In this episode of the Disaster Podcast, we discuss numerous disaster events that struck around the world in the last week. First is a look at the volcano, Kīlauea, on the island of Hawaii which is showing evidence of a pending eruption due to seismic activity. U.S. Geological scientists on site are monitoring the situation and preparing for potential evacuations once the lava starts flowing.

An earthquake in Columbia this week has left hundreds dead and many more missing still as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Rescue teams from the US and other nearby countries came in to lend aid in the USAR efforts.

Many severe weather events passed through the midwest. Our disaster meteorologist expert, Dan DePodwin wasn’t available on the show this week, but sent in a report on several important events. A derecho with 90+ mph winds tore through parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Tuesday. The winds caused 800,000 customers to lose power as thunderstorms with destructive winds moved from eastern Iowa to eastern Kentucky. Derechos are widespread, severe windstorms caused by a line of severe thunderstorms.

Derecho Facts Page

In the U.S. there are 95 large fires ongoing with 3.9 million acres burning from active fires. The majority of the large fires are in Oregon and Washington, east of the Cascades.

There is little relief in site with little to no rain expected over the next few weeks. This is a typically dry time of year but the ongoing drought and recent bouts of windy conditions have made it a particularly intense fire season. The Pacific Northwest starts to get cooler and wetter later in September as they head into the wet season.

In the U.S., this is the worst fire season “year to date” over the last 10 years. The most comparable year to date is 2017 when 6.3 million acres had burned by this point in the year.

National Interagency Fire Center

The episode also featured Dr. Joe Holley and was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Recent Disaster Events Discussion

The main discussion focused on recent disaster events, starting with the Kilauea volcano eruption in Hawaii, which lasted nearly 11 hours and followed a previous magnitude 6.0 earthquake in June. The conversation then shifted to a 7.4 earthquake in Western Columbia that resulted in 250 deaths, with 87 people rescued and 28 FEMA task forces deployed, including Virginia Task Force One and DMATs providing medical support.

Global Natural Disaster Response Updates

The group discussed recent natural disasters and emergency responses across multiple regions. Sam reported on Typhoon Dolphin in China, which caused evacuations of 1 million people and a deadly landslide in Chongqing that killed 8 people, along with a coal mine explosion in Shangji that resulted in 90 fatalities.

Joe mentioned that Tennessee experienced localized but significant flash flooding, while Jamie noted that Pennsylvania’s western regions might have been affected by flooding in mountainous areas. The discussion concluded with information about a derecho that hit the Midwest and Ohio valleys, causing winds over 90 mph and power outages affecting 800,000 customers.

Natural Disasters Global Update

The group discussed various natural disasters affecting different regions. Sam reported on wildfires in the US Northwest, noting that 6.4 million acres have burned in 2026, making it the worst fire season in a decade. Joe described recent weather events in Tennessee, including heavy thunderstorms, high winds, and excessive heat with temperatures reaching 110 plus degrees.

The discussion concluded with Sam providing details about Tropical Storm Layla approaching Hawaii, which could bring up to a foot of rain, flash flooding, wind gusts of 60-80 miles per hour, and potential storm surge.

Wrap up and updates

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.