Hundreds of people gather to pray as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is engulfed in flames.
Category Archives: Dealing with Disaster
In Eastern Alabama, communities reel from tornado’s “annihilation”
People reflect on what was lost during the tornadoes that ripped through Alabama, while organizing and planning to move forward.
Even kids can have a role in helping after natural disasters
Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference to someone who has suffered a natural disaster. Find inspiration in the examples described here.
How frigid polar vortex blasts are connected to global warming
The weather extremes associated with our rapidly changing climate sometimes seem paradoxical. Here’s the explanation for how global warming can put some locations into a deep freeze.
FEMA 101 — How It All Works
Anytime there’s a disaster in the United States, you’re sure to hear the acronym FEMA. Find out what this government agency does—and doesn’t—do.
6 Myths About What You Should Do When Disaster Strikes
Do you think you know what to do during an earthquake, a tornado, or a hurricane? Many people still think these six common myths are true. Learn why they’re untrue and what you should actually do instead during these disasters.
Extreme Events
Find out about the range of recent extreme weather events worldwide.
Giant plastic-cleaning system headed to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
While still a teenager, Boyan Slat of the Netherlands founded the Ocean Cleanup to address the environmental disaster of plastic marine debris. Now one of his ideas is being put into action. But will it work?
How the trauma of Hurricane Harvey plagues some survivors’ mental health 1 year later
Long after the storm has subsided, the devastating effects of a powerful hurricane can linger.
One of the Worst Man-Made Disasters in History
Man-made disasters are entirely preventable. Watch this video to find out why the warning signs of a deadly chain of events in 20th-century Italy were ignored.
A decade into the Katrina diaspora
A diaspora is a scattering of people who all originally came from the same place. See some examples of how the lives of people scattered by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina have changed.
Michael McDaniel: Cheap, Effective Shelter for Disaster Relief
Each year, disasters drive an average of 31.5 million people from their homes, and many remain homeless for months or years afterward. In this speech, Michael McDaniel outlines his efforts to design, build, and find support for a temporary shelter for disaster victims. Will he succeed? View the video and decide for yourself.
The Storm After the Storm: Disaster’s Mental Toll
Survivors of natural disasters have more to deal with than simply rebuilding lost homes. Many will also suffer from PTSD: post-traumatic stress disorder.
What Is Drought?
Any weather extreme can result in disaster. Click the links to learn about the causes and effects of severe lack of rainfall.
How a Nuclear Meltdown Works
Nuclear meltdowns are very rare but dangerous. Read about how nuclear reactors work and what causes a meltdown.
Ready
Explore this site to find out how to prepare for all kinds of disasters, from drought to winter storms.
How a Fallout Shelter Ended up at the American History Museum
Half a century ago, fallout shelters were everywhere. One of these well-stocked little bunkers, meant to protect people from the fallout of an atomic bomb, is now part of history.
Benefits of Fire
Not all forests fires are bad. In fact, fire is an important part of the life cycle of forests. Read about how fires can benefit trees and the animals that live among them.
Natural disasters — statistics & facts
Get the big picture of types and impacts of natural disasters by clicking around this page. You’ll find graphs ranking disasters by type, location, damage done, and much more.
Dramatic Video Shows Deadly Tsunami Hitting Greenland
As ocean temperatures warm, disasters that have not occurred in recorded history are becoming the norm.