Fall 2024 – Page 3 – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

Natalia Ramon’s Case Study on the 1985 Mexico City Earthquake

On September 19, 1985, Mexico City, Jalisco, and the coast experienced an earthquake of 8.1 magnitude, resulting in 10,000 dead, 30,000 injured, 250,000 left homeless, and 400 collapsed buildings. The catastrophic quake led to international criticism of President Miguel de la Madrid’s management of the disaster. From the incident came increased efforts for emergency preparedness, such as the Seismic Early Warning in Mexico (SASMEX).

September 27, 2024September 27, 2024

Dagoberto Jameson’s Case Study on 2005 BP Refinery Explosion

On March 23, 2005, the BP refinery in Texas City, Texas, exploded, causing 15 deaths and injuries in over 170 people. The explosion was caused by a tower that was overfilled with flammable hydrocarbons. However, poor safety and communication practices played a significant role in the incident.

September 21, 2024September 21, 2024

Rachel Rosenberg’s Case Study on Hawaii Wildfires

On August 8, 2023, a severe drought and high winds from Hurricane Dora caused wildfires to erupt in Maui. The fires left 102 dead, caused thousands to evacuate, and nearly completely destroyed the town of Lahaina. Nearly $5.5 billion in damages have been reported, making the event the most catastrophic wildfire in the U.S. in the past century.

September 21, 2024September 21, 2024

Brianna Baez’s Brief on Hurricane Sandy Preparedness and Response

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck New York City, causing 43 deaths, the evacuation of 6,500 patients from hospitals and nursing homes, and flooding of almost 90,000 buildings. While the global impacts of floods are well studied, the event was unprecedented for New York City, highlighting the need for improved preparedness for similar disasters.

September 21, 2024September 21, 2024

Kristin Memoli’s Brief on Hurricane Katrina Preparedness and Response

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, specifically the Lower Ninth Ward. The catastrophic impact was due to the failure of the city’s levee and floodwalls, which led to 80% of New Orleans to be flooded.

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024

Mario Gallegos’ Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Nebraska

In this THIRA, Gallegos assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Nebraska, U.S. The natural threats include tornadoes, winter storms, drought, wildfires, and flooding. Prominent technological hazards include power grid failures, transportation accidents, water supply contamination, and agricultural accidents. Human-related hazards and threats include mass casualty, terrorist attacks, and cyberattacks.

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024

Kelsee Katsanes’ Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Nebraska

In this THIRA, Katsanes assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Nebraska, U.S. The natural threats include tornadoes, floods, severe winter storms, and hailstorms. Prominent technological hazards include hazardous material incidents, power grid failures, and dam failures. Human-related hazards and threats include terrorism, active shooter, and cybersecurity threats.

September 17, 2024September 17, 2024

Olivia Morris’ Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Hawaii

In this THIRA, Morris assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Hawaii, U.S. The natural threats include wildfires, volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and flooding. Prominent technological hazards include power grid disruptions and fuel spills. Human-related hazards and threats include military action and terrorism.

September 17, 2024September 17, 2024

Ameisha O’Connor’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Nebraska

In this THIRA, O’Connor assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Nebraska, U.S. The natural threats include tornadoes, flash and river floods, and severe thunderstorms. Prominent technological hazards include utility power outages, hazardous materials release, and dam failure. Human-related hazards and threats include cyber threats in agriculture, an increase in climate change impacts, and droughts.

September 17, 2024

Natalia Ramon Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Colorado

In this THIRA, Ramon assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Colorado, U.S. The natural threats include droughts, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes. Prominent technological hazards include system outages, water contamination, high-risk artificial intelligence, and transportation accidents. Human-related hazards and threats include biological attacks, ransomware attacks, cyber attacks, and active shooters.