what is natural hazards essay

Natural Disasters Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on natural disasters.

A Natural disaster is an unforeseen occurrence of an event that causes harm to society. There are many Natural disasters that damage the environment and the people living in it. Some of them are earthquakes , cyclones, floods, Tsunami , landslides, volcanic eruption, and avalanches. Spatial extent measures the degree or severity of the disaster.

Levels of Disaster

The severity or degree of damage can be further divided into three categories:

Small Scale Disasters: Small scale disasters are those that extend from 50 Kms. to 100 Kms. So this kind of disasters does not cause much damage.

Medium-scale disasters: Medium Scale disasters extend from 100 Kms to 500 Kms. These cause more damage than a small scale disaster. Moreover, they can cause greater damage if they occur in colonial states.

Large Scale Disasters: These disasters cover an area of more than 1000 Kms. These cause the most severe damage to the environment. Furthermore, these disasters can even take over a country if the degree is high. For instance, the wiping out of the dinosaurs was because of a large scale natural disaster.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Types of Disasters

Causes: These can cause of releasing of the energy. This release is from the core of the earth. Furthermore, the release of energy causes seismic waves. Rupturing of geological faults causes earthquakes. But other events like volcanic eruptions, landslides mine blasts can also cause it.

Landslides: Landslides is the moving of big boulders of rocks or debris down a slope. As a result, landslides occur on mountains and hilly areas. Moreover, landslides can cause destruction to man-made things in many ways.

Causes: Gravitational pull, volcanic eruptions , earthquakes can cause landslides. Moreover, soil erosion due to deforestation is also a cause of landslides.

Avalanches: Avalanches are like landslides. But instead of rocks thousand tons of snow falls down the slope. Moreover, this causes extreme damage to anything that comes in its way. People who live in snowy mountains always have fear of it.

Causes: Avalanches takes places when there is a large accumulation of snow on the mountains. Moreover, they can also occur from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Furthermore, the chances of surviving an avalanche are very less. This is because people die of hypothermia in it.

Tsunami: Tsunami is the production of very high waves in oceans and seas. Moreover, the displacement of the ground causes these high waves. A tsunami can cause floods if it occurs near shores. A Tsunami can consist of multiple waves. Moreover, these waves have a high current. Therefore it can reach coastlines within minutes. The main threat of a tsunami is if a person sees a Tsunami he cannot outrun it.

Causes: Tsunami is unlike normal eaves that occur due to the wind. But Tsunami is waves that occur by ground displacement. Thus earthquakes are the main causes of Tsunamis.

FAQs on Essay on natural disaster

Q1.What are natural disasters?

A1. Natural Disasters are unforeseen events that cause damage to the environment and the people.

Q2.Name some Natural disasters.

A2. Some Natural Disasters are earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, Landslides, floods, Tsunami, avalanches. Natural disasters can cause great damage to human society. But preventive measures can be taken to reduce the damage from these disasters.

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Essays About Natural Disasters: 5 Examples and Prompts

Essays about natural disasters teach us many things; read on to see examples and prompts you can use for your piece.

Natural disasters are the sudden occurrence of natural and severe hazards threatening human welfare and survival. These events can cause injuries, destroy assets such as homes and businesses, and even death. Some examples of natural disasters are tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and storms.

Although emergency protocols are in place to alleviate and prevent natural disasters’ impact on both humanity and the economy, there is still no guarantee that these will be able to protect and save everyone from these misfortunes. Therefore, writing essays about natural disasters helps spread awareness on how to act when one faces these mishaps properly.

Below are five examples you should read to create essays about natural disasters effectively:

1. Planning For a Safer Tomorrow by Jyotsana B

2. natural disasters are often not natural by sandra valdez, 3. natural disasters essay by pradeep, 4. equity during natural disasters by writer kip, 5. natural disasters: nature’s revenge by anonymous on loveliessays.com, 1. my experience with natural disasters, 2. natural disasters: a history, 3. natural disasters and the economy, 4. types of natural disasters, 5. my take on natural disaster management, 6. causes of natural disasters, 7. after effects of natural disasters, 8. recovery from a natural disaster.

“Natural disasters have a severe impact on the society, therefore it is important to plan and develop a safety programme and devise means to efficiently deal with natural disaster. Development programme that go into promoting development at the local level have been left to the general exercise of planning.”

The author shares tips on how to prevent calamities and be prepared in case these natural disasters occur. These steps include proper analysis and risk assessment, adequate information database, modern infrastructure, and networks of knowledge-based institutions. The essay further expounds on each point and gives specific directions on successfully implementing these precautions.

“The word ‘natural’ indicates that humans have not triggered the catastrophe. However, human activity can definitely interfere with nature, which in turn may either cause a natural disaster or make its impacts much worse.”

Although Valdez agrees that “natural disasters” means humans do not directly create them, she also considers human’s significant contributions to these tragedies. She offers an example of earthquakes and the fluid injection incident in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, Colorado. She further lists more human activities that trigger earthquakes, blaming human engineering that stresses the Earth’s faults. Finally, she acknowledges human speeds up disasters and human elements are innate in these equations.

“There is no doubt that extending help to someone during tough times is paramount. Rich countries should support poverty-stricken nations with altruistic aid while calamities take place… Being rich, similar nations are in a position to support countries that suffer economically and emotionally during nature havoc. The result of this is, not only induces good relations between countries but also paves the way to commercial transactions with minimized taxes in the future.”

Pradeep supports that countries with more resources should aid those with lesser assets. It’s not only because of altruistic reasons but because it can also be the foundation for good relationships between governments. These relationships can result in successful transactions and give comfort and security to grief-stricken countries.

“Should we allow prices to increase during natural disasters or should we protect against price gouging?… No policy is best for everyone… In the grand scheme of things, the market will return to normal the quickest whenever the market prices are allowed to fluctuate.”

Kip criticizes the way businesses increase the goods’ prices when there is a natural disaster. He questions if it’s the right thing to do to consumers who are only trying to purchase what they need to be ready for catastrophes.

He also includes business reviews that rationalize high prices by arguing increasing prices prevents product hoarding. He challenges this statement by asking the readers to consider those who don’t have the money to buy these overpriced essentials. The writer also mentions other terms to explain the economy during a natural disaster and even involves the government’s processes to mitigate its harmful effects.

“Our environment is our responsibility… Exactly who polluted our planet so much? There is only one answer: man. It is man’s actions that have caused the problem… Humanity must realize that if the current trends are allowed to continue unchecked, the future of life on Earth is at risk. it must be conserved.”

Is nature retaliating because of humans’ disregard for it? The author offers reports to present the unpredictability of these disasters brought by climate change. To further prove their points, the author lays down facts like the quick rising of the sea and changing rain patterns.

At the end of the essay, the writer urges man to be an environmentalist because he depends on his surroundings for food and shelter. Therefore, to survive, humans must treat nature well.

A tip: Run your essay through essay writing apps to organize and help you with style and grammar.

8 Prompts on Essays About Natural Disasters

There are many aspects of natural disasters you can zero in on. Here are easy but compelling prompts to tackle:

Essays About Natural Disasters: My experience with natural disasters

Share your experience with a calamity, and narrate what happened before, during, and after. Are there certain things you wish you did or didn’t do? Include how it affected your life and how you understand things work, such as the importance of first responders and following authorities in times of panic and chaos.

Then, focus on your personal experience. For example, your family might have to move places because you lost your home. Or that today, you always have an emergency bag packed and ready. You might also be interested in these essays about nature .

List down notable natural disasters that changed the course of the world. This could include volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Then, explain why they happened, how the government or country dealt with it, and discuss the precautions executed in case the disaster occurs again. Finally, include the lessons you learned from these tragedies.

Explain how natural disasters affect the economy. Then, to make it more relatable, you can relay the impact of these tragedies on your life. For example, did any of your relatives lose their job because of a natural disaster? Was your family forced to close down your business? Include personal anecdotes to create an engaging essay.

List the many natural disasters and discuss them in detail. In this essay, you can delve into the causes of each type of natural disaster and how it impacts nearby civilizations. What do you fear the most in these disasters? To make it easier, you can pick two natural disasters to compare and contrast.

Choose an incident where natural disaster management was applied and give your thoughts about it. Research a recent natural disaster and study how the local and national government managed it. If any failed initiatives or points could be improved upon, make sure to write your thoughts about this in your essay. Then, you can discuss what you believe will aid natural disaster management in the future.

For this prompt, you can split your essay into two sections. One section can discuss environmental causes, while the other delves into human activities that cause natural disasters. Topics can include pollution, climate change, and overpopulation of small areas. To create an emotive essay, write about your thoughts on what we can do as a society to mitigate these harmful activities.

Consider the short and long-term effects of these natural disasters. You can concentrate on a specific tragedy that the general public knows so your reader can easily imagine what you describe in your essay. To make your piece more interesting, you can list natural disasters’ negative and positive effects.

If you want your essay to focus on something positive, choose to discuss new beginnings. For example, you can center on a community and how its people helped each other recover. You can also include the assistance they received from different places and how it aided them in restarting their lives after the disaster.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Natural Disaster Essay: How to Write, Topics, & Examples

What would you do if someone told you that a tsunami would wipe out your house tomorrow afternoon? You won’t believe them. It always seems that natural disasters happen in someone else’s life. But every year, millions of people worldwide suffer from various natural calamities. This article attempts to systemize the chaos of nature for you to write an impressive natural disasters essay. You will get acquainted with the seven types of disasters, get a long list of topics and examples of natural disaster essay in 200 words and 300 words.

🌪️ Natural Disaster: The Basics
💡 114 Essay Topics
📑 Outlining Your Essay
🌊 Essay Sample (200 Words)
🏜️ Essay Sample (300 Words)

🌪️ Natural Disaster Essay: What Is It About?

A natural disaster is a large-scale meteorological or geological event that can to cause loss of life or massive damage to people’s property. Floods and severe storms are the most reported acts of nature in the US, but other incidents also happen from time to time. That is why you can dedicate your essay on natural disasters to earthquakes, droughts, wildfires, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, or tornadoes.

The picture lists the 7 main types of natural disasters.

💡 114 Natural Disasters Essay Topics

What could you write in a natural disaster essay? You can invent your own topic about various types of natural disasters, their causes, and aftermath, or their impact on human life and the economy. Depending on the discipline, you can also describe historic calamities that changed the direction of human civilization. Alternatively, choose one from our comprehensive list below.

Why are the Great Plains of the central US ideal for tornado formation?
Global Warming and Climate Change Legislation .
Research the atmospheric parameters inside a tornado.
Energy, Technology and Climate Change .
Why are the boundaries of Tornado Alley in the US so debatable?
The global climate change as a manmade disaster.
Which actions should you never do when a tornado is nearby?
Volunteers’ Role During Disasters .
Suggest your opinion on the best action strategy in a hurricane.
The Columbia Disaster and safety violations.
What were the causes and effects of a flood?
Analysis on Climate Change and Global Impact .
Describe the most devastating wildfires in the US and find their common features.
Earthquake Engineering Considerations and Methods .
Brainstorm ideas to prevent wildfires.
Global warming and the greenhouse effect.
How can building dams cause earthquakes?
Climate Change and Its Impact on Freshwater .
Analyze the impact of droughts on tourism .
Climate Change Effect on Coral Reef Communities .
Describe the most extended droughts in human history.
Marine and Coastal Climate Change in Australia .
Write an essay on natural disasters and earthquakes in particular.
Air pollution and mortality rates
What are the distinctive features of droughts in third-world countries ?
Global Warming, Climate Change, and Society’s Impact on the Environment .
Study the relationship between global warming and droughts.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After a Hurricane .
Evaluate the damage caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Social Media’s Role in Disaster Response .
Classify the effects of natural disasters in an essay.
Sustainability and Climate Change .
Describe the 1815 volcanic eruption of Mt. Tambora, Indonesia.
Hurricane Katrina: Overview, Impact, Response .
Each new leap of civilization causes new responses of nature.
Animal Exploitation. Animal Agriculture and Climate Change .
Think of any positive effects a volcanic eruption may have.
In Arizona, Collaboration Averts Water Disaster .
Children are the poorest victims of any disaster.
A Solution to Remedy Climate Change .
Which ways of disaster risk reduction do you know?
An Emergency Operations Center During Hurricane Harvey .
Research the current problems in disaster management.
Disaster Recovery Plan for Information Technology Organizations .
Analyze ineffective disaster management in an essay about hurricane Katrina.
Nurse Competencies and Scope of Practice in Disaster .
What should a household have at home in the case of a disaster?
Hurricane Katrina: The Powerful Natural Disaster .
Describe the humanitarian disaster during the drought in Somalia.
Technology in Disaster Preparedness .
Can man-made disasters entail natural calamities?
Disaster Management in Philadelphia .
Review the criteria for disaster classification.
Jeddah Floods and Adaptation Strategies in the City of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia .
Search for real examples of hybrid disasters.
Natural Disasters Prevention: A Tabletop Exercise .
Who is responsible for casualties after a natural disaster?
The Sand Storms: Remote Sensing and Meteorological Variables .
List the lessons we could learn from our past disaster experience.
Fire Development, Growth, and Spreads .
The ice storm and silver thaw: A gentle disaster.
Fire Crisis Management in the UAE .
Rockslides: A pressing issue for rural areas.
1d – 2d Flood Modeling Using PCSWMM .
What are the psychological benefits of disaster preparedness?
Structural Control and Origin of Volcanism in the Taupo Volcanic Zone .
When does a blizzard become a disaster?
Extreme Weather Events + Geographies of Globalization .
Research the causes of dust storms and name the affected areas.
Strategies for Sustainable Integrated Oil Disaster Management in West Africa .
Why did the San Francisco earthquake (1906) cause devastating fires?
Causes of Climate Change .
What could be done to help people who lost their homes in an earthquake?
Book Review: Energy and Global Climate Change .
Analyze the role of World Vision in humanitarian aid after disasters.
Tangshan earthquake of 1976 showed that high population density is disastrous.
The Role of Carbon Dioxide in Climate Change .
Rock avalanche: Why water is the most powerful geological agent.
Aspects of Climate Change .
When do extreme weather conditions turn into a disaster?
Climate Change: Reasons, Kyoto Protocol .
Write an article on shelter-providing organizations for disaster victims.
Establishing an IT Disaster Recovery Plan .
Describe earthquake cycles in Haiti.
Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture and Food .
How can nature damage ecology in natural disasters?
Climate Change. Problems. Effects .
Disaster management should include psychological help to the survivors.
Climate Change Causes: Position and Strategies .
Suggest ways to prevent damage caused by debris flow.
HAT 4: Disaster in Franklin Country .
How did the lack of evacuation after the Bhola cyclone (1970) result in the massive death toll?
The Effects of Climate Change .
The most significant Yellow River flood: 2 million deaths in 1887.
Resilience Building Against Natural Disasters in the Caribbean Islands .
Sinkholes: A natural disaster or attraction for cavers and water-divers?
Global Climate Change and Health .
Describe the dynamics of landslides in California .
Which early-warning systems to detect avalanches do you know?
Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action .
Pyroclastic flow: The deadliest volcanic hazard.
Communication During Disaster Response .
Describe the volcano eruption of Vesuvius that destroyed the Herculaneum and Pompeii.
Disaster Planning for Families .
Disaster prevention measures: Investments that save millions of lives.
Natural Disaster Management and Historical Prospective Study in the UAE .
Research the PTSD in survivors of natural disasters.
Are the latest disasters the nature’s fightback to humanity?
Estimate the human impact on natural disasters.
List the countries with the largest number of disasters and find their standard features.
Everyday Communication on Climate Change .
Insurance coverage against disasters: Our inevitable future.
Emergency Planning Before and After Hurricane Katrina .
One natural disaster could bring the world to its end.

Haven’t found a suitable topic in the list above? Use our essay topic generator to get more ideas.

📑 Natural Disaster Essay Outline

Outlines differ, depending on the assigned length and essay type. It is a reference sample. Feel free to modify it, extending some points and narrowing the others. Still, the overall structure should remain the same. We have chosen the “Causes of Earthquakes” essay topic for demonstrative purposes.

Hook . There are millions of possible ways to start your essay, from a rhetorical question to any imaginable scenario. The point is to grab the reader’s attention, showing them that your writing is unique and creative. For example: We are always concerned with the consequences of a natural disaster. But what brought us into such a calamity in the first place?
Concepts. Natural disasters can be studied in the framework of various disciplines. But in all cases, they are linked with geology, biology, chemistry, geography, and some other subjects with broad and complicated terminology. Explain the terms that could be elusive for your readers here. For example: For the purposes of this essay, an earthquake is a sudden displacement of the land surface.
Background. How did you come to think of this problem? Why is it topical? The causes of earthquakes are numerous and often unrelated. To understand them as a system, we need a strict classification.
Thesis statement . Clearly state the aim of your essay. This essay attempts to group the causes of earthquakes to determine which factors can be tackled by human forces.
Transition sentence. It comes in the previous sentence (for paragraphs 2 and 3) and ensures smooth reading. E.g.: Tectonic movements are the most powerful causes of earthquakes, and we cannot influence them. But still, there is something we could do.
Topic sentence . What will you explain in this paragraph? Human interference with nature can also cause earthquakes.
Evidence. How can you confirm the topic sentence? Heavy clubbing of dam water can disturbance the crustal balance. Nuclear bombing causes shockwaves that penetrate the surface, changing the tectonic plates and their natural alignment. Mining can also cause earthquakes by removing extensive volumes of stone from under the ground.
Warrant. Why does the reader need this information, and how does it relate to the thesis statement? Knowing these facts can help us change the old-fashioned approaches and lessen the ecological damage to our planet.
Summary. Collect and summarize all your arguments here. Tectonic movements, volcano eruptions, and geological faults cause a significant part of earthquakes worldwide. But various man-made causes bring us to the same result.
Rephrased thesis. We cannot stop the tectonic movements or hinder volcanic eruptions, but we can use natural resources with more care.

🌊 Natural Disaster Essay 200 Words

Below you will find a short natural disaster essay for 200 words. It explores the causes and effects of the tsunami in Japan in 2011.

