Disaster Recovery
Lessons From the BP Oil Spill: A Reading List
Democrats are asking a government watchdog to investigate how prepared the U.S. would be for another major oil spill.
House Republicans Continue to Block a Disaster Aid Bill
Over the past week, Republicans have blocked the passage of the $19.1 billion disaster relief bill on three separate occasions.
Viewfinder: The Florida Panhandle Is Still Recovering From Devastation Caused by Hurricane Michael
A tree rests on the roof of a home that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael on May 9th, 2019, in Mexico Beach, Florida.
Six Months Later, How Are the Communities Affected by the Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire Recovering?
Both Butte County and Los Angeles County are still dealing with the social, environmental, and financial costs of the fires.
The Senate Fails to Pass an Emergency Relief Bill Over Puerto Rico Provisions
The bill's failure exemplifies the current political polarization in Congress as it continues to grapple with disaster relief legislation.
What Hurricane Michael Meant for Farms, Oil Production, and Nursing Homes
Preliminary estimates of the damage are just coming in.
There's a Sociological Explanation for Why People Rush in to Help Communities Struck By Disaster
"Mass assault" may sound like a felony, but it's actually an exercise in mass healing.
Puerto Rican Hurricane Refugees Are Safe From Eviction for One More Month
A federal judge issued an order on Wednesday that will prevent hundreds of Puerto Rican families who fled from Hurricane Maria from being evicted from hotels and motels across the United States—at least until August 31st.
A Temporary Housing Program for Displaced Puerto Ricans Is Granted an Extension
A federal judge ruled Tuesday to extend a Federal Emergency Management Agency program providing temporary housing to Puerto Ricans lacking shelter in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
Harris County Officials Failed to Implement Their Own Disaster Plan After Hurricane Harvey
Much of the blame for the poor response to the disaster fell on the Red Cross, but Houston-area officials are not exempt from responsibility.
Can Innovative Knowledge Systems Help Cities Prepare for Natural Disasters?
Recent extreme weather events show how the outdated and imperfect information systems used by cities exacerbates the devastation.
In Texas, the Red Cross' Weak Post-Harvey Response Yields Harsh Criticism
Once again, there were appeals for donations to the Red Cross. And once again, local officials are saying the charity hasn't delivered.
Why Earthquake-Resistant Cell Phone Towers Are Worth the Money
It's not necessarily a life-or-death service, but those anti-quake towers bolster morale—and the economy.
Christchurch Still Shaken By Quake One Year Later
A deadly earthquake that devastated Christchurch, New Zealand, a year ago still has policymakers asking what should be the city's next step as it rebuilds and redesigns.
Book: Improve Green Infrastructure After Disaster
A book on disaster law and policy urges stronger federal intervention to shore up natural barriers and protect the most vulnerable members of the community.
Debunking Myths About Emergency Seed Aid
The quake in Haiti and floods in Pakistan highlight that the multimillion-dollar emergency seed aid industry is in need of a makeover.