complex-road-to-recoverynbspcovid-19-cyclone-amphan-monsoon-flooding-collide-in-bangladesh-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a>, caused great devastation not far from Bhasan Char and such super cyclones are more likely in the future. </p><p>The move of Rohingya refugees also poses serious human rights concerns. The United Nations (UN) <a href="https://bangladesh.un.org/en/103285-press-statement" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stated</a> it "has not been involved in preparations for this movement or the identification of refugees and has limited information on the overall relocation exercise." It added, "The United Nations takes this opportunity to highlight its longstanding position that Rohingya refugees must be able to make a free and informed decision about relocating to Bhasan Char based upon relevant, accurate and updated information."</p><p>The government asserts that the movements to the island were and will be voluntary. However, Human Rights Watch "<a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/12/03/bangladesh-halt-rohingya-relocations-remote-island" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">spoke with 12 families refugees who said their names were on the list, but that they had not willingly volunteered to relocate</a>."</p><p>One refugee told Human Rights Watch, "My name appeared on the list so now the CiC [Camp-in-Charge, camp authority] has threatened me, saying that since my name is there, I must go. He said, even if I die, they will take my body there [to Bhasan Char]. I don't want to go to that island."</p>
<p>Daniel Sullivan, Refugees International, told EcoWatch, "there are troubling indications that Rohingya 'volunteers' are being coerced or misled. When I visited the camps last year, refugees told me they believed – falsely – that they would receive money or gain Bangladeshi citizenship if they volunteered to move to Bhasan Char. Other groups have reported similar misinformation today and some people on the volunteer lists say they never agreed to be relocated."</p><p>Another refugee told Human Rights Watch that he put his name on the list because camp leaders told him that those on the list would be given priority to repatriate to Myanmar and be paid 5,000 taka (US$59). But he changed his mind about relocating when he heard that those currently being detained on the island are being held in "prison-like facilities" and don't have freedom of movement.</p><p>Freedom of movement is a key right upon which the UN insists, stating "refugees who choose to move to Bhasan Char should have basic rights and services on the island, which would include effective freedom of movement to and from the mainland, as well as access to education, health care, and livelihood opportunities."</p><p>Being sequestered on an island without freedom of movement recalls the situation of refugees imprisoned on Nauru in the Pacific.</p><p>The UN also stated that any relocations should be preceded by comprehensive technical assessments to "review the safety, feasibility and sustainability of Bhasan Char as a place for refugees to live." It continued, "the United Nations is prepared to proceed with the technical and protection assessments, if permitted by the Government."</p>
<p>Bangladesh states that it has spent $112 million fortifying embankments to counter any future flooding, building housing, schools, roads, hospitals, mosques and shelters in case of cyclones. The island will be able to house 100,000 people.</p><p>Yet refugees interviewed by Human Rights Watch say they are denied freedom of movement and have no access to sustainable livelihoods or education.</p><p>Sullivan, Refugees International told EcoWatch, "Serious questions remain unanswered about the physical safety of the island and the ability to provide adequate food, health, and protection services without proper assessments and planning with UN agencies and NGOs. Some of the 300 refugees already on the island have already reported abuse by authorities and have been unable to reunite with family in the main camps."</p><p>Sullivan states, "Bangladesh should allow safety and feasibility assessments by UN agencies and by human rights groups, as Refugees International, Fortify Rights, and other groups requested earlier this year. Without appropriate assessments and adequate information for refugees about the conditions on the island, the move is nothing short of a dangerous mass detention of the Rohingya people in violation of international human rights obligations."</p><p>The refugees were sent to Bhasan Char in early December were bussed up from Cox's Bazar in coastal Bangladesh where an estimated one million Rohingya refugees live. In August 2017 armed groups attacked military outposts in western Myanmar. Allegedly, the armed groups belonged to the Rohingya. The military of Buddhist majority Myanmar began a harsh crackdown in response. An estimated 700,000 Muslim Rohingya fled. About 300,000 had fled earlier waves of the ongoing persecution in Myanmar that started in 1978 and experienced an uptick in the 1990s.