U.S. natural disasters’ financial toll increasing: OFDR at the ready
Billion-dollar climate disasters occur more frequently across the U.S. than in years past, meteorologists say, as 2022 surpasses a four-decade average for such catastrophic events at the year’s midpoint.
Through early July, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported at least nine weather or climate-related disasters with losses exceeding $1 billion in the U.S., trending ahead of an annual average of 7.7 events reported since 1980. Even then, the NOAA data came out before a litany of catastrophic weather events in recent weeks, ranging from destructive flash flooding, extensive drought and wildfire conditions, and an Atlantic hurricane season looming.
OFDR Stories Bring Hope After Disaster
Former Optometry For Disaster Relief grant recipients voice their stories after disaster
Field Notes: Florida doctor recounts hurricanes Helene, Milton
Media reports describe “devastating” winds, rain and flooding as Hurricane Milton makes landfall—how a Tampa Bay area doctor comes to terms with not one but two hurricanes in as many weeks.
AOA Foundation emergency appeal for Helene-ravaged states
In the devastating path forged by Hurricane Helene, shell-shocked residents & AOA members are putting their lives back together.