Will There Be Another Great Depression?

      There are many things out there that preppers are getting prepared for. Local disasters such as tornadoes and wildfires, to larger disasters like EMPs, a super volcano eruption, or nuclear war. One of the most common things that people are prepping for however, is a financial collapse, or the next Great Depression. With the way the United States and the rest of the world is looking right now, many people are afraid that this is exactly what could happen. It is also one of the things that I am prepping for as well.

       On October 29th, 1929, a day that became known as Black Tuesday, the US stockmarket crashed. The news spread quickly to every country in the world and the effects of the crash followed. The Great Depression devestated nearly every country and lasted into the late 1930's or early 1940's. It is the deepest, longest and most wide spread depression of the twentieth century.

     A multitude of factors caused the Great Depression. Some will point to a demand driven theory with says that the Great Depression was caused by an economic bubble that collapsed due to neglect by bankers and industrialists or incompetence by the government. This led to a large scale loss of confidence that resulted in the reduction of consumption and investment. This resulted in the panic and subsequent crash.

     Then there are monetarists who beleive the Great Depression was like any other recession but policy mistakes by the Federal Reserve and other monetary authorities caused a shrinking of the money supply. This worsened the economic situation turning a recession into the Great Depression.
Whatever theory you beleive in, there were no doubts about what the results of the Great Depression were. Unemployment skyrocketed, up to 25% in the United States, and even higher in some other countries around the world. International trade significantly decreased. Crop prices also dropped, and the mining and logging industries were hit hard as well, as suddenly their products were no longer needed.





     Stratford Texas, 1935

     What helped worse the Great Depression in the United States was the Dust Bowl. Farmers had spread across the bread bowl of America and started cultivating the land in large areas. Land under cultivation tripled between 1925 and 1930. The farming techniques used allowed for erosion. Fields were left bare over winter months, which is when winds are at their highest, and the remains of plants were burned robbing the soil of nutrition and again leaving the ground open to erosion.

      When severe drought struck in the 1930's, the plain's native grass was gone, and there was nothing to hold the soil in place. Soil that had become brittle and dry was easily carried away by the winds, creating massive dust storms that rolled across the country. More than 500,000 were left homeless by the dust storms, and by 1940, 2.5 million people had moved out of the plains states.

       So the big question is, can it happen again? My answer to that question is yes. Of course it can happen again. We would much prefer that it didn't and many people will say that we have learned from history so of course it couldn't happen again.

      This is something I have been looking into for a few years now I have come to believe that we will find ourselves in another deep recession if not another Great Depression by 2030. There are a few things that have made me decide this.

     First is the pattern of recessions. Before the Great Depression there were a number of small recessions, closely spaced apart. They happened with only a few years in between them, but they were less severe. As the Great Depression grew closer, there was more time in between recessions but they started to become more severe in nature, until finally you had the Great Depression.

     Looking at the recessions during the twenty first century and into the the twenty first, there seems to be a very similar pattern happening. The collapse of the housing bubble would seem to be another pattern repeating it self as well. Another thing to keep in mind is that the dust bowl exacerbated the Great Depression in the United States. Will there be another drought like that in the Great Plains?

      There very well could be. The High Plains Aquifer, also known as the Ogallala Aquifer is one of the world's largest aquifers and sits under South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. The aquifer is used for irrigation and for drinking water. However the aquifer is being depleted, as are river systems across the western United States. Meanwhile cities like Las Vegas continue to boom, and use excessive amounts of water in a place where there would usually be almost none.

     By next year (2013) 36 states are predicted to face water shortages. Water supply crises with the high probebility of conflict are being predicted to take place in the Western United States by 2025. No one is saying the Dust Bowl, but that sounds very much like a drought to me.

      So will there be another Great Depression? There is no specific answer for that, but I say that it is very likely. What can we do to prevent this? Probebly nothing. With the way resorces are being consumed and treated today, with little effort happening to change the rate of consumption, I think it is not very likely that we will avoid another situation like the Great Depression.

     We can however begin to prepare and to become more self reliant. We must learn new skills and brush up on old ones. Start a garden in your backyard, and learn to preserve the food that you get from it. Try out some DIY projects for survival prep. Read up on some history so you know what your preparing for. Make sure your bug in and bug out plans are up to date and ready. As long as we are prepared, when the next Great Depression comes, we will be ready to face it.

~Sara

I'm not the only one who thinks we're going to find ourselves in real trouble by 2030. MIT is thinking the same thing:
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/next-great-depression-mit-researchers-predict-global-economic-190352944.html

Weekly World Risk Update (3/27 to 4/3)

The insurgency in Mali continues, there is volcanic activity at Krakatoa, and a declared epidemic in China.

This is your weekly report preppers. Look for the information you need to stay safe and keep on prepping.



Earthquakes

March 27
-23:40:14 USC, Magntitude 5.0 - Nepal-India Border Region

　

March 28
-08:54:16 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - Southern Sumatra, Indonesia

-08:25:53 USC, Magnitude 5.6 - Pacific-Antarctic Ridge

　

March 29
-00:36:41 USC, Magnitude 5.3 - Soutwest Indian Ridge

　

March 30
-22:02:10 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Northern Sumatra, Indonesia

-19:51:05 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - Bougainville Region, Papua New Guinea

-18:16:14 USC, Magnitude 5.4 - Offshore Chipas, Mexico

-17:21:05 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Tonga

-10:55:25 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

-09:38:59 USC, Magnitude 5.3 - Fiji Region

-06:19:33 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Southeast of Easter Island

-04:38:32 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

　

March 31
-17:06:44 USC, Magnitude 5.4 - Tonga

-09:04:41 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - South of the Fiji Islands

　

April 1
-22:23:50 USC, Magnitude 5.3 - Guerrero, Mexico

-21:44:02 USC, Magnitude 5.7 - New Ireland Region, Papua New Guinea

-14:04:26 USC, Magnitude 5.8 - Eastern Honshu, Japan

-13:14:32 USC, Magnitude 5.4 - Trhistan Da Cunha Region

　

April 2
-17:36:43 USC, Magnitude 6.0 - Oaxaca, Maxico

-08:17:07 USC, Magnitude 5.3 - Tonga

　

April 3
-11:52:23 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

-11:27:00 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Kepulauan Barat Daya, Indonesia

-10:42:35 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - New Ireland Region, Papua New Guinea

-07:25:08 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - Tarapaca, Chile

-04:25:53 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Mindanao,Philippines

-03:08:09 USC, Magnitude 5.4 - Near the Coast of Northern Peru

-02:11:06 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Offshore Valparaiso, Chile





Tsunami
No Tsunami activity.





