Natural Disaster
Follow along as the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and first responders from across the country put some robots through the paces to gauge whether the commercially available systems meet responders’ demanding operational need
Fire Chief Jaime Moore said he is focused on future improvements, not assigning blame, after acknowledging that the official after-action report downplayed leadership failures
Los Angeles Fire Commission President Genethia Hudley Hayes said a draft report had been sent to Mayor Karen Bass’ office for “refinements,” raising concerns about outside influence
With at least 82 dead and 41 still missing after catastrophic flooding in central Texas, officials warn of more life-threatening rain as search efforts continue
Authorities confirmed that Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Phillips was last seen attempting a rescue in Burnet County
Families and rescuers continue searching Camp Mystic, where 11 girls and a counselor remain missing
As rescuers search for dozens still missing in Kerr County’s deadly flash flood, questions grow over the timing and effectiveness of emergency alerts, despite claims that the storm’s severity was unforeseen
At least 51 people, including 15 children, are dead and 27 girls remain missing after a flash flood devastated Camp Mystic and surrounding areas in Kerr County
Dozens are missing after flash floods hit Texas Hill Country, triggering rescue efforts and scrutiny over warning systems
Search crews continued to scour the area using helicopters, boats and drones to rescue any survivors stranded in the deadly flood waters
Experts warn that under Trump, FEMA could approve fewer major disaster declarations and deliver slower, reduced responses
After an EF-3 tornado struck St. Louis in May 2025, Missouri Task Force 1 deployed advanced drone technology to assist with search and rescue, assess damage, and support real-time decision-making
Flash flooding in northern West Virginia killed five after intense rains overwhelmed infrastructure, swept away vehicles, and forced residents to flee
Firefighters accounted for all reported missing after rescuing over 70 people across the city
Jeremy Greenberg’s resignation follows a wave of leadership changes at FEMA as Trump urges states to reduce dependence on federal disaster support
Torrential rains in San Antonio triggered flash floods that swept away cars firefighters carried out dozens of dramatic rescues across the city
With a busy Atlantic hurricane season expected, lawmakers are raising concerns about emergency readiness and public safety
From gathering necessities to understanding the hazards once the winds have ceased, these seven steps will ensure your community is prepared for a major storm
Forecasters expect an active Atlantic hurricane season, with up to 19 storms and five major hurricanes likely
Months after the Eaton Fire claimed 18 lives, emerging evidence points to critical failures in decision-making and communication
Amid storm damage and power outages, Tri-Township firefighters used Facebook to keep residents informed, coordinate wellness checks and manage emergency calls
A plan to centralize federal firefighting under the Interior Department is raising alarms over weakened wildfire response, higher risks and rising costs
Laurel County Fire Major Roger Leatherman died while shielding his wife during a deadly EF-3 tornado that tore through their neighborhood
Residents in Kentucky and Missouri are assessing damage as more severe weather and potential tornadoes are forecast in the coming days
Major Roger Leslie Leatherman was a firefighter with the Laurel County Fire Department
Is your department ready to launch a natural disaster response amid reduced staffing and backup systems?
Severe flash flooding across western Maryland prompts rescues from cars, houses, schools and businesses
FEMA’s planned shift of disaster recovery duties comes as the Trump administration pushes to downsize federal operations, 17 days ahead of a hurricane season expected to bring above-average storm activity
Researchers are developing AI systems that analyze social media posts during emergencies to help responders act faster
Severe flooding in western Maryland led to rescues at a school, as emergency crews from multiple counties responded to rising waters and ongoing evacuations
FEMA’s new acting chief, a former Marine, warned staff not to resist upcoming changes and signaled a shift of more responsibility to states during a blunt first meeting
Cameron Hamilton was removed as acting FEMA administrator just days after opposing efforts to dismantle the agency
Mount Pleasant, N.C. was set to receive $4 million for storm protection and revitalization before FEMA scrapped the BRIC program, leaving critical projects in limbo nationwide.
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