Sundra Stinson
Professor Bush
English 1020
March 31, 2021
Annotated Bibliography: Natural Disasters
Bogie, Justin. “In Hurricane Harvey Response, Congress Must Avoid the Mistakes of Sandy.” Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2021. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/AEMKVJ869722781/OVIC?u=tel_a_mscc&sid=OVIC&xid=a7928c11. Accessed 31 Mar. 2021. Originally published as “In Hurricane Harvey Response, Congress Must Avoid the Mistakes of Sandy,” The Daily Signal, 30 Aug. 2017.
This article explains how congress makes decisions about helping the areas where natural disasters strike. In this article it explains how to help those that were affected by Hurricane Harvey. Congress has to make sure the funding is spent correctly. According to this article, the National Flood Insurance Program is deep in debt. This program covers areas that are prone to floods, but when natural disasters occur, it worsens. The National Flood Insurance Program was set to close at the end of September when Harvey hit. There is also FEMA in place to help support first responders and citizens. It is Congress job to make sure Harvey qualifies for federal funding. In order for federal money to be applied, Congress has to make sure the need for the money is sudden, necessary, unforeseen, urgent, and not permanent. The goal is to make sure taxpayers do not have to fund the relief. There is a lot that goes into supporting Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath. Congress has to make sure they budget every year for natural disasters and request that they increase the FEMA funds.
Reading this article has helped me realize how much time it takes to decide what needs to be done when disasters such as Hurricane Harvey occur. It also has helped me realize that Congress holds the determining factor on the kind of assistance that will be provided to those in need. I can only imagine how stressful it must be for Congress to react in such a timely manner, while making sure the nation does not go deeper in debt. There are so many different forms of funding that are available to victims. I was surprised to learn of all the different program that I was unaware of. I am glad that FEMA is there to support the first responders and the community. Congress has a tough job determining who receives the funds and who does not.
“Climate Change Dilemma Facing a Nicaraguan Coastal Town.” NYTimes.com Video Collection, 3 Feb. 2021. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CT651432812/OVIC?u=tel_a_mscc&sid=OVIC&xid=a0cb3f7b. Accessed 30 Mar. 2021.
This video shows how dangerous hurricanes can be. This Caribbean island known as Nicaraguan was hit by two hurricanes in the same month. The aftermath was so devasting that the residents had to relocate from the area because it was not safe to live there anymore. The storms were so powerful that they moved the coastline and split the island in half. Where the land once appeared, now the ocean flows through connecting to the lagoon. Wildlife is in danger as well because their food supply is cut down. Saltwater from the ocean has contaminated the freshwater area and because of this, the freshwater fish are in jeopardy. Families lost all of their possessions. One family was looking for her father’s remains. People were told to relocate their life to higher ground. Although moving was necessary, some chose to rebuild on the coastline.
This was the first time I saw a whole community uproot their lives because of a hurricane. To see the aftermath where a whole island’s geographical structure was altered was fascinating how strong these storms can be. It was sad to see people search for the dead. I cannot imagine how much the Nicaraguan people suffered. They were told by the agricultural representatives that it was no longer safe. Some people want to experience life in their homes. Others chose to move to higher grounds. This will be difficult for them because they are used to the ocean to feed them and now, they have to learn to harvest. When disasters like this hit, people usually do not consider the wildlife is affected too. We have to remember that animals are a part of the circle of life, so we need them to survive in these devasting times.
Dirmeyer, Paul A. “Climate Change Is Increasing the Frequency of Floods and Droughts.” Are Natural Disasters Increasing?, edited by Roman Espejo, Greenhaven Press, 2014. At Issue. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010598219/OVIC?u=tel_a_mscc&sid=OVIC&xid=918c4b4f. Accessed 31 Mar. 2021. Originally published as “Floods and Droughts in a Changing Climate — Now and the Future,” Earthzine, 29 Apr. 2011.
The article is about floods and droughts and how they are amongst the most expensive and dangerous natural disasters. In the year 1980–2009, it was said that floods were the leading cause of death in the U.S. more than tornados, hurricanes, or lightning. Droughts and floods are said to be the main reason for agricultural affliction. This article explains what causes droughts and floods and how it affects the economy. It also mentions global warming and how it affects the climate. Floods can happen with access rain or by releasing water from reservoirs or dams. It also explains how floods and droughts can be categorized in different ways. One way is that meteorological droughts and floods are classified according to rarity in precipitation. Another way to categorize them is by agriculture, which is outlined by their effects on livestock and crops.
According to this article, it also talks about how they can do projections beyond the present. They use a global atmospheric model of the European Centre of Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECFMRWF). This model was used to project when the precipitation would be low again. Present findings are supporting projections of the climate replicas of changes to the Earth’s atmosphere in reply of changes to changing of the composition of the climate human manufactured and agricultural practices.
