TheRepublic.com - Natural hazards News

Hurricane center: Beware of the storm surge

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:49:14 -0400

MIAMI - During a hurricane, storm surge is one of the greatest threats to life and land, yet many people don't understand the dire warnings from forecasters to get out of its way. So this season, they hope to offer easy-to-understand, color-coded maps and change the way they talk to the public.

Wildfire bills get Colorado governor's signature

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:06:10 -0400

CORTEZ, Colorado - Wildfire prevention measures passed after Colorado's tragic wildfire season last year have been signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper.

1-3 tropical cyclones expected for central Pacific

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:10:14 -0400

HONOLULU - It's looking like it'll be a below-normal hurricane season for the central Pacific.

New lab to give scientists underwater access

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:42:02 -0400

SEATTLE - Scientists are eager for access to information from a quarter-billion dollar lab at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean that they hope will teach them about climate change, earthquakes and even the origins of life on Earth and other planets.

States to get initial money from Japanese gift

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:01:43 -0400

JUNEAU, Alaska - The five West Coast states affected by debris from the 2011 tsunami in Japan are about to receive an initial $250,000 each from a $5 million gift from Japan for cleanup.

UN: $2.5 trillion in disaster losses since 2000

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:01:07 -0400

UNITED NATIONS - Economic losses from disasters since 2000 are in the range of $2.5 trillion, a figure at least 50 percent higher than previous international estimates, according to a U.N. report released Wednesday.

Scientist takes close look at Sitka landslide

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:22:40 -0400

SITKA, Alaska - A buildup of moisture in the soil likely caused a large landslide near the town of Sitka, according to a federal scientist who is taking a close look at Sunday's slide in southeast Alaska.

Lightning ignites 9 fires in Boise National Forest

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:02:48 -0400

BOISE, Idaho - Nine lightning-caused wildfires have started in the Boise National Forest.

Governor: Caution still needed to prevent fires

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:16:17 -0400

CENTENNIAL, Colorado - Gov. John Hickenlooper urged Coloradans on Thursday to remain cautious and prevent wildfires despite recent snow and rain, warning that Colorado is still preparing for another "challenging" wildfire season.

Anti-fracking amendment rejected in NE Ohio city

Tue, 07 May 2013 23:28:08 -0400

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Voters on Tuesday rejected a proposal to ban hydraulic fracturing in a northeast Ohio city where disposal of wastewater from the drilling method led to earthquakes and alleged groundwater contamination.

NM, Ariz. biologists recognized for rescuing trout

Fri, 03 May 2013 05:34:21 -0400

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - State and federal biologists in New Mexico and Arizona are being recognized for rescuing threatened Gila trout during a massive wildfire last summer.

USFS using more prescribed burns in Sierra Nevada

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:38:17 -0400

RENO, Nevada - The U.S. Forest Service has stepped up the use of prescribed burns in national forests in the Sierra Nevada to help lower the threat of catastrophic wildfires.

Federal, state agencies prepare for 2013 wildfires

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:07:12 -0400

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Federal and state land managers enjoyed a quiet wildfire season in 2012 but say they are fully equipped if conditions change this year.