Torrential rain brought by Storm Daniel and poor maintenance of two aging, clay-core embankment dams near Derna, a coastal city, are key factors, experts say.

ENR editors are known for their prolific and sometimes challenging overseas travel, especially in reporting on disasters of all kinds.

Says Kit Miyamoto, founder of engineering firm Miyamoto International, after tour of hard-hit area: "The scene of devastation is unlike anything I have seen in my 20 years of working in disaster zones." 

While some structures survived the first main shock and performed as designed, experts say having two major quakes in such close proximity would challenge even the most stringent seismic codes. 

Tom Sawyer, ENR deputy editor, retires this week—leaving a lasting legacy for our enterprise. 

New Orleans is facing the biggest test of its post-Katrina hurricane protection system as the region is bracing for up to 20 inches of rain from Barry.

The World Bank report says making infrastructure strong, more able to respond to natural disasters and regular stressors saves $4 to every $1 spent.