Articles tagged with Disaster Management
A new study provides a comprehensive breakdown of how water injected into the Permian Basin changes subsurface pressures and causes earthquakes. The research offers insights that oil and gas operators and regulators can use to reduce seismicity and associated hazards.
A new UN University study reveals Hurricane Helene's devastating impacts, with over 31,000 buildings affected and $12.5 billion in threatened property value. The disaster highlights the urgent need for investment in resilient infrastructure and improved land-use planning to mitigate future extreme weather events.
The new system uses AI technology combined with Earth observation data to detect risks of events that might trigger forced displacement, delivering timely alerts ahead of emergencies. It will help humanitarian actors plan and respond more effectively, minimizing response times and avoiding duplication of efforts.
A machine learning model predicts soil behavior during earthquakes, identifying areas vulnerable to liquefaction and providing contour maps for safer construction sites. The study uses geological data to create detailed 3D maps of soil layers, improving prediction accuracy by 20%.
The Lancet Commission on Investing in Health recommends focusing on 15 priority health conditions to achieve a 50% reduction in premature deaths. Raising taxes on tobacco is key, with estimates suggesting it could reduce mortality rates by more than any other single policy.
Researchers have developed AI-enabled detection software that can accurately detect natural debris, litter, or waste blocking culverts. The system can be integrated to existing CCTV systems to provide proactive flood defense, improving safety for response teams.
A new study reveals the flood insurance program's effects differ greatly among communities, with higher-population and wealthier areas benefiting more from discounts on premiums. Lower-income communities also see benefits, but only in areas with less racial and ethnic diversity, realizing a gain of about $6,000 per household.
A study found increased menstrual irregularities in women living in areas affected by the 2023 earthquake in Turkey. Risk factors included post-traumatic stress symptoms, chronic diseases, and smoking.
Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.
A three-year research study led by the University of Kansas is establishing best 'managed retreat' practices for communities at risk from repeated flooding and wildfires due to climate change. The study aims to understand how different cities and governments have considered managed retreat, including strategies like buyouts and partner...
The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) has issued a position paper emphasizing the importance of emergency-related food and nutrition education before, during, and after disasters. The paper highlights challenges in accessing safe, nutritious foods and beverages in post-disaster situations, particularly among historica...
A hybrid disaster response approach that combines local data collection with remote expertise saved lives in the Haiti earthquake. Traditional Haitian construction techniques proved to be more effective than modern approaches, with certain homes built using these methods performing better in the earthquake.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method of monitoring infrastructure using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing systems. This technology allows for early detection of issues, reducing the need for time-consuming repairs.
A new study by the Colorado School of Public Health found that high ICU occupancy levels during COVID-19 patients' stays contributed to increased mortality rates. The research highlights the critical need for tools to anticipate surges and effective resource management in healthcare systems.
Researchers suggest three measures to improve EEW alerts: conducting nationwide drills, maintaining safe environments, and adding clear instructions to encourage immediate action. Studies found that people often wait for tremors to begin instead of taking protective measures, highlighting the need for more effective warning systems.
Climate change is driving sudden onset of drying in South America and southern Africa, while Central Asia sees increased moisture due to warming temperatures
A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers highlights the hidden threat of global underground infrastructure vulnerability to sea-level rise. Shallow and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations in cities worldwide.
A study analyzed over 2,000 tweets before and after Hurricane María made landfall, revealing insights into social media use during disasters. The research identified key categories of messages, including information about the disaster, emotional appeals for help, and solidarity efforts among marginalized communities.
The rapid assessment of the Kakhovka Dam breach has estimated that half a million hectares of protected habitats have been exposed to hazards, including nutrients and pollutants. The study will support international action to restore a biodiversity hotspot in southern Ukraine.
A 10-year study monitored the recovery of macroinvertebrate communities after a red sludge disaster in Hungary, finding that severe disturbances hinder long-term recovery. Community recovery dynamics were found to vary with disturbance severity.
