COVID Collides with Weather Disasters to Affect Millions Worldwide
The double threat has posed a particular challenge in developing nations like India and Bangladesh
Stories by Thomas Frank
Migrating Tornadoes Bring Heightened Danger to the Southeast
Social vulnerabilities in the region, such as the prevalence of mobile homes, highlight the need for educating residents about storm risks
Hurricane Sally’s Major Flooding Exposes Flaws in FEMA Maps
Tens of thousands of homeowners face financial losses because they were not considered to be in a flood zone and were not required to have insurance
How Record-Smashing Heat Ushered in Western Infernos
Large swaths of the Western U.S. had a record-hot August, which helped prime fuels for devastating wildfires
Disaster Program Allocates Unprecedented Funds for Climate Resilience
Communities will be able to tap into $500 million to mitigate against disasters by, for example, strengthening building codes
Shelters Stay Empty as Isaias Barrels Up the East Coast
Concerns over COVID-19 have officials urging evacuees to stay with friends and family or at hotels
Disaster Management Is Too White, Official Tells Congress
More diversity is needed to reverse long-standing inequities in disaster response policies
Coronavirus Rages on Coasts as Hurricane Fears Rise
Dramatic increases in storm-prone areas will complicate evacuation, sheltering and recovery efforts
With Sea Level Rise, High-tide Flooding Spikes Along U.S. Coasts
Fifteen communities set records for the number of days with such floods last year
More U.S. Homes Are at Risk of Repeat Flooding
The significant growth in such properties has come despite billions spent to protect them
Disaster Loans Entrench Disparities in Black Communities
Systemic inequities such as credit scores mean Black home and business owners receive fewer federal relief loans than white ones
Tougher Building Codes Would Avert Major Losses, FEMA Study Shows
In California and Florida alone, such codes have prevented $1 billion a year in structural damage
Firefighters Will Attack Blazes Quickly to Avoid Coronavirus
A fast fire response will limit the need for mass evacuations and encampments
Flooding Disproportionately Harms Black Neighborhoods
The impacts of floods can exacerbate existing racial and social inequality
Government Watchdog Chides FEMA for Lax Flood Enforcement
The agency fell well short of its goal of evaluating local flood control efforts every five years
Removing 1 Million Homes from Flood Zones Could Save $1 Trillion
Expanding buyout programs would be more cost-effective than other measures, such as elevating houses or flood-proofing basements
Storm Surge Maps Will Warn Coastal Residents of Potential Deadly Floods
The new National Hurricane Center maps will show the expected depth of storm surge from tropical systems
2020 on Track to Rank in the Top 5 Hottest Years on Record
The first three months of the year were the second warmest in 141 years of record keeping
FEMA Report Warned of Pandemic Vulnerability Months before COVID-19
Posted in late July, the document foresaw many current impacts, including overwhelmed hospitals and disruptions in essential services
Homes in U.S. Flood Zones Are Vastly Overvalued
Requirements to disclose flood risk could help discourage development in inundation-prone areas