This article definitely informed me on how dangerous droughts and floods can be. I had no idea that floods ranked higher than tornados and hurricanes when it came to death. I was impressed that people who study them could predict what they will affect in the years to come by using simulation. I also learned that the earth’s atmosphere temperature plays a role in what the precipitation might bring. Global warming can also cause them to happen more often than normal. From my personal experience with floods, they are scary and dangerous. Although the flood of 2010 in Nashville did not affect me personally, I had friends who lost everything and because they were not considered flood zone, their home insurance did not offer flood insurance.
Flaherty, Jordan. “Corporations Are Profiting from Disaster Relief Contracts at the Expense of Victims.” Natural Disasters, edited by Margaret Haerens and Lynn M. Zott, Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010857214/OVIC?u=tel_a_mscc&sid=OVIC&xid=ee2e5c47. Accessed 31 Mar. 2021. Originally published as “One Year After Haiti Earthquake, Corporations Profit While People Suffer,” Monthlyreview.org, 12 Jan. 2011.
This article reveals how people are profiting from natural disasters. The article used the Haiti earthquake of 2010 as an example. They were ensured to receive funding to rebuild their community, but the majority of that aid had not reached those who needed it the most. Instead, American reconstruction companies used this opportunity to capitalize their own greedy agenda. When cities or countries are in their rebuilding stages, the Stafford Act, demands contracting officer to prioritize local establishments and give a minimal five percent of the contracts to the minority-owned establishments. Unfortunately, these instructions were not followed, and reports implied that over ninety percent out of the two billion in contracts were given to business’s located outside the three central affected states. The minority companies only received 1.5 percent of the first $1.6 billion. This article also revealed that the donations that were collected on Haiti’s behalf is sitting in a Haiti bank collecting interest.
When I read this article, I could not believe what was written. You would think when natural disaster devastations strikes, people would help and be honest with one another. I think it is really heartbreaking that reconstruction companies used a disaster to capitalize on their agenda. Reading this information causes me to second guess giving donations because it seems like the people who need it are not receiving it. The government can be so shady when it comes to money and they do not always make the right decisions. Haiti should not have to suffer because of those who mishandling funds or taking away income that should be in their community. I think sometimes the government forget that those that are not connect to the United States still matter.
“Into the Deluge.” NYTimes.com Video Collection, 6 Sept. 2017. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CT504449966/OVIC?u=tel_a_mscc&sid=OVIC&xid=fd1a957a. Accessed 30 Mar. 2021.
This video of a massive flood was caused by Hurricane Harvey when it hit Houston, Texas. People were stranded and swept away. There were those who were trapped in their homes calling out for help. First responders were overwhelmed with calls. One caller called 911 for help because he and his wife were caught in a current. The couple was later found, and sadly they didn’t make it. People were told to evacuate their homes, breakthrough their roofs, and climb on top of the roof so the rescuers would be able to see them. Hurricane Harvey left devastation for Houston, Texas.
I remember Hurricane Harvey and how devasting it was to Houston, Texas. My husband and I was supposed to be in Houston for an event that same weekend. When the meteorologist reported a hurricane was going to hit Texas, we canceled our flight. It is extremely difficult for one to fully prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes. It was really hard to listen to the recordings and hear the people on the 911 calls plead for their lives. It was even harder to find out that some lost their lives. As I watched the victims recall that dreadful day, all I could do was pray that God comforted those who had lost everything. Learning about how natural disasters affected others, reminds me to be thankful for life, shelter, and food. The best you can hope for is that the category decreases before it hits the land.
“Natural Disasters.” Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2021. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/PC3010999066/OVIC?u=tel_a_mscc&sid=OVIC&xid=351a5009. Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.
The article explained what storms are considered catastrophic storms that are labeled natural disasters. These events are broken down into categories. They are natural disasters that are caused by severe weather and those that are caused by seismic activity. The storms that are caused by severe weather are tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, droughts, flooding, sinkholes, and storms. The seismic activity natural disasters are volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes. These types of event are formed when there’s movement under the surface of the Earth that cause a shift in the geological foundations. The article also explains how different aid organizations, government agencies, relief fund, etc. come together to rebuild the communities and to help the people that are injured. They setup shelters and food drives to help people to survive. It also touches on how the climate change plays an important role in severe storms. It mentioned that political issues often take a beating depending on how quick they respond to the situation.
Reading this article, I’ve learned that natural disasters are put in two groups. I always thought they were one in the same. It was informative to learn how the earth’s foundation shifts to cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. The earth is a fascinating place that it is able to host several types of seasons and storms. I’m glad that the government has systems put in place that will help the community when natural disasters happen. I know the people are thankful for their help. I hope their political agenda does not tarnish their good deeds.
Redlener, Irwin. “Disaster season is upon us, and the pandemic changes everything.” Washington Post, 26 May 2020. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A624903879/OVIC?u=tel_a_mscc&sid=OVIC&xid=803ea287. Accessed 5 Apr. 2021.
