Disasters
According to the Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, a disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Resources available in this sub-theme include guidance on strengthening institutional arrangements, examples of public awareness programs, and others that support disaster risk mitigation and response.
Browse by resource type
Disasters Resources
Understanding the Complex Impacts of Drought: a Key to Enhancing Drought Mitigation and Preparedness
Published:
January 11, 2007National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
A Journal of Water Resources Management article on drought by DWFI Faculty Fellows Don Wilhite, Mark Svoboda and Michael Hayes.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaThe U.S. Drought Portal
National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationU.S. Department of Agriculture
The website provides information about regional, state and local sources of drought information as well as information on planning, education, research and recovery. The website provides static maps and information related to the current state of drought, drought impacts, and drought forecasts.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesSignificant River Flood Outlook
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This Flood Outlook is intended to provide a general outlook for significant river flooding.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaUSGS Flood Inundation Mapper
Published:
February 10, 2016National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The USGS Flood Inundation Mapper partners with local communities to assist with the development and validation of flood inundation map libraries and provides online access to flood inundation maps along with real-time streamflow data, flood forecasts, and potential loss estimates.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaAdvanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
AHPS provide forecasts of river levels and river flow volumes from an hour to a season for areas large and small, including river forecast information such as:
o How high the river will rise;
o When the river will reach its peak;
o Where property will be flooded;
o How long flooding will continue;...Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater Resources Dashboard
Published:
March 18, 2016National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This dashboard provides access to maps and data that can help water resource managers and urban planners monitor the potential for extreme precipitation and drought in their regions. The dashboard is organized into three categories: observations; forecasts and outlooks; and people and assetsRead more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaTechnical Mapping Advisory Council
Published:
September 13, 2016National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC) is a federal advisory committee established to review and make recommendations to FEMA on matters related to the national flood mapping program authorized under the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaThe National Flood Insurance Program
Published:
May 20, 2016National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This page provides an overview of the National Flood Insurance Program and shares additional information and links for property owners, claims adjusters, insurance professionals, lenders, surveyors and elected officials.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaNational Flood Insurance Program: Flood Hazard Mapping
Published:
September 19, 2016National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Through FEMA's flood hazard mapping program, Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (MAP), FEMA identifies flood hazards, assesses flood risks and partners with states and communities to provide accurate flood hazard and risk data to guide them to mitigation actions.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaFEMA Flood Mapping Products
Published:
July 20, 2016National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This page provides an overview of the Flood Map Service Center, points to some of the flood mapping products, and provides a link to the full list of mapping products.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaDon't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.