Tag: Disasters

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Arizona train derailment and fire damage historical bridge

A Union Pacific Railroad cargo train crossing a historical bridge in Tempe, Arizona, derailed and caught fire on July 29, causing a portion of the north–south bridge to collapse, sending several railcars toppling off the bridge and onto the ground below.

Foundation releases comprehensive US flood model, warns of greater risks

Flood models developed by an independent research group show millions more properties in danger of flood than FEMA flood maps suggest.

ASCE members in Lebanon lift Beirut in aftermath of explosion

ASCE members in Lebanon have helped lead the recovery effort in the aftermath of an explosion that shook the Port of Beirut at 6:08 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, in the center of the densely populated capital. The destruction extended across a four-mile radius, with casualties reported at 220 dead, 6,000 injured and 300,000 left homeless. “What motivated all of us is passion for our beloved country...

New Orleans Branch Assists Those Affected by COVID-19

The ASCE New Orleans Branch organized a program this summer to match member donations to certain organizations supporting those most affected by COVID-19. The four organizations include UNO First Student Support Fund, Second Harvest Food Bank, Gayle Benson Community Assitance Fund and the Gig Workers Relief Fund. Treasurer Kyle Galloway brought the idea to the Branch Board, and they immediately supported it. "We thought it sounded like...

Michigan dam failures prompt investigations, lawsuits, and safety concerns

Two dam failures in Michigan in mid-May have led to calls for investigations as to the causes of the calamitous events as well as an examination of why the dams’ owner did not make critical upgrades in time to preclude the disaster. Although no fatalities or injuries resulted from the failures, widespread flooding forced the evacuation of thousands of central Michigan residents and significantly...

President’s Note: Global Crises and Civil Engineering

OVER CENTURIES, natural disasters have brought people together. When Hurricane Michael battered the Gulf Coast in 2018, first responders and local organizations across the United States rallied in support of those affected. When wildfires recently raged through Australia, more than 3,700 firefighters from around the world rushed to help battle the flames. It’s in these moments that humanity comes together as one. But when...

Essence of resilience: lifeline systems

What keeps a community safe after an extreme event? An interdependent system of systems. Resilience starts with keeping those lifeline systems connected and working together.

In the impending cyberwar, engineers must be on the front lines

Brad Allenby and Mike Chester explain why civil engineers need to aggressively take the lead in the current cybersecurity landscape.

What’s in My Backyard? – CECorps connects engineers, communities

Take a look in your backyard (figuratively). You might be surprised what you find (literally). Underserved communities across the United States are in need of civil engineering solutions. That’s where the Community Engineering Corps comes in, and, with its new “What’s in My Backyard?” campaign, lays out how to help, step by step. CECorps – an alliance between ASCE, the American Water Works Association and Engineers Without...

Widespread Floods Test Resilience of Midwest

The Midwest has been battered by the aftermath of last week's “bomb cyclone” snowstorms. The resulting combination of fast-melting snow and additional rains has led to significant flooding across several states. Unfortunately, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and other affected states may not see the unprecedented flooding levels recede until May, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast. In Nebraska alone, 74 cities have declared states...