Tsunami in Japan: Causes and Effects The proximity of the deadliest disasters is often unpredictable. As a result, the consequences of a tsunami can exceed any possible expectations. This essay looks for the decisive factors that caused the tsunami in Japan in 2011 and its results for the local population and other countries. The causes were out of human control and could not be predicted. The Pacific plate moved in the horizontal and vertical plane, advancing beneath the Eurasian Plate. It displaced the seawater above and entailed several destructive waves. The disaster had enormous consequences for the Japanese people and their economy. It killed almost 16,000 people, although the country had a sophisticated alarming system. Besides, the earthquake caused fires and explosions at oil factories. The cooling system of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant went out of service. Two people were lost, and many were injured. Nissan, like many other large corporations, had to suspend the operation of its four factories. The economic losses due to the catastrophe amounted to 300 billion dollars. But the disaster moved to other places. On 24 March 2011, the earthquake in the east of Myanmar claimed the lives of 60 people and destroyed 300 buildings. As we can see, everything is linked on our planet. Movements of the earth’ crust in any part of the world bring about earthquakes and tsunami in other countries. The series of waves in Japan was caused by the underwater earthquake and had horrible consequences.

🏜️ Natural Disaster Essay 300 Words

If your assignment is longer, you will have to provide your opinion in the essay. Or, you can make your argumentation more detailed. Below you can check our 300-word sample of a disaster essay.

The Economic Effects of the Dust Bowl Drought When someone says “a natural disaster,” we usually imagine an earthquake or a tsunami. Buildings are destroyed, and property is lost. But imagine a scenario of a devastating drought, which happened in the US in the 1930s. Its effect is less visible because it lies in the domain of the national economy. This essay reveals the economic consequences of the Dust Bowl drought. During the third decade of the XX century, strong winds raised choking dust in the southern states, from Texas to Nebraska. People and animals died as the crops failed in the area for several years in a row. The Dust Bowl lasted for almost a decade and was also called “the Dirty Thirties.” This drought intensified the impact of the Great Depression. Local farmers had to migrate to urban areas in search of better conditions and other sources of living. About 2.5 million people moved West from the worst-hit states, namely New Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas. But they found only discrimination, meager salaries, and inhuman working conditions. Many had to live in tents near irrigation ditches. They were called “Okies,” a disdainful name for migrants of any state. Regular rains returned to the southern states by the end of 1939, closing the drought. However, the economic aftermath persisted. The counties that suffered the most failed to recover the agricultural value of their land till the 1950s. Thus, the local population kept decreasing for twenty years. Although a drought does not ruin property, it can tangibly lower human life levels. The Dust Bowl threw people into a lose-lose situation. Their farms were unfit for gaining any profit, and the new places of living gave them no better opportunities. It took two decades to restore public wellbeing in the Southern States.

Researching the worst acts of nature can teach you to value what you have. We hope that this article has made your creative writing more manageable and pleasurable. You can write an essay of any length by simply following our outline. All you will need to do after that is make a cover page for it.

Please share your natural disaster essay ideas in the comments below.

❓ Natural Disaster Essay FAQ

How to write an essay about natural disaster.

Your approach should depend on the discipline. But in any case, you can discuss the types of disasters, their consequences, characteristics, and preconditions. The excellent idea is to select a past disastrous event and analyze it from the economic, social, or individual point of view.

What Is a Disaster Essay?

A disaster essay explores the stages of a natural or man-made calamity and seeks the possible ways to prevent similar emergencies in the future. An article on disaster management studies the correct and efficient activities to lower the casualties and property loss after a disaster.

What Is Disaster Preparedness Essay?

This type of writing analyzes the level of readiness of a region or municipality to an unexpected natural disaster. You can highlight the vulnerable groups of the population that will suffer the most. Or, you may invent measures that could reduce the disaster response and coping time. Such assignments teach you strategic thinking and a systematic approach to problem-solving.

How to Describe a Natural Disaster for an Essay?

You should specify that the event was unexpected and led to many deaths and property loss. The most critical things include the causes of the disaster, its progress and duration, and the negative consequences for the locals. You can also specify the negative effect on the economy and humanitarian condition of the area.

🔗 References

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | CDC
Types of Disasters | SAMHSA
Natural Disaster – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Natural Disasters – National Geographic
What Is Disaster Management: Prevention and Mitigation

What are Natural Hazards? Definition, Types, Causes, and Safety

Natural hazards are as ancient as our planet, yet their profound effects on humanity and our environment remain a topic of continuous study and preparation. In this comprehensive guide, “What are Natural Hazards? Definition, Types, Causes, and Safety,” we delve deep into the world of these daunting phenomena that can reshape landscapes, alter lives, and compel communities to unite in recovery and resilience.

We’ll uncover the intricate definitions, classify the diverse types, probe into their underlying causes, and, most importantly, furnish you with actionable safety measures to protect yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re a student, a concerned individual, or someone living in a hazard-prone region, this blog seeks to inform, prepare, and empower its readers in the face of nature’s unpredictable power.

What are Natural hazards? Definition

Natural hazards are environmental phenomena that potentially harm human societies and the surrounding environment. They are naturally occurring events or conditions that may lead to loss of life, injury, property damage, and disruption to human activities. These hazards range from meteorological events like hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves to geophysical occurrences like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

While natural hazards are inevitable and often unpredictable, their actual impact on communities can be managed and mitigated through preparedness, adaptation, and understanding of their nature and dynamics.

Types Of Natural Hazards

Natural hazards encompass various events stemming from Earth’s natural processes that can adversely impact human life, property, and ecosystems. Here’s a simplified breakdown and explanation of 10 prominent types of natural hazards:

1. Earthquakes

Originating deep within the Earth, earthquakes manifest as a sudden release of energy, leading to the noticeable shaking of the ground. This abrupt release often stems from the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s crust, either from sliding past one another or from one plate being forced under another in subduction zones. While earthquakes can occur anywhere, regions near fault lines or plate boundaries tend to experience them more frequently and with greater intensity.

The tremors can lead to devastating structural damage and collapsing buildings, roads, and bridges. Moreover, they can set off landslides in hilly or mountainous regions and even change the course of rivers. Due to their unpredictability, they often result in significant loss of life, making them one of the most feared natural hazards.

2. Tropical Cyclones

These colossal storm systems are birthed over warm ocean waters, drawing their strength from the heat and moisture of the sea. Depending on their location, they’re called hurricanes, typhoons, or simply cyclones. Characterized by their swirling appearance from a satellite view, these storms come with powerful winds that can reach alarming speeds, torrential rain, and a storm surge that raises the sea level, causing flooding in coastal areas.

As they move onto land, they often lead to massive destruction, uprooting trees, destroying homes, and claiming lives. While their formation can be monitored, predicting their exact path and intensity remains challenging, causing communities to often evacuate in their wake.

One of the most common natural disasters, floods, is water overflow beyond its regular confines. This inundation can result from many factors: days of continuous heavy rainfall saturating the ground beyond its capacity to absorb snow melting in mountainous regions to storm surges associated with cyclones. Cities with poor drainage systems or areas near riverbanks are particularly susceptible.

The impact of floods can be catastrophic, from displacing populations and damaging crops to destroying infrastructure. Beyond the immediate visible destruction, floods can also lead to secondary issues like the outbreak of waterborne diseases.

3. Droughts

Standing in stark contrast to floods, droughts are characterized by prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall in a particular region. Such conditions lead to a depletion of groundwater and reservoir levels, resulting in acute water shortages. The effects of droughts are gradual but can be severely detrimental.

Agricultural lands become barren, leading to food scarcity, and lack of fodder affects livestock. As water sources dry, plant and animal life suffers, causing long-term ecological damage. On a societal level, it can lead to migrations as communities move in search of better conditions.

4. Wildfires

Often painting dramatic and terrifying scenes, wildfires are rapid, uncontrolled fires that blaze across vegetation, particularly in regions with dry, hot conditions. These fires can ignite due to natural causes like lightning strikes or human negligence, such as discarded cigarette butts or unattended campfires.

Fueled by dry vegetation and often fanned by strong winds, they can spread quickly over vast areas, consuming everything in their path. Beyond the immediate destruction of flora, fauna, and human property, wildfires significantly affect air quality, producing dense smoke that can be hazardous to health.

5. Tsunamis

These are gigantic sea waves, often incorrectly referred to as “tidal waves,” though they have no relation to tides or tidal actions. Powerful underwater earthquakes typically cause tsunamis, though volcanic eruptions and landslides can also trigger them. As the sea floor abruptly deforms and vertically displaces the overlying water, waves surge outward from the epicenter.

Approaching the shore, these waves grow in height and can flood coastlines with devastating force. Their impact is two-fold: the initial inundation can cause loss of life and property, and as the water recedes, it can drag debris and people back into the ocean. Often, multiple waves can hit the shore in succession, with later waves being even more destructive than the first.

6. Volcanic Eruptions

Earth’s internal heat and pressure sometimes reach a breaking point, causing the explosive release of molten rock known as magma. When magma forces its way to the surface, it results in a volcanic eruption. Beyond the evident dangers of flowing lava, eruptions can spew vast amounts of ash and gas into the atmosphere. This ash can blanket areas, rendering them uninhabitable, polluting water sources, and damaging agriculture.

When injected high into the atmosphere, volcanic ash can linger, disrupting global air travel by endangering aircraft. Volcanic gases, notably sulfur dioxide, can contribute to global cooling by forming aerosols that block sunlight.

7. Landslides

Gravity constantly pulls everything downward, and when the cohesion of a hill or mountain’s face is compromised, it can lead to a landslide. This sudden and rapid movement of a large amount of earth material downhill can be triggered by various factors. Persistent heavy rainfall can saturate the ground, making it heavy and slippery.

Earthquakes can shake loose vast amounts of soil and rock. Human activities, like deforestation or construction without proper terracing, can destabilize slopes. The cascading mass in a landslide can engulf homes, roads, and people, leaving destruction in its wake.

8. Heatwaves

While warm weather can be pleasant, prolonged excessive heat can be dangerous. Heatwaves, characterized by temperatures that soar beyond the norm for a region, pose a considerable health threat. As the body struggles to cool down, there’s an increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and more severe heatstroke.

Vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions are at heightened risk. Prolonged heatwaves can also exacerbate drought conditions and lead to wildfires.

9. Tornadoes

Among the most violent meteorological phenomena, tornadoes are narrow, rapidly rotating columns of air in contact with a thunderstorm’s ground and base. Their formidable wind speeds can cause a trail of destruction, ripping apart buildings, uprooting trees, and hurling debris like deadly projectiles.

While they can form almost anywhere, certain regions, like the US Midwest, are particularly prone to tornadoes, leading to vigilant monitoring and warning systems.

10. Avalanches

In snowy mountainous terrains, the tranquil white landscape can turn deadly in moments when an avalanche occurs. It’s a mass of snow, often mixed with ice and debris, cascading rapidly down a slope. Several factors can set off avalanches, from new snowfall adding weight to warming temperatures melting the bonds between snow layers to disturbances such as loud noises or human activity.

For those caught in its path, the power and weight of the snow can be lethal, burying and entrapping them. This danger underscores the importance of caution in such terrains, especially post-snowfall.

11. Cold Waves

On the flip side of heatwaves, cold waves are characterized by a sharp temperature drop, staying significantly below the average for a region. The biting cold can have several adverse effects. Humans are at risk of frostbite, where skin and underlying tissues freeze, and hypothermia, where body temperature drops to dangerously low levels. Infrastructure, too, faces challenges.

Water in pipes can freeze, causing them to burst. Roads become icy and treacherous. A cold wave can be life-threatening for vulnerable populations, like people experiencing homelessness or those without proper heating.

Different Causes Of Natural Hazards

Natural hazards can arise from various geological, meteorological, and hydrological sources. Understanding their causes is crucial for prediction, preparation, and mitigation. Here are the causes of some prominent natural hazards:

Earthquakes: They are caused primarily by the tectonic forces generated by the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates. These forces cause stress, and when the stress overcomes the inherent strength of rocks, it results in an earthquake. Other causes include volcanic activity or landslides.
Tropical Cyclones/Hurricanes/Typhoons: These storms form over warm ocean waters when the atmosphere’s conditions favor their development. The warm water heats the air above, causing it to rise and create a low-pressure system, which then draws in more air, leading to the formation of cyclones.
Floods: These can result from prolonged heavy rainfall, melting snow, storm surges from cyclones or a combination of these factors. Human actions, like deforestation and poor urban planning, can also exacerbate flooding.
Droughts: Caused by extended periods of below-average rainfall. They can be exacerbated by high temperatures that increase evaporation rates, poor water management practices, and deforestation.
Wildfires: While these can be ignited by natural causes like lightning, human activities like land-clearing, campfires, or discarded cigarettes often start them. Prolonged dry periods and strong winds can also contribute to the rapid spread of wildfires.
Tsunamis: Generally caused by underwater seismic activities, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The sudden displacement of a large volume of water triggers these massive waves.
Volcanic Eruptions: Arise from the movement of magma beneath the Earth’s crust. When gas pressure within the magma becomes too high, an eruption can release gas, ash, and lava.
Landslides: These can be triggered by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human disturbances like deforestation and improper construction.
Heatwaves: Caused by high-pressure systems trapping warm air in an area. Human-induced climate change is also believed to intensify and prolong heatwaves.
Tornadoes: They form from severe thunderstorms in specific atmospheric conditions. A combination of cold, dry air with warm, humid air can form these deadly spinning columns.
Avalanches: Triggered by many factors like additional snowfall, disturbances such as human activity, or warming temperatures that weaken the snowpack.
Cold Waves: Result from cold air masses moving into an area, leading to significantly lower temperatures. Polar or arctic air outbreaks can lead to these cold spells.

In addition to these natural processes, human activities play a significant role in amplifying the frequency and intensity of many hazards. Climate change, deforestation, urban development in vulnerable areas, and poor land-use practices can exacerbate the risks associated with many natural hazards.

Effective Tips to Help You Stay Safe During a Natural Disaster

Staying safe during a natural disaster requires awareness, preparation, and quick response. Here are some effective tips to help you ensure safety during various natural disasters:

1. Stay Informed

Being well-informed is the first step in ensuring safety during a natural disaster. This means regularly monitoring local news channels, radio broadcasts, and trustworthy online sources. The advancements in technology now allow us to have real-time updates at our fingertips through various apps and alerts.

NOAA Weather Radio and local alert systems are examples of platforms that can instantly notify you about impending disasters. Knowledge empowers people to make informed decisions, especially with limited reaction time.

2. Create an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit acts as a lifeline during a crisis. It should be packed with essentials, including non-perishable food items, enough water to last several days, and fundamental tools like a flashlight and batteries. A multi-tool can serve multiple purposes, from cutting to fixing minor issues. Immediate medical attention might not be available, so having a first-aid kit is crucial.

A battery-powered radio keeps you updated when power lines are down. Personal hygiene items, like wet wipes and hand sanitizers, help maintain cleanliness. Important documents, such as identification and property papers, should be safeguarded in waterproof containers. And in today’s digital age, having chargers for your devices ensures you stay connected.

3. Make a Plan

Anticipation and planning can make a significant difference during emergencies. Families should discuss potential escape routes from their homes and practice them. It’s also vital to decide on a common meeting point in case family members get separated in the chaos.

Furthermore, when formulating a plan, the requirements of elderly family members, children, and pets shouldn’t be overlooked, as they might need special care or resources.

4. Secure Your Home

Your home is your sanctuary; taking measures to fortify it can prevent further damage. Reinforcing key areas like windows, doors, and roofs can minimize destruction from heavy winds or flying debris.

Especially heavy furniture should be fastened to walls to prevent them from toppling over during tremors. Electrical appliances should be placed above potential flood levels to prevent electrical hazards.

5. Follow Authorities’ Orders

Authorities have the expertise and resources to assess the gravity of a situation. If evacuation orders are issued, it’s imperative to heed them immediately. Procrastination can lead to life-threatening situations. In contrast, during some hazards like chemical leaks, the best action might be to stay indoors. In such scenarios, sealing windows and doors becomes essential to prevent exposure.

6. During an Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, causing panic. The best immediate response is to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Taking shelter under robust furniture can protect from falling debris. It’s equally vital to steer clear of windows and outer walls to avoid getting hurt from shattered glass or external damage.

7. During Floods

Floodwaters can be deceptively strong. Even a seemingly placid flow can overpower a person or a vehicle. If you are amidst rising waters, heading to higher ground is the best resource. Delays can be dangerous, especially in flash floods that can surge without warning.

8. During Tornadoes

Tornadoes are fast and ferocious. The safest place during such a storm is in a basement or an interior room on the ground floor. Since tornadoes hurl debris around, shielding your head and neck using your arms or any sturdy item nearby is critical.

9. During Hurricanes

Hurricanes punch with strong winds, heavy rain, and potential storm surges. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, the wisest move is to evacuate if advised by authorities. If evacuation isn’t an option, staying indoors and away from windows and glass doors can prevent injuries from shattered glass.

10. During Wildfires

Wildfires spread rapidly, consuming everything in their path. If you observe smoke or flames, evacuating without delay is essential. Keeping all entry points of your home sealed can prevent embers, which can travel long distances, from sneaking in.

11. During Heatwaves

Heatwaves and prolonged periods of extreme heat can pose health threats. Hydrate regularly to combat the oppressive heat and abstain from demanding physical activities during peak heat times. Using fans or air conditioning and dressing in breathable, light-colored clothes can alleviate the discomfort.

12. Stay in Touch

Communication becomes even more crucial during disasters. Ensure your phone is charged or have a battery-operated radio handy to keep abreast of the situation. Also, keeping a trusted person informed about your location and plans provides an additional layer of safety.

13. Know Community Resources

Every community has resources earmarked for disasters. Familiarizing yourself with local shelters, known evacuation routes, and emergency services can ease the panic during a crisis and offer a clear direction.

14. Be Cautious Post-Disaster

The aftermath of a disaster can be just as treacherous. Infrastructure might be compromised, posing unseen threats. Downed power lines, often overlooked, can be lethal, and it’s paramount to report them. Until local authorities give a green signal, it’s safe practice to boil tap water to eliminate potential contaminants.

15. Mental Health Matters

Physical safety is paramount, but the psychological impact of disasters can’t be brushed aside. Natural disasters can be traumatic. Sharing experiences and feelings can be therapeutic. And if the emotional weight becomes too heavy, seeking professional help can pave the path to healing.

In the grand tapestry of Earth’s history, natural hazards have persistently played a pivotal role, testing the limits of ecosystems and human resilience. Through exploring their definitions, myriad types, underlying causes, and essential safety protocols, we’ve embarked on a journey to better understand these formidable forces. Knowledge is our first line of defense, and by becoming informed about these phenomena, we recognize their inherent power and equip ourselves to mitigate their potential impacts.

As we coexist with these natural processes, our collective awareness and preparedness can help transform potential tragedies into tales of human perseverance and adaptability. In the face of nature’s unpredictable temperament, the true measure of our progress isn’t just how we weather and rise after the storm.

