NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters
A student-led journal driven by the latest research in public health disaster preparedness and management.
In 2021 and 2022, Kenya faced multiple outbreaks of vector-borne diseases, including Dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to high rates of infectious disease transmission. The emergence and re-emergence of viral infections in Kenya emphasizes the need to build the capacity of the country’s healthcare system.
Continue reading “Luis Gomez-Escobar’s Case Study on Vector-Borne Disease in Kenya”
The World Health Organization declared a mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in the summer of 2024. Over 15,000 cases and 550 deaths were reported in the DRC alone, leading WHO to use the emergency declaration.
Continue reading “Felipe Garcia’s Case Study on Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo”
On May 6, 2023, 33-year-old far-right extremist Mauricio Martinez-Garcia opened fire outside of a mall in Allen, Texas. The shooting killed eight civilians and injured seven. After the event, gun control activists, including President Joe Biden, pushed for legislation that would enact an assault weapon ban and universal background checks, which ultimately died in the Texas Senate.
Continue reading “Aryeh Korman’s Case Study on Texas Mall Shooting”
In 1984, a methyl isocyanate leak from a local pesticide plant killed thousands of people in Bhopal, India, known as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The event had significantly adverse impacts on vulnerable populations, leading to 15-20,000 premature deaths and reports of ocular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, psychological, and neurobehavioral effects.
Continue reading “Ishita Nair’s Case Study on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy”
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).
Continue reading “Natalia Ramon’s Case Study on the 1985 Mexico City Earthquake”
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.
Continue reading “Dagoberto Jameson’s Case Study on 2005 BP Refinery Explosion “
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.
Continue reading “Rachel Rosenberg’s Case Study on Hawaii Wildfires”
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.
Continue reading “Brianna Baez’s Brief on Hurricane Sandy 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.
Continue reading “Kristin Memoli’s Brief on Hurricane Katrina Preparedness and Response”
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.
Read more