Natural disaster

Natural disaster

A Natural disaster is a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the Earth; examples include floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other geologic processes. A natural disaster can cause loss of life or damage property, and typically leaves some economic damage in its wake, the severity of which depends on the affected population's resilience, or ability to recover and also on the infrastructure available.

Types of Natural Disasters

Earthquakes

An Earthquake is the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can range in size from those that are so weak that they cannot be felt to those violent enough to propel objects and people into the air, and wreak destruction across entire cities.

Volcanic Eruptions

A Volcanic eruption is the expulsion of lava, volcanic ash, and gases from a volcanic vent. Most volcanic eruptions are caused by tectonic movements, and they can cause widespread destruction and loss of life.

Floods

A Flood is an overflow of water that submerges land which is usually dry. Floods are often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt or a dam breakage and can cause significant damage to the built environment and loss of life.

Tsunamis

A Tsunami is a series of waves in a water body caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, generally in an ocean or a large lake. Tsunamis can be caused by undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions and can cause widespread destruction when they hit land.

Hurricanes

A Hurricane is a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters. Hurricanes can cause widespread destruction due to high winds and flooding caused by storm surge and heavy rainfall.

Preparedness and Response

Disaster preparedness involves measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters. This includes prediction and warning systems, evacuation plans, and education. Disaster response is the second phase of the disaster management cycle. It consists of a number of elements, for example; warning/evacuation, search and rescue, providing immediate assistance, assessing damage, continuing assistance and the immediate restoration or construction of infrastructure.

See Also

• List of natural disasters
• Disaster management
• Emergency management