Volcanic Activity
3-27-2012 - 3:13am - Santa Maria (Santiaguito) Volcano, Quetzaltenango - Western Highlands, Guatemala - Volcanic Activity

3-27-2012 - 3:16am - Volcan de Fuego - Sierra Madre, Guatemala - Volcanic Activity

3-29-2012 - 3:10am - Anak Krakatoa Volcano - Sunda Strait, Indonesia - Volcanic Activity

3-30-2012 - 2:48am - Cleveland Volcano, Aleuitan Islands - Alaska, USA - Volcanic Activity

4-03-2012 - 12:50pm - Ambrym Volcano - New Hebrides, Vanuatu - Volcanic Activity

　



Tropical Storms
South Pacific Ocean - Daphne - Tropical Storm - Wind Speed 93km/h - Gust 120km/h





Status of Worldwide Supervolcanoes
Lake Taupo - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Lake Toba - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Whakamaru - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Yellowstone Caldera - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Island park Caldera - VEI 8 - Status: Green

La Girta Caldera - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Mount Tambora - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Baekdu Mountain - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Kikai Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Laacher See - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Aira Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Campi Flegrei - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Reporoa Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Mount Aso - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Long Valley Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Valles Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Santorini Volcano - VEI 7 - Status: Green





Drought
3-31-2012 - Drought - Sahel Region, Africa - US giving $120 million in emergency aid in hopes of prevent severe hunger. Tens of thousands are believed to have been killed by famine last year.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/01/drought-multicountries-2/



3-30-2012 - Drought - Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, USA - Officials have declared a moderate drought.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/29/drought-north-america-usa-10/





Flooding
3-27-2012 - Flooding - Multiprovinces, Ecuador - 4700 evacuated, and at least 30 dead frm torrential rains, bringing with it the threat of landslides and mudslides.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/01/flood-south-america-ecuador/





Fire
3-27-2012 - Forest/Wildfire - Jefferson County, Colorad - Two dead and one missing as a large fire burns in Jefferson County.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/01/forest-wild-fire-north-america-usa-191/



3-30-2012 - Forest/Wildfire - Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, USA - Fire grows to 546 acres, but remains partially contained.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/30/forest-wild-fire-north-america-usa-192/





Health
Update: Enviromental Pollution - Total Oil Platform, North Sea - Inspection for safety to occur before beginning work to cap a well that has leaked explosive gas for more than a week.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/02/enviroment-pollution-other-7/
　

4-3-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Egypt - 2 infected as Egypt reports the seventh and eight case of human infection with avian influenza in 2012.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/03/epidemic-hazard-africa-egypt-10/



4-3-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Central Region, Nepal - Acute and highly contagious measles has taken form at various place sin Mahottari district.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/03/epidemic-hazard-asia-nepal-8/



4-3-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Co Donegal, Ireland - Health services have begun an investigation after six elderly patients at a nursing home die from a "respiratory-type illness".

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/03/epidemic-hazard-europe-ireland-5/



4-2-2012 - Biological Hazard - Noonu and Haa Attols, Maldives - Large numbers of dead fish washing ashore.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/02/biological-hazard-india-ocean-maldives-3/



4-2-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Province of Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia - Six year old date in th eyears second H5N1 fatality.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/02/epidemic-hazard-asia-cambodia-15/



-3-31-2012 - Epidemic - Guangxi Zhuang Anatomus Region, China - 4 dead, more than 11,000 likely to be affected as Hand-foot-mouth disease sprads.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/02/epidemic-asia-china-6/



-3-31-2012 - Biological Hazard - Southern District, Isreal - 3rd case of avian flu leads to plans to slaugher over 20,000 turkeys.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/02/biological-hazard-middle-east-israel-6/



3-31-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - San Diego, California, USA - Possible case of antibiotic-resistant staph infection.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/31/epidemic-hazard-north-america-usa-235/



-3-30-2012 - Biological Hazard - Co. Cork, Ireland - Outbreak of avian flu in a flock of pheasants.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/04/02/biological-hazard-europe-ireland-5/



3-30-2012 - Biological Hazard - Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, California, USA - Avian cholera outbreak killing birds as they migrate north. More than 10,000 deaths this spring.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/29/biological-hazard-north-america-usa-399/



-3-30-2012 - Biological Hazard - Chiclayo Coastline, Peru - Over 600 dolphins mysteriously washed up on the north coast of Peru.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/29/biological-hazard-south-america-peru/



-3-30-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Croton-on-Hudson, New York, USA - Chicken pox alert.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/29/epidemic-hazard-north-america-usa-231/



3-30-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - McDonalds, Northport, Alabama, USA - Customers may have been exposed to hepatitis A virus through an infected employee. If you have visited this McDonald's at any time on the 14th of March, or during breakfast hours on the 16th of March, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/29/epidemic-hazard-north-america-usa-233/



3-29-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - New Castle County, Deleware, USA - Confirmed case of antiviral-resistant influenza.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/29/epidemic-hazard-north-america-usa-230/



3-28-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Omaheke Region, Namibia - Five dead and two more infected by what could be cases of anthrax.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/28/epidemic-hazard-africa-namibia-5/



3-28-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Bengkulu, Southwest Sumatra, Indonesia - Two bird flu suspects being treated at a hospital.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/28/epidemic-hazard-indonesian-archipelago-indonesia-32/



3-28-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Greater Accra Region, Ghana - 33 confirmed cases of cholera.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/29/epidemic-hazard-africa-ghana-11/





HAZMAT Events
-3-31-2012 - Hazmat Event - Valleyo, California, USA - 71 sick after carbon dioxide leak.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/31/hazmat-north-america-usa-163/



3-28-2012 - Ligonier, Indiana, USA - Freight train hauling hazardous materials derailed in rural northeaster Indiana.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/28/hazmat-north-america-usa-161/



3-27-2012 - Hazmat Event - Texas City, Texas, USA - Hydrofluoric acid leaked from an alkylation unit at oil refinery.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/29/hazmat-north-america-usa-160/





Nuclear Events
No nuclear events to report.





