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Temporal Trends and Geographic Clustering of U.S. Weather-Related Disasters (1989–2019): A Foundational Baseline for Healthcare Preparedness

Author

Listed:
  • Roberta Lavin

    (Center for Health Equity: Planetary Health and Preparedness, College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, 2300 Tucker Rd., Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Su Zhang

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1110, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA
    Earth Data Analysis Center, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1110, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA
    Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Yue Feng

    (Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, 2325 Camino de Salud, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA)

  • Xi Gong

    (Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
    Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS), The Pennsylvania State University, 571 Eisenhower Rd., Computer Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA)

  • Yiliang Zhu

    (Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, MSC08 4720, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Wei Fang

    (Center for Health Equity: Planetary Health and Preparedness, College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, 2300 Tucker Rd., Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Xiaozhong Yu

    (Center for Health Equity: Planetary Health and Preparedness, College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, 2300 Tucker Rd., Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Shuguang Leng

    (Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, 2325 Camino de Salud, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
    Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, MSC08 4720, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Kritim Bastola

    (Center for Health Equity: Planetary Health and Preparedness, College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, 2300 Tucker Rd., Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Bhawana Kafle

    (Center for Health Equity: Planetary Health and Preparedness, College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, 2300 Tucker Rd., Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Daylin Clifton

    (Center for Health Equity: Planetary Health and Preparedness, College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, 2300 Tucker Rd., Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Shawn L. Penman

    (Earth Data Analysis Center, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1110, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Sandeep Talasila

    (Earth Data Analysis Center, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1110, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • Mary Pat Couig

    (Center for Health Equity: Planetary Health and Preparedness, College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, 2300 Tucker Rd., Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

  • José M. Cerrato

    (Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA)

Abstract

Over the past three decades, the United States has experienced a notable increase in weather-related disasters, including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and severe storms, posing growing challenges to healthcare preparedness and public health systems. This study analyzes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster declarations from 1989 to 2019 to characterize temporal and geographic trends in weather-related events. Data after 2019 were excluded to avoid confounding effects associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted disaster declarations, resource allocation, and healthcare system demands. Using descriptive statistics, generalized linear mixed models, and spatial clustering techniques, we identified substantial increases and nonlinear patterns in disaster declarations, with variation across hazard types and regions. These trends reflect evolving hazard exposure, regional differences, and policy-driven declaration practices. Although this study does not directly measure health outcomes or social vulnerability, the observed patterns have important implications for healthcare system capacity, workforce preparedness, and populations known to be disproportionately affected by disasters. The findings highlight the need for climate-informed training, data-driven preparedness planning, and integration of disaster trend analysis into nursing education and public health practice. Strengthening the ability of healthcare systems to anticipate and respond to evolving disaster patterns is critical for advancing resilience and promoting equitable health outcomes in the context of climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberta Lavin & Su Zhang & Yue Feng & Xi Gong & Yiliang Zhu & Wei Fang & Xiaozhong Yu & Shuguang Leng & Kritim Bastola & Bhawana Kafle & Daylin Clifton & Shawn L. Penman & Sandeep Talasila & Mary Pat , 2026. "Temporal Trends and Geographic Clustering of U.S. Weather-Related Disasters (1989–2019): A Foundational Baseline for Healthcare Preparedness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 23(8), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:23:y:2026:i:8:p:984-:d:2002452
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