Migrant Clinicians Network’s Post

5 years ago this evening, exhausted, anxious, with just a few precious belongings and our 2 frightened cats, we attempted to settle into two borrowed rooms for an indeterminate time of waiting for any small crumb of news and word from friends scattered by the monster winds to the nearest vacant rooms with doors open to bedraggled evacuees. Some 50,000 plus Paradise Ridge and surrounding area residents started the early morning like any normal day but soon faced a world indelibly changed, filled with anxiety, anguish and uncertainty along with the ashes and smoke that continued to devour the region long after the fire devoured Paradise. Now, 5 years later, many have embarked on new lives, some rebuilding in a changed landscape and others permanently changing zip codes. Sadly, 85 souls never made it off that ridge that day, and others still cling to a fragile existence with dwindling hope for a better future. All are permanently marked by trauma we wish no others would face. Sadly, those wishes have blown in the winds that continue to place communities in peril including the recent disaster in Maui. This article touches on many of the factors involved in the Camp Fire of November 2018, as well as the recovery and rebuilding of these permanently scarred communities. It also examines the complexities facing similar communities throughout California and beyond. It’s important reading for all of us in this 21st Century of weather extremes and climate change. What can we do, as individuals, communities, and even nations, to create a safer and more sustainable future for us all?

#ExtremeHeat and #Smoke get #DisasterLabel Push Key Takeaways: - Activists are seeking FEMA recognition for extreme heat and wildfire smoke as disasters to unlock new funding. - Heat waves and wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, are increasingly jeopardizing US public health and infrastructure. - Federal funds could support preventative measures like air filters and solar systems to mitigate impacts. Further Insights 1. FEMA Petition: Groups including environmentalists and public health advocates petition FEMA to classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters for funding. 2. Climate Impact: Climate change intensifies heat waves and wildfire risks, with over 2,300 US deaths from heat in 2023 and widespread smoke from Canada affecting air quality. 3. Funding Uses: Proposed federal funding would enhance community infrastructure with air filters and energy solutions to preemptively combat extreme weather effects. 4. Historical Precedent: FEMA has previously denied major disaster declarations for extreme heat, highlighting the novelty and urgency of current petition efforts. 5. Health and Equity: Extreme heat disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities and outdoor workers, emphasizing the need for targeted financial aid and infrastructure improvements. Closing Thoughts: As extreme weather events become more common, how will governmental responses evolve to protect vulnerable populations and ensure equitable access to aid?

What a compelling and chilling article from community members facing up to the memories of #BlackSummer and the need to adapt to the threat of new fires this #heatseason. "...if we accept that the #climatecrisis is a fact and that living with the threat of disaster is the #newnormal, then we all need to start #adapting." "...providing meaningful support to ensure that we can sustain our #resilience in the face of more frequent #disasters requires governments to engage directly with regional communities in a deep and frank conversation about adaptation to #climatechange." Our upcoming Committee for Sydney report #DefendingSydney talks to this exact need for adaptive planning. Beck Dawson Maree Abood Hala Hubraq Jake Nicol Meg McDonald Jacki Johnson Andrew Jordan Nicola Nelson Naomi Graham Andrew Dyer Jongsok Oh Alex O'Mara Kelly Williamson Adam Davis Annalise Kerr Nick Chapman Georgia Vitale Jeremy Mansfield OAM Jeremy Gill Alison Holloway Penny Joseph Vida Cheeseman David Schlosberg Catherine Jones Michael Nolan Michaela Aspell Henry Elderfield Elizabeth Mossop

From fires and heavy snow to severe thunderstorms and record rainfall, extreme weather events are resulting in urgent and growing community needs at an alarming rate. At United Way, we’re changing the conversation around #climatechange and disaster response. We serve as a bridge from response to resilience, and are investing in the work of rebuilding communities back stronger, safer, and more equitably. While the work we face may be complex, showing up for our neighbors in their time of need should be simple. Our efforts to build equitable and inclusive communities are strengthened when we work together.