Other
Update: Mysterious Booms may have been caught on tape. Seismometers and sounder sensors have been installed.

http://www.masoncountydailynews.com/news/national-news/27205-mysterious-booms-return-to-wisconsin-town

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-wisconsin-boom-town-now-has-seismometers-sound-sensors-20120330,0,209335.story





War/Terrorism

March 28
-Renewed clashes in Sabha, Libya raises the death toll to 50.

http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/03/27/libya-clashes-idINDEE82Q0KA20120327

-South Sudan's troops pull out of Sudan's oil-producing Heglig area, easing tensions.

http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82R09V20120328

-Syrain forces attack central town of Qalaat al-Madiq.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17541186

　

March 29
-At least 13 killed at teh San Pedro Sula prison in Honduras.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17557658

　

March 30
-Gunmen killed Zain-ul-Abdeen, a leader of the ethnic Pashtun Awami National Party, in Karachi.

http://www.irna.ir/News/Politic/Violence-erupts-in-Pakistan_s-Karachi-as-gunmen-kill-politician/80055658

-20 year old Palestinian killed and 13 wounded by IDF gunfire as they try and breach Gaza border fence.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/201233018384736481.html

-Thousands of Lebanese and Palestinians protest in Beaufort Castle.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4210157,00.html

-Amnesty Internation urges the release of imprisoned Bahraini human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17564341

　

March 31
-Tuareg rebels attack the northern Malian town of Gao a day after taking the provincial capital Kidal.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012331101518829540.html

-Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea orders troops to the Hela Province following ongoin gdisruption by illegal miners.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8444496/troops-sent-to-png-regions

-At least eight killed by three explosions in Yala Province, Thailand.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17571133

-Around 30 killed in clashes between army and suspected Al-Qaeda militants in southern Yemen.

http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=At+least+29+killed+in+Yemen+army%26sbquo%3B+Qaeda+clashes&NewsID=326199

　

April 1
-Dozens killed as Syrian army bombards the city of Homs with artillery fire.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/clashes-shelling-kill-dozens-syria-16049400

-Tuareg rebels seize the town of Gao and the largest military base in Mali.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17576263

-Tuareg rebels claim to have surrounded Timbuktu.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17576725

　

April 2
-Colombian leftist group FARC releases its last remaining police and military captives.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17580862

　

April 3
-Thousands demonstrate in Mauritania calling for the resignation of Presient Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/03/world/meast/bahrain-activist-hunger-strike/?hpt=hp_t3

-Turkish Prime Minister accuses UN Security Council of standing by with its "hands and arms tied" while teh Syrian people are killed everyday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17602136

~Sara

Edible Flowers

     Warning!: Make sure you positively identify each flower before eating. There may be flowers that look similar, or are of the same family that are not edible or are even poisonous! Do your own research on a plant before eating it, just to be safe.

     As the season for gardens starts to roll around again, I have been thinking of creating my own small garden in pots. As a first time gardener I love the idea of being able to grow my own food. At the same time however, I also love the idea of a decorative garden as well. This led me to the idea of edible flowers.

     There are quite a few edible flowers out there that would be a great addition to a garden. They add color and beauty to a garden, as well as a being a draw from pollinating insects. This makes sure that your vegetable plants get the pollination they need to actual produce and grow whatever vegetable you are trying to get.

     Another thing that came to mind, is that because flowers are often seen as simply ornament plants, flowers can act as a colorful and decorative element to your gardens, and help give them some camoflague. People generally don't expect a garden with flowers to also contain vegetables. So if you are interested in camoflaging your vegetable gardens in plain sight, adding flowers is a great way to do that. It creates a garden that looks decorative, and can be enjoyed that way, but also has the functional elements that we want in a survival garden.

     Always use home grown flowers, not store bought flowers because of the chemicals that are sprayed on the flowers that you find in stores. With your own flowers it is still a good idea to wash them before using them.

     When picking edible flowers, it is always best to pick them in the morning, when their water conent is high to help the flower have its best taste. Also pick them on the day that you want to use them because the flower will not last. To prepare a flower to go in a dish or even just to act as a garnish you will want to remove the pistils, stamens and seeds beacuse they tend to taste quite bitter.

     With those few tips in mind, here our some of our favorite edible flowers:

Borage: With its small brilliant blue flowers, it creates a perfect decorative element to your garden. This can then be transfered to the dishes in your kitchen. With a light cucumber flavor it would work very well in salads.

Caledula: With its vibrant yellow to orange color it will stand out in your garden. Often called the poor man's saffron, it will lend its spicy, tangy peppery taste well to your food, as well as add a golden hue to your dishes.

Chamomile: This bright cheerful flower is a great one to have in your garden and can easily be created into a tea. Chamomile tea can act as a mild seditive, helping with sleep at the end of a long day, or simply as a peaceful calming drink in between hectic moments.

Dandelion: Generally considered a pesky weed, this flower is actually completely edible from its leaves to its flowers. The young buds fried in butter taste similar to a mushroom, and dandelions can be used to make a potent wine.

Gladiolus: With a sweet light flavor, these flowers can be added to salads or desserts, or used as a garnish with almost any meal. Meanwhile, in your garden they create a beautiful riot of color, in almost any shade you would like.

Roses: With their sweet aromatic flavor, these are wonderful flower to have in the garden. They are also wonderful in the kitchen, and are great in desserts. They are especially good when candied, or drizzled in honey.



Snapdragons: These beautiful plants will look magnificent in your garden and on your table. They have a bland slightly bitter taste, and so could work well in salads to add a contrasting taste to sweet lettuce.

Squash Blossoms: With beautful flowers they will look lovely in your garden. They have sweet, nectar flavor and will work well with fish and dessert. Just remember not to snip off all of those flowers so you can have squash later in the summer and fall!

Sunflowers: These instantly recognizable flowers are a great edible flower to have in your garden. The petals have a leafy, slightly bitter taste, which can be lessed by steaming if you want. The real prize of these flowers though is of course its seeds. Soaked overnight in salt water, they can be baked real quick in the oven for a great treat.

Violets: With their beautiful purple color they work wonderfully in a garden and in a dish. They have a sweet, nectar like taste.

     This is just a sample of edible flowers, that here at the Paracord Project we think would look great in your garden, and would work well on the table. Want some other varieties? Here is a full list of edible flowers:

Angelica

Anise Hyssop

Apple

Arugula

Basil

Bee Balm

Borage

Burnet

Calendula

Carnation

Chamomile

Chicory

Chives

Chrysanthemum

Citrus

Clover

Coriander

Cornflower

Dandelion

Day Lily

Dill

English Daisy

Fennel

Fuchsia

Gardenia

Gladiolus

Hibiscus

Hollyhock

Honeysuckle

Hyssop

Impatiens

Jasmine

Johnny-Jump-Up

Lavender

Lemon Verbena

Lilac

Mallow

Marigold

Marjoram

Mint

Mustard

Nasturtium

Okra

Pansy

Pea

Pineapple Guava

Primrose

Radish

Redbud

Rose

Rosemary

Runner Bean

Safflower

Sage

Savory

Scneted Geranium

Snapdragon

Society Garlic

Squash Blossom

Sunflower

Thyme

Tuberous Begonia

Violet

Yucca

     So there you are! Some beautiful flowers that can be added to gardents for a decorative element. Then add them to your table for a tasty and beautiful addition to all your other garden treats.

