Natural Disasters & Environment: Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods

Why Hurricanes Have Names

At first, hurricanes were only given women’s names—until some women protested and got storms named after men, too.

Deadliest Hurricanes in US History

Throughout it’s history, the U.S. has endured many devastating hurricanes. These are some of the deadliest hurricanes in American history.

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How a Camping Trip Created our National Parks

A camping trip in 1903 might be the most influential in history.

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1989 San Francisco Earthquake

Find out how our national pastime may have saved lives during the San Francisco Bay Area’s deadly earthquake of 1989.

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Chicago Fire of 1871

Find out what a cow has to do with the Chicago fire of 1871 in this animated tale of disaster and destruction in the windy city.

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Hurricane Katrina: Superdome Poem

New Orleans poet Shelton “Shakespear” Alexander performs an original poem about his experience taking shelter at the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina.

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Hurricane Katrina: Coast Guard Rescues

U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Laurence Nettles describes helicopter rescues and details how the Coast Guard prepared for Hurricane Katrina.

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I Was There: Hurricane Katrina: Divine Intervention

When Angela Trahan and her family were trapped in their own kitchen by floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina, Brother Ronald Hingle, a member of their school community, braved the winds and rising waters to bring them to safety.

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I Was There: Hurricane Katrina Superdome Survivor

When Hurricane Katrina forced New Orleans poet Shelton Alexander to evacuate his home, he took his truck and video camera to the Superdome. He escaped the chaotic shelter a few days later with a truckload of people and video documentation of history.

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I Was There: Hurricane Katrina: Heroes of Charity Hospital

Charity Hospital was one of the last hospitals to be evacuated after Hurricane Katrina hit. After five days without power or assistance, the staff of Charity took matters into their own hands — including orchestrating a risky roof evacuation — to care for their patients.

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I Was There: Hurricane Katrina: Defender of The American Can

Five days after Hurricane Katrina trapped nearly 300 residents in their apartment building, known as The American Can, former recon Marine John Keller fought off looters, swam through floodwaters, and hot‑wired boats to help guide them to safety.

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I Was There: Hurricane Katrina: Rescue Swimmer

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Laurence “Noodles” Nettles’ training was put to the test as he and fellow Guard members were forced to adapt their ocean rescue tactics to save thousands of stranded victims from rooftops and rising floodwaters.

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