Natural disasters are large-scale events that occur naturally and are not caused by humans. They can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. They can be the result of a wide range of geological and meteorological phenomena, including earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, wildfires, droughts, and severe storms. These events can have a devastating impact on populations and communities, especially those that are poor or vulnerable.
While they can’t be prevented, the impacts of natural disasters can be mitigated through good planning and preparedness. NASA’s Earth-observing satellites provide global data that support hazard risk assessment, including vulnerability analysis, and can help predict when a natural disaster might occur. Flooding is the most common natural disaster, followed by storms and earthquakes. Earthquakes, however, often cause more deaths than flooding and storms combined.
Climate change is increasing the frequency of weather- and climate-driven disasters, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods. Warmer temperatures can deliver more precipitation to areas that are unused to receiving it, increasing flood risks, while delivering less to areas that depend on it, causing famine and drought risks.
Disasters can cause emotional distress in people before, during and after the event. The Disaster Distress Helpline is available to anyone who needs support – including survivors; loved ones of disaster victims; first responders, rescuers, and recovery workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers. The service is free and anonymous, and people can call for themselves or on behalf of someone else.