~Sara

The Bug Out Bag Quarterly Review

My cat heps prepare the BOB.

    

     It is the end of March, and therefore we are a quarter of the way through the year. I have decided that as a result this is a good time to do a review of my bug out bag, to see where it is at, and how much more I need to get done by the end of the year. So this right now is the basic state that my bug out bag is in.



     So I start with my two biggest things. The bag, and my sleeping bag. The bag I am using for my bug out bag is a fairly regular size backpack. With a couple of different pockets in it, I think it works well for me. It should provide enough space to pack what I need, without allowing me to pack to much. This way I am not weighed down by unneccessary items.

     The sleeping bag is part of my bug out bag for the simple reason that it is the only sleeping bag I have. It is not the warmest, smallest or lightest, but for the moment it will have to do. In the future I would like to get a smaller bag, but for the time being I am not going to put it too high on my "to get" list.



     Next up we have hygeine. So far in the hygeine section is a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, razor, hairties (can also be used for other things much in the same way as a rubber bands), hand sanitizer, and a small hand towel (because regular towels are not going to fit).



     In the tools section so far there is two flashlights. One is battery powered and one is a hand crank, this way there are two light sources. If one breaks, hopefully the other will continue to work. For fire there is a a box of matches and three bic lighters, for when the matches fail you.

     There is also an am/fm radio with headphones to hopefully allow me to tune into any emergency broadcasts and potentially alert me to any evac plans and routes, as well as potential refugee camps. This will allow me to know where and when these things are happening, and it will allow me to find those places if neccessary, or avoid them as I see fit.

     A multi tool is always present because that is always useful. Shoe laces are good to replace a worn out pair, or to double as string. Meanwhile a deck of cards is there to prevent bordom, and spool of thread and a needle (which is stuck in the spool, but you can't see it from the picture) is there for all the many number of uses that you can use both for. Finally there is a pair of ear plugs which are definatly useful if you are going to be using a gun and have time to stick them in. They can also be useful if you just need some peace and quite from your constantly talking best friend who survived the sh*t hitting the fan with you, and is now driving you mad.



     On to the beginnings of my food storage. Yes I know it is rather sad looking. It also is meant to end up in my BOB like that if I can help it. I am getting together a stock of differernt foods that can be combined together to create my own MRE's because actually buying them are very expensive. So far I have individual tuna packets, cider packets, tea bags, and miso soup. For those that don't know miso soup is a Japanese soup, and it lends itself very well to being put in small packages to be made into soup later with just water. Also included in this section is my water bottle.



     The last section of my BOB is the medical kit. It is certainly not complete yet. More things will be put in, and somethings will likely be taken out. However for the time being, this what is in there. From the top left, trying to go down in columns: allergy relief pills, ibuprofin, a lighter, eye drops, hand sanitizer, aloe vera, 100 repel bug spray, off bug spray. Column two: soap and antibactierial wet wipes. Column three: bandaids, vaseline (can also be used for fire starting), two gauze wraps, cotton swabs, ace bandage. Column four: more bandaids, small and large gauze pads, and kleenex.

     So there it is. This is the beginnigs of my BOB. It is a long way from being finished but it is definatly a start. The things I am going to be working on next are clothing, aquiring a small tent, a tarp, a survival knife, and other tools. I will also be continue to increase my food storage and hopefull I can start making some MRE's soon.

     I know there are a lot of you out there with your own BOBs. What do you have in yours? Any suggestions for mine? Would love to see lists, pictures and any comments!

~Sara

Planting Zones

     Well its that time of year again. The flowers are sprouting, leaves are out and the chill of winter is starting to dissapear. Well realistically, there was no winter. At least not in my part of the country. Much to my dismay that regulary six inches to three feet of snow that should have been on the ground for the past five months never showed up. Which is a shame too because I wanted to do a post or two on winter shelters. It will have to wait for next year.

     So as spring has shown up early I thought I would do a quick post on beginning gardens. As you all know, one of my goals for the year is to grow my own food. Not tons of it, because there is no way that is going to happen, but at least a little. Hopefully a couple of happy plants in pots if I don't kill them first from neglect or over watering (I have learned that when you plant starts to float, you gave it too much water, and it is going to die).

     Now one of the things with starting my first foray into growing a garden, or at least a couple of pots, is figuring out when exactly I should start planting. Apparently it is all based on zones. These zones are based on geography, wind and weather patterns, and basically give an idea of the average temperatures in an area. This is because plants need specific enviroments and tempuratres to survive. For example, an orange tree is not going to grow well, if at all, in Minnesota.

     So I decided to go ahead and look up when it was that I could start my garden pots outside, and found that I got two sets of dates. Apparently there are two types of vegetable gardens: warm season vegetable gardens and cool season vegetable gardens. I did not know thats. As far as I knew, you took some seeds and stuck them in the ground, hope they grow and there is your garden. I had no idea that you could start a different garden based on what weather a plant does better in.

     Of course now that I have found out about it, it does make quite a bit of sense, and it helps make sure I don't try and grow a cool vegetable during the middle of august. A quick list of the vegetables for you all:

     Warm Vegetables: Beans, Cantaloupes, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Okra, Peas, Peppers, Pumpkin, Summer Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Winter Squash

     Cold Vegetables: Beets, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard, Onions, Parsley, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Spinach, Strawberry, Turnips

     So without further ado, here is a list of all the zones for everyone and when you can start your growing!

A Map of the Growing Zones in North America

Zones 9-10:     There won't be very many of you in these zones. These zones are very warm, and are only found on the bottom edge of the United States.

-Warm Vegetables: March - April

-Cool Vegetables: Sept - March


Zones 7 -8:       These zones strech through the deep south of the country and up into the bottoms of Virginia, Tennessee, and Arkansaw, and Oklahoma. These zones also continue through Texas and into the bottom half of New Mexico and Arizona, and then all the way up through California.

