Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are extreme events caused by natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, tropical cyclones, landslides, droughts, and volcanic eruptions, that result in significant harm to human populations, property, and economies. The severity of a disaster depends on the hazard itself and the vulnerability of affected communities, including factors such as infrastructure, preparedness, and social and economic conditions. Human activities, land use choices, and climate change can influence the frequency, intensity, and impact of these events.

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An earthquake changed the course of the Ganges. Could it happen again?Science

An earthquake changed the course of the Ganges. Could it happen again?

By Kevin Krajick, Columbia Climate School A major earthquake 2,500 years ago caused one of the largest rivers on Earth to abruptly change course, according…
SourceSourceJune 17, 2024 Full article
Image: Land with Cut Trees (s. deforestation, climate change, wildfires)
Deforestation exacerbated deadly Brazil floods: expertsNews

Deforestation exacerbated deadly Brazil floods: experts

Porto Alegre, Brazil | AFP The floods devastating southern Brazil have been exacerbated by deforestation, much of it driven by soybean farming, according to experts,…
SourceSourceMay 22, 2024 Full article
Image: Fallen wooden pieces and banknotes
Natural disasters hit 1 in 5 US adults’ finances in 2023: FedNews

Natural disasters hit 1 in 5 US adults’ finances in 2023: Fed

Washington, United States (AFP) - Almost 20 percent of adults in the United States were financially impacted by natural disasters last year, the Federal Reserve…
SourceSourceMay 21, 2024 Full article
Image: Fir trees fallen on the ground covered with snow
Study: Heavy snowfall and rain may contribute to some earthquakesScience

Study: Heavy snowfall and rain may contribute to some earthquakes

By Jennifer Chu | MIT News When scientists look for an earthquake’s cause, their search often starts underground. As centuries of seismic studies have made…
SourceSourceMay 9, 2024 Full article