Usman Malik

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Natural Disasters Essay

Natural disasters are not in the control of human beings. Like many other countries, India is also plagued with many natural disasters because of its geographical location and environment. In the past few decades, the temperature in the Indian subcontinent has risen. A natural calamity is called a disaster when it affects people or property on a large scale. Here are a few sample essays on the topic ‘Natural Disasters’.

100 Words Essay On Natural Disasters

Humans have been subjected to the impact of natural disasters for as long as they have been on Earth. Disasters, unfortunately, are happening all the time. Most of the Natural Disasters we see are caused by natural forces. Therefore, they are almost impossible to prevent from happening. Natural disasters like floods, drought, landslides, earthquakes, and cyclones frequently occur all throughout the world. Often, natural disasters leave mass effects and it can take years to control the damage. However, the negative effects and damages caused by these natural disasters can be reduced significantly if proper warning systems or policies are used.

200 Words Essay On Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are mostly naturally occurring events that greatly damage human lives and assets. Every year, many lives are lost due to natural disasters across the globe. Many people are left with no home or property. They suffer endlessly. Some natural disasters are floods, landslides, cyclones, hurricanes, drought, wildfires. This problem becomes far more severe when a natural disaster occurs in a densely populated place. Unfortunately, most natural disasters are unpreventable from happening. We can only forecast these events and take necessary measures to mitigate the loss.

India is one of the most vulnerable countries to natural disasters because of its unique geological position. Every year India witnesses nearly five cyclones of various intensities. Droughts in summer and mild to strong earthquakes are frequently experienced in many northern parts of India near the Himalayas. In India, wildfires are caused in the forest area during the autumn and summer seasons. Our country is also witnessing dramatic climate changes and massive global warming due to pollution and greenhouse gases. Due to this, natural disasters are becoming more frequent than before.

Coping Up With Natural Disasters

Most natural disasters are out of our control and can occur randomly. All we can do, however, is take necessary precautions as soon as we are able to predict when the disaster is going to take place. Global Warming is an important reason for all these things. Therefore, we must protect and preserve our natural environment. It is essential to warn people of upcoming disasters. A mandatory evacuation should be carried out if necessary. After the disaster, people should be provided financial help to recover from damages and losses from the disaster.

500 Words Essay On Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are events that occur due to either biological activity or human-made activity. Human lives and property are affected for a long time after it occurs. The number of cases is increasing worldwide every day. It is because of the over-exploitation of natural resources by mankind. India suffers significantly from natural disasters due to its vulnerable geographical location. Due to this, our country still needs a proper disaster management unit.

Types Of Natural Disasters

Different kinds of Natural Disasters in India occur very often and have major effects on people’s lives.

Earthquake | An earthquake is a natural event when the Earth's tectonic plates suddenly shift and cause the ground to shake. This shaking can damage buildings and other structures, as well as loss of life. Earthquakes can happen at any time and can strike without warning, making them a frightening and unpredictable phenomenon.

Cyclone | A cyclone is a type of storm characterised by a low-pressure centre and strong winds that spiral inward and upward. Cyclones are also typhoons or hurricanes, depending on the region in which they occur. Cyclones form over warm ocean waters and typically move toward land, where they can cause widespread damage and destruction. They are often accompanied by heavy rainfall and can spawn tornadoes. The destructive power of a cyclone comes from its strong winds, which can reach speeds of over 150 miles per hour. These winds can uproot trees, damage buildings, and create storm surges, large waves that can flood coastal areas.

Wildfire | A wildfire is a large, uncontrolled fire that occurs in a natural habitat, such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can happen due to various factors, including lightning, human activity, and extreme weather conditions. When a wildfire occurs, it can spread quickly, consuming everything in its path. Wildfires can have many adverse effects on the environment and people. For example, they can destroy homes and other buildings and critical infrastructures, such as roads and bridges. They can also cause air pollution and respiratory issues for people living in the area.

Human Activities And Natural Disasters

Human activities can contribute to the occurrence and severity of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires. For example, activities like deforestation, urbanisation, and climate change can increase the likelihood and impact of these events.

Deforestation, which removes vegetation from an area, can increase the risk of natural disasters. Trees and other vegetation hold the upper layer of soil in place, which prevents erosion and landslides. When these plants are removed, the ground becomes more vulnerable to being swept away by heavy rainfall or other natural forces.

Urbanisation, or the growth of cities and towns, can also contribute to natural disasters. As more and more people move into urban areas, the risk of earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters increases. For example, the construction of buildings and other structures can alter the natural landscape, making it more susceptible to damage from earthquakes and other events.

Climate change, the long-term warming of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, can also increase the likelihood and severity of natural disasters. Higher temperatures can lead to more often intense heat waves, droughts, and wildfires. Rising sea levels can cause more severe flooding, particularly in coastal areas.

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Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary.

Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive.

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Geotechnical engineer

The role of geotechnical engineer starts with reviewing the projects needed to define the required material properties. The work responsibilities are followed by a site investigation of rock, soil, fault distribution and bedrock properties on and below an area of interest. The investigation is aimed to improve the ground engineering design and determine their engineering properties that include how they will interact with, on or in a proposed construction.

The role of geotechnical engineer in mining includes designing and determining the type of foundations, earthworks, and or pavement subgrades required for the intended man-made structures to be made. Geotechnical engineering jobs are involved in earthen and concrete dam construction projects, working under a range of normal and extreme loading conditions.

Cartographer

How fascinating it is to represent the whole world on just a piece of paper or a sphere. With the help of maps, we are able to represent the real world on a much smaller scale. Individuals who opt for a career as a cartographer are those who make maps. But, cartography is not just limited to maps, it is about a mixture of art , science , and technology. As a cartographer, not only you will create maps but use various geodetic surveys and remote sensing systems to measure, analyse, and create different maps for political, cultural or educational purposes.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Product Manager

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Operations manager.

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Bank Probationary Officer (PO)

Investment director.

An investment director is a person who helps corporations and individuals manage their finances. They can help them develop a strategy to achieve their goals, including paying off debts and investing in the future. In addition, he or she can help individuals make informed decisions.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

An expert in plumbing is aware of building regulations and safety standards and works to make sure these standards are upheld. Testing pipes for leakage using air pressure and other gauges, and also the ability to construct new pipe systems by cutting, fitting, measuring and threading pipes are some of the other more involved aspects of plumbing. Individuals in the plumber career path are self-employed or work for a small business employing less than ten people, though some might find working for larger entities or the government more desirable.

Construction Manager

Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.

Urban Planner

Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities.

Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description: A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.

Naval Architect

A Naval Architect is a professional who designs, produces and repairs safe and sea-worthy surfaces or underwater structures. A Naval Architect stays involved in creating and designing ships, ferries, submarines and yachts with implementation of various principles such as gravity, ideal hull form, buoyancy and stability.

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Veterinary Doctor

Pathologist.

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Speech Therapist

Gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

Hospital Administrator

The hospital Administrator is in charge of organising and supervising the daily operations of medical services and facilities. This organising includes managing of organisation’s staff and its members in service, budgets, service reports, departmental reporting and taking reminders of patient care and services.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs.

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Videographer

Multimedia specialist.

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion.

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Linguistic meaning is related to language or Linguistics which is the study of languages. A career as a linguistic meaning, a profession that is based on the scientific study of language, and it's a very broad field with many specialities. Famous linguists work in academia, researching and teaching different areas of language, such as phonetics (sounds), syntax (word order) and semantics (meaning).

Other researchers focus on specialities like computational linguistics, which seeks to better match human and computer language capacities, or applied linguistics, which is concerned with improving language education. Still, others work as language experts for the government, advertising companies, dictionary publishers and various other private enterprises. Some might work from home as freelance linguists. Philologist, phonologist, and dialectician are some of Linguist synonym. Linguists can study French , German , Italian .

Public Relation Executive

Travel journalist.

The career of a travel journalist is full of passion, excitement and responsibility. Journalism as a career could be challenging at times, but if you're someone who has been genuinely enthusiastic about all this, then it is the best decision for you. Travel journalism jobs are all about insightful, artfully written, informative narratives designed to cover the travel industry. Travel Journalist is someone who explores, gathers and presents information as a news article.

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product.

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

Merchandiser.

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans.

Metallurgical Engineer

A metallurgical engineer is a professional who studies and produces materials that bring power to our world. He or she extracts metals from ores and rocks and transforms them into alloys, high-purity metals and other materials used in developing infrastructure, transportation and healthcare equipment.

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party.

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

ITSM Manager

Information security manager.

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack

Business Intelligence Developer

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Natural Disasters Essay for Students in English

Read Natural Disaster Essay on Vedantu

The planet earth has gone through many changes over these centuries. These changes are majorly due to natural disasters happening throughout time. When we talk about natural disasters, pollution, ozone depletion and global warming are the most common scenarios we witnessed.

Growing industrialisation and exploitation of natural resources have changed the echo system bringing on the verge of imbalance. However, over these decades, humans have also introduced many disaster warning systems helping to predict natural occurrence in advance. You can read more about Natural Disasters on Vedantu.

Different Faces of Natural Disasters

Nature possesses the character of a special balance in which all living beings live together in harmony with their environment. But whenever this balance is disturbed, we see the disastrous form of nature which wreaks havoc upon this world. Natural disasters come in various forms like earthquakes, Tsunami, Storms, Cyclones, droughts etc. These disasters have always occurred throughout history but the current threat of climate change has severely increased its risks. Man has to learn that he cannot control nature and his life should revolve around the conditions present in the environment and not the other way around.

We have tried to change the basic character of the Human-Nature relationship with every metric of development being centred on financial interest and the rise of global consumerism. This way of life promotes greed and has fundamentally made human beings disoriented towards nature. Our festivals celebrate the intrinsic relationship between humans and the environment where we celebrate Mountains, Rivers, and Animals etc. Natural disasters are a reminder that humans must never take the gift of nature for granted and always reciprocate for the resources that we have received from the environment. Clean Air, Clean Water and harmony in the ecosystem is a prerequisite for Human well being.

How to Deal with Natural Disasters?

India, due to its unique geographical character, faces natural disasters every year which cause massive harm to lives and property. Whether it be the floods of Uttarakhand in 2013 or the landslides in Western Ghats of Kerala. The cost of our blind exploitation of natural resources without showing reverence for the delicate balance of Nature has severely harmed us and we must learn lessons from these incidents.

One of the greatest stories of the Indian government in dealing with disaster readiness has been the story of the Indian state of Odisha. Odisha is a coastal state in eastern India that regularly faces cyclones that have caused great harm to the state. To deal with the menace of these cyclones the Odisha Government made an elaborate plan by taking the local communities in confidence and have successfully reduced the number of deaths in Odisha to a very small number which used to be in thousands earlier. Other Indian states should also learn from the experience of Odisha on how to improve disaster preparedness.

Keeping our environment safe and following the right process will help in bringing down the natural disasters. It is vital to learn about them.

FAQs on Natural Disasters Essay for Students in English

1. What are natural disasters increasing?

Over the years, natural disasters have increased. Regular earthquakes, massive flooding, cyclones, etc. have increased. According to the office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) which maintains an emergency disaster database, if a natural disaster kills 10 people, then it leaves 100 people injured. Increase in hydro-meteorological disasters, the combination of natural and man-made factors is leading to an increase in natural disasters.

2. What are the natural disasters that happened in 2020?

From wildfires in the US to locusts attack in India and back-to-back cyclones in India, there are many natural disasters in 2020. According to the Global Catastrophe Recap’s First Half of 2020 report, there were more than 207 natural disasters in just the first six months of 2020, causing \[＄\]75 billion loss globally.

3. What natural disaster is the worst?

Every natural disaster causing the loss of both property and human lives is the worst. Be it the earthquake, wildfire or cyclone; each disaster can be the worst in its sense.

4. What are the causes of natural disasters?

Natural disasters are caused by a number of reasons which may or may not be linked to Human interference. Floods, for example, occur generally because of a sudden increase in water level which cannot be supported by the natural geography of the river, however, it has been observed that floods have also occurred due to human interference like encroachment of river banks, illegal sand mining and obstructions in the natural flow of the river.

5. What are the agencies that deal with natural disasters?

On the National level, Natural disasters are dealt with by the National Disaster Relief Force or the NDRF. The NDRF has its own commissioned force which is highly experienced and trained to deal with situations when a disaster has occurred. Apart from the NDRF, there is also the SDRF which is present in every state. The central and state governments work in coordination during Natural disasters and saving lives along with restoration of normalcy is the primary concern of the relief operations.

6. What are the ways to deal with floods and droughts?

It may sound surprising to some people but India is a unique country where due to its vast geography, we have seen conditions where some parts of the country are facing floods while other parts suffer from drought in the same year. These are especially tough to deal with as the volume of water in floods just cannot be stored and once a region is facing drought, access to water becomes a question of survival. Linking rivers is a very grand scheme which can solve some of our problems but this also needs to be dealt with caution.

7. What can I do to contribute to disaster relief programmes?

The central and state governments carry out various programmes which are directly related to disaster relief work, coordinating with the agencies and donating to these relief operations are some things that we can do as citizens. There are various NGOs that provide relief material to people who are suffering from natural disasters. Creating awareness about such an important issue is also an essential activity. You can learn more about it on Vedantu website and download it in PDF format.

8. Which regions are the most affected by natural disasters in India?

Every part of the country has a unique geographical character and in some way or the other, they face the threat of natural disasters. Bihar and Assam are two such states which face floods on an annual basis, The Himalayan states have a very delicate ecology and save the menace of flash floods and landslides. Maharashtra has a problem of flooding in the Western Ghats while Vidarbha faces drought. Innovative ways must be discovered by states to deal with natural disasters.

Essay On Natural Disasters

Natural Disasters Essay

500+ words essay on natural disasters.

A natural disaster is defined as an event of nature, which overwhelms local resources and threatens the function and safety of the community. Natural disasters are the consequence of natural phenomena unleashing processes that lead to physical damage and the loss of human lives and capital. Earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, windstorms, floods and droughts are some examples of natural disasters. These disasters disrupt the lives of communities and individuals and the economic activity of the affected area. Students must go through this essay on Natural Disaster and gather ideas to write effective essays on topics related to them. Practising essays on such topics will improve the writing skills of the students and help them score better in the English exam.

Classification of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters result from forces of climate and geology. These are perhaps the most “unexpected” and costly overall in terms of loss of human lives and resources.

Disasters are classified into four categories depending on how they arise:

(1) Internal Earth Processes: It covers geophysical phenomena arising from the internal processes of the earth. It includes earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions etc., which human beings cannot usually predict or prevent.

(2) External Earth Processes: These comprise phenomena such as landslides, collapses, flooding, mudslides etc. These hazards can be avoided and are often associated with man-made alterations in the environment, such as deforestation on hillsides or excavations and many more such activities.

(3) Hydrometeorological Hazards: It is associated with changes in air and ocean temperature. This hazard is responsible for the formation of weather phenomena such as hurricanes and tornadoes, and the precipitation and climate variations that sometimes cause extreme flooding, storm surges, droughts and other hydrological phenomena.

(4) Biological Hazards: Biological disasters result from the proliferation of agents such as bacteria, viruses and toxins that can kill or disable people, harm animals, and crops and damage the environment. Some examples of biological hazards are cholera, dengue, yellow fever, Ebola virus and Marburg virus. The current pandemic situation due to Coronavirus is also an example of biological hazards.

Disaster Management

Disasters have massive human and economic costs. They may cause many deaths, severe injuries, and food shortages. Most incidents of severe injuries and deaths occur during the time of impact, whereas disease outbreaks and food shortages often arise much later, depending on the nature and duration of the disaster. Anticipating the potential consequences of disasters can help determine the actions that need to be started before the disaster strikes to minimize its effects.

Disasters are the ultimate test of a community’s emergency response capability. There are 3 major steps that can be taken to manage disaster which include pre-disaster management, during-disaster management and post-disaster management. The pre-disaster management involves generating data and information about the disasters, preparing vulnerability zoning maps and spreading awareness among the people about these. Apart from these, disaster planning, preparedness and preventive measures are other steps that need to be taken in vulnerable areas.

During disasters, rescue and relief operations such as evacuation, construction of shelters and relief camps, supplying of water, food, clothing and medical aids etc. should be done on an emergency basis. Post-disaster operations involve rehabilitation and recovery of victims. It should concentrate on capacity building in order to cope with future disasters, if any. These measures have special significance to India as about two-thirds of its geographical area and an equal proportion of its population are vulnerable to disasters. The Government of India has also taken some steps for disaster management such as passing the disaster management bill and the establishment of the National Institute of Disaster Management.

Keep learning and stay tuned with BYJU’S for the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams. Also, download the BYJU’S App for interactive study videos.

Frequently Asked Questions on Natural disasters Essay

What are the types of natural disasters.

Floods/tsunamis, wildfires, drought, hurricane/storms and earthquakes are examples for common natural disasters.

How can we control the impact of a natural disaster?

Impact of natural disasters can be mitigated to an extent by creating awareness among the public about counter measures to be taken. Governments could use disaster prediction technology and install warning systems to alert people about impending disasters. Implementing and enforcing building codes is another measure to reduce the after-effects of disasters.

How do natural disasters affect the environment?

Wildfires, floods, and tornadoes cause structural changes to our ecosystem and also damage the natural inhabitation of that area.

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Cause & Effect Essay: Natural Disasters and Their Causes

Natural disasters happen all over the world, and they can be utterly devastating for people’s lives and the environments in which they live. Although natural disasters are caused by nature and there is nothing that we can do to prevent them happening, there are many different natural causes that lead to natural disasters, and being aware of these causes enables us to be better prepared when such disasters do arrive.

One common natural disaster is flooding, which occurs when a river bursts its banks and the water spills out onto the floodplain. This is far more likely to happen when there is a great deal of heavy rain, so during very wet periods, flood warnings are often put in place. There are other risk factors for flooding too: steep-sided channels cause fast surface run-off, while a lack of vegetation or woodland to both break the flow of water and drink the water means that there is little to slow the floodwater down. Drainage basins of impermeable rock also cause the water to run faster over the surface.

Earthquakes are another common natural disaster that can cause many fatalities. The movements of the plates in the earth’s crust cause them. These plates do not always move smoothly and can get stuck, causing a build-up of pressure. It is when this pressure is released that an earthquake occurs. In turn, an earthquake under the water can also cause a tsunami, as the quake causes great waves by pushing large volumes of water to the surface.

Tsunamis can also be caused by underwater volcanic eruptions. Volcanic eruptions are another natural disaster, and they are caused by magma escaping from inside the earth. An explosion takes place, releasing the magma from a confined space, which is why there are often also huge quantities of gas and dust released during a volcanic eruption. The magma travels up the inside of the volcano, and pours out over the surrounding area as lava.