-Warm Vegetables: April - May

-Cool Vegetables: August - September


Zones 5-6:      These zones strech straight through the middle of the United States, and creeps up into the Rust Belt as well.

-Warm Vegetables: March - Early May

-Cool Vegetables: August - September


Zones 3-4:       These zones go through the top sections of the United States across the border and into the bottom areas of Canada.

-Warm Vegetables: April - May

-Cool Vegetables: Late July - Early September


Zones 1-2:       These zones cover the upper half of Canada, and this is where we start getting into the very cold areas of the globe. There is a short growing season, and some plants can't be grown there at all. So for those who are looking to start a vegetable garden up there, make sure to check what plants will grow and which won't.

-Warm Vegetables: May - June

-Cool Vegetables: July - August


     So there we are. The zones for planting because we are getting into the season. I will have an update soon as I get ahold of seeds and once my pots start getting started. Is anyone else out there planning on growing a garden? What are you growing? Let us know in the comments, we love to hear from you!

~Sara

Weekly World Risk Update (3/21 - 3/27)

     Here is the weekly update of potential and actual disasters worldwide for the past week. Quakes and volcanic activity have been present throughout the week in Central America. Also there is reports of an earthquake near the Santorini Super Volcano, but information is not being release by the Greek monitoring institutes.

     There are a number of nuclear and Hazmat events that have happened this week.  Also violence continues in Syria, Libya and in the coup d etat underway in Mali.

     This is your weekly report preppers. Look for the information you need to stay safe and keep on prepping.



Earthquakes

March 21st
-22:15:06 USC, Magnitude 6.6 - New Guinea, Papua New Guinea

-11:36:16 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Guerrero, Mexico

　

March 22nd
-16:46:47 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - Oaxaca, Mexico

-12:59:29 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Vanuatu

-00:21:34 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - Kepulauan Sangihe, Indonesia

　

March 23rd
-9:25:17 USC, Magnitude 5.6 - South Australia

　

March 24th
-22:18:38 USC, Magnitude 5.5 - Pacific Antarctic Ridge

-19:41:52 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Izu Islands, Japan Region

-07:28:34 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Region Metropolitana, Chile

　

March 25th
-22:37:07 USC, Magnitude 7.1 - Maule, Chile

-13:59:23 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Fiji Region

-13:22:41 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

-10:26:53 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - South Sandwich Islands Region

-01:05:35 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Pacific Antarctic Ridge

　

March 26th
-21:02:24 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Banda Sea

-18:12:54 USC, Magnitude 6.0 - Northern East Pacific Rise

-17:58:28 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Northern East Pacific Rise

-17:48:28 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Northern East Pacific Rise

-16:58:09 USC, Magnitude 5.7 - Southwest Indian Ridge

-10:35:36 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - Eastern Turkey

-09:30:19 USC, Magnitude 5.3 - Chukotka, Russia

　

March 27th
-23:40:14 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Nepal-India Border Region

-11:00:44 USC, Magnitude 6.0 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan





Tsunami
-3/25/2012, 22:44pm - Near Coast of Central Chile - Magnitude 7.2, Depth 10km





Volcanic Activity
3-23-2012: 8:07 PM - Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat - Volcano Activity

3-26-2012: 5:58 PM - Batu Tara Volcano, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia - Volcanic Eruption

3-26-2012: 6:03 PM - Popocatepetl Volcano, States of Puebla and Morelos, Mexico - Volcano Activity

3-26-2012: 6:05 PM - Tungurahua Volcano, Cordillera Oriental, Ecuador - Volcano Eruption

3-27-2012: 3:13 AM - Santa Maria (Santiaguito) Volcano, Quetzaltenango, Western Highlands, Guatemala - Volcano Activity

3-27-2012: 3:16 AM - Volcan de Fuego, Sierra Madre, Guatemala - Volcano Activity


Tropical Storms
No Tropical Storms at This Time





Status of Worldwide Supervolcanoes
Lake Taupo - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Lake Toba - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Whakamaru - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Yellowstone Caldera - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Island park Caldera - VEI 8 - Status: Green

La Girta Caldera - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Mount Tambora - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Baekdu Mountain - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Kikai Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Laacher See - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Aira Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Campi Flegrei - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Reporoa Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Mount Aso - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Long Valley Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Valles Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Santorini Volcano - VEI 7 - Status: Green

3-21-2012 - 3.2 earthqauke occured at submarine volcano 8km east of Santorini Island, Greece. One of the largests events in recent months. Greek monitoring institutes are not publishing more details. Access to important earthquake details are not publies, though they are available for other regions in Greece. Why not for Santorini?

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/21/volcano-activity-europe-greece-3/





Flooding
-3-27-2012 - Flash Flooding - Province of Oriental Mindoro - At least twenty evacuated.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/27/flash-flood-pacific-ocean-west-philippines-29/



3-27-2012 - Flooding - Multiprovinces, Ecuador - 30 dead after torrential rains cause flooding.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/flood-south-america-ecuador/



3-25-2012 - Flooding - First Nations of Kashechewan and Fort Albany, Ontario, Canada - Evacuations and state of emergency delcared as ice flows and break ups cause flooding.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/flood-north-america-canada-29/



3-25-2012 - Flooding - St. John's River areas, New Brunswick, Canada

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/flood-north-america-canada-30/





Fire
-3-27-2012 - Forest Wild Fire - Jefferson County, Colorado, USA - Homes lost and 2 dead as fire burns out of control southeast of Aspen Park.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/27/forest-wild-fire-north-america-usa-191/



-3-27-2012 - Forest Wild Fire - Samtse Dzongkhag, Bhutan

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/27/forest-wild-fire-asia-bhutan/



-3-26-2012 - Forest Wild Fire - Chimayo, New Mexico, USA - 20 acre wildfire has forced some evacuations.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/forest-wild-fire-north-america-usa-190/



-3-24-2012 - Forest Wild Fire - Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - At least four apartment buildings evacuated as work is underway to contain a grass fire.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/24/forest-wild-fire-north-america-usa-189/





Health
Update: Epidemic Hazard - Nigeria - Over 400 infected and 40 dead from the Lassa Fever outbreak that started at the end of January.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/epidemic-hazard-africa-nigeria-10/



Update: Biological Hazard - Egypt - Foot and mouth disease continues to be found throughout Egypt.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/23/biological-hazard-africa-egypt-6/



Update: Biological Hazard - Multistates, USA - White-Nose Syndrome has spread into Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/22/biological-hazard-north-america-usa-392/



