Natural disasters cause loss of life and severe damage each year. They affect thousands of people around the world and have a wide range of impacts including flooding, earthquakes, tsunami, wildfires, landslides, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes and typhoons, blizzards, heat waves and droughts. People living through disasters can experience emotional distress such as fear, anxiety and trouble sleeping. They also can suffer from problems with their physical health, especially if they are injured, unable to work or have lost family members or friends in the event.
Weather and climate-driven natural disasters include floods associated with heavy rains, typhoons and other storms; drought, famine, and wildfires caused by heat waves and shifts in precipitation patterns; and snow- and ice-generated disasters from extreme cold and blizzards. Earth-driven disasters can be triggered by large earthquakes (resulting in lava flows, toxic gas clouds, and explosions) and volcanic eruptions.
Whether an event is a natural disaster or not depends on many factors, including its location and the extent to which it disrupts communities. While these events are often unavoidable, their impacts are not. Developing countries face the largest economic losses from natural disasters and have fewer resources for risk reduction, emergency management, insurance and compensation.
If you live in an area that is vulnerable to natural disasters, take precautions such as preparing for the weather by stocking up on emergency supplies and learning what to do during a disaster warning. If a natural disaster strikes, listen to local authorities for evacuation orders and follow their advice. If your home or property is damaged, make sure to keep receipts of repair costs and seek financial assistance from disaster relief organisations if needed.