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Essay on Surviving a Natural Disaster (1255 Words)

May 24, 2018 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Natural disaster is an unavoidable natural incident that no one can stop from happening. A natural disaster is a major adverse event which occurs due to various natural activities. It occurs naturally and most of the times occur suddenly without any prior warning.

People no matter how much they try cannot predict natural disaster even with all the advance technologies. Few times natural disaster before happening do give some warning but most of the times it does not. It can occur because of many reasons and for no reason as well.

Some examples of natural disasters are earthquake, volcanic eruption, flood, hurricanes, tornadoes etc. Most of the times when natural disaster occurs, it affects the natural habitats of that place heavily including human beings and some times the number of death can be very high too.

Natural disaster can be very vicious and the rate of viciousness depends on what kind of natural disaster it is and how populated the area of incident is with natural habitats.

Let’s take tsunami for example as it was one of the most vicious events that took the life of thousands and more and destroyed almost everything that came in between it and as a matter of fact it was so powerful that almost whole world felt it happening.

Surviving a natural disaster is very harsh and it is not something human beings who are used to the comfort of life can survive easily as it shows the ugly truth about reality in a way. Natural disasters are in no way welcomed anywhere but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t occur.

I myself am a survivor of a natural disaster and am the witness of nature at its ugliness. Luckily for me the natural disaster I survived was not something too vicious but it doesn’t mean it is something I would like to face again. In fact if given the choice I don’t think I would like to go through that situation ever again.

The kind of natural disaster I survived was flood. Compared to the others natural situations, it wasn’t that bad but wasn’t good either. I survived it because at that time I used to live in a village and was somewhat aware of the harshness of the nature but still I wasn’t prepared for it at all.

In fact, I think I survived without too much difficulty because I was a kid then and my family acted as a shield in front of us so that we won’t get too affected by it. However, even with all the shielding, we weren’t really spared from its effect fully.

My village was situated near a branch of the river Mundeshari. It was the rainy season and it was pouring cats and regularly. We haven’t seen the face of sun for two or three days as the situation was that bad. Due to the rain and storm, trees fell on the electric wires and there was no electricity after the first day of the storm.

The river was almost full and was flowing with such speed and sound that it can scare anyone. That day, the rain finally stopped and we can finally see the sun so everyone in the village was happy but who knew that it was the calm before the storm.

That day during night we heard that the nearest dam has released a massive amount of water as the dam overflowed.

The next day I went to see if the river bank is safe or not just out of curiosity and it was fine till then as the water hasn’t reached there yet. However, after a few hours, the riverbank gave out and water started to enter from two sides of the village as the riverbank of a few other places has given out along with ours.

The water was entering the village at an angry space and within a few hours after that the whole village was surrounded with water. Luckily for us, our house was situated at the higher up grounds so the water did not enter our house but the same cannot be said for some of the houses present in the village.

Thankfully no further rainfall occurred after that. That was the only silver lining throughout the whole ordeal. As village people, our houses were well stocked to not worry about food for at least a week.

However, same cannot be said for all the houses as quite a few houses were already under the water and the residents of those house swam to the nearest higher up houses that did not flood with water.

I saw with my own eyes that people who we know were swimming to go to the nearest house after taking whatever they could before their house got flooded.

There were not much casualty of human life but same cannot be said for the animals whose dead bodies were flowing in the water. There were also a few unfortunate people who used to live quite far away and those people took shelter in the nearby large trees.

The villages that got flooded completely lost connection with the outside world and were on their own for the days to come. Fortunately for us, at that time there were radios present in one out of two houses so listening to the news was not a problem for us.

Listening to the news was blessing or curse we cannot say as two days after the flood we heard that the dam released another load of water. At that point of time we lost all hope of the water going down enough to go to the nearest bazaar.

Image Credit: Source

Flood was not uncommon but that was not something any villagers were expecting. We knew at that point that we are going to be stuck for more than one week.

From that point of time the food became a little less than the housewives had to make the ration of one-week work for near about two weeks and then also we cannot be sure that the flood will go down.

I never thought before that time that I will ever go to sleep without a full course meal or have problem of pure water to drink considering the fact that I can see water wherever I look but none of them I could drink.

For the first time I understood the gravity of the situation. Even though I was little, I could sense that the situation in which we were in is not something good.

From that point of time till the flood subsided, I for the first-time witness how hash nature can be and realized that nature can be a loving parent as well as your vicious enemy at any point of time. When the flood finally subsided after around ten days, we could see how much damage it did.

The water had gotten rotten by that time due to the fact that many animals died and decayed in that water only so the water was kind of poisonous for animals at that point of time. Everywhere I looked, I saw only destruction and felt really bad as a situation like that no child should ever witness.

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Natural Disaster Essay: How to Write, Topics, & Examples

What would you do if someone told you that a tsunami would wipe out your house tomorrow afternoon? You won’t believe them. It always seems that natural disasters happen in someone else’s life. But every year, millions of people worldwide suffer from various natural calamities. This article attempts to systemize the chaos of nature for you to write an impressive natural disasters essay. You will get acquainted with the seven types of disasters, get a long list of topics and examples of natural disaster essay in 200 words and 300 words.

