If it feels like there’s an increasing number of natural disasters occurring lately, you may have cause to think that way. While most of the intense news coverage has been focused on the devastating hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and Katia—there are many people suffering from other disasters that may have slipped from the public’s view. Here are some other recent events in the United States and around the world that have had a significant impact.
Wildfires
California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in three northern California counties on Sept. 7. Recent wildfires have burned thousands of acres, threatened homes and critical infrastructure, and prompted evacuations. The fires also threatened groves of ancient giant sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park. The La Tuna wildfire started on Sept. 1, and has since burned through more than 7,000 acres, threatened the city of Los Angeles, and caused parts of Interstate 210 to be closed. It was the largest wildfire ever recorded in the city’s history and is now 90 percent contained. You can track the current active wildfires in California on this map.Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for all counties in the state on Sept. 2, due to drier than normal conditions and the high risk of wildfires. Hundreds of thousands of acres are ablaze and there have been reports of “ash falling like snow“ in the city of Seattle. A list of the largest fires affecting the area is reported here by the Seattle Times.
