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A natural disaster is the very harmful impact on a society or community after a natural hazard event. Examples of natural hazard events are avalanches, droughts, earthquakes, floods, hails, heat waves, ice storms, landslides, sinkholes, tornadoes, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, volcanic activity and wildfires. [1]
Jun 27, 2024 · Learn about the different types of natural disasters, such as weather, climate, volcanic, and earthquake events, and how they affect human life and the environment. Find out how global warming and human activities increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters.
- Avalanches. First up on our list is an avalanche, which is defined as any large mass of tumbling, sliding, or flowing snow. Avalanches can be thought of as a type of landslide, particularly since they can also include boulders and other debris.
- Blizzards. Another winter-related hazard, blizzards are defined by the US-based National Weather Service as storms that last more than three hours and that feature
- Cold Waves. A technical term for a period of very cold weather, a cold wave is a type of natural disaster where the temperature drops rapidly over the course of 24 hours.
- Droughts. As with cold waves, droughts are somewhat difficult to define because they are subjective by nature. A drought is technically defined as an extended period of time where drier-than-normal conditions lead to a lack of water or other water-related issues.
Explore data and charts on deaths, damages, and impacts of natural disasters around the world. Learn how disasters are changing over time, who is most vulnerable, and what can be done to prevent them.
- Hurricanes. A hurricane is a type of tropical storm, but much more powerful. It’s like a gigantic, spinning storm that forms over warm ocean waters. Hurricanes have powerful winds that blow things around, heavy rain causes flooding, and storm surges flood coastal areas.
- Tornadoes. Tornadoes form when warm and cold air collide during big thunderstorms. This collision can force the wind to start spinning in a circle. When a tornado comes, it can be extremely destructive, like a powerful giant vacuum cleaner that sucks up everything in its path.
- Volcanoes. Volcanoes form hot molten rock, ash, and gases from deep within the Earth. They can burst out through an opening, often creating an eruption.
- Earthquakes. An earthquake happens when there’s a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust. This creates seismic waves that cause the ground to shake.
Explore the causes, effects, and science of natural disasters such as wildfires, avalanches, lightning, tsunamis, tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, and floods. Watch videos, see photos, and read stories and tips on how to prepare and stay safe.
Floods are the most common natural disaster in India. The heavy southwest monsoon rains cause the Brahmaputra and other rivers to distend their banks, often flooding surrounding areas. Though they provide rice paddy farmers with a largely dependable source of natural irrigation and fertilisation, the floods can kill thousands and displace millions.