One of the most common natural disasters, but also one of the most commonly forgotten, is wildfires. These take place in many different countries all over the world, particularly during the summer months, and can be caused by a range of different things. Some of the things that can start the wildfires can be totally natural, while others can be manmade, but the speed at which they spread is entirely down to nature. The two natural causes of wildfires are the sun’s heat and lightning strikes, while they can also be caused by campfires, smoking, fireworks and many other things. The reasons that they spread so quickly are prolonged hot, dry weather, where the vegetation dries out, which is why they often take place in woodland.

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Essay on natural disasters: top 12 essays | geography.

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Here is a compilation of essays on ‘Natural Disasters’ for class 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Natural Disasters’ especially written for school and college students.

Essay on Natural Disasters

Essay Contents:

Essay on the Initiatives Taken by the Government

Essay on Natural Disaster # 1. Introduction:

The definition of natural disasters is any catastrophic event that is caused by nature or the natural processes of the earth. The severity of a disaster is measured in lives lost, economic loss, and the ability of the population to rebuild. Events that occur in unpopulated areas are not considered disasters. So a flood on an uninhabited island would not count as a disaster, but a flood in a populated area is called a natural disaster.

All natural disasters cause loss in some way. Depending on the severity, lives can be lost in any number of disasters. Falling buildings or trees, freezing to death, being washed away, or heat stroke are just some of the deadly effects. Some disasters cause more loss of life than others, and population density affects the death count as well.

Hence, there is loss of property, which affects people’s living quarters, transportation, livelihood, and means to live. Fields saturated in salt water after tsunamis take years to grow crops again. Homes destroyed by floods, hurricanes, cyclones, landslides and avalanches, a volcanic eruption, or an earthquake are often beyond repair or take a lot of time to become livable again. Personal effects, memorabilia, vehicles, and documents also take a hit after many natural disasters.

The natural disasters that really affect people worldwide tend to become more intense as the years go on. Frequency of earthquakes, mega storms, and heat waves has gone up considerably in the last few decades. Heavy population in areas that get hit by floods, cyclones, and hurricanes has meant that more lives are lost.

In some areas, the population has gotten somewhat prepared for the eventuality of disasters and shelters are built for hurricanes and tornadoes. However, loss of property is still a problem, and predicting many natural disasters isn’t easy.

Scientists, geologists, and storm watchers work hard to predict major disasters and avert as much damage as possible. With all the technology available, it’s become easier to predict major storms, blizzards, cyclones, and other weather related natural disasters. But there arestill natural disasters that come up rather unexpectedly, such as earthquakes, wildfires, landslides, or even volcanic eruptions.

Sometimes, a time of warning is there, but it’s often very short with catastrophic results. Areas that are not used to disasters affected by flash floods or sudden hail storms can be affected in an extreme way. However, despite the many natural disasters the world over, mankind has shown amazing resilience.

When an area or country is badly affected by a natural disaster, the reaction is always one of solidarity and aid is quick to come. There are organizations set up with the primary goal of being prepared for natural disasters. These groups work on global and local scale rescue work. Aside from those who have chosen to make disaster relief their life-work, when disasters hit, it’s the individuals who step in who help to make a difference.

Many people talk about when a disaster has hit and their neighbours and countrymen have come to aid, often to their own loss. People will step in and donate items, time, and skills in order to help those affected by a natural disaster. Celebrities will often do what they can to raise money through concerts, phone marathons, and visiting affected areas with aid.

People have also shown that they can rebuild, lives can be remade or start over. Trauma is a big after effect of natural disasters and getting counseling has been the focus of aid-to heal emotionally as well as physically. It’s clear that natural disasters are a part of life as we know it. However, science is making it more possible to predict, aid is faster at coming, and people are learning how to rebuild in safer areas.

Essay on Natural Disaster # 2. Earthquake :

India is having a high risk towards earthquakes. More than 58 per cent of India’s land area is under threat of moderate to severe seismic hazard. During the last 20 years, India has experienced 10 major earthquakes that have resulted in more than 35,000 deaths. The most vulnerable areas, according to the present seismic zone map of India include the Himalayan and Sub-Himalayan regions, Kutch and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Depending on varying degrees of seismicity, the entire country can be divided into the following seismic regions: Of the earthquake-prone areas, 12% is proneto very severe earthquakes, 18% to severe earthquakes and 25% to damageable earthquakes.

Though the regions of the country away from the Himalayas and other inter-plate boundaries were considered to be relatively safe from damaging earthquakes, the presence of a large number of non-engineering structures and buildings with poor foundations in these areas make these regions also susceptible to earthquakes.

In the recent past, even these areas also have experienced earthquake, of lower magnitude than the Himalayan earthquakes. The North-eastern part of the country continues to experience moderate to strong earthquakes. On an average, this region experiences an earthquake with magnitude greater than 5.0 every year.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated on an inter-plate boundary and therefore are likely to experience damaging earthquakes frequently. The increase in earthquake risk in India in recent times is caused due to a spurt in developmental activities driven by urbanization, economic development and the globalization of India’s economy. The increase in the use of high-technology equipment and tools in manufacturing and service industries have also made them susceptible to disruption due to relatively moderate ground shaking.

Essay on Natural Disaster # 3. Flood and Drought :

The country receives an annual precipitation of 400 million hectare meters. Of the annual rainfall, 75% is received during four months of monsoon (June — September) and, as a result, almost all the rivers carry heavy discharge during this period. The flood hazard is compounded by the problems of sediment deposition, drainage congestion and synchronization of river floods with sea tides in the coastal plains.

The area vulnerable to floods is 40 million hectares and the average area affected by floods annually is about 8 million hectares. About 30 million people are affected by flood every year. Floods in the Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra plains are an annual feature. On an average, a few hundred lives are lost, millions are rendered homeless and several hectares of crops are damaged every year around 68% arable land of the country is prone to drought in varying degrees.

Drought prone areas comprise 108.11 million hectares out of a total land area of 329 million hectares. About 50 million people are affected annually by drought. Of approximately 90 million hectares of rain-fed areas, about 40 million hectares are prone to scanty or no rain.

Essay on Natural Disaster # 4. Cyclone :

India’s long coastline of 7,516 kilometer is exposed to nearly 10 per cent of the world’s tropical cyclones. Of these, the majority has their initial genesis over the Bay of Bengal and strike the east coast of India. On an average, five to six tropical cyclones form every year, of which two or three could be severe.

Cyclones occur frequently on both the Coasts (the West Coast —Arabian Sea; and the East Coast —Bay of Bengal). More Cyclones occur in the Bay of Bengal than in the Arabian Sea and the ratio is approximately 4:1.

An analysis of the frequency of cyclones on the East and West Coasts of India between 1891 and 1990 shows that nearly 262 cyclones occurred (92 severe) in a 50 km wide strip on the East Coast. Less severe cyclonic activity has been noticed on the West Coast, with 33 cyclones occurring in the same period, out of which 19 of these were severe.

In India, Tropical cyclones occur in the months of May-June and October-November. The cyclones of severe intensity and frequency in the north Indian Ocean are bi-modal in character, with their primary peak in November and secondary peak in May. The disaster potential is particularly high at the time of landfall in the north Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea) due to the accompanying destructive wind, storm surges and torrential rainfall.

Of these, storm surges are the greatest killers of a cyclone, by which sea water inundates low lying areas of coastal regions and causes heavy floods, erodes beaches and embankments, destroys vegetation and reduces soil fertility.

Essay on Natural Disaster # 5. Landslide :

In the hilly terrain of India including the Himalayas, landslides have been a major and widely spread natural disasters that often strike life and property and occupy a position of major concern. One of the worst tragedies took place at Malpa (Uttrakhand) on 11th and 17th August, 1998. When nearly 380 people were killed when massive landslides washed away the entire village. This included 60 pilgrims going to Lake.

Mansarovar in Tibet. In 2010 Cloud burst led flash mudslides and flash floods killed 196 people, including 6 foreigners and injured more than 400 and swept away number of houses, sweeping away buildings, bus stand and military installations in trans-Himalaya Leh town of Jammu and Kashmir.

Giving due consideration to the severity of the problem various land reform measures have been initiated as mitigation measures. Landslides occur in the hilly regions such as the Himalayas, North-East India, the Nilgiris, and Eastern and Western Ghats.

Essay on Natural Disaster # 6. Avalanche :

Avalanches are river like speedy flow of snow or ice descending from the mountain tops. Avalanches are very damaging and cause huge loss to life and property. In Himalayas, avalanches are common in Drass, Pir Panijat, Lahaul-Spiti and Badrinath areas.

As per Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on an average around 30 people are killed every year due to this disaster in various zones of the Himalayas. Beside killing people, avalanches also damage the roads and others properties and settlements falling in its way.

Area Prone to Avalanches:

I. Avalanches are common in Himalayan region above 3500 m elevation.

II. Very frequent on slopes of 30-45°.

III. Convex slopes more prone to this disaster.

IV. North facing slope have avalanches in winter and south facing slopes during spring.

V. Slopes covered with grass more prone to this hazard.

Essay on Natural Disaster # 7. Tsunami:

Tsunami, or seismic sea waves, are large ocean waves generated by impulses from geophysical events occurring on the ocean floor or along the coastline, such as earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions.

Mostly occurring in the Pacific Ocean, tsunamis, although hardly noticeable at sea, can reach gigantic proportions as they reach shallow, coastal waters. In Hawaii and Japan, for example, tsunamis have been known to reach 30 m in height. At least 22 countries along the rim of the Pacific are estimated to beat risk from potential tsunami.

The fact that tsunamis can travel 10,000 km at velocities exceeding 900 km per hour with little loss of energy and are, therefore, capable of hitting areas not directly affected by the inducing event, has led to the establishment of a tsunami early warning service for the whole circum-Pacific area.

However, only a few of the 22 countries most at risk are considered to have standard operating procedures for immediate evacuation or reliable, rapid communication systems capable of receiving real-time warnings from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

About 6,000-people have been killed by tsunami during 1977-1986 alone. Probably the best documented of these events is the occurrence at Noshiro, Japan, in 1983 which caused approximately 100 deaths and extensive property damage and flooding. The tsunami (Dec. 2004) in South East Asia lead to a death tool of over 2.5 lakhs peoples of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Sumatra and India.

Tsunamis have multiple origin—16.5 per cent resulted from tectonic earthquakes associated with the eruption, 20 per cent from pyroclastic (ash) flows or surges hitting the ocean, 14 per cent from submarine eruptions, 7 per cent resulted from the collapse of the volcano and subsequent caldera formation, 5 per cent from landslides or avalanches, 3 per cent from atmospheric shock waves and 25 per cent had no discernible origin, but probably were produced by submerged volcanic eruptions.

A partial geographical distribution of tsunamis is given in Table 30.2:

Over past two thousand years there have been 10, 00,000 deaths attributed to tsunami in the Pacific region alone. Earlier Pacific Tsunami warning system was established for forecasting the event. Now global network was established in all Oceans & Seas.

Essay on Natural Disaster # 8. Windstorms:

Judged by the frequency with which they cause damage and by the surface area of the regions they strike, windstorms can be said to be the most significant of all natural hazards. Windstorms influence precipitation systems floods and, most importantly, cause severe destruction to crops and properties.

Severe tropical cyclones (called “ hurricanes ” in the Atlantic, Caribbean and north-eastern Pacific; “ typhoons ” in the western Pacific; and “ cyclones ” in the Indian Ocean and in the sea around Australia), tornadoes, monsoons and thunderstorms between them affect every country in the world.

Today increasing attention is being paid to windstorms, particularly tropical cyclones as some scientists see their incidence as being a possible indicator of global climatic change and predict an increase in their frequency.

Have tropical cyclone frequencies or their intensities increased with global changes throughout the last century? At present, available evidence does not support this idea, perhaps because the warming is not yet large enough to make its impact felt (WMO/UNEP, 1990).

Global information on Kanor windstorms and their impact is collated by organisations such as UNDRO UNEP and AID/OFDA. However, global listings of disasters rarely include those which occur in small states such as island states, which in areas such as the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and South Pacific are particularly prone to tropical cyclones.

This is because listings often set a criteria based on magnitude of impact with which small states cannot compete against larger countries. However, the proportional impact upon small states is often far greater in terms of population, housing and economics.

The impact of cyclones goes far beyond just deaths and building damage. In developing countries destruction of infrastructure and primary agriculture can lead to a decrease in exports and gross national product, while increasing the likelihood of forfeiture of international loan repayments. Contamination of water supplies and destruction of crops can also lead to disease and starvation.

Many mid-latitude cyclonic depressions can give rise to exceptionally heavy rain and widespread flooding and snow fall too. Dust storms are windstorms accompanied by suspended clay, silt materials, usually but not always without precipitation. Average 130-800 million tonnes of dust are entrained by winds each year.

Severe windstorms with high level of flush rain often called thunderstorms associated with lightning, hail and tornadoes cause massive destruction of properties and also human lives through out the world. Early warning and emergency relief operation are the major management activity.

Essay on Natural Disaster # 9. Forest Fire :

Forest or bush fire, though not causing much loss to human life, is a major hazard for forest cover in the country. As per Forest Survey of India report, 50 per cent of the forest cover of the country is fire prone, out of which 6.17 per cent is prone to severe fire damage causing extensive loss to forest vegetation and environment. Average annual physical loss due to forest fire in the country is estimated to worth Rs.440 crores.

The major loss due to forest fire is caused to the environment which gets adversely affected by this calamity. The degradation of climate, soil and water quality, loss of wildlife and its habitat, deterioration of human health, depletion of ozone layer, etc., along with direct loss to timber are the major adverse impact of forest fires.

The coniferous forests in the Himalayan region are very susceptible to fire and every year there are one or more major fire incidences in these areas. The other parts of the country dominated by deciduous forest are also damaged by fire up to an extent. It is worth mentioning that in India 90 per cent of the forest fires are man-made (intentionally or unintentionally).

Essay on Natural Disaster # 10. Volcanoes:

Volcanoes are conduits in the earth’s crust through which gas enriched molten silicate rock magma reaches to the surface of earth crust.

An active volcano occurs where magma (molten rock) reaches the earth’s surface through a central vent or a long crack (fissure) Volcanic activity can release ejecta (debris), liquid lava and gases (H 2 O vapour C 2 , SO 2 , NO x , etc.) to the environment.

There are two types of magma ejected out of volcanoes —silica poor materials, and silica rich materials. The silica poor volcanoes called basaltic volcanoes, while the silica rich volcanoes are andesitic volcanoes.

There are many hazardous phenomena produced directly or as secondary effects, by volcanic eruptions.

The direct hazards of volcanic eruptions are:

a. Lava flow;

b. Ballistics and tephra clouds;

c. Pyroclastic flows and base surges;

d. Gases and acid rains;

e. Lahars (mud flows); and

f. Glacier bursts (Jokulhlamps).

In addition indirectly they are associated with earthquake and tsunami events. Volcanoes are visually one of the most spectacular natural hazardous to occur and probably most devastating in terms of loss of human life.

The volcano likes Mt. Vesurivs, Mt. St Helena, Krakatoa, and Mt, Pelee are significant because of either the enormity of the eruption or the resulting death tool. As per Gaius Pinius Caecilius secundus on 24 August, 79 AD the Nt. Vesuvius eruption causes 2,000 death and burying of the Pompeii city.

There is no doubt that the earth is experiencing on of the most intense periods of volcanism in the last 10,000 years. This period began at the beginning of the seventh century, concomitant with global cooling that peaked in the little ice age.

In contrast the volcanic events of the last century may be viewed as freak eruption of supposedly dormant volcanoes. In the present era, volcanic eruption are pervasive, unpredictable and deadly.

Land use planning better prediction of volcanic eruptions and development of effective evacuation plans reduce the loss of human life from volcanic eruption. The prediction systems related to volcanic activity has improved considerably during past few decades. The environmental consequence of volcanic eruption without or with anthropogenic emission is shown in Fig. 30.3.

Essay on Natural Disaster # 11. Planning For a Safer Tomorrow :

Natural disasters have a severe impact on the society, therefore it is important to plan and develop a safety programme and devise means to efficiently deal with natural disaster. Development programme that go into promoting development at the local level have been left to the general exercise of planning.

Measures need also to be taken to integrate disaster mitigation efforts at the local level with the general exercise of planning, and a more supportive environment created for initiatives towards managing of disasters at all levels: national, state, district and local.

The future blue-print for disaster management in India rests on the premise that in today’s society while hazards, both natural or otherwise, are inevitable, the disasters that follow need not be so and the society can be prepared to cope with them effectively whenever they occur.

The need of the hour is to chalk out a multi-pronged strategy for total risk management, comprising prevention, preparedness, response and recovery on the one hand, and initiate development efforts aimed towards risk reduction and mitigation, on the other. Only then can we look forward to “sustainable development”.

Prevention and Preparedness :

Disaster prevention is intrinsically linked to preventive planning.

Some of the important steps in this regard are:

1. Introduction of a comprehensive process of vulnerability analysis and objective risk assessment.

2. Building a Robust and Sound Information Database:

A comprehensive database of the landuse, demography, infrastructure developed at the national, state and local levels alongwith current information on climate, weather and man-made structures is crucial in planning, warning and assessment of disasters. In addition, resource inventories of governmental and non-governmental systems including personnel and equipment help inefficient mobilization and optimization of response measures.

3. Creating State-of-the-Art Infrastructure:

The entire disaster mitigation game plan must necessarily be anchored to front line research and development in a holistic mode. State-of-the art technologies available worldwide need to be made available in India for upgrading of the disaster management system; at the same time, dedicated research activities should be encouraged, in all frontier areas related to disasters like biological, space applications, information technology, nuclear radiation etc., for a continuous flow of high quality basic information for sound disaster management planning.

4. Establishing Linkages between all knowledge-based Institutions:

A National Disaster Knowledge Network, tuned to the felt needs of a multitude of users like disaster managers, decision-makers, community etc., must be developed as the network of networks to cover natural, man-made and biological disasters in all their varied dimensions.

Capacity Building :

Reconstruction and rebuilding is a long drawn process and those involved in this exercise have to draw upon knowledge of best practices and resources available to them. Information and training on ways to better respond to and mitigate disasters to the responders go a long way in building the capacity and resilience of the country to reduce and prevent disasters.

Training is an integral part of capacity building as trained personnel respond much better to different disaster sand appreciate the need for preventive measures. The multi-sectoral and multi-hazard prevention based approach to disaster management. Professional training in disaster management is essential and should be built into the existing pedagogic research and education.

Specialised courses should be treated as a distinct academic and professional discipline, the subject needs to be discussed and taught as a specific component in professional and specialised courses like medicine, nursing, engineering, environmental sciences, architecture, and town and country planning.