🌪️ Natural Disaster: The Basics
💡 114 Essay Topics
📑 Outlining Your Essay
🌊 Essay Sample (200 Words)
🏜️ Essay Sample (300 Words)

🌪️ Natural Disaster Essay: What Is It About?

A natural disaster is a large-scale meteorological or geological event that can to cause loss of life or massive damage to people’s property. Floods and severe storms are the most reported acts of nature in the US, but other incidents also happen from time to time. That is why you can dedicate your essay on natural disasters to earthquakes, droughts, wildfires, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, or tornadoes.

The picture lists the 7 main types of natural disasters.

💡 114 Natural Disasters Essay Topics

What could you write in a natural disaster essay? You can invent your own topic about various types of natural disasters, their causes, and aftermath, or their impact on human life and the economy. Depending on the discipline, you can also describe historic calamities that changed the direction of human civilization. Alternatively, choose one from our comprehensive list below.

Why are the Great Plains of the central US ideal for tornado formation?
Global Warming and Climate Change Legislation .
Research the atmospheric parameters inside a tornado.
Energy, Technology and Climate Change .
Why are the boundaries of Tornado Alley in the US so debatable?
The global climate change as a manmade disaster.
Which actions should you never do when a tornado is nearby?
Volunteers’ Role During Disasters .
Suggest your opinion on the best action strategy in a hurricane.
The Columbia Disaster and safety violations.
What were the causes and effects of a flood?
Analysis on Climate Change and Global Impact .
Describe the most devastating wildfires in the US and find their common features.
Earthquake Engineering Considerations and Methods .
Brainstorm ideas to prevent wildfires.
Global warming and the greenhouse effect.
How can building dams cause earthquakes?
Climate Change and Its Impact on Freshwater .
Analyze the impact of droughts on tourism .
Climate Change Effect on Coral Reef Communities .
Describe the most extended droughts in human history.
Marine and Coastal Climate Change in Australia .
Write an essay on natural disasters and earthquakes in particular.
Air pollution and mortality rates
What are the distinctive features of droughts in third-world countries ?
Global Warming, Climate Change, and Society’s Impact on the Environment .
Study the relationship between global warming and droughts.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After a Hurricane .
Evaluate the damage caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Social Media’s Role in Disaster Response .
Classify the effects of natural disasters in an essay.
Sustainability and Climate Change .
Describe the 1815 volcanic eruption of Mt. Tambora, Indonesia.
Hurricane Katrina: Overview, Impact, Response .
Each new leap of civilization causes new responses of nature.
Animal Exploitation. Animal Agriculture and Climate Change .
Think of any positive effects a volcanic eruption may have.
In Arizona, Collaboration Averts Water Disaster .
Children are the poorest victims of any disaster.
A Solution to Remedy Climate Change .
Which ways of disaster risk reduction do you know?
An Emergency Operations Center During Hurricane Harvey .
Research the current problems in disaster management.
Disaster Recovery Plan for Information Technology Organizations .
Analyze ineffective disaster management in an essay about hurricane Katrina.
Nurse Competencies and Scope of Practice in Disaster .
What should a household have at home in the case of a disaster?
Hurricane Katrina: The Powerful Natural Disaster .
Describe the humanitarian disaster during the drought in Somalia.
Technology in Disaster Preparedness .
Can man-made disasters entail natural calamities?
Disaster Management in Philadelphia .
Review the criteria for disaster classification.
Jeddah Floods and Adaptation Strategies in the City of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia .
Search for real examples of hybrid disasters.
Natural Disasters Prevention: A Tabletop Exercise .
Who is responsible for casualties after a natural disaster?
The Sand Storms: Remote Sensing and Meteorological Variables .
List the lessons we could learn from our past disaster experience.
Fire Development, Growth, and Spreads .
The ice storm and silver thaw: A gentle disaster.
Fire Crisis Management in the UAE .
Rockslides: A pressing issue for rural areas.
1d – 2d Flood Modeling Using PCSWMM .
What are the psychological benefits of disaster preparedness?
Structural Control and Origin of Volcanism in the Taupo Volcanic Zone .
When does a blizzard become a disaster?
Extreme Weather Events + Geographies of Globalization .
Research the causes of dust storms and name the affected areas.
Strategies for Sustainable Integrated Oil Disaster Management in West Africa .
Why did the San Francisco earthquake (1906) cause devastating fires?
Causes of Climate Change .
What could be done to help people who lost their homes in an earthquake?
Book Review: Energy and Global Climate Change .
Analyze the role of World Vision in humanitarian aid after disasters.
Tangshan earthquake of 1976 showed that high population density is disastrous.
The Role of Carbon Dioxide in Climate Change .
Rock avalanche: Why water is the most powerful geological agent.
Aspects of Climate Change .
When do extreme weather conditions turn into a disaster?
Climate Change: Reasons, Kyoto Protocol .
Write an article on shelter-providing organizations for disaster victims.
Establishing an IT Disaster Recovery Plan .
Describe earthquake cycles in Haiti.
Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture and Food .
How can nature damage ecology in natural disasters?
Climate Change. Problems. Effects .
Disaster management should include psychological help to the survivors.
Climate Change Causes: Position and Strategies .
Suggest ways to prevent damage caused by debris flow.
HAT 4: Disaster in Franklin Country .
How did the lack of evacuation after the Bhola cyclone (1970) result in the massive death toll?
The Effects of Climate Change .
The most significant Yellow River flood: 2 million deaths in 1887.
Resilience Building Against Natural Disasters in the Caribbean Islands .
Sinkholes: A natural disaster or attraction for cavers and water-divers?
Global Climate Change and Health .
Describe the dynamics of landslides in California .
Which early-warning systems to detect avalanches do you know?
Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action .
Pyroclastic flow: The deadliest volcanic hazard.
Communication During Disaster Response .
Describe the volcano eruption of Vesuvius that destroyed the Herculaneum and Pompeii.
Disaster Planning for Families .
Disaster prevention measures: Investments that save millions of lives.
Natural Disaster Management and Historical Prospective Study in the UAE .
Research the PTSD in survivors of natural disasters.
Are the latest disasters the nature’s fightback to humanity?
Estimate the human impact on natural disasters.
List the countries with the largest number of disasters and find their standard features.
Everyday Communication on Climate Change .
Insurance coverage against disasters: Our inevitable future.
Emergency Planning Before and After Hurricane Katrina .
One natural disaster could bring the world to its end.

