Disaster Management

Building density, not trees, was strongest predictor of home loss in los angeles firestorms, finds new Cal Poly study

New study provides rule of thumb to estimate land sustainability in river deltas

AMS Science Preview: “Ornamental twilight,” heat deaths, hurricane eyes

New research uses AI to unlock decades of hidden flood risk data

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed an AI-driven framework to extract and analyze historical flood insurance maps, uncovering significant changes in flood hazard areas. The study reveals that flood risks have expanded in two areas and reduced in one, with critical consequences for resilience and exposure.

Modeling mangroves' capacity to protect coastal communities

Researchers from Kyoto University developed a numerical model to evaluate mangrove wave attenuation, revealing that root submersion and water depth significantly impact wave reduction. The study's findings suggest that mangroves can mitigate disasters and help communities adapt to climate change.

Research targets outdated manufactured housing wind-safety codes

A University of Kansas engineer is conducting research on outdated manufactured housing wind-safety codes, which have remained unchanged since 1994. The study uses a hurricane simulator to test the structural response and failure points of manufactured homes under varying wind conditions.

Machine learning could transform how infrastructure recovers from natural hazards

Researchers use machine learning to characterize recovery processes, predict outcomes, and optimize strategies for restoring critical infrastructure systems. The review highlights the potential of reinforcement learning to identify effective repair sequences.

New model offers ‘clear path’ to keeping clean water flowing in rural Africa

Researchers developed a dynamic optimization model to help NGOs in rural Africa optimize maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and logistics costs. The model achieved significant reductions in maintenance downtime, ranging from 47-62% in Ethiopia and 53% in Malawi.

UH engineers issue hot take on cold-steel: Finding hidden damage requires radar, AI

Researchers have developed a new framework to detect possible damage in concealed cold-formed steel construction framing materials, utilizing ground-penetrating radar and artificial intelligence. The technology allows for rapid detection of damage, enabling inspectors to verify only flagged spots without removing walls or cladding.

Can smart cameras improve evacuations? A new approach to smarter crowd mapping

Researchers developed a color-guided depth recovery method for non-repetitive LiDAR images to improve real-time crowd monitoring during disasters. The method reconstructs continuous depth structures while preventing over-smoothing and overfilling gaps, achieving improved depth accuracy and structural consistency.

Researchers want to change the way we warn about natural disasters

Current early warning systems often fail to lead to action due to varied reactions to general messages. Researchers propose EW4All+U with personalized information based on location, mobility and circumstances. The technology exists, but challenges remain in scaling up solutions.

Statistical method more accurately predicts landslide risk

A Brazilian study developed a new statistical analysis method that better predicts landslide risk. The approach uses the Gaussian distribution to define the weight of each contributing factor objectively. It was validated based on an inventory of landslides in São Paulo, where 65 people were killed.

Analyzing submerged fault structures to predict future earthquakes in Türkiye

A new 3D model of the fault beneath the Marmara Sea reveals where a future major earthquake could take place, helping improve earthquake forecasts. The study uses magnetotelluric measurements to identify distinct high-resistivity and low-resistivity zones, shedding light on ongoing processes of fault mechanics.

The rising risk of flooding and the role of nature-based solutions

Nature-based solutions can significantly reduce flood impacts by slowing and absorbing runoff, offering added benefits such as improved air quality and biodiversity. Public awareness and education are key to expanding support for these approaches, with communities needing clear communication about flood risks and benefits.

Unveiling a novel and durable mechanoresponsive material

A newly designed mechanophore, called DAANAC, was developed to provide early warning against mechanical failure while resisting heat and UV. It features a stable and fluorescent diarylacetonitrile radical coupled to an alkoxycarbonyl radical that quenches fluorescence.

Strategic river sensors could have forewarned of Texas Camp flood disaster

A recent study recreated the July 4 flood conditions and found multiple spots upstream where local communities could have placed water level monitors to give early warnings about rising water. The research aims to make those sensors cheap, easily accessible, and open source so anyone can use them.

