Background Articles

The City of Ketchikan is recovering from a landslide that displaced hundreds of residents, prompting swift emergency responses and community cooperation, though no injuries were reported.

An OU scientist explains how powerful Arctic cyclones are breaking up thin sea ice in rapid bursts, a phenomenon that challenges existing climate models.

The Native Village of Kipnuk received a federal disaster declaration following severe flooding in August 2024, becoming the second Alaska tribe to receive such recognition.

In the early hours of Friday, Sept. 27, Hurricane Helene swept through the Upstate. Seven people were killed by the storm in Greenville County, among nearly 50 in South Carolina. Helene was the deadliest hurricane in state history.

At least 30 houses still needed repairs, cleanup was ongoing, and the city’s residents grappled with the need to fix snowmachines, keep their soaked houses warm and prepare for future emergencies.

Power was restored in Rytkuchi, Chukotka after a storm caused village-wide flooding.

A severe storm in Kotzebue, Alaska, caused significant flooding, displacing 80 people and damaging critical infrastructure, including roads and the airport.

The slide Sunday afternoon just above the Southeast Alaska city’s downtown sent tons of debris and mud onto a half-dozen homes, killing one person and injuring three.

Landslides have killed at least 12 Alaskans in the past decade and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure.

Despite a general decrease in wildfires across B.C., the Dogtooth fire near Golden has destroyed structures and prompted evacuations, contrasting with the province's improving situation.

The GNWT says it's earmarked $800 per resident age 18 or over and $400 for each dependent under 18. Applicants may be required to provide proof of residency in the community they live in, such as a utility bill, proof of dependents such as birth certificates, and identification like a driver's license — so if you are ordered to evacuate make sure you pack those along.

The Icelandic government released a report one year after a natural disaster led to the evacuation of Grindavík, detailing its response and future prevention strategies.

An emergency phase has been declared and the town of Grindavík in Iceland has been evacuated due to increased volcanic activity and damage from earthquakes, with residents being urged to seek safety in emergency relief centers.

August flooding in Juneau has resulted in severe damage to private homes. After such events physical damage to buildings and homes are obvious. What do the experts say about mental health challenges after events such as the Mendenhall Glacier event?