Recent Natural Disasters | Calamities | Hazards

April 21, 2020: Severe flooding and landslides in Rwanda and Burundi have claimed lives of at least nine people and affected 27,000 people from April 17 to 20, 2020. Heavy rainfall triggered landslides in the district of Gicumbi in the Northern Province of Rwanda, with the most affected areas being Nyankenke and Kageyo sectors. Heavy rainfall wiped off the cobblestone road in an area commonly known as "Ku Ntaraga" in Kimisagara. Meteo Rwanda has issued heavy rainfall warnings until April 26, 2020.

Q: Do I need earthquake insurance as a renter? A: You're generally not required to buy earthquake insurance as a renter. But even if your landlord has earthquake insurance for the building, their policy won’t cover your belongings inside your rental home. If you live in earthquake prone areas and worried about the earthquake damage that would be caused, its better to get separate earthquake insurance policy . Does Renters Insurance Cover Earthquakes? Most standard renters policies don’t cover earthquake damage . And even if your landlord has earthquake insurance, their policy won’t cover your stuff. Earthquake insurance for renters is much less expensive than it is for homeowners. 

Q: What are 2 ‘natural disaster’ events not covered in a basic home policy? A: According to the California Department of Insurance , below are the 2 ‘natural disaster’ events not covered in a basic home policy. Homeowners, renters, and condominium insurance policies do not cover damage from natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Facts - Earthquake Insurance Your homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. As with most earthquake policies, CEA insurance does not cover landscaping, pools, fences, masonry, or separate buildings.  Earthquake insurance usually does not cover anything that your homeowners policy already covers. Earthquake insurance does not cover damage to your vehicles.  Source: Earthquake Insurance. California Department of Insurance. Retrieved from: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/03-res/eq-ins.cfm

April 21, 2020: An earthquake of magnitude 3.1 has been recorded in Odessa, Texas today, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported. According to the USGS, the earthquake's epicenter was located 11 km NE of Odessa and 21 km ENE of Midland, Texas, United States. USGS received earthquake felt reports from Odessa, Gardendale and Goldsmith. No preliminary damage or injuries have been reported from earthquake in Odessa, Texas today.

April 19, 2020: An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 has been recorded 25 km SE of Ofunato,  The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)  reported. According to the JMA, the earthquake occurred at 50 km depth. The tremor was felt in Kamaishi, Yahaba, Furukawa, Sendai, Misawa, Koriyama, and as far as Japan 's capital Tokyo. JMA confirmed that the earthquake today near Ofunato poses no tsunami risk. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) put the quake at a magnitude of 6.3 and a depth of 38 km.