A natural disaster is a disaster caused by nature, such as floods,
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, avalanches, lahars (volcanic
mudslides), landslides, sinkholes, blizzards, drought, hailstorms, heat
waves, hurricanes, tropical storms, typhoons, Ice Ages, tornadoes, and
wildfires. Epidemics caused by bacteria or viruses are sometimes
considered natural disasters, but sometimes put into a different
category. A biological threat such as locusts or toxic fungi could also
be considered a natural disaster.
The thing about natural disasters
is that they can strike at any time in almost any place, even without
warning. Throughout history, natural disasters had claimed millions or
lives and destroyed countless properties. Their economic cost is rising
relentlessly. This is because a growing share of the world’s population
and economic activity is being concentrated in disaster-prone places: on
tropical coasts and river deltas, near forests and along earthquake
fault lines.
Some of the weather disasters can be predicted such as
hurricanes and blizzards. The technology is getting better in predicting
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. By getting the data early people
can be warned to take shelter or make the necessary preparations.
There
isn't any way to avoid natural disasters, but if people know what kinds
of disasters are most likely where they live, they can learn what to do
if a disaster happens in order to stay safe.