</p><p>A 1982 Citizenship Law deprives the Rohingya of citizenship. Then, in 2015, during the Obama-Biden administration, the Burmese government stripped Rohingya of temporary identification cards, leading to a forcible displacement to neighboring countries.</p><p>It remains to be seen if the new <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/biden-administration">Biden Administration</a> will work to end the violence unleashed against the Rohingya in Myanmar and work to broker peace to facilitate their safe return to their home country. Biden's agenda acknowledges the situation and states, "the systematic discrimination and atrocities against Burma's Rohingya Muslim minority is abhorrent and undermines peace and stability."</p><p>On August 15, 2020, Antony Blinken tweeted: "Today marks 3 years since hundreds of thousands of Rohingya were driven from their homes in Burma. A Biden administration will work tirelessly to support justice for atrocities committed, as well as peace, security, and equal rights for the Rohingya as citizens of Burma." Blinken is now Biden's Secretary of State nominee.</p><p>While the move of Rohingya to Bhasan Char is troubling, the bigger Rohingya crisis also needs to be resolved. Sullivan of Refugees International states, "While the root causes and long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis lie in Myanmar and Bangladesh deserves great credit for hosting some million Rohingya refugees, the world cannot allow Bangladesh to pursue policies that unnecessarily endanger the Rohingya further."</p>
<p><em>Tina Gerhardt is an environmental journalist. She covers international climate negotiations, energy policy, sea level rise and related direct actions. Her work has been published by Grist, The Progressive, The Nation, Sierra and the Washington Monthly.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
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Cyclone Fani Kills at Least 38, Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Homeless in India and Bangladesh
06 May 2019
Climate
Damage to the Eastern Indian town of Puri following Cyclone Fani. Arijit Sen / Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Dozens are dead and hundreds of thousands homeless after the strongest cyclone to hit the Indian state of Odisha in 43 years, Reuters reported Sunday.
<p>The powerful cyclone made landfall Friday morning near the Eastern Indian town of Puri with the strength of a category 3 hurricane, according to <a href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/death-toll-from-cyclone-fani-continues-to-rise-as-india-starts-to-assess-the-damage/70008185" target="_blank">AccuWeather</a>. The storm did major damage to the town, felling trees, blowing off roofs and destroying power lines, Reuters said. At least 38 people have died in Odisha, 25 of them in the Puri district, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fani-death-toll-goes-up-to-38-in-odisha/articleshow/69192407.cms" target="_blank">The Times of India reported Sunday</a>. Another dozen people died when the storm moved on to Bangladesh as a tropical depression Saturday, <a href="https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/major-disaster-averted-weakened-fani-hits-bangladesh-doc-1g376s15" target="_blank">AFP reported</a>.</p><p>"Six people died after they were hit by falling trees or collapsed walls, and six have died from lightning," Bangladeshi disaster official Benazir Ahmed told AFP.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This video shared on social media captures the intensity of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneFani?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneFani</a> fury on Odisha coast. There is severe damage across the affected districts. Appeal all to contribute towards the Odisha CMRF to enable the State to take up the restoration works. <a href="https://t.co/lklpmTU0UT">pic.twitter.com/lklpmTU0UT</a></p>— Vineel Krishna (@rvineel_krishna) <a href="https://twitter.com/rvineel_krishna/status/1125079451736297472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>However, the death toll could have been much higher if officials had not evacuated 1.2 million people in Odisha and more than 1.6 million people in Bangladesh ahead of the storm. Authorities had been preparing an evacuation plan since a cyclone in 1999 killed thousands in the region, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/04/world/asia/india-cyclone.html?emc=edit_MBE_p_20190506&nl=morning-briefing&nlid=88631294ion%3DwhatElse&section=whatElse&te=1" target="_blank">The New York Times reported</a>.</p><p>"In the event of such a major calamity like this — where Odisha was hit by close to a super-cyclone — instead of being a tragedy of humongous proportion, we are in the process of restoring critical infrastructure. That is the transformation that Odisha has had," the state's top government official Naveen Patnaik said in a statement reported by the <a href="https://www.apnews.com/055e29e77ce94e8a821b1c687fd21d1f" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>.</p>