Haven’t found a suitable topic in the list above? Use our essay topic generator to get more ideas.

📑 Natural Disaster Essay Outline

Outlines differ, depending on the assigned length and essay type. It is a reference sample. Feel free to modify it, extending some points and narrowing the others. Still, the overall structure should remain the same. We have chosen the “Causes of Earthquakes” essay topic for demonstrative purposes.

Hook . There are millions of possible ways to start your essay, from a rhetorical question to any imaginable scenario. The point is to grab the reader’s attention, showing them that your writing is unique and creative. For example: We are always concerned with the consequences of a natural disaster. But what brought us into such a calamity in the first place?
Concepts. Natural disasters can be studied in the framework of various disciplines. But in all cases, they are linked with geology, biology, chemistry, geography, and some other subjects with broad and complicated terminology. Explain the terms that could be elusive for your readers here. For example: For the purposes of this essay, an earthquake is a sudden displacement of the land surface.
Background. How did you come to think of this problem? Why is it topical? The causes of earthquakes are numerous and often unrelated. To understand them as a system, we need a strict classification.
Thesis statement . Clearly state the aim of your essay. This essay attempts to group the causes of earthquakes to determine which factors can be tackled by human forces.
Transition sentence. It comes in the previous sentence (for paragraphs 2 and 3) and ensures smooth reading. E.g.: Tectonic movements are the most powerful causes of earthquakes, and we cannot influence them. But still, there is something we could do.
Topic sentence . What will you explain in this paragraph? Human interference with nature can also cause earthquakes.
Evidence. How can you confirm the topic sentence? Heavy clubbing of dam water can disturbance the crustal balance. Nuclear bombing causes shockwaves that penetrate the surface, changing the tectonic plates and their natural alignment. Mining can also cause earthquakes by removing extensive volumes of stone from under the ground.
Warrant. Why does the reader need this information, and how does it relate to the thesis statement? Knowing these facts can help us change the old-fashioned approaches and lessen the ecological damage to our planet.
Summary. Collect and summarize all your arguments here. Tectonic movements, volcano eruptions, and geological faults cause a significant part of earthquakes worldwide. But various man-made causes bring us to the same result.
Rephrased thesis. We cannot stop the tectonic movements or hinder volcanic eruptions, but we can use natural resources with more care.

🌊 Natural Disaster Essay 200 Words

Below you will find a short natural disaster essay for 200 words. It explores the causes and effects of the tsunami in Japan in 2011.

Tsunami in Japan: Causes and Effects The proximity of the deadliest disasters is often unpredictable. As a result, the consequences of a tsunami can exceed any possible expectations. This essay looks for the decisive factors that caused the tsunami in Japan in 2011 and its results for the local population and other countries. The causes were out of human control and could not be predicted. The Pacific plate moved in the horizontal and vertical plane, advancing beneath the Eurasian Plate. It displaced the seawater above and entailed several destructive waves. The disaster had enormous consequences for the Japanese people and their economy. It killed almost 16,000 people, although the country had a sophisticated alarming system. Besides, the earthquake caused fires and explosions at oil factories. The cooling system of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant went out of service. Two people were lost, and many were injured. Nissan, like many other large corporations, had to suspend the operation of its four factories. The economic losses due to the catastrophe amounted to 300 billion dollars. But the disaster moved to other places. On 24 March 2011, the earthquake in the east of Myanmar claimed the lives of 60 people and destroyed 300 buildings. As we can see, everything is linked on our planet. Movements of the earth’ crust in any part of the world bring about earthquakes and tsunami in other countries. The series of waves in Japan was caused by the underwater earthquake and had horrible consequences.

🏜️ Natural Disaster Essay 300 Words

If your assignment is longer, you will have to provide your opinion in the essay. Or, you can make your argumentation more detailed. Below you can check our 300-word sample of a disaster essay.

