NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters
A student-led journal driven by the latest research in public health disaster preparedness and management.
In 2016, Winter Storm Jonas became the largest snowstorm on record for six states across the East Coast of the United States, prompting state of emergencies with the extreme weather event. Economic losses from the storm, including lost wages and disrupted economic activity, were estimated between $500 million and $3 billion.
Continue reading “Kristin Memoli’s Case Study on the 2016 Winter Storm Jonas”
In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit parts of Texas and Louisiana. In Houston, Texas, the hurricane affected 44 hospitals and health facilities, leading to the evacuation of approximately 1,544 patients.
Continue reading “Mario Gallegos’ Case Study on Hurricane Harvey”
Within African countries, Kenya disproportionately suffers from the effects of climate change, with the poor populations facing the most severe consequences. The impacts of climate change have created a strong need for disaster preparation in the country—from multiple deluges in April that swept villages away, leaving 1,000 families to seek shelter in evacuation camps, to floods that killed 294 people and resulted in the destruction of 650,377 acres of farmland. Unfortunately, low levels of planning and cooperation by the Kenyan government are preventing its citizens from moving out of their homes and continue to delay the necessary reconstruction of communities.
Continue reading “Increasing Need for Climate Preparedness in Kenya”
A historic storm in Central Europe brought devastating floods to many countries, including Poland, Hungary, Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Romania. Twenty-seven were killed, and several more sustained injuries and mental health impacts. Vienna, Austria, however, experienced only mild impacts thanks to its extensive floodwater control system, one that can serve as a model for other cities around the world.
Continue reading “Vienna’s Advanced Flood Preparedness Saved Many Lives During Storm Boris”
On September 1, 2021, remnants of Hurricane Ida brought record-breaking landfall to New York City. The intense rain led to severe flooding, resulting in 14 deaths and over 30,000 damaged structures. Most of the casualties were Asian immigrants living in unregulated basement apartments.
Continue reading “Olivia Morris’ Case Study on Hurricane Ida in New York City”
2024 has proven to be a historic hurricane season, with Hurricane Milton being the fifth strongest hurricane in the Atlantic and producing a record-breaking 126 tornado warnings for the state of Florida. Subsequently, Hurricane Helene made news around the world as the deadliest and costliest hurricane to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Helene caused historic damage to parts of the southeastern U.S., especially western North Carolina, as news of the catastrophic flooding continues to spread around the globe. Experts and observers are wondering how Helene was able to cause such a high level of flooding so far from where it made landfall in Florida.
Continue reading “Hurricane Helene and Milton’s Destructive Paths”
Tropical cyclones indirectly cause long-term effects on mortality for years beyond the initial event, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. The study, published on October 2, is particularly relevant in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which hit the Southeastern U.S. in September and October, respectively.
Continue reading “Tropical Cyclones Indirectly Trigger Deaths for Years, Study Says”
In the wake of major outbreaks involving diseases such as Dengue, Ebola, and COVID-19, researchers have pointed to the planet’s role in the rise of pandemics. With the threats of climate change more apparent than ever, the relationship has been made abundantly clear.
Continue reading “Pandemics Coincide with Climate’s Instability, Research Shows “
On November 12, 1970, Cyclone Bholas struck East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh. The disaster resulted in an estimated 500,000 deaths and caused tremendous impacts on Pakistan’s social systems, international governance, and territorial borders.
Continue reading “Catherine Reyes’ Case Study on Cyclone Bhola in East Pakistan”
On October 8, 2024, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Beccerra, declared a public health emergency in Florida as Hurricane Milton reached the coast. Hurricane Milton is said to be the strongest hurricane since Hurricane Rita in 2005 and the strongest hurricane to reach Tampa in the last 100 years, with winds reaching 180mph. The destruction caused 24 deaths and left millions without power. Thankfully, the declaration of a public health emergency reduced the potential destruction Milton could have left in its path.
So, what is the declaration of a public health emergency, and how does it benefit the public?
Continue reading “Hurricane Milton: A Public Health Emergency”