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

Fires 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.

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

Tornado 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.

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

Fire 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.

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Catherine Reyes Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Connecticut

Flood in Connecticut.

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.

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Natalia Ramon’s Brief on the Great Texas Freeze Preparedness and Response

Texas winter storm.

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.

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Ishita Nair’s Brief on Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Doctors working during COVID-19

Nair uses this brief to discuss how health communication has altered pandemic preparedness and response for public health officials. Critical differences during pandemics such as COVID-19, H1N1, and the Spanish flu were driven by technological advancements, improved information dissemination trust in healthcare systems, and available resources for treatment. 

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Luis Guillermo Gómez Escobar’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) in Kenya

Children in Kenya.

In this THIRA, Escobar assesses the natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards in Kenya. The natural threats include droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. Prominent technological hazards include cybersecurity incidents, road accidents, and fires. Human-related hazards and threats include terrorism and political tension.

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Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan, Millions Forced to Evacuate

Typhoon Shanshan hits Japan.

On August 30, Japan was struck by Typhoon Shanshan, prompting emergency warnings across the nation. Japanese authorities reported that over one million individuals were advised to evacuate due to extensive damage caused by the typhoon. Japan was hit with record-breaking rainfall and flooding, which particularly damaged structures along the southern coastline.

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Recent Report Finds ICE Detainees Suffer Preventable Deaths

ICE Contract Detention Facility in San Diego.

A recent study found critical issues within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities, particularly focusing on the inadequate medical care provided to detainees. The research references a report written by three advocacy groups, the American Civil Liberties Union, American Oversight, and Physicians for Human Rights, which highlights numerous systemic failures. 

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Southwest India Landslide Kills Hundreds After Years of Ignored Warnings

Landslide that hit Nepal’s Sunkoshi river.

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.

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