The Economic Effects of the Dust Bowl Drought When someone says “a natural disaster,” we usually imagine an earthquake or a tsunami. Buildings are destroyed, and property is lost. But imagine a scenario of a devastating drought, which happened in the US in the 1930s. Its effect is less visible because it lies in the domain of the national economy. This essay reveals the economic consequences of the Dust Bowl drought. During the third decade of the XX century, strong winds raised choking dust in the southern states, from Texas to Nebraska. People and animals died as the crops failed in the area for several years in a row. The Dust Bowl lasted for almost a decade and was also called “the Dirty Thirties.” This drought intensified the impact of the Great Depression. Local farmers had to migrate to urban areas in search of better conditions and other sources of living. About 2.5 million people moved West from the worst-hit states, namely New Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas. But they found only discrimination, meager salaries, and inhuman working conditions. Many had to live in tents near irrigation ditches. They were called “Okies,” a disdainful name for migrants of any state. Regular rains returned to the southern states by the end of 1939, closing the drought. However, the economic aftermath persisted. The counties that suffered the most failed to recover the agricultural value of their land till the 1950s. Thus, the local population kept decreasing for twenty years. Although a drought does not ruin property, it can tangibly lower human life levels. The Dust Bowl threw people into a lose-lose situation. Their farms were unfit for gaining any profit, and the new places of living gave them no better opportunities. It took two decades to restore public wellbeing in the Southern States.

Researching the worst acts of nature can teach you to value what you have. We hope that this article has made your creative writing more manageable and pleasurable. You can write an essay of any length by simply following our outline. All you will need to do after that is make a cover page for it.

Please share your natural disaster essay ideas in the comments below.

❓ Natural Disaster Essay FAQ

How to write an essay about natural disaster.

Your approach should depend on the discipline. But in any case, you can discuss the types of disasters, their consequences, characteristics, and preconditions. The excellent idea is to select a past disastrous event and analyze it from the economic, social, or individual point of view.

What Is a Disaster Essay?

A disaster essay explores the stages of a natural or man-made calamity and seeks the possible ways to prevent similar emergencies in the future. An article on disaster management studies the correct and efficient activities to lower the casualties and property loss after a disaster.

What Is Disaster Preparedness Essay?

This type of writing analyzes the level of readiness of a region or municipality to an unexpected natural disaster. You can highlight the vulnerable groups of the population that will suffer the most. Or, you may invent measures that could reduce the disaster response and coping time. Such assignments teach you strategic thinking and a systematic approach to problem-solving.

How to Describe a Natural Disaster for an Essay?

You should specify that the event was unexpected and led to many deaths and property loss. The most critical things include the causes of the disaster, its progress and duration, and the negative consequences for the locals. You can also specify the negative effect on the economy and humanitarian condition of the area.

🔗 References

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | CDC
Types of Disasters | SAMHSA
Natural Disaster – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Natural Disasters – National Geographic
What Is Disaster Management: Prevention and Mitigation

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103 Natural Disaster Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Natural disasters are events that occur in nature and can cause significant destruction and loss of life. They can take many forms, including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and tsunamis. Writing an essay on natural disasters can be a daunting task, but with the right topic and approach, you can create a compelling and informative piece of writing. Here are 103 natural disaster essay topic ideas and examples to help you get started:

The impact of climate change on natural disasters
How do natural disasters affect the environment?
The role of technology in predicting and mitigating natural disasters
The psychological effects of natural disasters on survivors
The economic impact of natural disasters on communities
The social impact of natural disasters on vulnerable populations
How do natural disasters affect wildlife and ecosystems?
The role of government in responding to natural disasters
The importance of disaster preparedness and planning
The relationship between poverty and vulnerability to natural disasters
The connection between deforestation and increased risk of natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on global food security
The role of international aid in responding to natural disasters
The long-term effects of natural disasters on communities
The ethics of disaster response and recovery efforts
The role of media in reporting on natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on mental health
The connection between natural disasters and climate refugees
The role of education in preparing communities for natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on infrastructure and development
The relationship between natural disasters and disease outbreaks
The connection between natural disasters and conflict
The role of insurance in mitigating the financial impact of natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on agriculture and food production
The connection between natural disasters and water scarcity
The role of NGOs in responding to natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on tourism and the economy
The relationship between natural disasters and climate justice
The role of community resilience in recovering from natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on coastal communities
The connection between natural disasters and mental health stigma
The role of technology in tracking and monitoring natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on indigenous communities
The relationship between natural disasters and climate change adaptation
The role of gender in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on human rights
The connection between natural disasters and urbanization
The role of social media in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on education and schools
The relationship between natural disasters and biodiversity loss
The role of community-based organizations in responding to natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on clean water access
The connection between natural disasters and food insecurity
The role of preparedness drills in communities at risk of natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on children and families
The relationship between natural disasters and displacement
The role of volunteer groups in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on cultural heritage sites
The connection between natural disasters and environmental racism
The role of early warning systems in predicting natural disasters
The impact of natural disasters on small businesses and local economies
The relationship between natural disasters and social inequality
The role of faith-based organizations in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on mental health access and services
The connection between natural disasters and climate migration
The role of community gardens in disaster recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on access to healthcare
The relationship between natural disasters and food deserts
The role of cultural competency in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on LGBTQ communities
The connection between natural disasters and environmental justice
The role of indigenous knowledge in disaster preparedness and response
The impact of natural disasters on marginalized communities
The relationship between natural disasters and gentrification
The role of intersectionality in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on mental health disparities
The connection between natural disasters and climate denial
The role of community centers in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on immigrant communities
The relationship between natural disasters and housing insecurity
The role of community art projects in disaster recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on access to public transportation
The connection between natural disasters and environmental activism
The role of community health clinics in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on access to clean energy
The relationship between natural disasters and environmental policy
The role of community shelters in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on access to affordable housing
The connection between natural disasters and community organizing
The role of community colleges in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on access to mental health services
The relationship between natural disasters and community gardens
The impact of natural disasters on access to public libraries
The connection between natural disasters and community resilience
The role of community-based organizations in disaster response and recovery efforts
The impact of natural disasters on access to affordable healthcare
The relationship between natural disasters and community art projects
The connection between natural disasters and environmental policy
The relationship between natural disasters and community organizing
The connection between natural disasters and community gardens
The relationship between natural disasters and community resilience
The connection between natural disasters and community art projects

