Latest Natural disasters News
Grand Isle State Park reopens nearly 2 years after Hurricane Ida
GRAND ISLE, La. (AP) — Grand Isle State Park has reopened, nearly two years after Hurricane Ida raked the barrier island and destroyed much of its infrastructure. “This is a big step in our recovery and just in time for locals and visitors to enjoy for the summer,” Grand Isle...
Tragedy that left 5 dead or missing puts spotlight on safety in Alaska charter fishing industry
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Morgan Robidou posed next to the bright aluminum hull of his prized new vessel, a 30-foot (9-meter) fishing boat that he could use to take friends, family or tourists out after salmon or halibut in the bountiful waters of southeast Alaska. “Official boat...
Report: Buffalo's snow-removal equipment, communications fell short during deadly blizzard
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo's snow-removal fleet was no match for the historic Christmas week blizzard that left 31 people dead in the city, and officials fell short in issuing warnings and providing shelter, according to a report released Friday. The 175-page review of the...
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is now underway. Here's what to know.
MIAMI (AP) — It's time for residents along the southeastern U.S. coastlines to make sure their storm plans are in place as the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season got underway Thursday. Forecasters are predicting a “near-normal” season, but Mike Brennan, the new director at the...
Tropical Storm Mawar intensifies rains for Japan, threatens floods and mudslides in some regions
NAHA, Japan (AP) — Heavy rains intensified by Tropical Storm Mawar fell on Japan’s main archipelago Friday, halting trains and triggering floods and mudslides in central and western regions where residents were urged to use caution or evacuate. Up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) of...
Restoration lags for Syria's famed Roman ruins at Palmyra and other war-battered historic sites
PALMYRA, Syria (AP) — At the height of the Islamic State group's rampage across Syria, the world watched in horror as the militants blew up an iconic arch and temple in the country’s famed Roman ruins in Palmyra. Eight years later, IS has lost its hold but restoration work on the...
Tropical depression forms in Gulf of Mexico on 1st day of hurricane season
MIAMI (AP) — A tropical depression formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, the official first day of the Atlantic hurricane season. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph) and was located about 290 miles (465 kilometers) west-northwest of Fort Myers, Florida, as...
Japan's southern Okinawa Islands prepare as tropical storm approaches
NAHA, Japan (AP) — A weakened Tropical Storm Mawar headed toward Japan's southern archipelago of Okinawa on Thursday, leading businesses and the airport to close and fishermen to batten down their boats in preparation. Many residents in the prefectural capital of Naha on the main...
California judge dismisses criminal charges against PG&E in 2020 fatal fire
REDDING, Calif. (AP) — A California judge on Wednesday dismissed all charges against Pacific Gas & Electric in connection to a 2020 fatal wildfire sparked by its equipment that destroyed hundreds of homes and killed four people, including an 8-year-old child. The utility also...
China warns of artificial intelligence risks, calls for beefed-up national security measures
BEIJING (AP) — China’s ruling Communist Party has warned of the risks posed by advances in artificial intelligence while calling for heightened national security measures. The statement issued after a meeting Tuesday chaired by party leader and President Xi Jinping underscores...