Secondly, there has to be a focus towards preventive disaster management and development of a national ethos of prevention calls for an awareness generation at all levels. An appropriate level of awareness at the school level will help increase awareness among children and, in many cases, parents and other family members through these children.

Curriculum development with a focus towards dissemination of disaster related information on a sustained basis, covering all school levels may be worked out by the different school boards in the country.

Training facilities for government personnel involved in disaster management are conducted at the national level by the National Centre for Disaster Management at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, in New Delhi which functions as the nodal institution in the country for training, research and documentation of disasters.

At the State level, disaster management cells operating within the State Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs) provide the necessary training. Presently, 24 ATIs have dedicated faculties. There is a need for strengthening specialized training, including training of personnel in disaster response.

Finally, capacity building should not be limited to professionals and personnel involved in disaster management but should also focus on building the knowledge, attitude and skills of a community to cope with the effects of disasters. Identification and training of volunteers from the community towards first response measures as well as mitigation measures is an urgent imperative.

A programme of periodic drills should be introduced in vulnerable areas to enable prompt and appropriate community response in the event of a disaster which can help save valuable lives.

Communi ty Level:

Disaster management programme must strive to build a disaster resilient community equipped with safer living and sustainable livelihoods to serve its own development purposes. The community is also the first responder in any critical situation there by emphasizing the need for community level initiatives in managing disasters.

There is a need to create awareness through education training and information dissemination, community based approach followed by most NGOs and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) should be incorporated in the disaster management sector as an effective means of community participation.

Finally, within a vulnerable community, there exist groups that are more vulnerable like women and children, aged and in firm and physically challenged people who need special care and attention especially during crisis. Efforts are required for identifying such vulnerable groups and providing special assistance in terms of evacuation, relief, aid and medical attention.

Management of disasters should therefore be an interface between a community effort to mitigate and prevent disasters as also an effort from the government machinery to buttress and support popular initiatives.

Developing a St ronger Plan:

Given the damage caused by disaster, planned expenditure on disaster management and prevention measures in addition to the CRF is required. The Central Sector Scheme of Natural Disaster Management Programme has been implemented since 1993-94 by the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation with the objective to focus on disaster preparedness with emphasis on mitigation and preparedness measures for enhanced capability to reduce the adverse impact of disasters.

The major activities undertaken within this scheme include the setting up of the National Centre for Disaster Management (NCDM) at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, creation of 24 disaster management faculties in 23 states, research and consultancy services, documentation of major disaster events and forging regional cooperation.

The Eighth Plan allocation of Rs.6.30 crore for this scheme was increased to Rs.16.32 crore in the Ninth Plan. Within this scheme, NCDM has conducted over 50 training programme, training more than 1000 people, while 24 disaster management centers with dedicated faculty have been established in the states.

Over 4000 people have been trained at the State level. In addition, some important publications and audio-visual training modules have been prepared and documentation of disaster events has been done.

Though limited in scope and outlays, the Scheme has made an impact on the training and research activities in the country. Creation of faculties in disaster management in all 28 states is proposed to be taken up in the Tenth Plan in addition to community mobilisation, human resource development, establishment of Control Rooms and forging international cooperation in disaster management.

There is also an urgent need for strengthening the disaster management pedagogy by creating disaster management faculties in universities, rural development institutes and other organisations of premier research. Sustainability is the key word in the development process.

Development activities that do not consider the disaster loss perspective fail to be sustainable. The compounded costs of disasters relating to loss of life, loss of assets, economic activities, and cost of reconstruction of not only assets but of lives can scarcely be borne by any community or nation.

Therefore, all development schemes in vulnerable areas should include a disaster mitigation analysis, where by the feasibility of a project is assessed with respect to vulnerability of the area and the mitigation measures required for sustainability. Environmental protection, afforestation programme, pollution control, construction of earthquake resistant structures etc., should therefore have high priority within the plans Mitigation measures on individual structures can be achieved by design standards building codes and performance specifications.

Building codes, critical front-line defence for achieving stronger engineered structures, need to be drawn up in accordance with the vulnerability of the area and implemented through appropriate techno-legal measures. Mitigation measures need to be considered in land use and site planning activities.

Constructions in hazardous areas like flood plains or steep soft slopes are more vulnerable to disasters. Necessary mitigation measures need to be built into the design and costing of development projects. Insurance is a potentially important mitigation measure in disaster-prone areas as it brings quality in the infrastructure consciousness and a culture of safety by its insistence on following building codes, norms, guidelines, quality materials in construction etc.

Disaster insurance mostly works under the premise of ‘higher the risk higher the premium, lesser the risk lesser the premium’, thus creating awareness towards vulnerable areas and motivating people to settle in relatively safer areas?

Essay on Natural Disaster # 12. Major Initiatives taken by Government of India:

Natural disasters have become a recurring phenomenon in the recent past. In the last twenty years or so three million people have been killed as a result of such events. There is a need to focus and develop a plan that would focus on disaster management planning for prevention, reduction, mitigation, preparedness and response to reduce life and property due to natural disaster.

If we take it in the Indian context, the five year plans have never really taken into consideration the issues relating to the management and mitigation of natural disasters. The traditional perception has been limited to the idea of “calamity relief”, which is seen essentially as a non-plan item of expenditure. Disasters can have devastating impact on the economy and is a significant setback to the development in a given region.

Two recent disasters, the Orissa Cyclone and the Gujarat Earthquake, are cases in point. The development process needs to be sensitive towards disaster prevention and mitigation aspects. There is thus a need to look at disasters from a development perspective as well.

Disaster management may not be directly associated with planned financing, but number of schemes are in operation, such as for drought proofing, afforestation, drinking water, etc., which deal with the prevention and mitigation of the impact of natural disasters. Extra assistance for post-disaster reconstruction and streamlining of management structures also is a major consideration of the plan.

A specific, centrally sponsored scheme on disaster management also exists. The plan thus already has a defined role in dealing with the subject. There have been an increasing number of natural disaster over the past years, and with it, increasing losses on account of urbanisation and population growth, as a result of which the impact of natural disasters is now felt to a larger extent.

According to the United Nations, in 2001 alone, natural disasters of medium to high range caused at least 25,000 deaths around the world, more than double the previous year, and economic losses of around US $ 36 billion. Devastations in the aftermath of powerful earthquakes that struck Gujarat, El Salvador and Peru; floods that ravaged many countries in Africa, Asia and elsewhere; droughts that plagued Central Asia including Afghanistan, Africa and Central America; the cyclone in Madagascar and Orissa; and floods in Bolivia are global events in recent memory.

However, what is disturbing is the knowledge that these trends of destruction and devastation are on the rise instead of being kept in check.

Natural disasters know no political boundaries and have no social or economic considerations. They are borderless as they affect both developing and developed countries. They are also merciless, and as such the vulnerable tend to suffer more at the impact of natural disasters.

For example, the developing countries are much more seriously affected in terms of the loss of lives, hardship borne by population and the percentage of their GNP lost. Since number of the most vulnerable regions is in India, natural disaster management has emerged as a high priority for the country.

Going beyond the historical focus on relief and rehabilitation after the event, we now have to look ahead and plan for disaster preparedness and mitigation, in order that the periodic shocks to our development efforts are minimized.

Physical vulnerabilities have a direct impact on the population their proximity to the hazard zone and standards of safety maintained to counter the effects. For instance, some people are vulnerable to flood only because they live in a flood prone area. Physical vulnerability also relates to the technical capacity of buildings and structures to resist the forces acting upon them during a hazard event.

However, physical calamities is not the only criteria, there are prevailing social and economic conditions and its consequential effect on human activities within a given society. Parts of the Indian sub-continent are susceptible to different types of disasters owing to the unique topographic and climatic characteristics.

About 54 per cent of the sub-continent’s land mass is vulnerable to earthquakes while about 4 crore hectares is vulnerable to periodic floods. The decade 1990-2000, has been one of very high disaster losses within the country, losses in the Orissa Cyclone in 1999, and later, the Gujarat Earthquake in 2001 alone amount to several thousand crore of Rupees, while the total expenditure incurred on relief and reconstruction in Gujarat alone has been to the tune of Rs.11,500 crore. Disasters often result in enormous economic losses that are both immediate as well as long term in nature and demand additional revenues.

Also, as an immediate fall-out, disasters reduce revenues from the affected region due to lower levels of economic activity leading to loss of direct and indirect taxes. In addition, unplanned budgetary allocation to disaster recovery can hamper development interventions and lead to unmet developmental targets.

Disasters may also reduce availability of new investment, further constricting the growth of the region. Besides, additional pressures may be imposed on finances of the government through investments in relief and rehabilitation work.

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Natural Hazards and Disasters

Last updated on October 28, 2022 by ClearIAS Team

Lives and property can be protected by releasing precise forecasts and warnings in a simple-to-understand manner and by educating people on how to prepare for such hazards before they become disasters.

Since the beginning of civilization, man has been subject to natural hazards and disasters. However, the world has been undergoing a variety of changes, both slow and catastrophic. To investigate Natural Hazards and Disasters and strategies to deal with them in-depth, it is important to learn some basic concepts.

Table of Contents

Changes that affect humans adversely are called hazards.

A natural disaster pertains to a natural phenomenon that occurs in proximity and poses a threat to people, structures, and economic assets caused by biological, geological, seismic, hydrological, or meteorological conditions or processes in the natural environment.

As per the Disaster Preparedness Training Manual, Philippine National Red Cross 1954, hazards are defined as “phenomena that pose a threat to people, structures or economic assets and which may cause a disaster. They could be either manmade or naturally occurring in our environment.”

Types of Hazards

Hazards are generally categorized according to their causes, mitigation strategies, or effects on societies. We will limit the classification of disasters to those that are based on their causes only.

Types of Hazards depending upon their causes

Hazards are classified as either natural or man-made. Socio-natural hazards are the third category of hazards that are brought on by both man and nature.

Natural Hazards

These are brought on by natural causes, and man has no control over them. The primary example of natural hazards are as follows:

Earthquakes
Volcanic eruptions
Cyclonic storms
Floods Droughts

Man-made Hazards

These are caused by the undesirable activities of man. Such hazards include:

Leakage of toxic waste.
Pollution of air , water, and land Dam failures
War and Civil Strife Terrorism

Socio-natural Hazards

These are the result of a combined force of both human misconduct and natural forces.

For example-

the uncontrolled destruction of trees, especially in the river catchment areas, may result in an increase in the frequency and severity of floods and droughts.
The risk of storm surges increases due to mangrove loss.
Although landslides are normally caused by natural forces, yet, they can be triggered and their frequency and impact can be increased because of building roads in mountainous regions, excavating tunnels, and engaging in mining and quarrying.

An extreme form of hazard leads to disaster.

Disaster (French des meaning ‘bad’ and aster meaning ‘star’) is a manmade or natural event that results in widespread loss of life and property.

Thus, disaster is defined as “A serious disruption of the functioning of a society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using its own resources.”

Disaster, according to the United Nations, is the occurrence of a sudden or significant catastrophe that impairs a society’s (or community’s) fundamental structure and daily operations.

According to the World Bank, a disaster is an extraordinary, short-lived event that significantly disrupts a nation’s economy. It is an event or a series of events that results in casualties, property damage, or a loss of essential services or sources of livelihood on a scale that is greater than what the affected communities are typically able to handle without assistance.

Hazards and disasters are closely connected and occasionally used interchangeably; a hazard is a threat, whereas a disaster is an event.

Classification of Disaster

Disasters are usually classified on the basis of their origin as-

Tectonic occurrence (earthquakes, volcanoes)
Topographical occurrence (landslides. avalanches)
Meteorological (hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, floods, droughts)
Infestic (locust invasion of crops, epidemics), and
Human (industrial accidents, nuclear bombs).

Vulnerability

The terms like ‘earthquake-prone’, ‘drought-prone’, or ‘flood-prone’ areas are used to describe the distributional effect of the concerned hazards. People who live there are susceptible to a variety of dangers and calamities.

Thus, vulnerability is the extent to which an Individual or a community, or an area is exposed to the impact of a hazard.

According to the National Institute of Disaster Management (formerly National Centre for Disaster Management), the definition of vulnerability is defined as “the extent to which a community, structure, service, or geographic area is likely to be damaged or disturbed by the effect of particular hazards due to either nature, construction, and proximity to hazardous terrain or disaster-prone area.

Natural Hazards and Disasters in India

Because of its subcontinental dimensions, geographical situation, and behavior of the monsoon, India is exposed to various natural hazards and disasters like drought, flood, cyclones, earthquakes, etc year after year.

Four major disasters which adversely affect different parts of the country are drought, flood, cyclone, and earthquake. Only one state (West Bengal), faces all four types of disasters.

It is not uncommon to experience more than one or two types of disasters affecting different parts of the country at the same time. For example, there may be floods in the Brahmaputra Valley, drought in Rajasthan, and cyclonic storms in some coastal areas.

The most alarming aspect is how frequently and violently these hazards and disasters are occurring in various sections of the country.

55% of the total area is in Seismic Zones III-IV and vulnerable to earthquakes.
68% of the net sown area is vulnerable to drought.
40 million hectares of land are vulnerable to floods.
8% of the total land area particularly along the eastern coast and Gujarat coast is vulnerable to tropical cyclones.
The sub-Himalayan region and the Western Ghats are vulnerable to landslides.
Out of the total 7,516 km long coastline, close to 5,700 km is prone to tropical cyclones and tsunamis.

Yokohama Strategy and International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR)

Yokohama Strategy is a Plan of Action for a Safer World.

World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction happened in the city of Yokohama from May 23rd-27th 1994.

It recognized that society as a whole has grown more vulnerable to natural catastrophes and that the effect of disasters in terms of human and financial losses has increased recently.

In order to lessen the losses caused by these disasters, the conference established the Yokohama strategy as a guide.

The resolution of the World Conference on Natural Disasters Reduction is as mentioned below:

Each country has a sovereign duty to safeguard its people from natural disasters.
given top priority to the developing nations, especially the least developed, landlocked nations, and small island developing states
Develop and enhance national capabilities, and if necessary, national legislation, for the mitigation, prevention, and preparedness of natural and other disasters.
strengthening institutional and human capacity,
technology sharing: the collection, dissemination, and utilization of information; and
mobilisation of resources

Article Written By: Priti Raj

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Natural Disasters — Natural Disasters: Causes and Impacts

Natural Disasters: Causes and Impacts

Categories: Natural Disasters

About this sample

Words: 682 |

Published: Jan 31, 2024

Words: 682 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Introduction, definition of natural disasters, causes of natural disasters, environmental effects of natural disasters, economic effects of natural disasters, social effects of natural disasters, mitigation and preparedness measures.

Callaghan, K., & Alexander, M. (2018). Hurricane Harvey on the Gulf Coast: A Comprehensive Analysis of Impacts. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Kennedy School.
IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Cambridge University Press.
McMahon, J., & Keefer, J. (2016). Social Vulnerability and Tropical Cyclones in Sint Maarten. Journal of Water and Climate Change , 7(2), 396-408.
UNDRR. (2017). Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction. United Nations.
Vos, F., Dykes, J., & Pierce, L. (2017). Flood Preparedness and Early-warning System Effectiveness in the Philippines. Disasters, 41(S1), S16-S37.

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What is a disaster? According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies a disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or society and causes human, [...]

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Essay on Disaster Management: 200+ Topics on Natural Disasters

Without a doubt, a natural disaster essay is a tough paper to write.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

To begin with, when people encounter a disaster risk, it’s a tragedy. Emergency situations can affect hundreds, thousands, and millions of people. These are the crises and events that change people’s lives drastically. So, disaster and emergency management essay topics aren’t that fun to discuss.

Moreover, an essay on disaster management requires thorough research. Mentioning how people handle natural hazards and recovery from such tragedies is essential for the paper. But you can approach the discussion from different sides.

In this article, our experts will help you with the following:

How to nail disaster management essay writing.
What to write your paper about.
Types of disaster management and their importance.

And good luck!

📑 Essay Plan

📢 Disasters to Talk About

🌪️ natural disasters, ⚡ man-made disasters, 👨‍💼 disaster management, 🌎 disaster management essay topics, 🔗 resources, 📑 disaster essay plan.

If you’re writing an essay on such a serious topic, a how-to guide will be of great help. Here, we explore the ideas and issues to explore in your paper and the way to organize it.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

Check what information your natural disasters essay can include.

Start with the Basics

We skipped it in this post, but you shouldn’t do this in your paper.

When writing a natural disasters essay of 500 words, or 1000 words, it’s essential to start with some general facts:

A natural disaster definition would be a good beginning. Tell about various types, too.
You can also provide information about a national disaster of your choice.
Talk about countries that suffer from it more frequently than others, like India, Japan, etc.
You can also write a quick rundown of the latest natural disasters.

Don’t forget to make this part meaningful, leading to your thesis statement, where you state your position.

You can check how it can be done in the sample below:

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Go into More In-Depth Details

In the main body, provide specific details about the catastrophe you’ve decided to describe:

the locations where it can happen,
causes of natural disasters,
effects this particular disaster can have (both on the environment and in people’s lives),

Elaborating on each issue, offer evidence. For example, the disaster’s effect on transportation, infrastructure, economy, and so on can be supported by worldwide statistics data. A previously made outline might be a great help here.

Another thing you can do:

You can compare the disaster in question with other ones of the same type. Talk about the damages caused by them and how people dealt with the aftermath. Provide a couple of examples to prove your point.

Be sure to provide as many details as possible. As a result, your essay is maximally useful.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

Talk About Disaster Management

Now, you can pass on the details of handling the situation. To be more specific, you’re going to tell your readers what to do in case of a catastrophe.

In this part of your essay on disaster management, you will have to talk about its phases. They are:

Preparedness

We’ll talk more about disaster management later on in the article.

Make Your Disaster Essay Even More Helpful

Do you want to make your disaster management essay more informative and impressive? Then tell about various organizations that deal with managing disasters. These resources can also help natural disaster victims or those who want to be aware of all the necessary information if something terrible happens.

Say a few words about the following organizations:

International Association of Emergency Managers
PreventionWeb
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
FEMA Recovery Resources
Disaster Resource Guide
Disaster Assistance
American Red Cross
Habitat for Humanity
The Salvation Army
World Confederation for Physical Therapy disaster management resources

These resources provide information about the prevention of natural disasters and what types of assistance are available. How to find missing friends or family members? What are the ways of recovering after disaster strikes? There are also community resources that can help with recovery.

End on a High Note

You don’t want to frustrate your reader, leaving them with a bitter impression. No matter how long your natural disaster essay is – 200 words, 300 words, or a thousand. It’s crucial to deliver a positive message.

