For this paper, you are to analyze a natural disaster related to one of the
topics covered this quarter (severe weather, tropical cyclones, coastal hazards,
or climate change) that occurred in your hometown. The event does not have to
be recent. Your paper should discuss the science of the natural and human
aspects of the disaster, including the following topics: the physical and human
geography of the place where the disaster occurred, the meteorological
phenomena that led to the event, the effects of the disaster on the local people,
and the mitigation efforts that were in place as well as what, if anything, could
have been done better. This is not simply a recitation of a news story. Be sure
to thoroughly discuss the meteorological conditions that led to the event as well
as the relevant issues of human preparedness and disaster mitigation.