The corals are casualties of surging global temperatures which have smashed historical records in the past year — caused mainly by fossil fuels driving up carbon emissions and accelerated by the El Niño weather pattern, which heats ocean temperatures in this part of the world.
Question one: way over my pay grade. I’m closer to a CCNA than a software developer.
Question two: flipping breakers on and off is really the best way to figure out how your house is wired. It is MUCH easier if you have someone who can help you. Lights will be easy and obvious. Things like wall receps will take some time. Especially if you have an older house where past owners have made modifications. There are circuit tracers for this but they don’t work that well. You’re better off using a voltage tester or outlet tester that will beep when it has power. Any breaker that is a double or two pole breaker will have a specific purpose. If it’s 40 amps there’s a good chance it’s an electric oven or drier, if it’s 60 amps it almost certainly your HVAC.