Volcanoes are an opening in the earth’s surface generally found where tectonic plates are diverging or converging. Erupting volcanoes can eject a variety of material that can cause potential hazards to human life and property. These include: ash, falls, pyroclastics flows, lava flow and gas emission. In addition volcanic eruptions may also produce secondary impacts, […]
La Cruz Roja capacita constructores en el uso de técnicas de resistencia a huracanes para la construcción de casas de madera más seguras para una vida mejor.
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A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground, generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. The winds are capable of causing extreme destruction and may leave a significant damage path depending on the strength of the storm. While the winds themselves are destructive, the debris
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
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
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
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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An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks beneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and can occur at any time of the year- day or night. The impacts of earthquakes include deaths, injuries and property damage, loss of shelter and livelihood, disruption of critical
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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