NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters
A student-led journal driven by the latest research in public health disaster preparedness and management.
In this THIRA, Reyes assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Litchfield County, Connecticut, U.S. The natural threats include floods, winter storms, droughts, and tornadoes. Prominent technological hazards include power grid failure and dam failures. Human-related hazards and threats include drug abuse, cybercrime, and fraud.
Continue reading “Catherine Reyes Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Connecticut”
In this THIRA, Baez assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Colorado, U.S. The natural threats include droughts, floods, and wildfires. Prominent technological hazards include loss of power, road accidents, and utility disruptions. Human-related hazards and threats include arson, biological attacks, and cyber attacks on data.
Continue reading “Brianna Baez’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Colorado”
In this brief, Ramon reviews the disaster preparedness and response measures of 2021’s Great Texas Freeze. The state was not equipped with the necessary resouces to prepare for the freezing temperatures, leading to a breakdown of Texas infrastructure. The impacts included nearly 5 million homes without power for weeks, 57 deaths, and $195 billion in property damage.
Continue reading “Natalia Ramon’s Brief on the Great Texas Freeze Preparedness and Response”
After over a decade of ignored warnings, a catastrophic landslide swept away much of the village of Mundakkai, India, in late July. Around 200 people were killed, with many more missing. As residents begin the recovery process, government officials seek to identify a cause for the extent of the disaster, with much evidence pointing to one culprit: overdevelopment.
Continue reading “Southwest India Landslide Kills Hundreds After Years of Ignored Warnings”
Heatwave frequency and intensity are increasing in India, with the current 2024 heatwave bringing temperatures of 126F (52C). Extreme heat has pushed many into “heat poverty,” a now-common term in India that describes the significant costs of making life safe and bearable during high temperatures. Impoverished citizens have been forced to purchase life-saving air conditioning units with sizable loans, which they are unsure of when or how they can pay back. With the effects of climate change increasing the heat annually, heat poverty is expected to get worse.
Continue reading “‘Heat Poverty’ Increasing in India Amidst Record-Breaking Temperatures”
As the world continues to prepare for the deleterious effects of climate change, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is focusing its international efforts on assisting the highly at-risk region of Southeast Asia. The agency aims to increase the region’s resilience to climate change-induced disasters such as flooding, droughts, and heat waves by encouraging international cooperation.
Continue reading “USAID Aims to Strengthen Southeast Asia’s Climate Resilience”
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Beryl have battered parts of the Caribbean and Texas, killing at least 13. As one of the first hurricanes to reach Category 5 status this early in hurricane season, experts are concerned about what this could mean in the time of climate change.
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Introduction: New Orleans, Louisiana, is located in the southern United States, close to the gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi river. The city of New Orleans is 10 to 15 feet below sea level. The distance from the Mississippi river to Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans is only 5 to 10 miles. Flooding is a major issue in New Orleans and one that will continue in the city due to its topography. Ideally a preparedness document like this would be 50-70 pages long and be written clearly enough so that any emergency staff member could read and understand it easily.
Continue reading “Kartiki Vaidya, Mahnoor Ahmed, Rebekah McNeill, and Korian Thomas’ Disaster Plan on Flooding in New Orleans”Introduction: Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu H5N1 (HPAI) is a disease that is caused by the avian influenza Type A virus, which spreads in wild aquatic birds as well as domestic poultry, with rare, sporadic infections in humans. Avian flu is spread to humans through interaction with saliva, mucous, and feces of infected birds. Those with frequent contact with cows and birds are at higher risk for developing avian flu. In the United States between April 1, 2024 and May 29, 2024, there have been three human cases, all contracting avian flu after contact with dairy cows. In order to monitor H5N1 activity in humans, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is utilizing the flu surveillance system.
Continue reading “Afreen Khimani, Samantha Whitegeese, and Sara Merken’s Emergency Response Plan on Avian Flu in Michigan”
In a recent press release, the World Health Organization addressed the effects of air pollution on human health, as well as how to combat dangerous air pollutants. In mitigating these adverse impacts, the organization developed the “WHO Strategic Approach for Air Quality, Energy Access and Health,” which outlines the 2023-2030 plans to protect the global population from air pollution’s harmful effects.
Continue reading “World Health Organization Addresses Global Health Impacts of Air Pollution”