Irwin wrote this particular article in May 2020 concerning if the United States is ready to be hit with multiple crisis. COVID-19 cases are surging throughout the globe and natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes are approaching rapidly. Michigan was one of the areas most affected by COVID-19 and now nearly 10,000 people had to evacuate their homes because the dam broke and caused massive flooding. South Asia suffered extremely fatal cyclones in the zone flowed across India and Bangladesh, leaving devastation also while cases of COVID-19 are rising. This posed a threat to the United States being prepared because when disasters like this surface, people have to leave and find shelter, which means no social distancing. This is dangerous because the virus will spread and those with underlying health issues are put at higher risk. One thing for certain, the United States is not ready to tackle multiple crisis along with a global pandemic. The article mentions FEMA being stretched to its’ limits. The suggestion is to partner up with other relief agencies.
I think it is scary to know the United States was not prepared last year to deal with the pandemic and other disasters. It was kind obvious that the government was clueless on how to handle the pandemic. In their defense, I do not think anyone was prepared to go thru 2020 not knowing what is to come. I do think they did the best they could for what they had. Natural Disasters will come regardless of the situations already happening around us, for example, a pandemic. Now that we have gotten thru 2020, perhaps the government is working ahead to prevent another pandemic and to be prepared to help those in need during the next natural disaster.
“Trump signs disaster relief bill delayed for months by his opposition to Puerto Rico aid.” Washingtonpost.com, 6 June 2019. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A587957237/OVIC?u=tel_a_mscc&sid=OVIC&xid=8dbf7f23. Accessed 5 Apr. 2021.
The article explains the breakdown on the disaster relief bill signed by President Trump. This bill was for $19.1 billion dollars and it included aid for Puerto Rico, which he pridefully took credit for getting them help, even though he denied it for several months. The bill gave billions of dollars to the places that were having a hard time recovering from flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. During the arrangements, President Trump made accusations against Puerto Rican government mishandling the aftershock of Hurricane Maria and insinuated the island got more money from the government than it had to give. Following Hurricane Maria, 3,000 people were killed and the Trump administration was blamed for not immediately assisting Puerto Rico. They were blamed because they took quick action when it came to Hurricane Harvey in Texas, but took their time to assist Puerto Rico. Hurricane Harvey was a few weeks before the disaster hit in Puerto Rico.
I think it is a shame that territories under the United States do not receive the same response to help them when natural disaster happen. It should not matter that they are not a part of the fifty states. I do not agree with President Trump withholding relief funds because he accused the Puerto Rican government of mishandling the aftermath of Maria. I am glad in the end Trump came to his senses and sent Puerto Rico financial help. I hopefully Trump’s mistake will no happen again with future Presidents. When natural disaster happen it is important that the Congress and President act in a timely matter to prevent extra fatalities.
Wazlowski, Sophie. “Half of Americans unprepared for natural disasters, disease outbreaks.” The Nation’s Health, vol. 50, no. 6, 2020, p. 12. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A652003661/OVIC?u=tel_a_mscc&sid=OVIC&xid=8e2ae0f5. Accessed 4 Apr. 2021.
In this magazine, Sophie Wazlowski, speaks on the United States being concern about natural disasters and diseases. It gave statistics on the percentage of people that are not prepared for these disasters. It is said that nearly 1,300 people did an online survey called the “Nation Disaster Preparedness Poll, and 19% voted that an outbreak of an infectious disease was their biggest worry, associated with only 3% of respondents in 2019. Although the COVID-19 pandemic increased the attention on surfacing infectious diseases, the 2020 poll revealed 25% of respondents were more worried about natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Nicolette Louissaint, PhD, executive director of Healthcare Ready said in an interview, “If the current pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we must be proactive at the local, state, and national level so that we can react to all kinds of emergency situations quickly and efficiently. This poll helps us determine which vulnerable groups we need to support most.”
The article also pointed out that the poll revealed that income, ethnicity, and race has an effect on whether they are prepared for such disasters. Those that are consider lower-class and Blacks or prone to not have any of the necessities on hand such as, a copy of their medical records and emergency supplies safely stored; however, Caucasian and those who are considered higher income are more prepared. The poll reported that a quarter of the Hispanic race could list any information related to their medical supplies and medication but were less prone than Caucasians and Blacks to have emergency cash available. People must understand that major catastrophes can affect their health. Nicolette stated, “Disasters disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities, and lack of preparedness further exacerbates adverse health outcomes. We must work to fight against these disparities by investing in preparedness initiatives at the community level to ensure communities can face the next disaster.”
I am glad I came across this article because I did not know such polls exist. In my household we have our birth certificates, life insurance policies, social security, and a copy of our will in a fireproof safe, but no medical records. We did not think the medical records were that important. We also do not have emergency supplies on hand or cash. Now that I know having these items on hand are essential to have just in case of a natural disaster or infectious disease pandemic, I will definitely be working towards getting those items together. I will tell my parents and siblings as well. I also never considered that disasters could affect one’s health, but when natural disasters impact some one’s life, it can become extremely stressful and overwhelming and that alone will take a toll on the body physically, emotionally, and mentally.
