The Worst Natural Disasters Of 2019

From earthquakes that demolish cities and cyclones that cause flooding and property damage to the
new normal of "wildfire season" and other extreme weather events, natural disasters around the world
are making their mark on 2019. The worst natural disasters of 2019 leave destroyed property and loss of
life that will echo through the years to come.

Raging wildfires, deluges of rain that cause catastrophic flooding, and the violent tremors of the earth
itself cause high death tolls and property damage leaves civilians devastated. Historically, some natural
disasters have almost ended the world, but even if the world goes on, these events inevitably cause
political, social, and economic turmoil, amplifying the tragedy and creating a climate vulnerable to more
loss.

It's important to keep an eye on the worst natural disasters of 2019 and not only consider the important
environmental issues affecting the world, but find ways we can help. Ensuring we have a positive impact
on the environment and supporting those who have survived some of the worst the weather can throw
at us can help create a better future.

Flooding In Oklahoma

Areas Affected: Oklahoma and surrounding areas including Arkansas, Ohio, and Indiana

Cause: A week of heavy rains have saturated the ground, especially in areas along the Arkansas River.
Part of the larger severe weather system that is partially the result of an amplified jet stream that
promises a particularly hard tornado season in an area already devestated.

what happen during disasters in oklahoma

With severe thunderstorms, you can get both tornadoes and flooding. Oklahoma has been declared a
disaster 35 times because of tornadoes and 44 times because of flooding. In some instances, a
combination tornado-and-flood disaster was declared

Severe Weather - Can happen anytime, in any part of the country. Severe weather can include
hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail,
flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong
winds.

Volleys of tornadoes touched down for 14 straight days beginning May 17, 2019. As of June 3, 295
twisters have been confirmed

Flooding leads to evacuations in Oklahoma, Arkansas

Deaths: At least 6.

After tornadoes and flooding hit Oklahoma, wild spring storm bolts
FEMA and the OWRB suggest citizens know flood terms and what to do before, during, and after a flood.
If you live on a designated floodplain – and each state has flood plains – chances are one in two that you
will experience a flood in your lifetime.

Long-term Preparedness

• Determine whether you live in a potential flood zone; learn your vulnerability to flooding by assessing
flood risk and elevation above flood stage in your area to allow for planning evacuation routes. • Have
flood insurance; floods are not usually covered by regular homeowners insurance. • Check with National
Flood Insurance Program (1-888/call-flood, ext. 445) • Be aware of local streams, drainage channels,
rivers, and areas known to flood easily during heavy rains so evacuation routes are not cut off. • Know
your community’s existing flood warning system and evacuation plans. • Develop a flood emergency
action plan; families should plan ahead where to meet and how to contact emergency medical
services/911, and know how to turn off water, gas, and electricity. • Keep a disaster supplies kit on hand
including first aid materials, a radio, emergency cooking equipment, and flashlights. • Prepare a stock of
food and have drinking water stored in containers. • In highly flood-prone areas, keep on hand
sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic rubbish bags, lumber, shovel, work boots and gloves. Before
a Flood • Monitor NOAA’s weather radio and local radio/news media for latest statements, warnings,
and road conditions about floods. 6 • If advised to evacuate and move to a safe area, do so before
access is cut off by flood waters. • Listen for flash flood or flood water watch/warning, the urban and
small stream advisory, and flood follow-up information. • With a flood warning, remember that you may
have only seconds to save yourself and others. • Look for signs of flash flooding (sudden rise in water
level, noise of water), and be ready to evacuate immediately. During a Flood • Keep out of areas subject
to flooding such as dips, low spots, canyons, creeks, and ditches. • Restrict children from playing in
flooded areas. • Avoid already flooded areas. If you come to a flowing stream with water above your
ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. • Do not attempt to swim, fish, or boat on creeks, rivers,
or lakes that are flooded. Recommendations Specific to Motor Vehicles • Nearly half of all flash flood
submersions are motor vehicle-related. Occupants should look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges,
low areas, and creeks and streams that proximate roads. • Don’t camp or park your vehicle along
streams and washes, especially during threatening weather conditions. • Don’t attempt to drive over a
flooded road. The roadway may have collapsed due to erosion, or you may drive into a washout. Even
six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Two feet will sweep most cars off the
road. • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. • TURN AROUND,
DON’T DROWN (TADD) • If vehicle stalls due to water, abandon it and seek higher ground. • Relate what
you know about flooding as you drive through other states/regions. After a Flood • Avoid disaster areas
so that you do not hamper rescue and emergency operations. • Have your electrical equipment checked
before returning to service. • Use flashlights instead of lanterns or candles to examine buildings since
flammables may be present. Recommendations Specific to Public Health Issues and Disasters • Assess
needs of population, match resources to needs, prevent further adverse effects, evaluate program
effectiveness, and plan for future disasters. • Discourage citizens from moving into flood damaged
homes and businesses because the structures may have become contaminated by the floodwaters and
be a health risk. • Test drinking water for potability; water should be pumped out and the water tested
before drinking. • Throw out any food that came in contact with flood water and boil drinking water. •
Wash covered goods that came in contact with floodwater with hot water. • Be aware that residential
waters may hold raw sewage, bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, toxic chemicals, or oil. • Improve the
post disaster environment so as to provide: − Access to adequate sources of potable water, and disposal
and treatment of excreta, and other liquid and solid wastes; − Install appropriate number of disposal
facilities (latrines, field, solid waste), pickup points, water distribution points, availability of bathing and
washing facilities, and soap; − Control disease vectors (mosquitoes, flies, rats and fleas) to further
protect community from disease. The risk of epidemic outbreaks of communicable diseases is
proportional to population density and displacement. There exists increased pressure on water and food
supplies and risk of contamination, and the disruption of preexisting 7 sanitation services such as piped
water and sewage. Nutrition is affected when flooding damages household food stocks and crops,
disrupts distribution and causes local food shortages.7 The physical status of the population may also be
undermined due to interruption and non-availability of daily medications.

Future Flood Prevention

To make citizens aware of flooding problems and solutions, Governor Henry designated May as Flood
Awareness Month in Oklahoma in 2007. He encouraged the OWRB and other agencies to expand
knowledge to the public on floodplain management techniques and flood safety procedures, and to
spread the word about the availability of affordable flood insurance through the FEMA National Flood
Insurance Program. Currently, 88% of homes and businesses in the state do not have flood insurance,
which must be purchased separately from homeowner’s insurance. The OWRB, State Floodplain
Management, and Oklahoma Floodplain Association suggest that ways to prevent future flood problems
in communities are to elevate, relocate or demolish repeatedlydamaged structures, and not to build in
floodprone areas. Through the Public Assistance Program, FEMA reimburses state and local
governments and some nonprofit organizations for costs associated with repairing or demolishing
disaster-damaged infrastructure such as roads and bridges, public buildings, utilities, parks, and
recreation areas. Following a flood disaster, accurate information must be obtained and, through a joint
decisionmaking process, the needs of the disasteraffected populations must be assessed, available
resources matched to needs to prevent further adverse health effects, disease control strategies
implemented, and contingency plans developed.