Here’s what you can do;

Talk about the consequences. Tell about the lessons that catastrophic events you’ve described teach us, as human beings. Spreading awareness about the consequences is essential, especially if we talk about man-made disasters. You might mention the role of the media in spreading awareness about environmental disasters.
Talk about dealing with disasters. It might be a natural disaster, such as a tsunami, or human-made, like the Chernobyl disaster. Your essay should include info about how people dealt with them. The experience individuals get from dealing with disasters is priceless.
Mention the value of human life. Encountering natural disasters reminds people of how fragile their lives are. It shows the importance of cherishing the life given.

In the end, you’ll have to summarize your essay and restate your thesis. While you try not to leave a negative message, don’t present any new thoughts or concepts. Draw a clear conclusion from the info mentioned in the body.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, disasters are divided into two categories—natural and man-made.

Natural disasters are phenomena or processes that occur due to a force of nature and hurt the environment and people. They can cause injuries, property damage, environmental damage, and loss of life or other health impacts.

There are two types of natural disasters—geological hazards (involving geological processes) and meteorological hazards (or climate hazards).

Geological Hazards

A geological hazard is an extreme natural event in Earth’s crust that represents a threat to life and property. Now, let’s take a closer look at them.

Meteorological Hazards

Meteorological hazards are calamities caused by extreme weather factors, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed. So, let’s talk in more detail about these.

Man-made disasters (also known as anthropogenic) are events caused by the action or inaction of humans. These disasters also affect the environment, humans, other organisms, and ecosystems.

Let’s now move to describe disasters themselves to give you ideas for your future essay.

Societal Hazards

Most societal hazards can be prevented by taking proper measures and actions. These hazards usually appear due to anti-social and criminal behavior. It all can be reported if spotted at the right time.

Hazards Related to Dangerous Materials

Dangerous materials released from man-made or natural hazards threaten human health by increasing the possibility of human exposure to hazardous materials. So, now, let’s take a look at them.

Transportation Hazards

Transportation hazards include disastrous events that can happen anywhere. On the road, in aviation, on railways, in sea travel, and even in space. Several reasons can cause a crash, from mechanism malfunctions to trivial inattention or carelessness. Such catastrophes not only endanger the people involved in them. They also harm the environment, for example, when freight vehicles are involved.

Environmental Hazards

A man-made disaster is classified as environmental if it affects ecosystems and biomes. Such disasters include air pollution, uncontrollable deforestation, oil spills, and water pollution.

What is natural disaster management , anyway? What is the role of adults and youth in it?

Disaster management is the management and organization of responsibilities and resources. Its goal is to deal with the humanitarian aspects of an emergency. Put simply, how to help victims of natural disasters.

There are five stages of the disaster management process:

Let’s see what each of these stages entails.

The name of this stage explains its purpose. Its primary focus is on preventing hazards and potential natural disasters.

Measures are usually taken on different scales, including international and domestic levels. They’re designed to provide reliable protection from possible disasters.

Of course, it isn’t possible to stop all disasters. But there’s always a chance to minimize the risks of injuries and loss of life. All thanks to environmental planning, evacuation plans, and the introduction of specific design standards.

Mitigation measures are those that are taken before a disaster or emergency happens. It aims to reduce or eliminate the risks and impact a hazard can have on people and the environment.

Mitigation measures come in different forms depending on the hazard itself.

Here are some examples of possible actions:

Structural changes to buildings
Securing items inside buildings
Installation of generators
Construction of shelters
Large-scale mitigation measures on the national level

The focus of this stage is to prepare supplies and equipment. It also involves developing usage procedures when a disaster happens.

The primary goal is to reduce the level of people’s vulnerability to a disaster. Also, to mitigate a disaster’s impact. And to be able to have a more effective response in case of an emergency.

Organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) even develop a disaster management plan. They also make disaster supply kit lists. Other agencies and organizations use them to teach people how to help each other. Or they modify those plans to increase their effectiveness. Those can be found on the web in the form of downloadable PDF files or printed handouts.

The response stage aims at fulfilling the humanitarian needs of the population affected by a disaster. Depending on the consequences, anyone can provide such assistance, including individuals, social workers, organizations, national and international agencies.

The most important part of the proper response is the effective coordination of assistance, especially if there’s a misbalance in the amounts of demand and the available answers.

In the case of massive and overwhelming disasters, donations play a crucial role in the response process. They range from all kinds of gifts to money (which is the most efficient type of assistance).

The question is: can communities recover after the disaster happens?

The recovery stage begins after the threat to human life is gone. The goal here is to bring the affected area back to normal condition as quickly and efficiently as possible.

This stage usually involves numerous processes—reconstructing buildings, refilling food availability, and preparing the equipment.

The role of the government oeganizations in mitigation of natural disasters.
Discuss how to address the needs and demands of vulnerable population in disaster management .
Explain why earthquakes are among the most dangerous natural disasters.
Natural disasters and the strategies of disaster management in Katmandu.
Natural disasters and vulnerable health populations.
Describe the ways to improve disaster response .
Discuss the cases of post-disaster fraud and how to prevent them.
Analyze the level of natural disaster preparedness in Texas .
Compare international and South Africa’s disaster management.
What disaster mitigation strategies can reduce the consequences of flash floods .
Examine how natural disasters influence various systems.
Describe the ways media responds to natural disasters .
The vital role of SNS in a case of a disaster.
Analyze ethical and legal issues that arise in case of a natural disaster.
Explain why hurricane Katrina is considered one of the worst national disasters in the USA.
Describe 2 different global disasters and explain their causes.
Discuss the importance of emergency planner in effective disaster preparedness .
Issues that may arise during rebuilding and recovery after natural disaster.
The main aspects of safety and disaster training for healthcare workers.
Analyze winter snow disaster in Philadelphia and its impact on the community.
Describe the effect of natural disasters on the supply chain .
Examine the reasons and consequences of the Budalangi flood .
Explain why the 1900 Galveston hurricane is regarded as disaster management failure .
Explain why the problem of wildfire in California is getting out of control.
Discuss the response to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami .
Compare and analyze the earthquakes in California and Armenia .
What were the causes and consequences of Haiti earthquake .
The management of evacuations from Gulf Coast hurricanes .
Describe what the emergency response to a volcano eruption should be.
Why was the blizzard of 1888 so deadly?
Is it possible to avoid catastrophic drought ?
Analyze how media depicts droughts in Africa .
Discuss economic and environmental consequences of earthquakes .
The importance of proper training for an effective disaster management.
Explain the meaning of “ New Normal” concept after disaster .
What steps should government take for better protection from wildfire ?
Basic aspects of disaster management in big cities.
Analyze the issues and lessons of hurricane Katrina.
Compare the preparedness and response strategies to Haiti and Japan’s earthquake.
Describe tsunami causes and countermeasures.

Hopefully, you’ve found this guide on natural disaster essay writing useful.

If you have any thoughts on writing disaster essays—make sure to leave a comment about it below. You can also leave a comment if you want to share more disaster resources. Have any questions, suggestions, or even a story to tell? Leave a comment!

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It’s really superb!

Thank you, Asumthamary!

Wow. It is very helpful. Thanks.

Thank you for the feedback!

What is the most effective process of prevention disasters?

It’s quite a complex process, and there’s definitely more than one choice.

Thank you a lot. I found this post very helpful in writing my essay on disaster management. Best regards, Michael

Thanks for the excellent guide to writing an essay on disaster management. Very helpful points to include in a disaster management paper! I wish you good luck!

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500+ Words Essay on Natural Disasters For Students

From the towering walls of water that sweep across coastlines to the ground-shaking tremors that ripple through the earth’s surface, natural disasters are a stark reminder of the immense power of nature and the fragility of our existence. These catastrophic events strike without warning, leaving in their wake a trail of destruction, displacement, and heartbreak.

Table of Content

Types of Natural Disasters

Causes of natural disasters, effects of natural disasters, precautions and preparedness, 500 words essay on natural disasters.

Natural disasters can take many forms, each with its unique characteristics and consequences. Some of the most devastating types include:

1. Earthquakes: Triggered by the sudden release of energy within the Earth’s crust, earthquakes can cause massive structural damage, trigger tsunamis, and disrupt vital infrastructure.

2. Tsunamis: Towering waves generated by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, tsunamis can inundate coastal regions with incredible force, sweeping away everything in their path.

3. Hurricanes and Cyclones: These powerful rotating storm systems, fueled by warm ocean waters, bring destructive winds, torrential rain, and storm surges that can devastate entire communities.

4. Floods : Caused by excessive rainfall, melting snow, or dam failures, floods can submerge vast areas, disrupting lives and destroying property.

5. Wildfires: Driven by dry conditions, high winds, and human activities, wildfires can consume vast swaths of land, threatening lives, homes, and natural habitats.

6. Volcanic Eruptions: The explosive release of molten rock, ash, and gases from the Earth’s interior can bury entire regions in a blanket of destruction.

7 . Droughts : Prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall can lead to water scarcity, crop failures, and even famine in some regions.

While some natural disasters are triggered by geological processes deep within the Earth, others are influenced by human activities and the changing climate. Factors such as deforestation, urbanization, and the burning of fossil fuels can increase the risk and intensity of certain disasters.

Climate change, in particular, is playing an increasingly significant role in the frequency and severity of many natural disasters. Rising global temperatures are contributing to more intense hurricanes, prolonged droughts, and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, which can exacerbate coastal flooding.

The impact of natural disasters can be catastrophic, affecting every facet of human life and the environment. Some of the most significant effects include:

1. Loss of Life: Natural disasters can claim countless lives, leaving families and communities devastated by the loss of loved ones.

2. Destruction of Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, buildings, and critical infrastructure can be severely damaged or destroyed, hampering relief efforts and hindering recovery.

3. Economic Losses: The damage caused by natural disasters can result in staggering economic losses, affecting businesses, industries, and entire economies.

4. Displacement of Populations: Disasters often force people to abandon their homes and seek shelter elsewhere, leading to humanitarian crises and long-term displacement.

5. Environmental Degradation: Natural disasters can disrupt ecosystems, pollute water sources, and contribute to soil erosion and habitat loss, threatening biodiversity and natural resources.

6. Psychological Trauma: Survivors of natural disasters often grapple with the psychological toll, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.

While it is impossible to prevent many natural disasters, proactive measures can be taken to mitigate their impact and enhance preparedness. Some of these measures include:

1. Effective Early Warning Systems: Developing and implementing robust early warning systems can provide valuable lead time for evacuation and emergency response efforts.

2. Disaster Risk Reduction: Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities through measures such as land-use planning, building codes, and infrastructure improvements can minimize potential damages.

3. Community Preparedness: Educating and empowering communities on disaster preparedness, including emergency plans, evacuation routes, and survival skills, can save lives and facilitate quicker recovery.

4. Resilient Infrastructure: Investing in resilient infrastructure, such as earthquake-resistant buildings and flood control systems, can reduce the impact of natural disasters.

5. Environmental Protection: Conserving and restoring natural ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, can act as natural buffers against certain disasters and mitigate their effects.

6. International Cooperation: Fostering global partnerships and collaborations can facilitate knowledge-sharing, resource allocation, and coordinated response efforts during disasters.

Throughout human history, civilizations have grappled with the unpredictable and often merciless power of nature. Natural disasters, ranging from earthquakes and tsunamis to hurricanes and wildfires, have left indelible scars on communities worldwide, reminding us of our fragility in the face of nature’s might.

At their core, natural disasters are events triggered by the Earth’s natural processes, such as tectonic shifts, atmospheric disturbances, or geological phenomena. However, their consequences extend far beyond the physical realm, profoundly impacting lives, livelihoods, and the very fabric of societies.

The destructive force of these events is unparalleled. Earthquakes can reduce towering structures to rubble in mere seconds, while hurricanes and cyclones unleash winds of incredible ferocity, capable of obliterating entire coastlines. Wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, consume everything in their path, leaving smoldering landscapes and displaced communities in their wake.

The human toll of natural disasters is staggering. Lives are tragically lost, families are torn apart, and survivors are left to grapple with the psychological trauma of witnessing such overwhelming devastation. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the aftermath often brings a cascade of challenges, including displacement, lack of access to essential resources, and the daunting task of rebuilding shattered communities.

The economic impact of natural disasters is equally profound. Infrastructure is crippled, businesses are disrupted, and entire industries can be brought to a standstill. The ripple effects of these events can reverberate throughout local and global economies, hampering recovery efforts and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

Moreover, the environmental consequences of natural disasters are far-reaching. Ecosystems are disrupted, delicate habitats are destroyed, and biodiversity is threatened as species struggle to adapt to the altered landscapes. The long-term effects on the natural world can be felt for generations, further compounding the challenges faced by impacted communities.

Addressing the threat posed by natural disasters requires a multifaceted approach that spans prevention, preparedness, and resilience-building efforts. Investing in robust early warning systems, fortifying infrastructure, and promoting disaster risk reduction strategies are crucial steps in minimizing the impact of these events.

Furthermore, addressing the underlying drivers of climate change is paramount, as many natural disasters are exacerbated by the effects of global warming. By transitioning towards more sustainable practices and reducing our carbon footprint, we can mitigate the intensity and frequency of certain disasters, safeguarding both human and environmental well-being.

Ultimately, natural disasters serve as a humbling reminder of the immense power of nature and the fragility of our existence. While we cannot control the forces that give rise to these events, we can cultivate resilience, foster global cooperation, and prioritize preparedness efforts to better withstand their fury.

As we navigate the unpredictable landscape of natural disasters, let us embrace our shared responsibility to protect lives, safeguard communities, and forge a more sustainable relationship with the natural world. By doing so, we can forge a path towards a future where the devastating impacts of these events are minimized, and humanity emerges stronger and more resilient in the face of nature’s challenges.

Also Read: My Aim in Life Essay For Students: 100, 200 & 500 Words Essay My Village Essay in English For Students 500+ Words Essay on Importance of Education in English

Natural disasters underscore our need for resilience and preparedness. By bolstering infrastructure, safeguarding the environment, and addressing climate change, we can lessen their impact. Emphasizing risk reduction and sustainable practices, we aim to protect lives, economies, and ecosystems. Together, through resilience and cooperation, we can build a future where communities coexist with nature’s forces.

Essay on Natural Disasters- FAQs

What is disaster 1 paragraph.

A disaster is a major disturbance in the operation of a community or society resulting in widespread human, material, economic, or environmental losses and impacts that surpass the afflicted community’s or society’s ability to manage using its own resources.

What are the 2 main types of disasters?

Disasters are typically divided into two categories: natural and man-made. Natural catastrophes are typically related with weather and geological occurrences such as severe temperatures, floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and drought.

What are 5 man-made disasters?

A. Man-made disasters involve human intent, neglect, or error in the breakdown of a man-made system, as opposed to natural disasters caused by natural hazards. Such man-made calamities include crime, arson, civil unrest, terrorism, war, biological/chemical threats, cyber-attacks, and so on.

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Natural Hazards Risk Management and Governance Essay

Introduction, climate change, society’s role in shaping risk governance and risk management of climate change, reference list.

The concept risk management and risk governance varies depending on the context under which it is looked at and the stakeholders involved. Scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs, and the general public all have different perceptions of the issue of risk management based on the risk factor in focus. Risks can be broadly classified as natural risks or manmade risks. Scientists will often focus on using technology to assess and address risks based on the empirical studies conducted (Gruyer 2002).

They believe in predicting the risks before they occur, determining their patterns, and coming up with effective solutions that will effectively overcome these risks. The government will often seek to come up with mitigation measures that are driven by political interests. The main focus of the government is often the political consequences of the approach that they use to manage risks that take place in the society (Marchi & Ravetz 1999). The entrepreneurs or the business class are often concerned about the need to maintain the profitability of their firms when addressing the risks.

Their golden rule is often to protect their firm’s profits as much as possible. The general public is often concerned about their safety and security. They want every measure taken to assure them of their security at all times when managing risks. These conflicting primary goals in risk management and governance often bring complications when handling major issues such as climate change. The world is facing a new threat of climate change that is not only affecting the developing nations but also the developed countries. The recent droughts in California, flash floods in Japan, and Cyclones in South America are all attributed to climate change (Ahrens & Rudolph 2006).

These episodes claimed many lives and led to massive destruction of properties. They continue posing a serious threat to the society all over the world. Having proper ways of managing these risks is, therefore, very important. In this paper, the researcher seeks to find out what risk management of natural hazards teaches us about the issues associated with risk governance.

Climate change has become a major concern in the global society as it has become apparent that the weather patterns and various natural factors are changing in a manner that poses a threat to the existence of humanity. According to Renn (2008, p. 56), climate change refers to “a change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns when that change lasts for an extended period. Scientists and environmentalists raised alarm several years ago about the unsustainable trend that the weather pattern was taking.

The scientists explained that the increasing temperatures all over the world caused by greenhouse gases (GHG) may lead to serious impacts on the global climate. However, their warnings were ignored by the business communities, the political class, and the general public. Beck (2006) says that many people could not understand what these scientists meant when they talked about global warming and climate change. They could not understand how the massive emission of carbon into the air had an impact on the climate.

However, the recent events around the world have demonstrated to the global society that indeed climate change is real and its threat to the global society can no longer be ignored. The recent reports show climate change has not spared any country. According to Gramelsberger and Feichter (2011), a string of destructive cyclones, polluted air, a change in the weather pattern, reduction of polar ice, and drought are some of the consequences of this climate change. The changing pattern of climate demonstrates that it is caused by excessive pollution from the industrial sectors, especially in the industrialized countries.

Scientists have reported that climate change is not only caused by the emissions of greenhouse gases and destruction of the vegetative cover, but also other natural causes which are beyond the control human. However, the activities that people engage in are largely considered to be speeding up this process at unprecedented rates (Hutter & Power 2005). Industrialization is one of the major causes of climate change because of the massive emission of carbon into the atmosphere.

The massive emission of carbon into the air causes a greenhouse effect which automatically increases the global temperatures. This means that the polar ice get to melt, increasing the level of water in the ocean. Deforestation is another problem that is directly linked with climate change. Nature knows how to regulate its elements. Trees are meant to take up excessive carbon released by other living organisms.

It is, therefore, very unfortunate that the forest cover all over the world has been reducing at alarming rates, especially in developing countries where wood fuel is still a major source of energy. It means that human activities have created a deliberate imbalance between carbon emission and carbon consumption in the natural environment (Demos 2004). More of the carbon is emitted, but only an insignificant amount is naturally taken up by the vegetative cover. The trend has had a devastating impact on the ozone layer, enhancing climate change.