These natural disaster essay topics cover a wide range of issues and perspectives, allowing you to explore different aspects of this important and timely subject. Whether you choose to focus on the environmental impact of natural disasters, the social and economic consequences, or the role of communities in responding and recovering, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and analyze in your essay. By selecting a topic that interests you and conducting thorough research, you can create a compelling and informative essay that sheds light on the complexities of natural disasters and their effects on our world.

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88 Natural Disaster Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Writing about risks or management of catastrophes caused by nature? Our experts have prepared a list of topics and essay questions about natural disasters – check them out!

🏆 Best Natural Disaster Essay Topics & Examples

📌 catchy essay titles for natural disasters, 👍 good essay topics on natural disaster, ❓ essay questions about natural disasters.

Effects of Natural Disasters Essay Various factors influence the effects that a disaster on a country among them the magnitude of the disaster, the geography of the area affected and recovery efforts directed towards reducing the immediate effects of a […]
“Natural Disaster Management Planning” by Perry Perry writes the article Natural disaster management planning: A study of logistics manager responding to the tsunami with the aim of analysing the tsunami disaster that occurred in 2004, as well as providing comprehensive overview […]
Natural Disaster Aftermath: Spirituality and Health Care Second, healthcare providers should improve their staff’s cultural sensitivity and awareness of various spiritual practices and denominations in order to develop a flexible blueprint of communication with patients and proper intervention.
Risk vs. Cost in Natural Disaster Insurance Floods are more predictable, and it is possible to create a map for each flood-prone area that would allow insurance companies to calculate the exact cost of premiums.
National Response to Terrorism & Natural Disaster The National Response Framework governs the national security and crisis response to dynamic emergencies and natural disasters that occur in the community.
Natural Disaster Risks Overview The Resilinc indicators provide analysis of the riskiness of the locations, such as real-time monitoring of the disruptions, analysis of the multiple risk indicators, assessment of the suppliers in the risky countries, and analysis of […]
How Can a Company’s Knowledge Base Be Protected in the Event of a Natural Disaster? In any cases if there is a sudden disaster and there is loss of any data, it becomes highly difficult for the managers to get back the knowledge of the business and also if there […]
Incident Command System: Natural Disaster Prevention Planning The disaster brought considerable financial losses to the states, and the Sonora government had to provide funding and support in the form of $30 million for the purpose of residential relief.
Weather and Climate: Tathra Natural Disaster The paper discusses the affected areas, the causes of the hazard, and its impacts. The disaster occurred in the forests near the bank of Bega River and Tathra, a small town in the Far South […]
Earthquake as a Unique Type of Natural Disaster Earthquakes are believed to be one of the most dangerous natural disasters, and they can have a lot of negative effects on both the community and the environment.
Australian and Asian Natural Disaster Epidemiology The present paper discusses the disaster epidemiology of Australia and three countries that are located in the Asian region. While the latter did not result in any financial damage, they led to the deaths of […]
Preparing for a Natural Disaster in US Responders also need to be given the necessary psychological support and training in anticipation of the imminent trauma that they will be exposed to by the devastating effects of the floods.
Managing Natural Disaster Risks in a Changing Climate Usually, it is difficult to figure out the frequency of natural disasters and the kind of damage that can result from the occurrence of these disasters.
Indiana University Bloomington Natural Disaster Risk Assessment and Risk Management This high concentration of infrastructure is likely to increase the level of damages because a destruction of many buildings is likely to result in higher human deaths and more financial losses.
IUB Natural Disaster Risk Assessments and Risk Management Due to the fact that Tornado is a natural disaster that locations around IUB need to be prepared of; there are lots of vulnerabilities in the University.
Preparing for a Safe Evacuation due to a Natural Disaster: Saving Valuables and Having an Evacuation Plan
Haiti And Natural Disaster : Causes And Natural Disaster
Macroeconomic Fluctuations Under Natural Disaster Shocks in Central America and the Caribbean
Types Of Police Plans For A Natural Disaster
The People as a Natural Disaster: Redemptive Violence in Jacobin Political Thought
Federal Natural Disaster Assistance Programs for Livestock Producers, 2008-16
There’s No Such Thing as a Natural Disaster