Do natural disasters have long-term impacts on mortality in older adults?

A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that older adults who lived through Hurricane Harvey had a 3% elevated risk of dying within 1 year. Mortality risk was highest among those with chronic health conditions like Alzheimer's disease, and Black and Hispanic/Latino populations experienced higher mortality risks than other groups.

New UVA study in Nature Communications proposes better way to plan for energy transitions

Researchers developed a three-stage framework to analyze uncertainties in energy transitions, focusing on climate change and institutional inefficiency. The Puerto Rico case study shows that these factors are crucial in determining total system costs.

DFW backs UTA research to bolster flood resilience

Researchers will develop strategies to stabilize eroding channels and enhance flood-warning capabilities using artificial intelligence. The partnership aims to improve stormwater management and environmental protection in the region with forecasts suggesting population growth could double by 2050.

Flood risks in delta cities are increasing, study finds

Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.

Beat the bugs, enjoy the beats

A comprehensive review of 19 multi-day events found that nearly 70% of reported emergencies were infectious disease outbreaks, with influenza, measles, and meningococcal disease being the top causes. Foodborne illnesses accounted for over one in five incidents, often linked to poor food handling practices.

Towards integrated data model for next-generation bridge maintenance

Researchers develop a novel integrated data model that merges construction and geospatial information standards to manage bridges' 3D geometry data and maintenance records. This framework enables accurate damage location assessment, repair prioritization, and predictive maintenance, leading to improved infrastructure safety and longevity.

Researchers at KU launch new Kansas Flood Mapping Dashboard

The Kansas Flood Mapping Dashboard uses stream gauge data and terrain-based models to generate flood inundation maps, providing critical information for emergency management. The dashboard is a result of collaborative research efforts between KU researchers and state agencies, utilizing science and research for the benefit of the state.

Urban infrastructure renewal: Sustainable circulating mixing for urban pile removal

Researchers propose a novel approach to ensure uniform backfilling throughout borehole depth, addressing immediate safety concerns and long-term sustainability. The circulating mixing method improves process parameters and quality control through advanced numerical simulations.

Sinking Indian megacities pose 'alarming' building damage risks

Researchers warn of structural weakening in urban areas as a result of groundwater overexploitation, posing risks to millions of people. Satellite radar data reveals nearly 1.9 million people exposed to subsidence rates greater than 4 millimeters per year.

When a derecho strikes: Engineers build emergency management training game

The game, developed in partnership with Polk County Emergency Management, will force players to grapple with uncertainty and trade-offs in their actions. It aims to add intensity and engagement to traditional training methods, allowing emergency responders to make timely and relevant decisions.

In the face of extreme weather events’ devastating effects on power grids, study identifies vulnerabilities that drive prolonged outages, suggests ways to reduce disruptions

Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.

Rice, Lehigh launch Consortium for Enhancing Resilience and Catastrophe Modeling

The CERCat consortium aims to improve the field of catastrophe modeling by uniting academic rigor with practical expertise, driving real-world solutions that enhance disaster resilience. The consortium is prioritizing projects on multihazard fragility curves, wildfire fragility curves, and AI-powered post-disaster damage assessment.

When every second counts: How AI can speed up disaster response decisions

A new framework developed by Cranfield University aims to balance AI's benefits with safety and fairness concerns in disaster response. The study shows the framework outperforms human operators and conventional AI systems, providing 39% higher accuracy across various scenarios.

University of Oklahoma leads collaboration to transform fire weather warnings

A team led by Joe Ripberger from the University of Oklahoma aims to create a unified national approach to wildfire warnings. The project will focus on understanding fire and atmospheric interactions, social and behavioral science questions, and building a transdisciplinary network with practitioners and researchers.

University of Oklahoma to use AI to predict tree failures before storms hit

The University of Oklahoma is developing an AI-driven framework to predict tree failures before extreme weather events. The TREE-CARE project will integrate advanced technologies with local knowledge to develop solutions that directly benefit communities.