A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovers notable correlations between the Indian Ocean and precipitation in the Middle East, which may lead to seasonal prediction of Fall precipitation. The research highlights a discernible upward trend in crucial Indian Ocean climate indices over the last four decades, indicatin...
New research finds that PAHs in wildfire smoke can persist on indoor materials for weeks, posing health risks. Effective household cleaning techniques, such as laundering cotton and using glass cleaners, can significantly reduce exposure.
The new platform, Arras Energy, simulates how all parts of an electric grid work together, making it easier to understand and apply the results. The tool can help utilities harden their distribution systems against extreme weather and integrate renewable energy sources.
A team of researchers used trail cameras and GPS collars to track the effects of Cyclone Idai on Gorongosa National Park's mammal community. They found that body size was a key predictor of survival, with smaller animals more vulnerable to the storm's impact.
The Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health will host its annual meeting, featuring Major General (ret) Paul Friedrichs as the keynote speaker. The event focuses on disaster medicine and public health, with discussions on vulnerable populations and AI in emergency response.
A new research project uses data from over 8,000 gauging stations across Europe to predict mega-floods, reducing the surprise factor of their occurrence. By considering hydrologically similar areas, flood disasters can be anticipated and mitigated, saving lives.
A team of engineers at the University of Pittsburgh has created a new robot that can navigate complex environments using bio-inspired neural networks. The robots will be able to avoid obstacles and learn from their experiences, enabling autonomous navigation for various applications such as commercial transport and disaster response.
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame found that social media engagement improves when national and local levels mismatch audiences during recovery phases, increasing user engagement by 29.6%. The study suggests a nuanced approach to content coordination, with national headquarters leading production and local accounts following.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that mandated disaster plans have mediocre quality and modest improvements over time. Despite regular updates, the plans fail to address key issues such as public engagement and land use policies, leading to repeated mistakes in areas prone to natural disasters.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame recommends building water projects that allow community collaboration, reducing distances and increasing equity. The research team created a unique dataset to optimize locations and found that community collaboration models outperform traditional methods.
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
A team of researchers created a deep learning system capable of detecting natural disasters using images from Twitter and Flickr. The system, trained on over 1.7 million photographs, was able to accurately identify incidents such as floods, tornadoes, and forest fires.
A University of Oklahoma assistant professor will study how relationships among non-profits, community groups, and local government agencies can improve disaster resilience by enabling organizational interactions. The project aims to strengthen the knowledge network of resources available to a community during emergencies.
Research suggests that the Bhopal gas disaster had long-term intergenerational effects on health and education. Men exposed in utero to toxic gas had a higher risk of disabilities and cancers, while those born later had reduced educational attainment. The sex ratio of births also changed among children born near the incident site.
Hospitals affected by ransomware may see increased patient loads and resource strain, impacting time-sensitive care for acute stroke patients. Targeted cyberattacks can have regional disaster implications on healthcare delivery.
The study reveals that a lack of community involvement and inadequate governance are major contributors to wildfire management in the Amazon region. Local stakeholders identified deficiencies in institutions, staff cuts, and underinvestment as significant vulnerabilities.
Malith Senevirathne, a PhD student from the University of Huddersfield's Global Disaster Resilience Centre, attended a special reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2023. The event highlighted the theme 'Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future' and promoted democracy, human rights, and equality for Commo...
Researchers developed a SMART approach to engage with communities in developing real-time early warning systems for floods, combining meteorological data with social factors. This approach aims to improve protection for vulnerable people and properties, particularly in mountainous regions.
A new national study found that households facing housing insecurity score lower on disaster preparedness scales, highlighting the importance of secure housing for disaster resilience. Housing security is vital for people to be better prepared for disasters, according to researchers.
A new approach uses crowdsourced data from affected people to estimate earthquake impact within 10-20 minutes, potentially aiding early disaster management. The system analyzes 'felt intensity' reports, providing a basis for quickly assessing the severity of damage.
Researchers found that solar water disinfection (SODIS) was effective in inactivating Escherichia coli bacteria at both low and high altitudes. At high altitudes, bacterial inactivation increased by 1.7-fold after two hours, with no significant differences after six hours. The study highlights the potential of SODIS to improve global a...