Natural Disaster, Policy Action, and Mental Well Being: The Case of Fukushima
The Economics of Natural Disaster-Kerala Floods
Innovations in Agricultural and Natural Disaster Insurance
Hurricane Katrina: Natural Disaster or Racial Disaster
Variation in Risk Seeking Behavior in a Natural Experiment on Large Losses Induced by a Natural Disaster
The Lisbon Earthquake : A Natural Disaster That Evoked
The Role of Social Media During a Natural Disaster: 2011 Thai Flood
Ice Storm: Reacting to a Natural Disaster in Quebec
Natural Disaster Management Strategy For Common People
The Process of Consumer Reactions to Possession Threats and Losses in a Natural Disaster
Impact of Disasters and Role of Social Protection in Natural Disaster Risk Management in Cambodia
Natural Disaster Risk Management in the Philippines : Reducing Vulnerability
The Returns to Education in the Context of a Natural Disaster: Evidence from the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti
Landslide Susceptibility Assessment Maps For Natural Disaster Management
The Effects of Mortality on Fertility: Population Dynamics after a Natural Disaster
The Political Economy of Natural Disaster Insurance: Lessons from the Failure of a Proposed Compulsory Insurance Scheme in Germany
Hurricane Katrina Was a Man-Made and Natural Disaster
Trust, Risk, and Time Preferences After a Natural Disaster: Experimental Evidence from Thailand
Using Online Assessment to Replace Invigilated Assessment in Times of a Natural Disaster
Impact Of Natural Disaster On Environment Tourism
Occurrences Of Natural Disaster Or Man-Made Disaster
The Causes And Impacts Of A Natural Disaster
Moral Hazard in Natural Disaster Insurance Markets: Empirical Evidence from Germany and the United States
Socioeconomic Resilience in Sri Lanka: Natural Disaster Poverty and Wellbeing Impact
The Effect of Natural Disaster on a Society
The Devastating Effects of Earthquakes and the Invention and Technologies Created to Minimize the Damage of the Natural Disaster
Natural Disaster and Possible Harms Drugs
The Effects Which A Natural Disaster Can Have On A Country
The Black Death: Europe’s Worst Natural Disaster
The Impact Of Natural Disaster Shock On Domestic Violence: Evidence From Bangladesh
Mistreatment of Land, Natural Disaster, and Drought Created the Dust Bowl in America
Trial by Fire: a Natural Disaster’s Impact on Attitudes toward the Government in Rural Russia
The Natural Disaster Of Hurricane Katrina
Tsunami: Science and True Natural Disaster
The Economic Damage Brought by Natural Disaster
Decision-Making Problems in Natural Disaster Insurance: Public Intervention
Tsunami: A Natural Disaster of Biblical Proportions
The Psychologic Effect on People in a Natural Disaster
Earth, Wind, and Fire! Federalism and Incentive in Natural Disaster Response
On the Efficient Management of Natural Disaster Risk Using Credit and Index Insurance
Why Planning Is An Ongoing Process Of A Natural Disaster
Does Natural Disaster Only Harm Humankind?
Why Hasn’t Crop Insurance Eliminated Natural Disaster?
Does Natural Disaster Bring Positive Social Change?
How Does Paired Assistance to Natural Disaster-Affected Areas Contribute to Economic Sustainability?
Does Terrorism Increase After a Natural Disaster?
How Does Culture Affect Natural Disaster Decision Making?
What Is Natural Disaster Explain?
How Are Social Vulnerabilities Important Within Natural Disaster?
What Is the Positive Effect of Natural Disaster?
What Happens After a Natural Disaster?
Can Spiritual Issues Surrounding a Disaster Arise for Individuals, Communities, and Health Care Providers?
How Do Natural Disasters Help the Earth?
How and Why Should Companies Prepare Themselves for a Natural Disaster?
How Can Nurses Help in Natural Disaster Preparedness?
Does Federal Natural Disaster Assistance Crowd Out Flood Insurance?
Can Europe Save Itself From Natural Disasters?
Are You Prepared for a Natural Disaster?
When and How Natural Disaster Strikes?
How Natural Disaster Affects Our Lives?
Why Does Some Natural Disaster Insurance Not Exist?
Are Natural Disaster Situations a Formidable Obstacle to Growth?
Why Is Natural Disaster Recovery Plan Vital?
Does Natural Disasters Affect International Trade?
Does Economic Growth Really Reduce Natural Disaster Damages?
Why Do Natural Disasters Happen?
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Two tornados approach Pilger, Neb., Monday June 16, 2014. The National Weather Service said at least two twisters touched down within roughly a mile of each other Monday in northeast Nebraska. (AP Photo/Eric Anderson)

Two tornadoes approach Pilger, Nebraska, on June 16, 2014. A new book explains how people can prepare for such disasters.

Q&A: How to Survive Any Extreme Weather Disaster

A new book offers survival guidelines for storms, floods, fires, and more.

Few families are adequately prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, floods, and wildfires, warns a prominent author. And such extreme weather events have become more intense and more frequent in recent years, as the climate changes.

Preparation is critical to surviving natural disasters, says Thomas M. Kostigen, the author of a new book from National Geographic called the Extreme Weather Survival Guide .