Wildfire mitigation strategies can cut destruction by half, study finds

A new UC Berkeley-led study demonstrates how home hardening and defensible space can significantly reduce wildfire risk. The research found that these strategies, when combined, can double the number of homes that survive a blaze and reduce structure losses by up to 50%.

Walkable communities lowered mental health stressors during COVID-19 pandemic

A study by University of New Hampshire researchers found that communities with higher walkability scores experienced a 4% reduction in average pandemic-related mental health deterioration. The study analyzed national census and survey data to measure the impact of walking on mental health during the pandemic.

Threats of weather disasters for drug manufacturing facilities in the US

Climate-related disasters pose significant disruptions to US drug manufacturing facilities, affecting nearly two-thirds of production sites. Researchers assessed the impact of disaster events on counties with US drug production facilities and found that nearly two-thirds were located in areas affected by at least one disaster declaration.

UH researchers to develop AI to aid in emergency food distribution

University of Houston researchers are developing an AI-powered dashboard for Florida food pantries, aiming to streamline stakeholder collaboration and distribute resources to families in need. The tool will enable emergency coordinators to respond quickly to spikes in demand, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations.

New study of East Palestine, Ohio, train disaster finds high rates of PTSD and depression in affected communities

A new study by University of Virginia researchers reveals high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression among residents exposed to the 2023 chemical spill. The survey of 1,000 adults found elevated psychological toll with half reporting worsening physical health symptoms.

Towards better earthquake risk assessment with machine learning

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology used machine learning algorithms to predict bearing layer depth and assess liquefaction risk. The study found that random forest models outperformed others, especially with increasing spatial data density.

Neighbors matter: Community cohesion boosts disaster resilience, Texas A&M study finds

A Texas A&M University study reveals that community cohesion prior to a natural disaster is significantly linked to perceived resilience afterward. The research found that explicit strategies for building community trust and increasing volunteerism rates should be added to emergency preparedness programs.

Identifying landslide threats using hydrological predictors

A new framework developed by Northwestern University and UCLA scientists integrates various water-related processes with a machine-learning model to predict landslide threats. The framework identifies three main pathways leading to landslides: intense rainfall, rain on already saturated soils, and melting snow or ice.

Advancing earthquake prediction with an unmanned aerial vehicle

The University of Tokyo researchers developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can withstand ocean currents and wind, enabling the acquisition of reliable seafloor measurements. The system achieved a horizontal root mean square error of approximately 1–2 cm, comparable to existing vessel-based systems.

Bushfire evacuation simulator wins prestigious US prize

The WUI-NITY simulator, developed by a global collaboration of researchers, visualises bushfire spread and people movement to calculate evacuation times. It has been validated in large-scale community evacuation drills and is freely available online for use by authorities and researchers.

Mathematical prediction of seismic wave propagation in magma containing crystals and bubbles

Researchers developed a new equation to predict seismic wave propagation in magma containing crystals and bubbles, revealing how crystal content influences wave velocity and waveform properties. The analysis also showed that bubble content affects attenuation effects, with discernible differences emerging between models.

DGIST develops high-performance piezoelectric fiber sensor for real-time landslide detection

Researchers developed a new nanomaterial and fiber structure that improves power output of piezoelectric fibers, generating enough electricity to light LEDs or run small devices. The fiber sensor can detect external forces and transmit data wirelessly for real-time landslide detection systems.

Civil defense units must invest in professionalization and own resources to face climate risks

A study proposes five action fronts for civil defense units to increase their organizational capacity, including professionalization and resource allocation. Municipalities face challenges such as monitoring urban expansion, lack of financial resources, and social participation.

Protecting Iceland’s towns from lava flows – with dirt

Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology built three embankment dams to divert lava flows in Iceland, delaying the molten lava by up to 16 days. The dams were constructed using in situ material and showed promising results in protecting civil society and critical infrastructure.

Wildfire smoke exposure and cause-specific hospitalization in older adults

Exposure to high levels of smoke pollution increases hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in older adults. The study highlights the need for interventions to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure.