The impact of climate change has been dire. According to Irwin, Jensen, and Jones (2010), for a long time, it was believed that it is only the developing countries that may get seriously affected by climate change because they have not developed strong systems and structures to deal with natural disasters such as drought, earthquakes, storms, floods, and such other risks associated with climate change. These developing countries are indeed the worst affected by climate change. Africa is now struggling with food insecurity because of the prolonged cases of drought. People are starving in horns of Africa and many others are left to rely on donations.

Climate change has also had a serious impact on energy security in Africa as forests become scarce and the continent is not yet prepared to use renewable sources of energy effectively (Lahsen 2005). However, the developed nations have not been spared either. Some of the most industrialized nations around the world have experienced some of the worst cases of natural calamities in the modern world’s history. It is, therefore, not a surprise that China, the country leading in the emission of greenhouse gases, has experienced some of the worst effects of climate change. There are instances when women and children are forced to stay indoors, especially in the morning and evening hours because of the high levels of pollutants in the air (Miller & Edwards 2001).

Major cities of China such as Shanghai and Beijing have been affected. The neighboring country of Japan recently registered one of the worst earthquakes to have ever been recorded. Buildings were destroyed, people were killed, and many others survived but with life-changing injuries. Japan has also witnessed some of the worst cases of cyclones which have also killed many people and destroyed many properties.

The United States of America is not spared from these negative consequences of climate change. One part of the country, the state of California, is currently experiencing one of the worst cases of drought in its history, a trend that is threatening to change the way of life in the entire state. The availability of clean water for domestic and industrial use is becoming an issue as some of the major dams start registering a significant reduction in their water levels. Water rationing and water recycling are now being considered as some of the steps that the state may have to take to address the current problem (Okereke, Bulkeley, & Schroeder 2008).

On the other hand, parts of the United States have experienced flash floods that have swept across some of the major cities causing death, destruction, and serious injuries for the survivors. Some small island countries have already registered complaints with the United Nations that they are chocking as a significant part of their land is claimed by the rising sea waters. There is no single country that is safe from the risk of climate change.

It is, therefore, very understandable that the global society has come to appreciate the need to address this problem. In 2015 COP 21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, was held and is currently underway with the primary aim of achieving a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, to keep global warming below 2° C. Many countries, especially the developing nations which are worst hit by this problem of global warming, hope that there will be consensus this time around. This is just the latest of a series of other conferences that have brought together world leaders as they try to find solutions to the climate change problem that is affecting the global society (Perrow 1999). It is important to review how the global society and individual nations have been trying to deal with the problem of climate change to get some lessons about the issues associated with risk governance.

Risk governance and risk management issues

Risk governance is a complex process that involved identifying the source of the threat, analyzing the threat itself, determining its magnitude, coming up with ways of mitigating it, and passing relevant communications to the relevant stakeholders so that people and property do not get adversely affected (Walker, Whittle, & Tweed 2014). Different scholars have defined risk governance and risk management in different ways based on several factors.

The perspective of scientists in risk governance may be very different from that of a businessperson or a politician (Tierney 2011). Each of these stakeholders would often ensure that they approach risk governance from a perspective that is relevant to them and that which they understand best. Different risks may require different approaches to management. However, there are some conventional guidelines and principles that are often followed in risk management.

For instance, it is widely believed among the multidisciplinary stakeholders that risk governance involves the collection of data, conducting the relevant analysis, and communicating the information to the relevant parties to avoid any adverse effect on people and property. It is also believed that risk governance must embrace fundamental principles of transparency, accountability, effectiveness, efficiency, strategic focus, equity and fairness, sustainability, political and legal feasibility, and respect for the rule of law (Turner 2009).

Climate change, being one of the natural hazards that the global society has to deal with today, must be managed in a way that will make its impacts less devastating to the global community. Managing climate change is not a simple process. Finding the right solution requires a deliberate effort of a serious of stakeholders and participation of the global society (Wachinger, Renn, Begg, & Kuhlicke 2013). The United States, European Union, China, Japan, and India account for over 75% emission of greenhouse gases into the global atmosphere. However, when it comes to managing climate change, these countries need the support of the global society to achieve success.

They need Africa to stop the wanton destruction of the vegetative cover, Asia to engage actively in reforestation, Europe and Americas to reduce their emissions of carbon and the Oceanic to be involved in the fight against high levels of carbon in the air.

Managing the risk of climate change has for a long time taken a political approach, but it is apparent that this approach has yielded little fruits as witnessed in the way nations ignored the Kyoto Protocol that was meant to regulate the amount of greenhouse gases that each country emitted per given period. According to Cheng (2009), the policies developed at Kyoto were excellent in dealing with the problem of climate change. However, it was unfortunate that the implementation was so poor because of the vested political interests. The people who were trusted to implement the policy allowed themselves to be influenced by the corporate society and by the need to retain their political offices. As such, good policies that would have helped in dealing with the global problem of climate change were ignored, and the problem continued to get worse.

The recent international efforts to manage climate change have been shifting from the political approach to the legal approach. The lack of political goodwill in some of the state parties has left the stakeholders with no choice but to come up with legally binding policies. The 2015 Paris Climate Conference, also known as 2015 COP 21 was focused on finding legal solutions. The state parties were trying to come up with a maximum limit within which a country could emit greenhouse gases. The conference made a raft of recommendation which if implemented effectively, can help in fighting climate change and in making some of the climate change risks less devastating.

The conference, though dubbed the party of the willing, sought to come up with measures that will restrict the indiscriminate destruction of nature by the industrial sector. The massive emissions of GHG by the Chinese industrial sector are also affecting the rest of the world, not just the Chinese (Büthe & Mattli 2011). The same is the case with every other country around the world. The countries must, therefore, appreciate that they owe the world some sense of responsibility and that their activities must be in line with the global expectations in relevance to the protection of nature.

Managing climate change risks has followed the pattern described above of identifying the risks, analyzing it, and then communicating it to the global society in the pattern proposed above. The scientists have already collected the data needed, analyzed it, and made an informed conclusion about it. The information has been made available to the relevant stakeholders who need to act upon the decision presented to them (Marjolein & Ortwin 2011).

Other than the reduction of the emission of the greenhouse gases, which has been the main focus in the recent past, there has also been an effort to plant trees. The findings of the scientists made from the analysis of their collected data have shown that the wanton destruction of vegetative cover, especially in various parts of Africa, has worsened the problem of climate change. As a result, part of the solution to this problem has been to promote tree planting all over the world (Thompson & Rayner 2002). Restoring the natural balance has been determined to be one of the most effective ways of managing climate change hazards.

Developed countries such as the United States, Germany, Japan, and China can have disaster response and management mechanisms to deal with natural disasters that are associated with climate change. However, taking such initiatives will be unfair to other developing nations that are not capable of having such strong structures and systems of managing such threats. The recent drought in parts of the United States, massive air pollution in major cities of China, and the terrible cyclones that killed several people in Japan is also a clear message that having disaster response systems is not the solution to this problem (Berke 1998).

Climate change risks are serious, they are global, and have devastating impact that a country cannot easily deal with sustainable even if it is rich. As such, the only way of addressing the problem is to accept that we are a global society that faces a global problem and that the problem can only be solved from a united front.

Risk management of climate change requires the involvement of the entire society. According to Van and Renn (2011), climate change, unlike other natural and manmade hazards, cannot be addressed from a passive point of view where parties get prepared for a disaster to occur by putting various measures of managing it in place. As discussed above, even the richest countries in the world cannot effectively deal with the problem of climate change.

Taking a passive role will mean the elimination of the entire humanity if the recent trends are anything to go by, especially the effect of cyclones which are directly associated with climate change. Every stakeholder must be pragmatic and determined to find solutions that can permanently address this problem. According to Gidden (2008), managing climate change cannot be done overnight.

It is a systematic process that starts with the change of attitude among the stakeholders and moves to the deliberate effort of eliminating or reducing the environmental stressors, then having measures that can help protect the environment. Leiserowitz (2006) says that these measures must be taken concurrently. As society struggles to reduce emissions, the industrial sector must be committed to reducing its emissions into the environment by finding ways of using green energy in its operations. As such, every stakeholder has a specific role to play in climate management. These different roles must be done effectively to achieve the expected results. In this section, the researcher will look at the roles of individual stakeholders in the governance of risk of climate change.

Role of scientists in decision-making process around climate change

Scientists are the most critical stakeholders in risk management of climate change. According to Power (2004), climate change is a natural problem that is best understood by the scientists. Long before the current impact of climate change had started, scientists had started sounding a warning of the impending danger of environmental pollution and the expected change in climate patterns. It was not easy for the rest of the society to believe the arguments put forth by the scientists.

The corporate world dismissed their warnings. However, it has been proven that indeed what they had predicted is what is taking place and with the exact magnitude. These scientists have also predicted that if the current events are not controlled, then the natural environment will not be able to sustain life anymore. In this section, it will be important to critically analyze the role played by scientists in managing the risk of climate change.

Scientists play an important role in collecting data needed in making decisions about climate change. The problem of climate change is scientific and cannot be easily understood by the rest of society. It is the scientists who are capable of collecting data about the changing climate patterns, the possible causes of these changes, and agents involved. Data collection needs a team of experts from various fields who can study climatic conditions and how they are affected by various environmental patterns. According to Mills (2011), data collection of climate-related factors may take years.

The scientists may need to take time to monitor the trends and determine the actors that cause the trend when collecting data. One of the biggest advantages in data collection by scientists is that they are often guided by scientific facts and not personal opinions, views of the majority, or any other reasons that may make it necessary to hide the truth. When not influenced by other parties negatively, the data collected by the scientists are always accurate.

Once they collect the data, then they get to the complex task of analyzing it to come up with specific findings. Analysis of data often involves bringing various interrelated factors together to have an explanation of why a given trend is taking place the way it does. For instance, the analysis of the drought in California must involve an understanding of the actors, how they act collectively and individually to cause the drought, and what measures can be taken to mitigate it (Grabosky 2014). The analysis will also involve determining why other parts of the country are not affected by this problem and if they may face the same problem shortly.

When analyzing the dangerous cyclones that struck the coastal regions of Japan recently, the analysis will start by looking at the massive earthquakes in the high seas that caused the cyclone, what caused the earthquakes, whether or not such earthquakes may occur soon, and if the impact will most likely be the same. As Tierney (2012) says, the analysis must be broad and must involve various experts. Environmental experts, especially those that are involved with the natural habitats such as forests, must also be involved in the analysis so that comprehensive information can be obtained from the analysis.

Once the analysis of the data has been done, then the scientists must get into the final stage of communicating this information to the relevant audience. This may appear to be the easiest task because it does not involve complex data collection or analysis. However, Bartley (2003) warns that it is the most challenging task, but very important. When data has been collected, analyzed, and a report written, it is often the hope of the scientists that the information will be used by the policymakers to guide in their decision-making processes.

If the recommendations made by the scientists are not taken into consideration by the policymakers, then the entire work they did becomes meaningless (Chukwumerije, Bulkeley, & Schroeder 2009). It is, therefore, important for these scientists to come up with ways of breaking down their complex scientific findings into simple explanations that can be understood by their audience. The scientists must also ensure that their findings are presented in a very convincing manner.

The target audience must be convinced of the report to support it. This may be challenging because some of the important stakeholders who must always be convinced to support such findings are the corporate leaders. The scientists must explain to them why the trends may affect their sustainability shortly and what can be done to address the current problem to make their businesses sustainable (Gili & Meyer 2008). To the political class, the scientists must ensure that the reports meet present and future political needs. This delicate balancing of the report by the scientists when presenting their final findings must be based on truth. There must be no attempts to manipulate facts because this may affect the overall credibility of the report.

Ways in which political decisions can impact the decision-making process related to climate change

The politicians are very important stakeholders in the fight against global climate change because of their strategic positions as heads of governments. Politicians at various levels play an important role in influencing the final decisions made in addressing the problem of climate change. This is the case in countries having democratic and dictatorial governments. China and Russia are communists’ states that are still controlled by a few elites who dictate how things are governed.

China, for instance, controls a big share of the country’s economy through ownership of very large companies. The political class has massive control over the activities taking place in the country (Abbott & Snidal 2013). When the government makes a decision, then the other stakeholders may not easily resist, especially given the high-handedness that have been witnessed in the recent past when it comes to crushing dissenting voices in China. It means that the political class in countries such as China has absolute power in controlling activities related to climate change. The government has the power to give regulatory policies concerning the amount of greenhouse gases that each company can release.

In democratic countries like the United States, the political class is also powerful, only that the power is spread to various leaders. For instance, the presidency, the Senate, and the Congress control almost all the decisions made in the United States. These are institutions made of politicians and are very powerful in defining the policies that the country embraces (Bartley 2007). In the fight against climate change, these three institutions must be committed to the fight.

The Senate and the Congress are responsible for enacting laws in this country. The findings made by the scientists will be presented to the two Houses so that they can be debated and a possible piece of legislation made. It is in the interest of the scientists that their policy recommendations are transformed into pieces of legislation because it is only at that level that there will be an assurance that the implementation will be done.

The presidency must also be committed to fighting climate change, and therefore, must support the two houses by approving the bills presented to the presidency so that they can become laws. The close coordination, commitment, openness, and ethical practice is what most of the politicians are lacking in the fight against climate change (Bennie 1998). They may reject a bill not because it does not address environmental concerns, but simply because it does not effectively address their political interests. In other instances, they may support an environmental bill not because it offers the best solution, but because it appears to be politically relevant. Commitment and ethics are necessary to ensure that political solutions to climate change problems are fully addressed.

It is also important to note that unlike other stakeholders, the political class has a means of ensuring that policies that they set are implemented. They control instruments of enforcement, the authority as the rulers, and financial capacity, making them the most powerful players in the fight against climate change. Various government agencies are responsible for environmental protection (Black 2001). These agencies can be involved in implementing the policies and laws developed to help manage climate change at the national level. Every government must commit its instruments in the fight against climate change.

According to Black (2008), there is also the influence that the political class has on the general public. Most of the politicians often have a huge following in the areas where they are elected hence they can have an impact on the activities of the individual electorates. Their political utterance may heavily influence the decision-making process related to climate change. For instance, their constant support for tree planting can help in fighting deforestation, especially in the developing nations where wood fuel is still a primary source of energy.

Ways in which insurance acts as a contributor to enhancing the role of climate change

The business community such as the insurance companies also has a major role to play in the fight against climate change. According to Braithwaite (2008), the problems that have been witnessed in the fight against climate change are associated with deeply rooted business interests. India recently rejected some of the proposed policies at the COP 21 that were held in Paris, France in December 2015. The major argument that it gave was that some of the policies may affect the country’s industrial sector. China rejected the Kyoto Protocol because it felt that it would affect its industrial sector. It is, therefore, clear that the business sector has a major role to play in the fight against climate change. Corporate leaders must find ways of ensuring that they continue with their production without posing any threat to the environment.

The insurance sector is often involved in the mitigation of both natural and manmade hazards. According to Büthe (2010), the contribution of the insurance sector can be considered both negative and positive depending on the approach taken. On one end, insurance companies play a significant role in compensating individuals and organizations that are affected by climate change-related hazards, making it possible for them to continue operations afterward. However, having an assurance of compensation may make the stakeholders less committed to finding lasting solutions to the problem of climate change.

Lessons learned from risk management of climate change

Several lessons have been drawn about risk management of climate change that teaches us a lot on issues associated with risk governance. One of the most important lessons is that risk governance requires teamwork. All the involved stakeholders must come together and act as one in finding solutions and implementing policies based on the findings made. It is also clear that risk governance is a continuous process.

The parties involved must be committed to meeting the changing needs in addressing the problem. It is also clear that risk governance requires creativity. New challenges keep on emerging and it is only through creativity and innovation that proper solutions can be achieved (Brenkert 2010).

The parties should often treat every hazard as unique to develop unique ways of addressing it. The analysis also shows that it is better to put measures that can stop risks from taking place that having measures to deal with it when it occurs. The government can’t have measures that can mitigate some of the devastating natural hazards such as tornadoes. The best solution is to take little measures that will help normalize the climate and reduce the rate at which such events may occur. It is also clear from the study that risk governance needs sincerity among the involved stakeholders. It is easy to come up with effective plans for managing risks if all the parties involved are sincere and committed to finding lasting ways of addressing the problem.

Risks are events that cannot be precisely predicted because they often strike when least expected, and their consequences can sometimes be devastating based on their nature and magnitude. It is, therefore very important to come up with effective measures that can be used to manage risks at organizational, national, and even global levels. In this study, the focus was on how climate change can be managed to minimize the magnitude of its impact on the national and global society. It is clear from the critical analysis above that management of climate change as a natural hazard provides some lessons about risk governance in general. The analysis reveals that managing climate change requires a united approach and commitment by all the stakeholders in finding lasting solutions. The paper emphasizes the need for all the stakeholders to be involved in risk governance to find lasting solutions.

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Publications

5 Reasons Why Disasters are Not Natural

Disasters are often perceived as acts of nature, unavoidable and inevitable. However, this is far from the truth.

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Aftermath of a disaster, with rubble and tents acting as temporary housing

Here are five reasons that challenge the notion of disasters as natural occurrences.

Humans have an influence on disaster impacts

Contrary to popular belief, natural hazards alone do not result in disasters. When they intersect with human activities and vulnerable assets, these hazards turn into catastrophic events. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) emphasizes that human actions such as deforestation, urbanization and inadequate infrastructure worsen the impacts of events like floods, earthquakes and storms. For instance, building in flood-prone areas increases the vulnerability to floods, transforming a manageable hazard into a possible devastating disaster for communities settled close to rivers.

Social vulnerability influences communities’ resilience to natural hazards

Disasters do not affect all communities evenly, with social vulnerability – shaped by poverty, inequality and marginalization – playing a crucial role in determining resilience to natural hazards. Marginalized groups often bear the brunt of disasters due to limited access to resources and information. They are often forced to settle in the least advantaged locations as those might be the only available or affordable ones. For instance, the Interconnected Disaster Risks report 2021/2022 highlights how after the 2021 earthquake in Haiti, impacts like the loss of life and devastation were worsened by inadequate housing conditions and widespread poverty, underscoring the role of social vulnerability in shaping disaster outcomes.

Climate change intensifies disaster risks

The escalating impacts of climate change further blur the line between natural hazards and human-induced disasters. Climate variability, increasing temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns and rising sea levels contribute to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. For example, hurricane Ida, that dumped record rainfall on New York in 2021 and caused over $75 billion in damages, was made more intense by warm ocean waters. By acknowledging the role of human-induced climate change, policymakers can better prioritize adaptation and mitigation efforts to reduce disaster risk.