<div id="fae87" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7XT08H1576663626"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1124844894084722688" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Disaster preparedness was the difference between #CycloneFani and a 1999 “super” cyclone that killed 10,000 in Indi… https://t.co/ZQQjzQSFDS</div> — IFRC Asia Pacific (@IFRC Asia Pacific)<a href="https://twitter.com/IFRCAsiaPacific/statuses/1124844894084722688">1557018896.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>In India, the evacuation plan included sending out warnings via text messages and public address systems, and transporting people by bus to shelters stocked with food and water. Most everyone was out of harm's way when the cyclone struck Friday, The New York Times reported. In Bangladesh, vulnerable people were similarly moved to shelters, and the plan also seems to have been effective at reducing the death toll.</p><p>"I have a feeling that Allah favored us this time," Bangladeshi disaster management secretary Shah Kamal told The New York Times.</p><p>However, in both countries survivors face a daunting recovery process. <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/flooding" target="_self">Flooding</a> inundated entire villages in both Odisha and Bangladesh and destroyed livelihoods, including damaging thousands of acres of crops in the latter country.</p><p>"See, our house is destroyed, our boat is destroyed — what can we do?" 21-year-old Puri fisherman Pikki Gopi told The New York Times. "We don't have any place to work, eat or sleep. We have nothing to do.''</p><p>Survivors were also concerned about food, AccuWeather reported, since the storm destroyed many grocery stores and food supplies. It also destroyed power lines and communications networks in parts of Odisha, including Puri, where officials said it would take at least a week to restore power.</p><p>Patnaik told the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/odisha-death-toll-in-cyclone-fani-rises-to-16-puri-without-power-water/story-RyLL6QJqnqg9mKwz0ry6zK.html" target="_blank">Hindustan Times</a> that relief efforts were made more difficult by the rarity of the storm.</p><p>"Fani is one of the rarest of rare cyclones – the first to hit in 43 years and one of three to hit in 150 years. Because of the rarity, the prediction and tracking of the cyclone was challenging. In 24 hours, one was not sure of the trajectory it was going to take. Fani after landfall, tore apart the infrastructure, especially power, telecom and water supply, " Patnaik said.</p><p>Fani was so powerful partly because of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-change" target="_self">climate change</a>, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/climate-change-turns-cyclone-fani-so-severe/articleshow/69179042.cms" target="_blank">The Times of India reported</a>. The water temperatures in the Bay of Bengal were more than one degree Celsius warmer than the long-term average as the storm was forming, giving the storm more energy. This is the same effect that <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/hurricane-michael-florida-panhandle-2611595307.html" target="_self">super-charged Hurricane Michael</a> in Florida last year.</p>
<div id="10069" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="Z4TT0O1576663626"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1124647430245449733" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Warm sea surface temperatures (between 30-31 degrees Celsius) along with warm, humid air provided fuel for #Fani as… https://t.co/H0Kh4vSqw6</div> — NASA Earth (@NASA Earth)<a href="https://twitter.com/NASAEarth/statuses/1124647430245449733">1556971816.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>"Fani is just the latest reminder of the heightened threat that millions of people around the world face from the combination of rising seas and more intense hurricanes and typhoons," Penn State University Atmospheric Science Professor Dr. Michael Mann told The Times of India. "That threat will only rise if we continue to warm the planet by burning <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/fossil-fuels" target="_self">fossil fuels</a> and emitting carbon into the atmosphere." </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mozambique Hit by Second Historic Cyclone in Little Over a Month <a href="https://t.co/HpgzugtDPB">https://t.co/HpgzugtDPB</a></p>— Enviro Voter Project (@Enviro_Voter) <a href="https://twitter.com/Enviro_Voter/status/1121763575058583552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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People stand by fallen trees on April 25 in Moroni after tropical storm Kenneth hit Comoros before heading to recently cyclone-ravaged Mozambique. IBRAHIM YOUSSOUF / AFP / Getty Images
Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province on Thursday as the strongest storm to ever hit the country, The Guardian reported. It struck with wind speeds of 140 miles per hour and was expected to raise waves 16 feet higher than usual and bring torrential rain.
