Natural disaster Coverage

Indonesians leave homes near erupting volcano and airport closes due to ash danger

MANADO, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian authorities closed an airport and residents left homes near an erupting volcano Thursday due to the dangers of spreading ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds and the possibility of a tsunami.

By GRACEY WAKARY and EDNA TARIGAN, Associated Press

13 years ago today: Deadly tornado outbreak devastates North Carolina

Thirteen years ago on April 16, 2011, 30 tornadoes touched down in North Carolina for the greatest one-day total on record for our state.

Unforgiving nature: Countdown to the 20 worst natural disasters in the Triangle

The Triangle's tumultuous past: A countdown of 20 worst natural disasters that shaped Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, from hurricanes to tornadoes and more.

Kaila Curry, Audience Engagement Producer

7.5 magnitude earthquake in Japan has ripple effects in NC and across the globe

Seismic energy released during a New Year's Day earthquake in Japan traveled across the surface and through the earth, registering on seismographs in North Carolina. WRAL's Dan Haggerty spoke with NASA ambassador Tony Rice to break it all down.

7.5 magnitude earthquake in Japan has ripple effect across globe & in NC

Seismic energy released during an earthquake travels across the surface of and through the earth, registering on seismographs.

Tony Rice, NASA Ambassador

Local Moroccan leader speaks on challenges to provide help to earthquake victims

An earthquake near Marrakech Friday has killed over 2,100 people in Morocco. Mohamed Najih with the North Carolina Moroccan American Group spoke with WRAL about some of the challenges rescuers are facing in the area.

How to best prepare for natural disasters

Mother Nature has wreaked havoc throughout the summer, causing devastating financial losses. As Hurricane Lee intensifies in the Atlantic, it is a good time to ask: Are your finances prepared for a natural disaster?

Disaster responders from NC heading to Maui

Friday morning, a group of disaster responders here in North Carolina will be heading to Maui to help those affected by the wildfires. The American Red Cross of NC said they are sending six disaster responders to provide aid to locals and tourists in need.

NC disaster responders heading to Maui to help the thousands of people affected by wildfires

The American Red Cross of NC said they are sending six disaster responders to provide aid to locals and tourists in need.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL anchor/reporter

Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County storm victims not eligible for state disaster funds

The state says families in Rocky Mount and Edgecombe County are not eligible for disaster relief money after the July 19 tornado.

Rocky Mount, Edgecombe County storm victims not eligible for disaster funds after EF3 tornado devastates community

The state says families in Rocky Mount and Edgecombe County are not eligible for disaster relief money after the July 19 tornado.

Keenan Willard, WRAL reporter

Governor Cooper views tornado damage in Nash and Edgecombe counties

An EF3 tornado ripped through the counties Wednesday, causing significant damage at the Pfizer plant and flattening homes in Dortches.

Landslide in California forces evacuations Saturday; cause currently unknown

Authorities said it remains unclear what caused the land to shift around 4 p.m. Saturday.

Here's how to stay safe before, during and after an earthquake strikes

Here's what to do before, during and after an earthquake, according to the Department of Homeland Security, Earthquake Country Alliance and Red Cross.

CNN

Climate change making it more expensive to insure homes, experts say

As climate change threatens the U.S. with more natural disasters, it's becoming increasingly costly for Americans to insure their homes, experts say.

Climate change is making some homes too costly to insure

As climate change threatens the U.S. with more natural disasters, it's becoming increasingly costly for Americans to insure their homes, experts say.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending Dec. 8

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted over the previous week.

Targeted News Service

'I had me to offer': Durham man drives to Kentucky to assist in aftermath of storms

A Durham man was hit hard by what he saw on the news, so he hit the road.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

How you can help Kentucky rebuild after deadly tornadoes

During moments of tragedy, Americans often come together to help each other. Here are ways you can donate your money, blood -- or even volunteer on the ground.

Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer

Secretive 'prepping' community growing amid pandemic, racial unrest

Cyber attacks, nuclear warfare, civil unrest, hurricanes and snowstorms. Survivalists across North Carolina are preparing for these kinds of catastrophes, and more.

Maggie Brown, WRAL Multiplatform producer

Here's how you can apply to volunteer at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic

Members of the public can volunteer to assist the state of North Carolina with emergency response, including the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, but there are some steps involved.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL multiplatform producer

What to pack in a 'go bag' in case disaster strikes

According to a 2015 National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) survey, only 35 percent say they've planned accordingly. NCDP project director Jonathan Sury says life and death can depend on a 'family go bag.'

House committee discussing slow spending of federal disaster relief funds

The co-chairs of the state House Select Committee on Disaster Relief discuss proposals and hearings planned regarding the state's slow spending of federal disaster relief funds.

NC grant helps Johnston woman get new house after Matthew's floodwaters destroyed her old one

When the Neuse River overflowed its banks during Hurricane Matthew, Barbara Fletcher's home was flooded but thanks to a state grant, she has been able to move into a new house.

Sloane Heffernan, WRAL reporter

WATCH: Sky 5 tours storm damage

Sky 5 is live over the Triangle and central North Carolina after strong storms moved through the region.