Would you know what to do to keep your family and neighbors safe if you receive an emergency warning for extreme heat or flooding? 🌇🌊 If you don't know, you are not alone. Flash floods can quickly overwhelm even the places we expect to be safe and dry. For communities that already struggle with limited public transportation and lack of access to healthy food, these are an even greater risk. For public policy to do better, the first step is knowing better. The #Resilience4Communities program is listening to residents in Boston, Houston, Greater Manchester and Melaka to understand what they know, think and believe about their community’s risks and their strengths. Through a process of co-designing and prioritizing resilience projects, the R4C program is on a mission to amplify their voices and work with local governments to implement solutions. #NewVoiceinResilience

As wildfire season takes hold across different provinces, Health Canada is reminding residents that even if there are no fires in the area, smoke can travel thousands of kilometres and pose a health hazard. The main pollutants in the smoke that are a risk to our health is the fine particulate matter - they are so small that when we breathe in, they tend to go deep into our lungs and can be actually absorbed into our blood as well. The smoke affects everybody, but young children, those over the age of 65 and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of wildfire smoke exposure. The air quality index is available online, as well as on the WeatherCAN app, with lower numbers indicating good air quality that is reasonable conditions for outdoor activities, where higher numbers indicate high levels of risk. Check out these essential tips by the Canadian Red Cross to be better prepared for emergencies and to recover from them in an ideal manner. #WildFires #ClimateChange

This article about electricity access and health outcomes in Puerto Rico after two hurricanes shows that in areas where it took three months or more to restore power, the death rate went up by 25%. Now imagine what death rates are in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where hundreds of millions of people only have access to healthcare without electricity. https://lnkd.in/gDweXeUf

At the start of this week, communities in San Diego experienced their rainiest January day in recorded history. Homes and businesses were flooded, causing millions of dollars in damage and displacing hundreds of people. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Diego County and Ventura County, which experienced severe flooding in late December. Extreme weather events such as these are becoming common as a result of climate change. The effects of the storm were widespread, but not felt equally by all. Some of the worst flooding was in District 9, which is home to many low-income, Black and Latino/a/x residents. City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, who represents that district, told the LA Times that the money that's needed to repair the city’s aging stormwater infrastructure should be allocated equitably, “prioritizing the communities that have been left behind and are most likely to be devastated by events like yesterday.” From storms to wildfires to infectious diseases, emergencies in California are not a matter of IF but WHEN – and how we respond. Public Health Advocates formed the California COVID Justice initiative in 2021 to advance equitable policies in response to the COVID pandemic. Now, in 2024, as the Emergency Resilience Project, we are building on that work to fight for equity in the preparedness and response to all of the types of emergencies we are likely to face. We’re calling for the creation of an equity framework that can be used to guide funding and resources when a state of emergency is declared. A just response means putting the money where the pain is. https://ow.ly/Lbi750QuxGf Blue Shield of California Foundation The California Endowment The California Wellness Foundation

What is a surge? It’s something we talk about a lot in the restoration industry so let’s shed some light on the term itself. A surge is an unexpected event that impacts a large number of people simultaneously, leaving behind widespread damage that demands specialised restoration services. A national surge, like the December 2022 cold snap, can affect the entire country, causing frozen pipes and water tank ruptures. On the other hand, a localised surge, such as a major flood, can impact a specific area, affecting numerous individuals at once. Whether it's a natural disaster or localised water/fire damage, the aftermath requires significant restoration services to restore normality for businesses and communities alike. In times of crisis, having the right restoration experts by your side is crucial. At BELFOR UK, we understand the urgency and complexity of surges. Our team is equipped to handle large-scale restoration, ensuring a swift and efficient return to normal operations. To explore our specialised restoration services, visit: https://lnkd.in/d_MnjKkx #SurgeRestoration #EmergencyResponse #BusinessRecovery #RestorationExperts #PrepareForTheUnexpected #ResilienceInCrisis

Unfortunately, this time in France, a severe weather event has resulted in tragic losses. Lives have ended, and communities are grappling with the disruption. This weekend, southeastern #France faced a devastating natural disaster. Severe weather, including violent storms and unprecedented flooding, has resulted in the disappearance of seven individuals, devastating families and communities. Among the missing are two children, a testament to the indiscriminate nature of this tragedy. The #Gard region, usually known for its picturesque landscapes, now narrates a story of loss and urgency. Families attempting to navigate floodwaters have been swept away, highlighting the critical need for immediate response and support. In Dions and Goudargues, communities reel from the shock, with rescue operations underway to find those still missing. This situation is a stark reminder of nature's force and the importance of preparedness and solidarity in times of crisis. As the region remains under orange alert, with emergency services and citizens banding together in the face of adversity, let this serve as a call to action. We must support those affected and work towards stronger measures to predict and respond to such events in the future. Let's unite in support of southeastern France. Share this message, raise awareness, and contribute to relief efforts. Together, we can face this challenge and emerge stronger. Resource: https://lnkd.in/e2bpJQ3n #severeweather #extremeweather #climatechange #Europe #WeatherX