Update: Epidemic Hazard - Pune, Maharastra, India - Swine flu cases continue. At least 32 infected and 6 dead.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/22/epidemic-hazard-asia-india-124/



Update: Epidemic Hazard - Amuru District, Northern Uganada, Uganada - Surveillance has stepped up on menigitis outbreak that has now killed at least 11 people, with at least another 30 infected.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/22/epidemic-hazard-africa-uganda-8/



Update: Epidemic Hazard - Liverpool, Englad, UK - Number of measles cases in and around Liverpool is continuing to grow.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/20/epidemic-hazard-europe-united-kingdom-53/



3-27-2012 - Biological Hazard - California, USA - 10,000 birds dead from avian cholera.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/27/biological-hazard-north-america-usa-397/



3-27-2012 - Biological Hazard - Omaheke, State of Gobabis, Namibia - 3 dead from anthrax.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/27/biological-hazard-africa-namibia/



3-27-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Island of Lombok, PRovince of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, - 17 year old dead from bird flu. The country's sixth fatality to the virus this year.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/27/epidemic-hazard-indonesian-archipelago-indonesia-31/



3-26-2012 - Biological Hazard - Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, India - 8,500 chickens culled following detection of avian influenza.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/biological-hazard-asia-india-57/



-3-26-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Rampura, Gujarat, India - Confirmed case of swine flu.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/epidemic-hazard-asia-india-128/



-3-25-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 32 confirmed cases of whooping cough.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/25/epidemic-hazard-north-america-canada-25/



3-24-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Madhubani District, Bihar, India - At least 10 children dead from measles.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/24/nuclear-event-europe-switzerland/



3-23-2012 - Biological Hazard - New Taipei City, Banqiao District, Taiwan - Market closed for disinfection after sample collected there found to be avian flu positive.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/23/biological-hazard-asia-taiwan-7/



3-23-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Andhra Pradesh, India - At least 25 infected with swine flu.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/23/epidemic-hazard-asia-india-125/



3-22-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Iganga, Eastern Uganda, Uganda - 1 dead, and 60 admitted to health centers following a measles outbreak.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/22/epidemic-hazard-africa-uganda-10/





HAZMAT Events
3-27-2012 - Hazmat Event - BP Refinery, Texas City, Texas, USA - Hydrofluoric acid leak.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/27/hazmat-north-america-usa-160/



3-26-2012 - Hazmat Event - Elgin-Franklin Fields, North Sea, UK - Gas leak.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/hazmat-europe-united-kingdom-21/



3-22-2012 - Hazmat Event - Joushua Tree National Park, California, USA - Adimistrative center closed after suspicious package was delievered and 11 employees became sick.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/22/hazmat-north-america-usa-159/





Nuclear Events
3-27-2012 - Nuclear Event - North Anna Nuclear Generating Station, Virginia, USA - Degraded condition.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/nuclear-event-north-america-usa-80/



3-24-2012 - Nuclear Event - Beznau Nuclear Power Plant, Canton of Aargau, Switzeralnd - Reactor shut down due to technical problems.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/24/nuclear-event-europe-switzerland/





Other
-3-26-2012 - Power Outage - Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territory - The Gaza Strip's sole power station comes to a halt leaving residents without power and endangering lives of hospital patients.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/26/power-outage-middle-east-palestinian-territory-2/



3-22-2012 - Mysterious Noises - Clintonville, Wisconsin - Mysterious booming noises have kept residents up at night for the past few nights. Manmade cause has been ruled out and there are no known earthquake fault lines in the area.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/23/non-categorized-event-north-america-usa-17/





War/Terrorism

3-21-201
-United Nations Security Council adpots a statement supporting Kofi Annan's plan for ending violence in Syria.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/201232114131971935.html

-Rebelling government troops in Mali storm the state broadcaster in the capital Bamako.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012321184549658627.html

-Iraq is terrorized by unconfirmed reports of extremists crushing the skulls of emos with blocks of cement.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17450437

-Car bomb explodes in central Mogadishu, Somalia, injuring two.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-21/nigerian-troops-kill-nine-suspected-islamist-gunmen-in-kano-1-.html

-Nigerian Army soldiers kill nine gunmen suspected of belonging to teh Boko Haram Islamist group.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-21/nigerian-troops-kill-nine-suspected-islamist-gunmen-in-kano-1-.html

　

3-22-2012
-Midi-Pyrenees shootings suspected perpetrator Mohammed Merah dies, and three French police men injured.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17473207

-Soldiers storm palace of President Amadou Toumani Toure with heavy gunfire reported in Bamako as part of a coup d etat.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/03/22/uk-mali-army-palace-idUKBRE82K1EZ20120322

-Syrian armed forces continue to shell the city of Hama.

http://articles.cnn.com/2012-03-22/middleeast/world_meast_syria-unrest_1_idlib-local-coordination-committees-bokamal?_s=PM:MIDDLEEAST

-12 people killed in an operation against PKK rebels in southeastern Turkey.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jOnmTa0g2NFElOV_HiiRhCZibfmg?docId=CNG.52747391d01822f26d635ca87e46ff5f.781

　

3-23-2012
No news stories.

　

3-24-2012
-Ten killed, and 25 injured in an airstirke by Kenyan fighter jets on a southern Somalia town near the Kenya border.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/24/non-categorized-event-africa-somalia/

-15 Kurdish militants, all women, killed by Turkish security forces in south-eastern Bitlis Province.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17500617

-30 people killed as Syrian Army tanks storm the town of Saraqeb and are met by resistance from Syrian Army defectors.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4207143,00.html

-The African Union deploys a 5,000-strong force in the hope of catching or killing warlord Joseph Kony.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17498382

　

3-25-2012
-At least 48 people reported killed across Syria as talks held about a process for transitioning to a "legitimate government".

