From the Congressional Research Service: Issues for Reauthorization and Reform of the National Flood Insurance Program (3 pp)

From HSNewsWire: As Trump Mulls His FEMA Pick, a Political Land Mine Awaits in Florida.

“Florida may also present Trump with one of his thorniest political challenges: FEMA is hiking insurance rates and punishing flood-prone construction in the president-elect’s favorite state.”

From the Florida Phoenix: Florida should use next six months to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season. Next year’s storms will likely be just as powerful as this year’s, but the Legislature says we can’t talk about why.

The Diva was especially interested in the group of articles titled AI: Welcome to the New Age of Discovery, in the November issue of National Geographic. Most of the articles are of general interest, but there is one titled How AI will Help Predict Natural Disasters.

Note: the video version linked above is different from the print version.

From the Wash Post: Why disaster survivors feel the  Government has failed them.

“The political hurdles exemplify what disaster survivors across the country say is a broken system — one that forces them to wait for months or years before significant government help arrives, leaving many to rely on fundraising appeals or community aid until state or federal money starts flowing.”

From the Wash Post: Some N.C. residents distrust FEMA so much they’re hesitant to apply for hurricane aid. It is one of the more unusual elements of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath in western North Carolina

From FEMA: New version of the National Disaster Recovery Framework.

Thanks to Laurie Johnson for calling this report to my attention.

From CBS News: A Major Disaster Every two days is the “new normal”

A major disaster declaration every two days is “the new normal,” FEMA administrator says. The U.S. faced an unprecedented 179 disasters in 2024, according to FEMA, affecting millions of Americans and wiping out some towns. CBS News’ Nicole Sganga spoke with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell about these catastrophes and the dwindling funds to help those affected.

From the National Academy of Medicine, new issue with several articles of interest regarding the role of schools post disaster.

Thanks to Dr. Lois Cohen for this citation.

From HSToday: Future Ready Healthcare: Strengthening our Nation’s Public Health Infrastructure for More Complex Emergencies

“When disaster strikes, our nation depends on both public and private healthcare providers to be ready to help those in need on their worst days. Healthcare workers exhibit an unwavering commitment to saving lives during a crisis. Yet, what happens when healthcare providers themselves become victims? Severe weather events can devastate not only communities but also the hospitals and public health infrastructure serving them.”