Latest Disaster planning and response News
Monsoon rain may worsen floods in Thailand, Bangkok prepares
BANGKOK (AP) — Seasonal monsoon rains may worsen flooding that has already badly affected about a third of Thailand, officials said Monday as flood gates and pumping stations were being used to reduce the potential damage. A tropical storm over the weekend swept through...
Firefighters hope cooling temps help battle California blaze
REDDING, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters hope shifting winds and cooling temperatures over the next few days will aid their efforts to battle a destructive wildfire in a drought-stricken forest in California’s far north that has displaced thousands of people and burned at least 100 structures....
Walz proposes $10 million drought relief package for farmers
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz proposed a $10 million relief package Friday for farmers who suffered losses due to drought across most of Minnesota this summer — a plan that would require a special legislative session to approve. The Democratic governor’s proposal...
Suspected arson wildfire forces evacuations in California
REDDING, Calif. (AP) — Thousands of people were under evacuation orders Friday and many others were on notice to be ready to flee as a destructive wildfire raged in a drought-stricken forest in California’s far north. A woman suspected of starting the Fawn Fire was...
Woman arrested on suspicion of starting California blaze
REDDING, Calif. (AP) — A woman has been arrested on suspicion of starting a Northern California wildfire that spread rapidly, burning homes and prompting evacuation orders Thursday in a rural community, authorities said. Workers at a nearby quarry reported seeing a...
15 deaths among nursing home patients moved to warehouse
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The death toll has risen from seven to 15 among nursing home residents evacuated before Hurricane Ida to a warehouse where conditions were found too squalid for safety, the state health department said Thursday. However, a department statement noted...
Climate change fuels California emphasis on preventing fires
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Having spent billions of dollars in a losing battle to control wildfires in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday approved nearly $1 billion in new spending aimed at stopping the blazes before they start. California spent $3.4 billion on...
After Northeast flooding, insurance woes swamp residents
NEW YORK (AP) — After being pummeled by two tropical storms that submerged basements, cracked home foundations and destroyed belongings, Northeastern U.S. residents still in the throes of recovery are being hit with another unexpected blow: Thousands of families are now swamped with...
Afghan Taliban's new UN envoy urges quick recognition
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban’s newly appointed envoy to the United Nations on Wednesday urged quick world recognition of Afghanistan’s new rulers even as the World Health Organization raised the alarm of an impending health care disaster in the war-wracked country. ...
After Ida outages, utility proposals include city takeover
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Amid calls for investigations following major power losses during Hurricane Ida, the power company subsidiary that provides electric service to New Orleans said Tuesday it's ready to discuss having the city assume control of the municipal power system. ...