Kostigen also cowrote the bestselling The Green Book and contributes to National Geographic's website . We asked him about his new book.

In Extreme Weather Survival Guide , you write that when it comes to weather, "abnormal is the new normal." Can you explain what you mean?

We're seeing storms like we've never seen before in terms of intensity and frequency. Storms that occurred maybe every hundred years are now occurring every three years. That's the new normal we're living in.

If you look at 2013, for example, temperatures on both the hot side and the cold side have deviated the most since 1900. So we have extreme weather happening everywhere, not just in remote areas but at our front doors.

For Hungry Minds

Do you think most people are prepared for extreme weather events?

No. I think most people are aware of the weather. We talk about it even when there is nothing else to talk about, but then people don't take the next step to get prepared. They usually don't think about that until the storm arrives, and then they freak out and wonder what to do.

As an example, tens of thousands of U.S. communities are at risk of wildfire, and yet less than 10 percent have any type of preparedness program in place. People just think it's not going to happen to them, so that's the mentality to break through.

At the same time, I think more people are starting to wake up, because they see more epic floods or the dual hurricanes that hit Hawaii or more tornadoes in tornado alley , so we're starting to see a little shift.

What are the most important steps people should take to increase their preparedness?

In any situation, there are three things that you need to do. One, get informed on what's happening around you. Two, have a plan and an emergency kit ready. Three, ride out any event that is bearing down on you and [stay smart during recovery].

That last part is important because most injuries from storms occur during the recovery, and a lot of people don't think about that. People often step on debris, like nails or downed power lines, for example.

In the book you mention that some new technologies can help during emergencies. What are your favorites?

I'm excited about some of the new water purification technologies, because water contamination is a huge issue after events, especially floods. We saw that in Detroit . All 50 states experienced some type of flood in the last five years. It's critical to have a safe supply of water in watertight containers.

Smartphones also transmit all sorts of information that is critical. There are great apps from the Red Cross that show where storm shelters are . And you can set your phone up to get news alerts.

There's also improvements in apparel, and that's super important. If it's hot, you want something to wick your sweat and keep you cool, and if it's cold, you need layered clothing that can keep you warm. There's also a lot of good dried food that lasts for a long time.

How extreme fire weather can cool the planet

What is El Niño—and will it lead to more snow this winter?

Will the supermoon make Hurricane Idalia worse? We asked the experts.

How should people plan to protect their pets?

Make sure you have an escape plan that includes your pet. I have a giant dog who's my best friend. So I have food and water set aside for him for times of emergency. It's also important to have ID tags and/or microchips, so you can track your pet down if need be.

During an event, keep your pets close by, because they might freak out. Never leave them in a closed car.

How should people decide if they should shelter in place or evacuate?

That depends on the event. The typical mantra is to stay in place unless you have enough time to get away. For some events, if you are prepared and have an escape route, you should know well in advance to get out of there.

If you live by a slope and there could be a mudslide, you should leave. If it's a tornado, you don't want to be outside. You want to be in a shelter. If it's a flood, you want to be upstairs. If it's a wind event, you want to be lower to the ground or underground.

Was there any survival advice that surprised you?

One of the really interesting ones is to not take shelter under an overpass during a tornado. That's very dangerous and is not recommended [because winds can accelerate under them and they don't provide much protection against debris]. In a lighting storm, don't crouch down. That used to be the advice that was given, to keep as small a footprint as you could. Now the advice is to get out of there as quickly as possible and to seek shelter in a building.

What are the things people most commonly do wrong?

Growing up in the Northeast, my parents used to tape the windows with Xs before storms. They thought it would provide a bit of stability, but actually that just creates bigger shards of glass.

People also don't take enough care with their outside debris. Most injuries during storms come from being hit by things. So trimming hedges and trees is really important. During a tornado a lot of people have this impression that the house will implode because of air pressure [if the windows aren't opened], but there's no evidence of that. It's better to leave windows and doors closed. (See tornado safety tips .)

If you can, turn your flashlight on outside [rather than inside]. It causes a tiny spark that could ignite gas if there is a leak.

What role has climate change played in extreme weather?

We can't as of yet pinpoint climate change to any specific event, but it clearly has an effect on the weather. Climate is defined as the weather over time. When we have changing temperatures and more moisture in the air, that contributes to a lot of these extreme events. (See " Human-Caused Climate Change Worsened Heat Waves in 2013, Study Says .")

Can nature tip us off to extreme weather?

I think it's important to be mindful of nature's signals. That could mean spotting worms on the ground that may be a precursor to a flood or seeing more spiderwebs in the home that suggests it's going to get colder. Horses tend to turn their heads away from a storm, and it's possible to tell the temperature from the number of times a cricket chirps.

We all live in nature, even in New York City, so it's important to be in tune with it and to get prepared. Natural disasters are part of the environment.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Follow Brian Clark Howard on Twitter and Google+ .

How atmospheric rivers cause flooding

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Essays About Natural Disasters: 5 Examples and Prompts

Essays about natural disasters teach us many things; read on to see examples and prompts you can use for your piece.

