FEMA’s handling of Hurricane Katrina inspired resentment in the affected communities – but did it bring about real change in the organization?
Dental Ben
David Campbell, Binghamton University, State University of New York
The desire to help during emergencies like Hurricane Irma is admirable. Doing some homework might make your contributions go farther.
Satellite image on Sept. 7, 2017 shows three hurricanes: Irma in the center just north of the island of Hispaniola, Katia on the left in the Gulf of Mexico and Jose in the Atlantic Ocean on the right.
NOAA via AP
Would putting power lines underground avoid hurricanes knocking out electricity service for millions of people? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems.
Damage from Irma can be seen in this photo of Kelly McClenthen in Bonita Springs, Florida, as she returned to her home Sept. 11, 2017.
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
Even in areas predicted to take direct hits from hurricanes and other storms, hospitals must do all they can to stay open. It isn’t an easy task, but preparation and practice help.
Millions of Americans donate to relief efforts after natural disasters.
MISHELLA/Shutterstock.com
The aid and assistance Britain’s Caribbean territories will need to rebuild will make highlight the fault lines in the relationship between Westminster and its former colonies.
As hurricanes terrorise large parts of the world, many are trying to make mileage out of their destruction.
A woman with symptoms of cholera walks into a cholera treatment center at Immaculate Conception Hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti in November 2016 in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
Reuters/Andres Martinez Casares
Social media apps are becoming as important as water, food and batteries when communities face natural disasters. One key function is helping people connect with neighbors and support each other.
Hurricane Irma descends on the Caribbean islands.
NOAA National Weather Service National Hurricane Center/Handout via Reuters
Saturated media coverage of hurricanes like Harvey and Irma can make it seem like disasters happen all the time. Is the frequency of billion-dollar disasters really rising?
Relatively few homes hit by Harvey have flood insurance.
Reuters/Carlo Allegri
The federal government created a program in 1968 to insure homes in the US from flooding, yet few of the houses hammered by Harvey’s record rainfall were covered.