Do disasters delay early cancer diagnoses?

A recent analysis found that rates of colorectal cancer diagnoses dropped during Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico, but late-stage diagnoses eventually exceeded expectations. Limited access to cancer screening services due to these disasters likely hindered timely CRC diagnoses.

AI and gaming platform aims to revolutionize emergency pipeline training

A new AI-powered training platform is being developed to simulate pipeline incidents and provide real-world scenarios for pipeline operators. The platform will use artificial intelligence to create a realistic environment where teams can practice handling hazardous conditions and responding to emergencies.

New projections reveal more extreme erosion on O’ahu’s shores

A new study reveals that 81% of O’ahu's coastline could experience erosion by 2100, with a further 40% loss happening by 2030. The research used computer models incorporating satellite imagery to predict the seasonal movement of sand, resulting in more severe erosion projections than previous studies.

How the failure of two dams amplified the Derna Flood tragedy

A new study reveals that two dam failures and flawed risk assessment amplified the Derna Flood, which was nearly twentyfold more destructive than expected. The research highlights the urgent need for improved flood mitigation strategies, especially in dryland regions.

Earthquake rupture patterns improve the assessment of seismic hazard

Researchers have shown that earthquakes in the Marmara region transport a large amount of energy towards Istanbul, with most quakes exhibiting an eastward rupture direction. This finding has important implications for urban planning, emergency response, and seismic hazard maps, which will be taken into account in future studies.

Weathering the storm: Professor’s new book explores how local governments can adapt and recover from natural disasters

A new book by Komla Dzigbede explores the ability of local governments to learn, adapt, and innovate in the face of major crises. The book analyzes disaster preparedness, response, and economic development post-disaster, offering practical lessons for local leaders.

AI has ‘great potential’ for detecting wildfires, new study of the Amazon rainforest suggests

A new study suggests that artificial intelligence can effectively detect wildfires in the Amazon rainforest, using satellite imaging and deep learning. The technology achieved a 93% success rate in training models via datasets of images with and without wildfires.

Staying one step ahead of cyberattackers

Researchers at Mizzou have developed a proactive approach using artificial intelligence to address evolving threats against smart grids. The CIBR-Fort system can predict cyberattacks with 91.88% accuracy and defend against them in real-time, enabling scalable security for power grids of the future.

Rice University researchers team up with UT, A&M to help rural Texas communities overhaul flood management system

Researchers introduce a performance-based framework that integrates hydroclimate variability, hydrology, machine learning, community knowledge and feedbacks between physical and social systems. This approach enhances understanding of flood risks while emphasizing long-term community resilience.

Scientists track evolution of pumice rafts after 2021 underwater eruption in Japan

Researchers studied pumice rafts from the 2021 Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba eruption in Japan, finding three phases of evolution involving rounding, fragmentation, and biodiversity increase. The study provides valuable information for mitigating the impact of future eruptions on shoreline communities.

Hurricane-proofed downtown skyscrapers unexpectedly vulnerable to ‘bouncing’ winds

A new study reveals that downtown Houston skyscrapers designed to withstand hurricanes are actually more vulnerable to intense, localized wind forces called downbursts. The research found that these strong winds can cause significant damage to facade panels, cladding, and windows on lower floors.

Quantitative evaluation method for energy resilience in disasters

Researchers developed a quantitative evaluation method for energy resilience in disasters by simulating power outage scenarios in buildings with solar power generators and storage batteries. The study found that energy resilience is highest when the power outage coincides with daylight hours.

Rooftop panels, EV chargers, and smart thermostats could chip in to boost power grid resilience

Researchers propose a new local electricity market to harness the power of homeowners' grid-edge devices in case of outages or attacks. Devices like solar panels and electric vehicles can pump power into the grid or rebalance consumption.

Combining millions of years of evolution with tech wizardry: the cyborg cockroach

Researchers created cyborg insects with sensors and electronic circuits to aid in disaster relief and navigation. The insects demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles in complex environments, achieving objectives with less effort than purely mechanical robots.