Heavy New York flooding kills one, causes widespread damage
Heavy New York flooding kills one, causes widespread damage Al Jazeera English
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Extreme Flooding Hits New York’s Hudson Valley, Bracing for More Rainfall
Heavy rain in New York’s Hudson Valley resulted in extreme flooding, causing road closures and claiming at least one life. The northeast United States is also preparing for more rainfall. The National Weather Service extended flash flood warnings to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine as the thunderstorms moved east. Some areas could receive up to 127mm (5 inches) of rain.
Impact on New York
New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the storm as a “1,000-year event” during a news conference in Highland Falls. One woman in her 30s drowned while trying to evacuate her home. Her house was surrounded by floodwaters and hit by dislodged boulders. The storm caused significant destruction, with roads and bridges washed away. The estimated damage is in the tens of millions of dollars.
Warnings and Precautions
Officials urged residents in the storm’s path to stay off the roads due to the dangerous conditions. Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency for Orange County and later extended it to Ontario County. The state deployed rescue teams and vehicles to assist with rescues in flooded areas. Videos on social media showed homes next to brown torrents and roadways washed away.
Continued Threat and Disruptions
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for southeastern New York and northeastern New Jersey. The threat of excessive rainfall and floods extended to New England, particularly Vermont and northeastern New York. Showers and thunderstorms were also expected in New York City, potentially causing flash flooding. The storm disrupted air and rail travel, with hundreds of flight cancellations and temporary suspension of Amtrak service between Albany and New York City.
This extreme flooding event highlights the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on communities. It aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change are crucial to prevent such devastating events and protect lives and infrastructure.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses heavy rain, flooding, and extreme rainfall in New York’s Hudson Valley and the northeast United States. These issues are connected to SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The flooding and damage to roads and bridges also relate to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the extreme rainfall and storm events are linked to SDG 13, which addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
- SDG 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified include SDG 6.5, which emphasizes the need for integrated water resources management to address water-related disasters. SDG 11.5 focuses on reducing the number of deaths, people affected, and economic losses caused by disasters, including water-related disasters. SDG 13.1 highlights the importance of strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation
- Indicator 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
- Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
– Indicator 6.5.2 measures the proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation, which relates to SDG 6.5.
– Indicator 11.5.1 measures the number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population, which is relevant to both SDG 11.5 and SDG 13.1.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate. | 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations. | 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: aljazeera.com
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