Natural Disasters – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

Rachel Rosenberg, Olivia Morris, Kristin Memoli’s Wildfire Disaster Plan for Hawaii

Introduction: Wildfires can pose a great threat, especially when the community and emergency responders are not prepared for a mass incident, as demonstrated by the 2023 wildfires that spread through the island of Maui. On August 8th, 2023, Maui was experiencing a severe drought when high winds caused by Hurricane Dora led to the rapid spread of wildfires. Some of the wildfires reached thousands of acres in size and lasted for several days, causing at least $5.5 billion in damages. The town of Lahaina was the most heavily impacted, with 102 fatalities and many more losing their homes. More than 80% of Lahaina’s buildings were destroyed, accounting for some of the 2,200 structures that were damaged as a result of the fires.

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

The Hidden Price of Inaction

Air pollution is an urgent crisis that exacerbates health risks. Individuals are becoming increasingly prone to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and more as a result of the changing environment. The Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) published an article discussing the progression of the new presidential administration leading towards weakening the Clean Air Act, which ultimately puts thousands of people at risk of death and exposes billions of dollars due to health costs.

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

Powerful Southern California Wildfires Cause Thousands to Evacuate

Over 4,000 acres of land were caught in flames in the most recent California wildfire, which occurred in Malibu this past month. As of December 13, the Franklin Fire had burned 4,037 acres, with 35% containment achieved. The destructive fire forced nearly 20,000 people to evacuate their homes, and many others were placed on high alert. Authorities issued evacuation warnings and monitored the situation closely.

December 19, 2024

Kelsee Katsanes, Ameisha O’Connor, and Mario Gallegos “Tornado Alley” Disaster Response Plan

Introduction: Lancaster County, Nebraska, experiences tornadoes as it lies within “Tornado Alley.” This is an area prone to these types of natural disasters due to its flat terrain, which allows warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico to mix with cool, dry air from Canada. This interaction creates atmospheric instability, leading to the formation of tornadoes. On average, Lancaster County experiences 1 to 3 tornadoes per year.

December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

Report Offers a Guide to Attract and Retain a ‘Robust and Representative’ Wildland Fire Workforce

A recent report from Stanford University’s Climate & Energy Policy Program explores the barriers to attracting and retaining the United States federal wildland firefighter workforce. In the western U.S., wildfires are intensifying amid rising temperatures, droughts, and decreasing snowpack. As the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires globally continue to grow, the Stanford report lays out a set of recommendations to address the workforce challenges.

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Wildfire Emergency Planning and Responding to Include People with Hearing Loss

Research has recently recognized that people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to climate disasters. One study, which examined the challenges that individuals with hearing loss face in the context of wildfires, highlights actions for emergency planners, community members, rescue teams, and others when preparing for and responding to such disasters to better protect the population.

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Justin T. Andries’ Case Study on Middle Tennessee Flooding

In August 2021, Middle Tennessee experienced a catastrophic flood stemming from the impacts of climate change. The event devastated the community, ruining homes, businesses, and infrastructure and resulting in 20 deaths. The flood water caused widespread injuries and illnesses, from fractures, hypothermia, vector-borne diseases, and more.

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024

A Literature Review on Equity in Disaster Recovery

Researchers from Tulane University conducted a scoping literature review of the past 25 years to examine the barriers that historically marginalized populations in the United States experience in disaster recovery. The findings highlight a need for greater inclusion of these populations in disaster planning and recovery.

November 24, 2024

Recent Hurricanes Spotlight Climate Disaster Risk to Mobile and Manufactured Homes

Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit the Southeastern United States earlier this fall, put a renewed spotlight on the climate disaster risk facing people who live in mobile and manufactured homes. Recent articles in the New York Times and Grist highlight the personal stories of individuals in mobile homes in states including North Carolina and Florida, and demonstrate the increasing hazards.

November 15, 2024November 15, 2024

Kristin Memoli’s Case Study on the 2016 Winter Storm Jonas

Statue in Washington D.C. during Winter Storm Jonas.

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.