Natural Disasters
Wildfire Risk Maps Haven’t Kept Up with Wildfire Risks
Many states haven’t been able to keep their wildfire risk maps up to date, even as global warming increases the danger, because of funding constraints
Natural Disasters803 articles archived since 1845
Natural Disasters
Demolishing Homes That Sustain Hurricane Damage Can Improve Local Economy
Buying out and razing homes harmed by Hurricane Sandy boosted business development, jobs and property values in nearby neighborhoods
Natural Disasters
Incredible Footage of the Volcanic Eruption in Iceland
The eruption in Iceland may look beautiful, but what is happening just below the surface is threatening safety and livelihoods on the surface.
Geology
How Dangerous Is Iceland’s New Volcanic Eruption?
Lava spewed from volcanic fissures in Iceland as a long-awaited eruption finally began, potentially threatening a power plant and the nearby town of Grindavík
Climate Change
Millions of U.S. Homes Risk Disaster because of Outdated Building Codes
Building codes that don’t fully account for climate change are “one of the most significant factors” in increasing disaster risk, a federal report says
Climate Change
COP 28 Is a Crunch Point for Countries on the Front Lines of Climate Change
To achieve climate justice, developed countries need to put their money where their mouth is
Ecology
Wildfire Brought Wolves Back to Southern California after 150 Years
Wolves and other animals seeking easy meals and ideal habitat can flock into areas burned by wildfire
Geology
Will It or Won’t It? Iceland’s Volcano Threatens Eruption
An enormous magma intrusion under Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula is causing earthquake swarms and forcing evacuations
Climate Change
Climate Changes Threatens Every Facet of U.S. Society, Federal Report Warns
The new U.S. National Climate Assessment details how climate change will alter nearly every aspect of American life—and how the U.S. can help avoid “potentially catastrophic outcomes”...
Weather
First-Ever Flood Forecasting Maps Show Houses and Roads at Risk
The National Weather Service has launched the first flood forecasting system with precise, real-time data showing spots that are at imminent risk of inundation
Natural Disasters
Wildfires Threaten More Homes and People in the U.S. Than Ever Before
The number of homes located within the perimeters of wildfires has doubled since the 1990s. A surprising ecosystem is responsible for the risk
Natural Disasters
Dangerous ‘Fill and Build’ Floodplain Policy Should Be Scrapped, Experts Say
A FEMA advisory council says a program that allows developers to elevate homes on fill dirt is environmentally harmful and can increase flood risks for nearby homes
Climate Change
Experts Urge Dramatic Shift on Flood Insurance
Millions more people in the U.S. may be required to buy flood insurance based on the recommendation of an expert panel at a time when climate-driven floods are becoming increasingly common...
Natural Disasters
Hurricane Otis Came Out of Nowhere to Slam into Mexico
Tropical Storm Otis rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane overnight in a region that has never seen landfall by a storm of such power before
Climate Change
Simultaneous Megafires Will Increasingly Plague the Western U.S.
The Western U.S. faces a future of fighting multiple large wildfires at once—a situation that is more difficult than handling a single blaze, even if the total acreage is similar...
Mental Health
Treating Mental Health as Part of Climate Disaster Recovery
Mental health specialists discuss strategies for residents reexperiencing trauma in the aftermath of hurricanes, wildfires and floods
Natural Disasters
FEMA Offers Every State $2 Million to Adopt Safer Building Codes
First-of-its-kind FEMA funding aims to update archaic building codes that leave millions of people exposed to climate-fueled hurricanes, floods and other extreme weather
Climate Change
Climate Disasters Displaced 43 Million Children in Just Six Years
The Philippines, India and China have seen the greatest total number of children displaced by disasters—some 23 million—in recent years
Climate Change
More States Are Requiring Flood Risk Disclosures. Florida Is Conspicuously Not among Them
More states are requiring homeowners to disclose a property’s flood risk and history when they sell it. But 18 states, including hurricane-prone Florida, have no flood disclosure requirements...
Natural Disasters
FEMA Disaster Money Flowing Again after Budget Standoff
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will resume funding long-term rebuilding projects after withholding funds since August