The most vulnerable are often most at risk from disasters

People’s jobs, incomes or access to social protection benefits like insurance can help to prepare for, cope with and recover from disasters. Without, one is left vulnerable and at risk, such as those living in informal urban settlements. Recognizing their losses and damages when disasters strike, including by giving them access to the recently established Loss & Damage Fund, could lower their risk levels.

Just as human actions can cause disasters, they can also prevent them

Ultimately, disasters do not occur in isolation from human influence. The decisions and behaviours of individuals and societies significantly shape the magnitude and impact of hazards. Rather than despair, this is a cause for hope. By changing our behaviours and actions, we can directly make a positive influence to prevent hazards from turning into disasters or minimize disaster impacts. Understanding why disasters occur in the first place helps in creating strategies to address their root causes and identifying long-term solutions.

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Australians fear climate disasters will force them away from place they live, new survey finds

Boy in red tshirt stands on the road in front of flooded street, a car is submerged under water

Australians are increasingly concerned extreme weather events will force them to relocate away from their homes, with many already having to move temporarily or permanently, a new survey has found.

Rising insurance premiums to the point of unaffordability were also of big concern, as were the impacts of extreme weather events on children and young people.

The survey, released on Thursday by the Climate Council, asked 1,568 people from across the country about how extreme weather events were impacting their wellbeing.

One in three Australians said they were worried they may have to permanently relocate due to extreme weather, while two in five had already had to do so, either temporarily or permanently, or knew someone who had.

Chief executive of the Resilient Building Council Kate Cotter said it reflected a "sense of hopelessness" in communities that needed to be addressed.

"I think that's where the work needs to be done, to be able to give people practical solutions to help reduce their risk, get a sense of security, reduce their insurance, and just help people deal with these escalating disasters," she said.

Queensland and New South Wales worst hit

According to the survey, the overwhelming majority of Australians reported having been directly affected by climate-related disasters since 2019, the highest of which was related to heatwaves.

A graph showing the increase in extreme weather in Australia

Some of the worst-hit areas for extreme weather-related disasters revealed in the survey were Queensland and New South Wales, where whiplash weather extremes are familiar to many.

The survey found Queenslanders in particular were more likely to experience one or more floods, heatwaves, cyclones, or destructive storms compared to people living in other states and territories.

It found residents of both Queensland and New South Wales were also more likely to have lived through one or more droughts compared to their counterparts in other states and territories.

A woman in a grey shirt leans on her balcony, looking at murky brown floodwaters that have nearly risen to the top of her fence.

Retired Major General Peter Dunn, the former ACT commissioner of the ACT Emergency Services Authority, said he had observed a "huge increase in anxiety" through those states in particular.

Mr Dunn is now a member of the Emergency Leaders for Climate Action group and was living in Lake Conjola during the Black Summer bushfires, where dozens of homes were destroyed.

"I've seen a huge increase in anxiety within community members, literally, dozens and dozens of people that have had to relocate because of extreme weather, both fire and flood," he said.

"I really notice a concern, even amongst people who I would have called climate-change deniers previously, about the future of their children and younger generations, in terms of staying in certain areas, and having sustainable employment in those areas.

"They're seeing the potential for big shifts of some populations, rural populations, and I hope our political leaders actually take it into account, and really, really think about this report."

Incentives for stronger houses

One of the biggest concerns for survey participants was rising insurance premiums.

The survey found 84 per cent of people were worried that their home insurance may become unaffordable due to worsening disasters.

This has been a hot-button issue in the past for homeowners, with a 2023 report by consumer group Choice finding almost nine in 10 consumers said their insurance had increased with their most recent renewal notice.

Many also did not get cheaper insurance premiums despite investing in things that made their homes more disaster-proof, Choice's report found.

Ms Cotter said she believed the insurance industry had a big role to play in making communities better equipped to deal with extreme weather, particularly in the way of incentives.

However, she said there were promising signs insurance companies were starting to act on these calls.

On Thursday NRMA Insurance and Suncorp Group announced they will provide discounts to households using the Bushfire Resilience Rating assessment — a tool developed by the RBC — to make their homes more resilient to bushfires, with other insurers and banks indicating they will follow.

"It's a really good demonstration of their willingness to recognise those effective risk reduction actions, and it's taken really a decade of work with insurers to get to that point," she said.

"There are roles for government to invest in that good action, for insurers to recognise it, and then for households and communities to undertake some of that work.

"And then we've got a system that's actually moving in the right direction."

Community preparedness was one of the few positives to come out of the Climate Council survey, with 76 per cent of respondents saying they had "some degree of confidence" in their communities' preparedness for future climate-related disasters.

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Could April’s Eclipse Impact the Power Grid? Our Energy Expert Says Not To Worry

Olga Rukovets

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of North America, following a narrow track from Mexico through the U.S. and all the way to Canada.

While many eclipse chasers and casual observers are excited for this rare phenomenon, there have also been concerns about how the eclipse might impact areas that rely on solar power along the way.

In Texas, for example, there will be regions briefly blanketed in complete darkness, causing predictions of a temporary dip in solar power while the eclipse crosses the state. But the Electric Reliability Council of Texas , the organization that manages 90% of the state’s electric grid, announced it has been proactively modeling what a reduction in solar power will look like during the eclipse—“similar to a sunset and sunrise in the middle of the day”—and does not foresee any disruptions in service.

Other experts, including Melissa Lott , professor of professional practice at the Columbia Climate School, have also been working to assuage the public’s fears.

All energy technology, including solar power, comes with tradeoffs, Lott said in an interview with USA Today . However, she does not expect major problems during the upcoming solar eclipse.

A map of the U.S. with the path of the April 8 total eclipse depicted

Lott told USA Today she’s been receiving a flurry of questions from concerned friends and family members who depend on solar power, and that she’s told them not to worry. There won’t be much of a difference even for those who live directly in the narrow path of totality—from Texas to Maine within the U.S.—because other power sources, including natural gas and hydropower, will pick up the slack during any short-term loss of solar power, she said.

The course, timing and duration of an eclipse are all predictable, unlike a natural disaster or other weather emergency. With an eclipse, “we know the path it’s going to take. We have really good information to predict how long it’s going to last,” said Lott; this means utility companies know what to expect and can compensate.

It’s also easy to look back at the most recent example, only seven years ago. During the 2017 total solar eclipse, there were no major issues for the power system in North America. “What was predicted versus what happened was pretty dead-on,” said Lott, which should quell any lingering uncertainty.

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'Everything is rising at a scary rate': Why car and home insurance costs are surging

Scott Horsley

Ezra Croft from North Carolina saw his annual homeowners' insurance surge to $1,600, a $700 increase. Many others across the country are also seeing surging auto and home insurance premiums. Courtesy of Ezra Croft hide caption

Ezra Croft from North Carolina saw his annual homeowners' insurance surge to $1,600, a $700 increase. Many others across the country are also seeing surging auto and home insurance premiums.

Ezra Croft has never filed an insurance claim, and his house in Raleigh, North Carolina isn't close to a stormy coastline or a fire-prone forest.

So Croft was surprised when his annual homeowner's insurance premium shot up to $1,600, or $700 dollars more than he was paying just a couple of years ago.

4 reasons why your car insurance premium is soaring

"I'm a middle income guy," Croft says. "Don't make a ton of extra money. At this point I'm teetering on the point of inaffordability."

Similar complaints can be heard all over the country. On average, insurance companies sought to raise homeowners' premiums by more than 11% last year, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence .

Auto insurance premiums are climbing even faster , far outpacing overall inflation .

Take Paul Morro. His auto insurance bill just jumped by $600 a year.

"Here's the kicker," Morro says. "My wife and I both work from home. So we have no commute to speak of."

He's bracing himself for the bill to insure his house, in Herndon, Va.

"It just feels like everything is rising at a scary rate," Morro says.

Why insurance costs are surging

Insurance companies insist they're just playing catch-up, after two years of big losses. For every dollar in home and auto premiums they collected last year, insurance companies paid an average of $1.10 in claims and expenses, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

"Nobody wants to have that higher-price bill," says Sean Kevelighan, the institute's CEO. But he added companies "need to price insurance according to the risk level that's out there."

Inflation is partly to blame for those big payouts. The cost of fixing or replacing damaged homes and cars has jumped sharply in recent years as a result of rising labor and material prices.

Even as those prices start to level off, though, insurers are having to contend with a mounting toll of natural disasters, and not just in the usual places like Florida and California.

A car remains in the wreckage after a house and garage were abruptly destroyed by a landslide as an atmospheric river storm inundates the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles on Feb. 6, 2024. A spate of natural disasters is helping lead to soaring insurance premiums across the country. David McNew/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Last year, there were around two dozen severe storms in the U.S. with billion-dollar price tags, spreading lightning, hail and damaging winds through many parts of the country.

"While a lot of these storms don't make national headlines, they do tend to be very costly at the local level," says Tim Zawacki, principal research analyst for insurance at S&P Global Market Intelligence. "And the breadth of where these storms are occurring is something that I think the industry is quite concerned about."

As a result, insurance premiums are likely to keep climbing this year even as overall inflation cools.

Insurers have a lot of pricing power

While state regulators have some power to limit those price hikes, insurance companies tend to get their way. Regulators know that if they move too aggressively to limit premiums, insurance companies might stop offering coverage altogether.

"The insurance companies have become really aggressive in their bullying," says Doug Heller, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America. "You've heard a lot about companies that are threatening to pull out of the market if they don't get what they want. Generally speaking that bullying has worked."

Douglas Heller, director Of insurance at the Consumer Federation of America, speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing about the property insurance market on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 7, 2023. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

Last week, the Treasury Department hosted a roundtable with consumer and environmental groups to discuss the ways climate change is rattling insurance markets. The department also plans to host a meeting on the topic with insurance industry stakeholders.

Customers can sometimes save money by shopping around. Alicia Pitorri switched insurance carriers after the cost of her family's auto policy jumped more than a thousand dollars.

"It was Liberty Mutual," she says with a rueful laugh. "We've since switched to State Farm since the renewal went up so much."

Extreme weather, fueled by climate change, cost the U.S. $165 billion in 2022

Pitorri, who lives in Nashville, says while she managed to shave a few hundred dollars off the bill, she's still paying a lot more than she did two years ago.

"What can you do?" she asks. "You need insurance. You can't have a vehicle or a house without them. So you have to pay for it. And you figure out where you can cut other things to make sure you can drive around."

Going without insurance

Auto insurance is required in nearly all states. And lenders typically require homeowners who have a mortgage to carry insurance as well. Still, as premiums keep climbing, more people are scaling back their coverage or even going without.

Ezra Croft considered dropping his homeowners' coverage, but ultimately decided to pay the higher premium.

"I'm fairly good at home repairs, but if something like a tree fell on my house or a tornado or a fire, I don't know what I would do," Croft says.

A survey by the Insurance Information Institute last year found 12% of homeowners had no insurance, up from 5% four years earlier. Going without coverage is risky, though, for both individuals and communities.

"Insurance is an important product, not only for economic stability but for community resilience," says Heller. "We are very concerned that these escalating premiums are going to lead to escalating rates of uninsured drivers and homeowners, which makes us all quite vulnerable."

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What to know about the crisis of violence, politics and hunger engulfing Haiti

A woman carrying two bags of rice walks past burning tires

A long-simmering crisis over Haiti’s ability to govern itself, particularly after a series of natural disasters and an increasingly dire humanitarian emergency, has come to a head in the Caribbean nation, as its de facto president remains stranded in Puerto Rico and its people starve and live in fear of rampant violence.

The chaos engulfing the country has been bubbling for more than a year, only for it to spill over on the global stage on Monday night, as Haiti’s unpopular prime minister, Ariel Henry, agreed to resign once a transitional government is brokered by other Caribbean nations and parties, including the U.S.

But the very idea of a transitional government brokered not by Haitians but by outsiders is one of the main reasons Haiti, a nation of 11 million, is on the brink, according to humanitarian workers and residents who have called for Haitian-led solutions.

“What we’re seeing in Haiti has been building since the 2010 earthquake,” said Greg Beckett, an associate professor of anthropology at Western University in Canada.

Haitians take shelter in the Delmas 4 Olympic Boxing Arena

What is happening in Haiti and why?

In the power vacuum that followed the assassination of democratically elected President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Henry, who was prime minister under Moïse, assumed power, with the support of several nations, including the U.S.

When Haiti failed to hold elections multiple times — Henry said it was due to logistical problems or violence — protests rang out against him. By the time Henry announced last year that elections would be postponed again, to 2025, armed groups that were already active in Port-au-Prince, the capital, dialed up the violence.

Even before Moïse’s assassination, these militias and armed groups existed alongside politicians who used them to do their bidding, including everything from intimidating the opposition to collecting votes . With the dwindling of the country’s elected officials, though, many of these rebel forces have engaged in excessively violent acts, and have taken control of at least 80% of the capital, according to a United Nations estimate.

Those groups, which include paramilitary and former police officers who pose as community leaders, have been responsible for the increase in killings, kidnappings and rapes since Moïse’s death, according to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program at Uppsala University in Sweden. According to a report from the U.N . released in January, more than 8,400 people were killed, injured or kidnapped in 2023, an increase of 122% increase from 2022.

“January and February have been the most violent months in the recent crisis, with thousands of people killed, or injured, or raped,” Beckett said.

Armed groups who had been calling for Henry’s resignation have already attacked airports, police stations, sea ports, the Central Bank and the country’s national soccer stadium. The situation reached critical mass earlier this month when the country’s two main prisons were raided , leading to the escape of about 4,000 prisoners. The beleaguered government called a 72-hour state of emergency, including a night-time curfew — but its authority had evaporated by then.

Aside from human-made catastrophes, Haiti still has not fully recovered from the devastating earthquake in 2010 that killed about 220,000 people and left 1.5 million homeless, many of them living in poorly built and exposed housing. More earthquakes, hurricanes and floods have followed, exacerbating efforts to rebuild infrastructure and a sense of national unity.

Since the earthquake, “there have been groups in Haiti trying to control that reconstruction process and the funding, the billions of dollars coming into the country to rebuild it,” said Beckett, who specializes in the Caribbean, particularly Haiti.

Beckett said that control initially came from politicians and subsequently from armed groups supported by those politicians. Political “parties that controlled the government used the government for corruption to steal that money. We’re seeing the fallout from that.”

Haiti Experiences Surge Of Gang Violence

Many armed groups have formed in recent years claiming to be community groups carrying out essential work in underprivileged neighborhoods, but they have instead been accused of violence, even murder . One of the two main groups, G-9, is led by a former elite police officer, Jimmy Chérizier — also known as “Barbecue” — who has become the public face of the unrest and claimed credit for various attacks on public institutions. He has openly called for Henry to step down and called his campaign an “armed revolution.”

But caught in the crossfire are the residents of Haiti. In just one week, 15,000 people have been displaced from Port-au-Prince, according to a U.N. estimate. But people have been trying to flee the capital for well over a year, with one woman telling NBC News that she is currently hiding in a church with her three children and another family with eight children. The U.N. said about 160,000 people have left Port-au-Prince because of the swell of violence in the last several months.

Deep poverty and famine are also a serious danger. Gangs have cut off access to the country’s largest port, Autorité Portuaire Nationale, and food could soon become scarce.

Haiti's uncertain future

A new transitional government may dismay the Haitians and their supporters who call for Haitian-led solutions to the crisis.

But the creation of such a government would come after years of democratic disruption and the crumbling of Haiti’s political leadership. The country hasn’t held an election in eight years.

Haitian advocates and scholars like Jemima Pierre, a professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, say foreign intervention, including from the U.S., is partially to blame for Haiti’s turmoil. The U.S. has routinely sent thousands of troops to Haiti , intervened in its government and supported unpopular leaders like Henry.

“What you have over the last 20 years is the consistent dismantling of the Haitian state,” Pierre said. “What intervention means for Haiti, what it has always meant, is death and destruction.”

Image: Workers unload humanitarian aid from a U.S. helicopter at Les Cayes airport in Haiti, Aug. 18, 2021.

In fact, the country’s situation was so dire that Henry was forced to travel abroad in the hope of securing a U.N. peacekeeping deal. He went to Kenya, which agreed to send 1,000 troops to coordinate an East African and U.N.-backed alliance to help restore order in Haiti, but the plan is now on hold . Kenya agreed last October to send a U.N.-sanctioned security force to Haiti, but Kenya’s courts decided it was unconstitutional. The result has been Haiti fending for itself.

“A force like Kenya, they don’t speak Kreyòl, they don’t speak French,” Pierre said. “The Kenyan police are known for human rights abuses . So what does it tell us as Haitians that the only thing that you see that we deserve are not schools, not reparations for the cholera the U.N. brought , but more military with the mandate to use all kinds of force on our population? That is unacceptable.”

Henry was forced to announce his planned resignation from Puerto Rico, as threats of violence — and armed groups taking over the airports — have prevented him from returning to his country.

An elderly woman runs in front of the damaged police station building with tires burning in front of it

Now that Henry is to stand down, it is far from clear what the armed groups will do or demand next, aside from the right to govern.

“It’s the Haitian people who know what they’re going through. It’s the Haitian people who are going to take destiny into their own hands. Haitian people will choose who will govern them,” Chérizier said recently, according to The Associated Press .

Haitians and their supporters have put forth their own solutions over the years, holding that foreign intervention routinely ignores the voices and desires of Haitians.

In 2021, both Haitian and non-Haitian church leaders, women’s rights groups, lawyers, humanitarian workers, the Voodoo Sector and more created the Commission to Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis . The commission has proposed the “ Montana Accord ,” outlining a two-year interim government with oversight committees tasked with restoring order, eradicating corruption and establishing fair elections.

For more from NBC BLK, sign up for our weekly newsletter .

CORRECTION (March 15, 2024, 9:58 a.m. ET): An earlier version of this article misstated which university Jemima Pierre is affiliated with. She is a professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, not the University of California, Los Angeles, (or Columbia University, as an earlier correction misstated).

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Char Adams is a reporter for NBC BLK who writes about race.

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What are Natural Hazards? Definition, Types, Causes, and Safety

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Types Of Natural Hazards

1. Earthquakes

2. Tropical Cyclones

3. Droughts

4. Wildfires

5. Tsunamis

6. Volcanic Eruptions

7. Landslides

8. Heatwaves

9. Tornadoes

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Effective Tips to Help You Stay Safe During a Natural Disaster

1. Stay Informed

2. Create an Emergency Kit

3. Make a Plan

4. Secure Your Home

5. Follow Authorities’ Orders

6. During an Earthquake

7. During Floods

8. During Tornadoes

9. During Hurricanes

10. During Wildfires

11. During Heatwaves

12. Stay in Touch

13. Know Community Resources

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