Tsunamis are a series of large ocean waves generated by major earthquakes beneath the ocean floor or major landslides into the ocean. When the waves enter shallow water, they may rise to several feet or, in rare cases, tens of feet, striking the coast with devastating force. The first wave in a tsunami may not […]
Thunderstorms are very common. NOAA estimates that 1,800 thunderstorms occur at any moment around the world. Severe thunderstorms may bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, strong winds, and tornadoes that may damage homes, businesses, and government facilities. Additionally, community infrastructure may be damaged, such as utility poles, causing widespread power outages. Household To stay safer during a thunderstorm follow
Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are all words used in different parts of the world to describe a similar weather phenomenon. The ingredients for a hurricane include a pre-existing weather disturbance, warm tropical oceans, moisture, and relatively light winds aloft. If the right conditions persist long enough, they can combine to produce the violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains, and floods we
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Floods can be very high-impact events. Annual flooding is a natural phenomenon long associated with increased soil fertility, but human habitation and land-use practices lead to many adverse impacts. Less frequent but unexpected flooding, caused by the interplay of natural and human factors, occur worldwide. Natural causes include: high-intensity or prolonged rains, storms and storm
A heat wave is defined by the ARC as a ‘prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity’. This is a useful definition because it emphasizes the combined effects of both air temperature and humidity. Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the
Hazards originating from technological or industrial accidents, dangerous procedures, infrastructure failures or specific human activities that may cause the loss of life or injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental degradation. Examples of technological hazards include industrial pollution, nuclear radiation, toxic wastes, dam failures, transport, industrial or technological accidents (explosions, fires, chemical spills).
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As more people live closer and closer together, particularly as a result of urbanization, risks associated with fire increase. House fires are predominantly accidental, usually in relation to the use of indoor lamps, stoves or heaters that use an open flame. However, careless use of cigarettes is another leading cause of fires, and fires may
During a landslide (also known as a landslip or mudslide), water-saturated masses of rock, earth, and debris move down a destabilized slope, having the ability to cause service disruptions, damage to property and agriculture, human injuries, and in severe cases, death. Landslides have various causes including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fires, and human modifications to
Drought is a long-lasting event triggered by a severe lack of precipitation that results in a water shortage. The far-reaching impacts of drought range from agricultural losses and food insecurity to public health risks, migration, and economic instability. This page covers key information about drought, its impacts, and strategies for preparedness and risk reduction at
Like all fires, a wildfire (also known as a forest fire, brushfire or bushfire) requires three ingredients: oxygen, heat and fuel. A wildfire is a large, uncontrolled and potentially destructive fire that spreads quickly and may change direction or jump across gaps. Wildfires can affect rural and urban areas, and can start in just seconds,
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