MICROPLASTICS IN GOA'S SAL RIVER

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A major body of water in South Goa, India is contaminated with microplastics. The National Institute of Oceanography and Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research began this study in Goa and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). This study was able to produce three polymers: polyacrylamide, a water-soluble synthetic linked to the mining industry; ethylene-vinyl alcohol used in packaging; and polyacetylene, an electrical conductivity agent. These examinations were found in shellfish, finfish, clams, and oysters. This experiment was completed in order to have a better understanding of the amount of microplastics in the environment surrounding Goa. 

THE JERSEY SHORE IS SINKING

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A barrier-island resort including a famous boardwalk, expensive homes and an endless supply of salt-water taffy located in Ocean City, New Jersey spends its days as puddles. However, the sea that surrounds ocean city is starting to rise. The ocean is coming into the city and backing up storm drains leaving no place to discharge water. Rising ocean tides are also causing other problems such as declining reliability of critical infrastructures such as communication, power, and transportation.

NEW YORK MULTIFAMILY DAMAGE IN THE ‘BILLIONS’ FROM HISTORIC FLOODING

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Hurricane Ida has gone through New York City which resulted in a city-wide rampage and has caused nearly $1 billion in damage and 16 people dead. New York had its first ever flash flood emergency warning from the national weather service on Wednesday night. Heavy winds and record-breaking rainfall caused several power outages, fallen trees and street flooding. The roof of Broadway street’s The Strand Smokehouse concaved in and several other properties close by suffered flooded basements.

Out of the 16 New York citizens that were killed during the flooding, 9 of those individuals died in their basement apartments where water levels rose and trapped residents inside. The basement flooding also posed a threat to residents who did not live in a basement apartment trying to escape their buildings during the flooding. Unless the cleanup process is done properly, flooding can create mold and poor air conditions that may cause other health concerns.

IDA DAMAGES 1,200 NEW YORK HOMES, OVER $50 MILLION IN DAMAGES

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A major disaster declaration has been expedited by president Biden provided financial relief for the local governments of New York to help with the damages that were caused by hurricane Ida. The counties of Bronx, Queens, Kings, Richmond and Westchester will be covered by the declaration of individual assistance.

For the time being, the county of New York is only eligible for public assistance. The major disaster declaration starts the process of allowing for financial assistance to be given from the federal government to New York citizens and business owners in order to allow New Yorkers to continue to regrow and rebuild after the damage that was caused by the flooding. FEMA will also be working with eligible homeowners and providing temporary housing, driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, and legal services.