Due to the seasonal monsoon rains and tropical storms in the region, the Philippines is currently experiencing widespread flooding that has left parts of the country without services and thousands without homes/shelter. News reports indicate that the flooding has forced nearly 130,000 people across the country from their homes. One...
The National Diet of Japan Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission (NAIIC) released its first official report. The report “provides a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the March 11th, 2011, including causes and the response to the nuclear accident. It also includes recommendations designed to prevent the...
Nearly one year ago today the third largest tornado outbreak in US history (since systematic tornado record keeping began in 1950) was recorded on April 25-28, 2011. The areas most affected by the devastating tornadoes included the Southern, Midwestern, and Northeastern United States. In particular, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee,...
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have partnered in recognition of the first anniversary of “one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history” to raise public awareness of what to do during severe weather and help save lives. “Last April, tornadoes...
The Public Library of Science (PLoS) is now offering PLoS Currents: Disasters, “a new innovative open-access publication for the rapid communication of new research results and operational analyses derived from the study or management of all types of disasters.” “PLoS Currents is a flexible publishing channel, which responds to the...
Disasters can overwhelm a health care system so quickly that delivery of medical services can be very difficult. In a new report the Institute of Medicine developed guidance that health care professionals can use to establish a standard of care during a disaster. The report “Crisis Standards of Care: A...
On March 11, 2011 Japan suffered a massive earthquake and tsunami followed by radiation dangers from damage to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The HSDL has blogged about Japan’s recovery efforts over the last year. On the anniversary of this event we look at where Japan is now and...
In addition to a report of its activities for the previous year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a document detailing its short and long-term vision. Entitled “2012 The State of FEMA” , this is a new product in FEMA’s march toward a National Preparedness Goal. FEMA Administrator...
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released a new seismic study “that will help U.S. nuclear facilities in the central and eastern United States reassess seismic hazards. The Central and Eastern United States Seismic Source Characterization for...
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released the report Crisis Response and Disaster Resilience 2030: Forging Strategic Action in an Age of Uncertainty. FEMA recognizes the emergency management community will face challenges in the future that a far different from what the community is confronted with today. To meet...
