Fall 1996 Articles

Disaster Recovery Journal

Volume 9, Issue 4
Fall 1996

Around The World

By David-Glen Smith

Wildfires Spread in West

In early September, wildfires swept through regions of the western states, affecting National Parks in Idaho, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. It is reported the damage from these fires resulted in the worst wildfire season within 40 years. More than 212,000 acres of land were damaged. To date, nationwide fires have burned an estimated 5 million acres of wilderness.

Spain Affected by Flash Floods

Flash floods moved through the Pyrenees Mountains of Northern Spain during the first week of August. Sudden torrential rains were blamed as the cause, resulting in rivers of mud which swept over vacationing campers. In seconds, the flash waters carried away automobiles, trailers, trees, and tents. Approximately 84 people were killed.

Second Major Power Outage Hits Western States

During the weekend of August 10, a major power outage hit 10 western states causing loss of electricity to 5.6 million users. This is the second occurrence this summer of a widespread blackout affecting the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is believed a brush fire along the border of California and Oregon began the domino-effect along the Pacific Northwest Intertie, the western states’ power grid. The loss of electricity forced the San Francisco Airport to shut down briefly, stranding travelers. In addition, traffic lights in many cities were knocked out. A task force was formed to further investigate the problem and search for preventive measures in the future.

Flash Floods in Iran

On July 10 and 11 northwestern Iran suffered flash floods, causing the deaths of at least 19 people. Thousands of acres of farmland were submerged, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of homes and the deaths of 1,500 head of cattle.

Era of Big Storms Returning

Weather experts are predicting dramatic changes in weather patterns for the upcoming years; atmospheric and oceanic conditions may be producing tropical storms and hurricanes similar to the years 1941 to 1965. During these years 17 major East Coast hurricanes caused severe damage to the coast.

Hurricane Dolly Strikes Mexico While Edouard Affects Business in East

Hurricane Dolly hit Central Mexico on August 22, creating 70 m.p.h. winds and severe tides. Soon afterward, Hurricane Edouard formed and began travelling in the Atlantic waters, heading north along the Eastern Coastline. Although Hurricane Edouard avoided directly hitting New England, by Labor Day weekend, rain and high winds affected commercial industries in Cape Cod. Most hurt were the tourism trades due to evacuation of residents along the eastern coast. Managing to remain almost 80 miles from shore, the hurricane’s winds reached 90 m.p.h. and sent heavy rains and flooding along the northern portions of the Cape. Thirty thousand were without power in the aftermath of the storm.

Hurricane Fran Strikes East Coast

On September 6, due to damages from Hurricane Fran, President Clinton declared North Carolina a federal disaster area. Before the storm blew ashore on Thursday, September 5, an estimated 500,000 residents and tourists were evacuated. The center of the storm hit slightly south of Wilmington, North Carolina causing flooding and electrical outages. Heading northward, Fran created at least $2 billion dollars of damage to commercial and private properties. In North Carolina alone, the figure is estimated at $1 billion. Twenty-six deaths are attributed to the hurricane per the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Hurricane Hortense Hits Nova Scotia

Hurricane Hortense formed 135 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, striking the island with high tides and torrential rains. It later moved from the Southern Bahamas through the North Atlantic, making landfall in Nova Scotia on September 14, producing heavy rains and flooding, a hundred miles north of Halifax.

TWA Flight 800 Still a Mystery
To date, little has been resolved regarding the TWA flight 800 which claimed the lives of 230 people. Attorney General Janet Reno acknowledged on September 22, 1996 that it is likely officials may never know what caused the catastrophe. Three theories remain as likely causes: missile, bomb, or mechanical failure. One official on the FBI probe stated it might take years to retrieve and analyze all the evidence available. An estimated 80% of the aircraft has been recovered.

David-Glen Smith is an Editor for the Disaster Recovery Journal

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Last Updated--Thursday, Oct 24, 1996.