Emergency Response Guide in Virginia
Situated on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia faces a range of natural disaster threats, the most prevalent of which include hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Virginia ranks 10th among all states for disaster declarations, with 78 federal disaster declarations between 1953 and 2021.
Notable examples include the Chesapeake-Potomac Hurricane of 1933, which resulted in significant flooding and damage, and the 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered near Mineral, Virginia, in 2011. This earthquake was felt over much of the Eastern United States and caused substantial structural damage.
The economic impact of these disasters on Virginia is significant. According to the US Department of Commerce, the total economic losses from hurricanes alone in Virginia have exceeded $10 billion over the past decade. The US Geological Survey estimates that the 2011 earthquake caused approximately $200 million in damages. Furthermore, natural disasters in Virginia have claimed numerous lives. The National Weather Service reports that over 200 deaths occurred as a direct result of natural disasters in the state between 2000 and 2019.
Given the frequency and potential severity of natural disasters in Virginia, disaster preparedness is crucial. Understanding the disaster threat profile of the state can help guide both residents and authorities in planning and executing effective response strategies.
