Natural Disasters

A growing threat to health and wellbeing is the frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires—many of these disasters are directly impacted by ongoing climate change, causing them to come more frequently and with greater severity.

While the course of nature isn’t preventable, public health departments help protect the public through participation in a rigorous emergency response network. ASTHO provides state and territorial public health agencies with tools and resources for emergency responses, adapting to emerging trends and concerns.

Latest Natural Disasters Resources

Aerial view of smoke in a forest from a wildfire
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Where There’s Fire, There’s Smoke—States Prepare for Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke

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Aerial view of a forest canopy, in the middle are ponds shaped like the continents
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States Can Lead on Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change

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Colorful wooden stick figures on a dark grey background
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Prioritizing Disability Inclusion in Emergency Planning

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Better Defining Disability Will Make Data More Inclusive and Usable

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Connecting Climate Change and Health Equity in Public Health Agencies

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A submerged road under water after a natural disaster.
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Preparing for and Responding to Infectious Disease Threats Following Hurricanes

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Empty room that is in the drying stages after a flood
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Responding to Environmental Health Threats Following Hurricanes

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An ambulance racing on a stormy night with motion-blurred lights
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State, Territorial Health Policies Strengthening Emergency Preparedness Efforts

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