hurricanes Archives - Disasters News

Jan142025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Harris County’s Coordinated Response: Supporting Vulnerable Residents During Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and the May 2024 derecho, Harris County demonstrated the effectiveness of proactive planning and coordinated efforts to support vulnerable residents. These incidents caused extensive damage, widespread power outages, and significant challenges for the community. By leveraging the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) provided critical aid to those in need. What is STEAR? The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) was established to identify and assist residents with disabilities, medical needs, and other challenges during emergencies. Registered residents receive wellness checks, medical aid, and logistical support during disasters. Faci...

Nov122024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Florida Faces a Critical Choice: Building Resiliently for the Future After 2024’s Hurricanes

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

As Florida and the Southeast recover from 2024's hurricanes, many residents and experts are asking how to rebuild in ways that prevent future losses. Civil engineering and disaster recovery experts are finding ways to build homes more resilient to extreme weather, but homeowners often encounter obstacles. One challenge is the high up-front costs of sustainable building materials, especially when the demand surge after a disaster raises prices and strains supply. Additionally, insurance coverage tends to fund only basic rebuilding, leaving residents without resources to add resilience-focused upgrades. Cost and Complexity: Rebuilding Challenges When disaster strikes, the urgency to restore housing clashes with the time and costs of "building back better." With FEMA's stretched reso...

Oct262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Hurricanes and Wildfires: How Storms Increase Fire Risk in Pine Forests and Beyond Warns NC State Expert

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Hurricanes often known for their powerful winds and rain, also create conditions that can increase wildfire risk, especially in regions populated by pine trees. According to Robert Scheller, a professor of forestry and environmental resources at NC State, hurricane-force winds can knock down trees and scatter needles, leaves, and branches, leaving behind “fuel” that can later ignite. Pine trees, common in areas like the southeastern U.S., pose a higher wildfire risk due to their flammable resin-filled needles, which decompose slowly, Scheller explained. After a storm, the abundance of dead pine needles and branches on the forest floor creates a phenomenon called fuel loading, where high amounts of combustible material in one area heighten the potential intensity of wildfires. For instan...

Oct42024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

How Climate Change is Fueling Unpredictable and Intensified Storms: Urgent Need for Adaptation and Advanced Forecasting

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

As global temperatures rise and ocean heat reaches record levels, the world’s most powerful storms hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones are undergoing unprecedented transformations. These changes are pushing scientists to rethink how we understand and predict these storms, often called “nature’s steam engines” due to their ability to convert ocean heat into massive kinetic energy. The consequences of these more intense, unpredictable storms are severe, and scientists are racing to understand the evolving patterns to adapt and protect vulnerable communities. How Climate Change is Redefining Storm Dynamics Rising Ocean Temperatures Hurricanes draw their energy from warm ocean waters. As global warming drives sea temperatures to new highs, the energy available for storms in...