In the first eight months of 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association reported that the country experienced 23 different natural disasters caused by weather or climate. The number of weather disasters is higher than any other similar period in recorded history. And with two more months until the hurricane season, the number of hurricanes could easily increase by the end of the year.
NOAA has recorded several disasters this year. These include 19 hailstorms, violent thunderstorms, and other severe weather events. There were also two instances of catastrophic flooding. One Category 3 hurricane named Idalia hit Florida. Additionally, there were tragic firestorms in Lahaina, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, which were made worse by winds from Hurricane Dora.
According to the agency, these events caused 253 deaths and over $57.6 billion in damages, either directly or indirectly. (Here is a list of the most severe natural disaster in each state.)
The U.S. Geological Survey has reported 22 “significant” earthquakes in America this year. They determine significance based on factors like magnitude, number of “Did You Feel It” responses, and PAGER alert level, which estimates the impact on fatalities and economic losses after earthquakes. The strongest earthquake in this area, located south of Sand Point, Alaska, had a magnitude of 7.2 on the moment scale. Not only Alaska and California, but other states also experience earthquakes. New York, Arizona, and Washington all experienced earthquakes with a magnitude of 3.8, while Ohio had one with a magnitude of 3.6.
Best US Cities Prepared to Handle a Natural Disaster
Richmond, Virginia
Hazards risk rank: 23/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 206/500
Response and recovery rank: 8/500
Overall score: 53.81
Population: 229,395
Lynchburg, Virginia
Hazards risk rank: 1/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 424/500
Response and recovery rank: 131/500
Overall score: 53.64
Population: 79,287
Midland, Texas
Hazards risk rank: 5/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 300/500
Response and recovery rank: 160/500
Overall score: 51.4
Population: 134,444
Also read: Washington Again Named America’s Most Corrupt State According to New Study
Duluth, Minnesota
Hazards risk rank: 9/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 319/500
Response and recovery rank: 72/500
Overall score: 50.93
Population: 86,619
Rochester, Minnesota
Hazards risk rank: 41/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 53/500
Response and recovery rank: 58/500
Overall score: 50.54
Population: 121,878
Tyler, Texas
Hazards risk rank: 7/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 366/500
Response and recovery rank: 56/500
Overall score: 50.06
Population: 109,286
Bloomington, Indiana
Hazards risk rank: 14/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 343/500
Response and recovery rank: 82/500
Overall score: 49.85
Population: 79,107
Boise City, Idaho
Hazards risk rank: 121/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 90/500
Response and recovery rank: 24/500
Overall score: 49.7
Population: 236,634
Macon, Georgia
Hazards risk rank: 2/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 136/500
Response and recovery rank: 334/500
Overall score: 49.28
Population: 156,197
Columbus, Ohio
Hazards risk rank: 24/500
Vulnerable infrastructure rank: 346/500
Response and recovery rank: 35/500
Overall score: 49.25
Population: 907,971
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