<p>The storm comes little over a month after <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/cyclone-idai-mozambique-malawi-zimbabwe-2631993550.html" target="_self">Cyclone Idai</a> killed more than 700 people, displaced tens of thousands and caused $1 billion in damage, making it the deadliest and costliest storm in Mozambique's history, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/25/africa/cyclone-kenneth-mozambique-evacuation-intl/index.html" target="_blank">CNN reported</a>. In the entire region, including Mozambique's neighbors Malawi and Zimbabwe, Idai killed more than 1,000 and forced millions from their homes, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/25/world/africa/cyclone-kenneth-mozambique.html?emc=edit_MBE_p_20190426&nl=morning-briefing&nlid=88631294ion%3DwhatElse§ion=whatElse&te=1" target="_blank">The New York Times reported</a>.</p>
<p>"It's really an anomaly in the history of cyclones in this region. There's never been two storms this strong hit in the same year, let alone within five weeks of each other in Mozambique," meteorologist Eric Holthaus told The Guardian.</p>
<div id="ac0ce" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="64YKND1576663630"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1121714547918766080" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Satellite animation shows #CycloneKenneth's path after lashing Comoros island, killing 3, before reaching northern… https://t.co/GROQT1n9vN</div> — #Africa_eNCA (@#Africa_eNCA)<a href="https://twitter.com/Africa_eNCA/statuses/1121714547918766080">1556272563.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Kenneth has already killed one person in Mozambique, who was struck by a falling coconut tree in the city of Pemba, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-48050859" target="_blank">BBC News reported</a>. The storm was downgraded to an ex-cyclone Friday as winds decreased, but France's meteorological agency predicts more than 23.6 inches of rain could fall over the next few days. That's nearly double the 10 days of rainfall that caused devastating <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/flooding" target="_self">flooding</a> in the port city of Beira during Cyclone Idai.</p><p>It's the extreme rainfall that can be directly linked to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-change" target="_self">climate change</a>, Holthaus told The Guardian.</p><p>"We have very strong evidence that everywhere in the world, rainfall is getting more intense. So that means you can get the same amount of rainfall, but it just happens in a shorter period of time, because if the atmosphere is warmer then that will create more intense thunderstorms that rain out faster," Hotlhaus said. "We can directly link Kenneth with climate change for that reason. Not only is this an extremely intense rainfall event, globally, but it's being made worse because of climate change."</p><p>Cabo Delgado, where Kenneth struck, is 600 miles northeast of Beira. The region had never before in modern history been struck by a hurricane-force storm, The New York Times reported.</p><p>"This is another potential tragedy for Mozambique," <a href="https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/stories/surviving-floods-and-cyclone-idai-malawi/" target="_blank">Oxfam</a> manager Dorothy Sang told The New York Times. "We're still struggling to scale up and meet the needs of everyone after the last cyclone. This will make it much harder."</p><p>Mozambique has already taken out a $118 million loan from the International Monetary Fund to help pay for recovery from Idai, The Guardian reported.</p><p>Sang said that since the region hit by Kenneth was not used to strong storms, residents would be less prepared for flooding. Further complicating matters is the fact that violence by Islamic militants has forced thousands of people to flee to camps for displaced persons in the region, BBC reported.</p><p>However, the region is less densely populated than the area impacted by Idai and has more elevation. In addition, the government evacuated 30,000 people from the storm's path. However, reports have said that thousands of homes have been flattened by the wind.</p><p>Before hitting Mozambique, Kenneth traveled north of the island of Comoros, killing three people and causing massive damage, The Guardian reported.</p>
<div id="0ef7e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="PBTACP1576663630"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1121324442930561024" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Devastating images from #Comoros following #CyloneKenneth.
Homes and roads are damaged and destroyed, telephone p… https://t.co/diARynmsXa</div> — IFRC Africa (@IFRC Africa)<a href="https://twitter.com/IFRCAfrica/statuses/1121324442930561024">1556179555.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Mozambique's northern neighbor, Tanzania, has also responded to the storm by closing schools and businesses in parts of the south, BBC News reported.</p>
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