Researchers analyzed two US Army Corps of Engineers flood megaprojects in Rhode Island that emerged simultaneously after hurricane activity around the 1950s. The study found that strong public support and political backing were crucial factors in advancing one project, while the other failed to gain momentum due to environmental concer...
Jamie Padgett, a leading expert in infrastructure sustainability and resiliency, has received the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award from TAMEST. Her groundbreaking research focuses on identifying and minimizing risks to critical infrastructure, enhancing public safety and promoting disaster resilience.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...
A team at the University of Tokyo has discovered that analyzing the ratio of argon-40 to helium-3 in magma gases can indicate the risk of different types of eruption. By monitoring these gas ratios, scientists hope to develop a portable equipment for real-time, on-site measurements, enabling early warning systems and potentially saving...
Researchers at Cornell University found that FEMA's federal home buyout policies are inaccessible and inequitable due to bureaucratic hurdles. By studying regional and state programs, the team suggests that coordinating local strategies can make these buyouts more effective and equitable for all communities.
Using 1980s environmental inventories, researchers found that disaster risk assessment could have predicted the damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The study compared composite risk maps from the 1980s with post-2011 hazard maps to show a significant increase in high-risk areas.
The US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a massive geographic dataset, USA Structures, using deep learning to forecast potential damage and accelerate emergency response. The dataset provides critical information on building outlines and attributes, enabling FEMA to prioritize response efforts.
The Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) has shown positive results in helping poor households develop proactive coping strategies before and during natural disasters. Researchers found that the existing program strengthened financial capital but had limited impact on human and physical capitals, highlighting the need for integrated social p...
Researchers developed a machine learning model to analyze how susceptible overhead transmission lines are to damage from back-to-back natural hazards. The study found that previous damage can have a significant impact on the fragility and reliability of power grids, especially when followed by a hurricane.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an algorithm that enables 2D materials to maintain their mechanical strength after conversion into 3D structures. The algorithm is inspired by kirigami art and mimics the structure of nacre, a natural shell coating known for its robust mechanical properties.
The study found anxiety, insomnia, and depression were prevalent mental health issues among quarantined individuals. Around 70% of mental health issues resolved with brief counseling sessions, highlighting the need for targeted support in disaster responses.
A workshop on flood risk governance in Brazil and the UK identified research gaps, including local data, integration systems, and visualization tools. Innovative initiatives are being developed using tools such as an app that empowers citizens to input data and improve disaster prevention.
A new study examines the impact of sea level rise on building foundations and proposes a method for inspection and repair to lower costs. The researchers estimate that the annual repair cost for foundations in Mobile, Alabama, could total $90 million by 2100.
A collaborative university/community model evaluates the impact of disasters on local business owners and identifies actions to increase resiliency. The study found that most businesses took few concrete actions in terms of mitigation and preparedness, highlighting the need for increased awareness and confidence in disaster planning.
A team of researchers developed a unified model to predict human movement during large-scale extreme events. The model reveals 'spatiotemporal decay' and 'temporal decay,' showing people limit their mobility near disaster zones and exhibit faster changes in lower income areas.
A new national study found that households led by women, those with children under age 18, renters, low-income individuals, and minority groups are less likely to be minimally prepared for disasters. The researchers recommend targeting these vulnerable groups with disaster preparedness resources.
Scientists argue that system thinking can better understand the world's rapidly changing dynamics, considering both social and ecological factors. The article highlights the importance of this approach in addressing climate change-induced natural disasters, such as increased frequency and danger of wildfires.
A new study by Bigelow Laboratory confirms the effectiveness of chemical dispersants in breaking down oil in seawater under real-world conditions. The researchers found that dispersants were effective if applied within two to four days, a typical time frame for oil spill response.
A Brazilian study found that inclusion of visually impaired individuals is crucial for effective disaster prevention policy. The research highlighted barriers to their participation and proposed solutions such as smartphone apps and education to mitigate vulnerability to environmental hazards.