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/25/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html?hpt=wo_c1

-Syrian armed forces continue to bombard Homs.

http://www.news24.com/World/News/Blasts-shake-Homs-Syria-rebels-hit-back-20120325

-Tuareg insurgents close in on multiple northern towns in Mali, where they say they will apply Islamic sharia law.

http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Tuareg-rebels-advance-in-Mali-20120325

-Roadside bomb in southern Kandahar Province, Afghanistan detonates and killed six Afghan police, one U.S. soldier and one translator.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/25/world/asia/afghanistan-unrest/?hpt=ias_c2

　

3-26-2012
-Afghan police officer kills two British military personnel before being gunned down.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g60230ON79PMKyaN4XeWHhJCRl-Q?docId=93964d8e9ba344a1bac08c3ea30dbcf6

-Tibetan protestor self-immolates during protest in New Delhi, India.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-26/india/31239781_1_tenzin-dorjee-tibetan-exile-chinese-embassy

-Columbian forces kill 32 FARC rebels in the lastest government offensive.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-26/india/31239781_1_tenzin-dorjee-tibetan-exile-chinese-embassy

-Somali pirates hijack Iranian-owned cargo ship with 23 crew members in waters off the Maldives.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gH8pG22Q8YyzdVqTHk95ZElBzOkA?docId=CNG.acfc1dff135a58aa206592dd6bfc3a20.221

　

3-27-2012
-Landmine explosion in Maharashta, India kills 15 policemen and injures 13 others. Allegedly done by Maoist insurgents.

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1152362--maoist-rebels-kill-15-paramilitary-police-wound-13-in-ambush-in-central-india

-Several people arrested in Kabul, Afghanistan as alleged suicide bombings are foiled.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17520430

-At least 50 dead in two days of tribal clashes in southern Libya.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ix-IdDuq18348X79ZTdtG_1w91PA?docId=b20a208f34c9495b9c78747046268821

-Libya National Transitional Council admits it faces national crisis amid escalation of violence and militia rule

http://www.scotsman.com/news/libya-facing-meltdown-as-armed-gangs-defy-ntc-rule-1-2199277

3/21/2012 - Weekly World Risk Update

     Here is the Weekly World Risk Update.  Updates on news about everything from natural disasters to the possibilities of disease outbreaks.  So you can keep a watch on the world and what is going on out there, and to help better warn you if something is on the way.  Keep a sharp eye out preppers.



Earthquakes

March 14
21:38:56 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

21:13:11 USC, Magnitude 6.2 - New Britain Region, Papua New Guinea

19:07:43 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Off West Coast of the South Island, N.Z.

12:05:06 USC, Magnitude 5.7 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

11:40:19 USC, Magnitude 5.4 - Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

10:57:42 USC, Magnitude 5.7 - Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

10:49:25 USC, Magnitude 6.1 - Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

09:08:38 USC, Magnitude 6.9 - Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan

　

March 15
19:20:18 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Nearth South Coast of Honshu, Japan

　

March 16
17:18:34 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Southeast of the Loyalty Islands

07:58:05 USC, Magnitude 5.7 - Leyte, Philippines

00:38:07 USC, Magnitude 5.4 - Kuril Islands

　

March 17
19:50:23 USC, Magntidue 5.1 - Southern East Pacific Rise

17:00:57 USC, Magnitude 5.5 - Carlsberg Ridge

15:49:17 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Carlsberg Ridge

15:16:25 USC, Magnitude 5.2 - Carlsberg Ridge

　

March 18
No earthquakes reported at 5.0 magnitude or greater.

　

March 19
23:46:34 USC, Magnitude 5.5 - Samoa Islands Region

13:42:35 USC, Magnitude 5.3 - New Guinea, Papua New Guinea

05:05:00 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia

02:56:03 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Hokkaido, Japan Region

02:30:22 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - New Britain Region, Papua New Guinea

　

March 20
18:35:40 USC, Magnitude 5.1 - Oaxaca, Mexico

18:22:35 USC, Magnitude 5.3 - Oaxaca, Mexico

18:02:49 USC, Magnitude 7.4 - Oaxaca, Mexico

17:56:19 USC, Magnitude 6.2 - Papua, Indonesia

15:06:02 USC, Magnitude 5.0 - Vanuatu



Mexico Earthquake: http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/20/earthquake-middle-america-mexico-3/





Tsunami
03-20-2012, 18:13 pm, Pacific Ocean Region - Guerrero, Mexico, Magnitude 7.8 - Depth 10 km

3-14-2012, 11:50 am, Pacific Ocean Region - Island of Hokkaido, Japan



Volcanic Activity
3-18-2012, 5:47 pm, Sicily, Italy - Mout Etna Volcano - Volcano Eruption

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/18/volcano-eruption-europe-italy-11/



3-13-2012, 15:15 pm, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan - Sakurajima Volcano - Volcano Eruption

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/14/volcano-eruption-asia-japan-6/





Tropical Storms
No tropical storms at this time.





Status of Worldwide Supervolcanoes
Lake Taupo - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Lake Toba - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Whakamaru - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Yellowstone Caldera - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Island park Caldera - VEI 8 - Status: Green

La Girta Caldera - VEI 8 - Status: Green

Mount Tambora - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Baekdu Mountain - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Kikai Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Laacher See - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Aira Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Campi Flegrei - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Reporoa Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Mount Aso - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Long Valley Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Valles Caldera - VEI 7 - Status: Green

Santorini Volcano - VEI 7 - Status: Green





Flooding
3-19-2012 - Northland, New Zealand - Threat of flooding.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/19/flood-australia-new-zealand-3/





Drought
3-16-2012 - Mangla and Tarbela Reservoirs, State of Punjab, Pakistan

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/17/drought-asia-pakistan-2/



3-15-2012 - St. Helena Region, California, USA

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/15/drought-north-america-usa-9/





Fire
3-19-2012 - Forest Wild Fire - Mt. Kenya National Park, Kenya

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/20/forest-wild-fire-africa-kenya/



3-19-2012 - Forest Wild Fire - Yuma, Arizona, USA

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/19/forest-wild-fire-north-america-usa-185/



3-19-2012 - Forest Wild Fire - Yimen County, Province of Yunnan, China

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/19/forest-wild-fire-asia-china-8/



3-17-2012 - Forest Wild Fire - Aberdeen Region, South Dakota, USA

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/17/biological-hazard-asia-china-21/



3-14-2012 - Forest Wild Fire - Maple Creek Region, Saskatchewan, Canada

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/14/forest-wild-fire-north-america-canada-24/





Health
Update: Epidemic Hazard - Liverpool - Measles - Number of cases continues to grow.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/20/epidemic-hazard-europe-united-kingdom-53/



Update: Epidemic Hazard - Province of Cebu, Philippines - Typhoid fever confirmed, outbreak declared.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/18/epidemic-hazard-pacific-ocean-west-philippines-27/



3-19-2012 - Biological Hazard - State of Bihar, India - 1,500 chickens die due to mysterious disease. Fear of bird flu.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/20/biological-hazard-asia-india-56/



3-18-2012 - Biological Hazard - Limburg, Netherlands - Variant of H5 Avian Influenza found in at turkey farm.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/20/biological-hazard-europe-netherlands-7/



