Disasters

According to the Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, a disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Resources available in this sub-theme include guidance on strengthening institutional arrangements, examples of public awareness programs, and others that support disaster risk mitigation and response.

Disasters Resources

USAID Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance

U.S. Agency for International Development
USAID/OFDA leads and coordinates the U.S. Government's humanitarian assistance efforts overseas. The Office responds to an average of 70 disasters in more than 50 countries every year, ensuring that aid reaches people affected by rapid onset disasters, including earthquakes, volcanoes, and...Read more

Thrust: First Annual Report

U.S. Agency for International Development
The seismic sea wave, or tsunami, has been one of the most destructive natural hazards within the Pacific Basin. Mitigation procedures are especially vital to these coastal populations in areas close to the source of the tsunami. Developing countries, with minimal or no regional warning systems,...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
Chile
Latin America and the Caribbean

Keeping Beijing from Going Underwater

Xylem, Inc.
After a massive flood overwhelmed Beijing's storm water system, the capital city has begun installing Xylem's submersible pumps capable of handling even the heaviest rainstorms.Read more
Regional/Country focus:
China
East Asia and Pacific

The U.S. Drought Portal

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The website provides information about regional, state and local sources of drought information as well as information on planning, education, research and recovery. The website provides static maps and information related to the current state of drought, drought impacts, and drought forecasts.Read more
Regional/Country focus:
United States

North American Drought Monitor

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This website provides maps, analysis and data for the North American drought-monitoring partnership between Canada, Mexico and the United States This includes indices on soil moisture and precipitation.Read more

Watersheds, Flooding and Pollution Education Resources

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Learning about the water in the watersheds can help develop respect, understanding, and appreciation for the symbiotic relationship that we have with watersheds. Some resources in this collection encourage educators to get students outside. Others provide real-world data, hands-on activities and...Read more

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