Environment – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

Ami Fall, T’Oluwanimi Ademola-Thomas, and Ramya Mark’s Disaster Plan: Urban Droughts in Harare, Zimbabwe

Introduction: Drought has emerged as a critical hazard threatening water security in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. Its impacts extend beyond the city, affecting surrounding areas that depend on it for water supply and undermining food security, public health, and infrastructure nationwide. In 2024, Zimbabwe declared a national disaster after severe rainfall shortages destroyed over half of the national harvest, leaving 7.6 million people food insecure. The country’s reliance on subsistence agriculture, which supports roughly 70% of the population, further heightens vulnerability to water scarcity.

November 15, 2025November 15, 2025

Yi-Ru Chen’s Case Study on Record Rainfall in Western Europe

Intense rainfall between July 12 and 15, 2021 triggered catastrophic flooding in Western
Europe, with Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg being the hardest-hit
countries. Daily rainfall totals of 150 mm were recorded in western Germany on July 14,
amounts that typically represent more than a month’s worth of rain. The disaster caused at least 243 deaths, widespread displacement, and billions of euros in damage, marking one of the deadliest flood events in recent European history.

July 9, 2025July 9, 2025

Lori Preldakaj, Emily Carbajal, and Emma Zeiger’s Disaster Plan: Wildfire Emergency Plan for Los Angeles Major Trauma Centers

Introduction: Los Angeles County is one of the most wildfire-prone regions in Southern California due to its steep terrain, dry vegetation, and widespread-urban interface near the Santa Monica Mountains. These conditions make the area especially vulnerable to fast-moving, wind-driven fires. In 2021, the Palisades Fire scorched over 1,200 acres and prompted widespread evacuations, demonstrating how quickly these incidents can escalate. In 2025, multiple wildfires reignited regional concern after fires threatened hillside neighborhoods and strained emergency services.

July 9, 2025July 9, 2025

Grace Gu’s Disaster Plan: Thailand Tsunami Emergency Relief and Management

A man walks through debris as a result of a tsunami in Thailand.

Introduction: Historically, Thailand has been impacted by severe tsunamis, earthquakes, and natural disasters. Although the government of Thailand has implemented methods like seismic networks and water-based buoys (DART system) to detect tsunamis, there is a need for improved response measures, as they concern individual and community response measures.

July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

June East Coast Heat Wave Forewarns of Extreme Summer Temperatures

During the last days of June, much of the East Coast experienced an extreme heatwave, bringing some of the highest temperatures felt in a decade. Over 150 million people were under heat warnings, including those in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, where temperatures reached over 100 degrees. The oppressive high temperatures can cause a dangerous heat dome, which occurs when a large area of high pressure builds over a region for several days. This heatwave is expected to be one of many facing much of the U.S. this summer, according to the Climate Prediction Center.

June 11, 2025June 11, 2025

Canadian Wildfires Cause Dangerous Air Quality in the U.S.

As early summer wildfires break out in Western Canada, the United States is facing poor air quality, leading the National Weather Service to issue alerts in several regions. On June 4, a concentrated cloud of smoke hit Iowa and Illinois, extending into Wisconsin. Air quality alerts were issued in New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut, warning residents that air quality levels have reached hazardous levels.

May 30, 2025May 30, 2025

Samantha Whitegeese‬‭’s Case Study on the 2017 Skirball Wildfires

People standing at a distance from the smoke coming from the 2017 Skirball fires.

In December 2017, the Skirball Fire in Bel-Air, Los Angeles injured three firefighters, damaged or destroyed 18 structures, and burned 422 acres. These fires fueled discussions around how climate change increases the severity and frequency of fires within California.

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025

Maya McClatchy, Kate Dewey, and Howard Glassman’s Emergency Disaster Plan: Wildfires in Malibu

Introduction: The city of Malibu has a long and calamitous history of wildfires. Malibu’s location on the southern coast of California is what has made it a beloved destination, but it also leaves the city at constant risk of wildfires. The ecological makeup of the region is defined by dry plant matter that dries, frequent droughts, and the Santa Ana winds. In combination with increasing urbanization, these factors put the population at constant and increasing risk from wildfires. This plan is intended to support a more coordinated response between local, county, and state level agencies in the event of future wildfires, and to define strategies to more efficiently deploy emergency resources and protect the lives and property in Malibu.

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025

Kimberly Tang, Mark Alicea, Leonela Tutasig’s Emergency Disaster Plan: Wildfires in Los Angeles

Introduction: Wildfires are a persistent and growing threat in California. With climate change, prolonged drought, and expanding urban development in fire-prone areas, wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Los Angeles is vulnerable to wildfires due to its proximity to fire-prone landscapes, dense vegetation, and dry, wind-driven conditions. It is crucial for communities to have structured prevention, response, and evacuation plans in place. Given the increasing wildfire risks, it is essential to have a structured response plan that strengthens mitigation strategies, streamlines evacuation efficiency, and enhances overall community resilience through coordinated efforts with local, state, and federal agencies.

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025

Sydney Bertinetti, Edward Rosenbaum, and Tony Shen’s Emergency Disaster Plan: Tornado in the Bay Area

Introduction: Although tornadoes are rare in the San Francisco Bay Area, recent studies suggest that shifting climate patterns may increase the risk of anomalous weather events, including severe windstorms and localized tornado-like phenomena. This plan is designed as a proactive measure to safeguard public safety and ensure rapid response should such an event occur.