3-18-2012 - Biological Hazard - Dallu District, Kathmandu, Nepal - Thousands of chickens dead from bird flu.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/19/biological-hazard-asia-nepal-12/



3-18-2012 - Biological Hazard - Governorates of Gharbiya and Dakahliya, Egypt - Foot and mouth disease has spread throughout Egypt.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/18/biological-hazard-africa-egypt-6/



3-17-2012 - Biological Hazard - St. Marys, Ohio, USA - Chemical treatment to head off toxic algae blooms.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/17/biological-hazard-north-america-usa-390/



3-17-2012 - Biological Hazard - Provinces of Bataan and Zambales, Philippines - Red tide toxin phenomenon is at its worst.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/17/biological-hazard-pacific-ocean-west-philippines-17/



3-17-2012 - Biological Hazard - Shek Kip Mei, Hong Kong, China - Dead house crow tests positive for H5 avian influenza.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/17/biological-hazard-asia-china-21/



3-16-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Amuru District, Northern Uganda, Uganda - Sespected outbreak of meningitis. At least 2 dead.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/17/epidemic-hazard-africa-uganda-8/



3-16-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Warwick, Rhode Island, USA - Six cases of chickenpox reported in four communities.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/16/epidemic-hazard-north-america-usa-225/



3-15-2012 - Biological Hazard - Shalva and Holit, Southern District, Isreal - Three cats dead from eating poultry infected with avian flu.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/17/biological-hazard-middle-east-israel-5/



3-15-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Tongatapu Island, Tonga - 2 confirmed cases of Typhoid.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/15/epidemic-hazard-pacific-ocean-east-tonga/



3-15-2012 - Epidemic - Turburan, Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines - Typhoid fever cases have reached 830 confirmed.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/15/epidemic-pacific-ocean-west-philippines-8/



3-15-2012 - Biological Hazard - Russell Cave, Alabama, USA - Fungal disease blamed for killing more than 5 million bats in five years has made its way into Alabama and could be headed for the Shoals.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/15/biological-hazard-north-america-usa-387/



3-14-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Pune, State of Maharastra, India - 12 swine flue cases in the last two weeks.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/14/epidemic-hazard-asia-india-124/



3-14-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Malabuyoc, Central Visayas, Philippines - 3 suspected typhoid fever cases.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/14/epidemic-hazard-pacific-ocean-west-philippines-28/



3-14-2012 - Biological Hazard - Jeju Island, South Korea - New strain of epidemic hemorrahagic fever found.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/14/biological-hazard-asia-south-korea-15/



3-14-2012 - Epidemic Hazard - Region de Cajamarca, Peru - Doubling of Dengue fever cases sof ar this year.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/14/epidemic-hazard-south-america-peru-11/





HAZMAT Events
No hazmat events to report.





Nuclear Events
3-19-2012 - Tokai Nuclear Power Plant, Prefecture of Ibaraki, Japan - Leakage of 1.5 tons of low-level radioactive water.

http://c4i.me/site/2012/03/19/nuclear-event-asia-japan-27/





War/Terrorism

3-14-2012
-Syrian Army captures the former rebel held city of Idilib.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/14/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html?eref=edition

-More than 10,000 peruvian illegal gold miners clash with police in attempt to gain regional capital.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hgkRFJF6b07-sLgw8lxfAjM1A_8Q?docId=6c773d421fbd4894b0614305f70fa622

　

3-15-2012
-Ethiopian forces launch attacks on three militant camps in Eritrea.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17386161

-Turkey threatens to launch a military incursion into northern Syria to protect fleeing refugees.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9146900/Turkey-threatens-military-incursion-into-northern-Syria-as-refugees-flee-across-its-borders.html

-Two french soldiers kiled and one injured in a drive by shooting in southern France.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/03/15/france-soldiers-shot.html

-195,000 people flee their homes and violence in northern Mali.

http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/mali-villagers-flee-violence-in-droves-1.1257620

　

3-16-2012
-At least ten people dead after a Turkish NATO helicopter crashes in Kabul, Afghanistan

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2012/03/20123168242245864.html

　

3-17-2012
-At least two bombings of government facilities in Syrian capital.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17412700

-Saudi Arabia sending weapons to rebels in Syria, accorditing to a top Arab diplomat.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-17/middle-east/31204243_1_syrian-national-council-syrian-opposition-syrian-rebels

-A tibetan monk sets himself on fire in southwest China.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-17/china/31204216_1_monk-self-immolates-anti-china-protest-protest-against-chinese-rule

　

3-18-2012
-Three people are killed in a shooting incident in the city of Don Benito, Spain.

http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20120318/tres-muertos-tiroteo-don-benito-badajoz/508117.shtml

-Canadians riot with firefighters and police in London, Ontario

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17422582

-Pakistani villagers find 13 bodies with bullet wounds near Afghanistan as security forces step up on offensive.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/18/us-pakistan-bodies-idUSBRE82H03M20120318

-British journalists Gareth Montgomery-Johnson and Nicholas Davies-Jones released from Libya.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17424831

-5 people suspected of planning terrorist operations on the island of Bali killed by police.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/five-killed-in-terrorist-raids-in-bali-20120319-1ve7b.html

　

3-19-2012
-At least 30 dead in fighting between Syrian rebels and government forces in the Damascus neighborhood of al-Mazzeh

http://articles.cnn.com/2012-03-19/middleeast/world_meast_syria-unrest_1_syrian-observatory-syrian-arab-news-agency-president-bashar?_s=PM:MIDDLEEAST

-Russian anti-terror troops reportedly enter Syria

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/03/19/russian-troops-reportedly-enter-syria/

-Bahraini opposition groups prepare to talk to rulling monarchy as crackdown on protests across the nation continue.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/201231915643806429.html

-Rabbi and two children, along with daughter of a school principal are killed by an attack at a Jewish school in Toulouse.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/father-two-children-shot-dead-outside-jewish-school-in-france/2012/03/19/gIQAclfUMS_story.html

　

3-20-2012
-Human Rights Watch raises claims of serious human rights abuses in clash between Myanmar Armed Forces and Kachin Independence Army.

http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/03/20/myanmar-conflict-idINDEE82J02320120320

-At least 46 dead and 180 injured in wave of violence across more than 10 Iraqi cities.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/20/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

-Militants attack Somalia's presidential palace in Mogadishu for the second night running.

http://af.reuters.com/article/kenyaNews/idAFL6E8EK0H520120320