Natural disasters are the sudden occurrence of natural and severe hazards threatening human welfare and survival. These events can cause injuries, destroy assets such as homes and businesses, and even death. Some examples of natural disasters are tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and storms.

Although emergency protocols are in place to alleviate and prevent natural disasters’ impact on both humanity and the economy, there is still no guarantee that these will be able to protect and save everyone from these misfortunes. Therefore, writing essays about natural disasters helps spread awareness on how to act when one faces these mishaps properly.

Below are five examples you should read to create essays about natural disasters effectively:

1. Planning For a Safer Tomorrow by Jyotsana B

2. natural disasters are often not natural by sandra valdez, 3. natural disasters essay by pradeep, 4. equity during natural disasters by writer kip, 5. natural disasters: nature’s revenge by anonymous on loveliessays.com, 1. my experience with natural disasters, 2. natural disasters: a history, 3. natural disasters and the economy, 4. types of natural disasters, 5. my take on natural disaster management, 6. causes of natural disasters, 7. after effects of natural disasters, 8. recovery from a natural disaster.

“Natural disasters have a severe impact on the society, therefore it is important to plan and develop a safety programme and devise means to efficiently deal with natural disaster. Development programme that go into promoting development at the local level have been left to the general exercise of planning.”

The author shares tips on how to prevent calamities and be prepared in case these natural disasters occur. These steps include proper analysis and risk assessment, adequate information database, modern infrastructure, and networks of knowledge-based institutions. The essay further expounds on each point and gives specific directions on successfully implementing these precautions.

“The word ‘natural’ indicates that humans have not triggered the catastrophe. However, human activity can definitely interfere with nature, which in turn may either cause a natural disaster or make its impacts much worse.”

Although Valdez agrees that “natural disasters” means humans do not directly create them, she also considers human’s significant contributions to these tragedies. She offers an example of earthquakes and the fluid injection incident in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, Colorado. She further lists more human activities that trigger earthquakes, blaming human engineering that stresses the Earth’s faults. Finally, she acknowledges human speeds up disasters and human elements are innate in these equations.

“There is no doubt that extending help to someone during tough times is paramount. Rich countries should support poverty-stricken nations with altruistic aid while calamities take place… Being rich, similar nations are in a position to support countries that suffer economically and emotionally during nature havoc. The result of this is, not only induces good relations between countries but also paves the way to commercial transactions with minimized taxes in the future.”

Pradeep supports that countries with more resources should aid those with lesser assets. It’s not only because of altruistic reasons but because it can also be the foundation for good relationships between governments. These relationships can result in successful transactions and give comfort and security to grief-stricken countries.

“Should we allow prices to increase during natural disasters or should we protect against price gouging?… No policy is best for everyone… In the grand scheme of things, the market will return to normal the quickest whenever the market prices are allowed to fluctuate.”

Kip criticizes the way businesses increase the goods’ prices when there is a natural disaster. He questions if it’s the right thing to do to consumers who are only trying to purchase what they need to be ready for catastrophes.

He also includes business reviews that rationalize high prices by arguing increasing prices prevents product hoarding. He challenges this statement by asking the readers to consider those who don’t have the money to buy these overpriced essentials. The writer also mentions other terms to explain the economy during a natural disaster and even involves the government’s processes to mitigate its harmful effects.

“Our environment is our responsibility… Exactly who polluted our planet so much? There is only one answer: man. It is man’s actions that have caused the problem… Humanity must realize that if the current trends are allowed to continue unchecked, the future of life on Earth is at risk. it must be conserved.”

Is nature retaliating because of humans’ disregard for it? The author offers reports to present the unpredictability of these disasters brought by climate change. To further prove their points, the author lays down facts like the quick rising of the sea and changing rain patterns.

At the end of the essay, the writer urges man to be an environmentalist because he depends on his surroundings for food and shelter. Therefore, to survive, humans must treat nature well.

A tip: Run your essay through essay writing apps to organize and help you with style and grammar.

8 Prompts on Essays About Natural Disasters

There are many aspects of natural disasters you can zero in on. Here are easy but compelling prompts to tackle:

Essays About Natural Disasters: My experience with natural disasters

Share your experience with a calamity, and narrate what happened before, during, and after. Are there certain things you wish you did or didn’t do? Include how it affected your life and how you understand things work, such as the importance of first responders and following authorities in times of panic and chaos.

Then, focus on your personal experience. For example, your family might have to move places because you lost your home. Or that today, you always have an emergency bag packed and ready. You might also be interested in these essays about nature .

List down notable natural disasters that changed the course of the world. This could include volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Then, explain why they happened, how the government or country dealt with it, and discuss the precautions executed in case the disaster occurs again. Finally, include the lessons you learned from these tragedies.

Explain how natural disasters affect the economy. Then, to make it more relatable, you can relay the impact of these tragedies on your life. For example, did any of your relatives lose their job because of a natural disaster? Was your family forced to close down your business? Include personal anecdotes to create an engaging essay.

List the many natural disasters and discuss them in detail. In this essay, you can delve into the causes of each type of natural disaster and how it impacts nearby civilizations. What do you fear the most in these disasters? To make it easier, you can pick two natural disasters to compare and contrast.

Choose an incident where natural disaster management was applied and give your thoughts about it. Research a recent natural disaster and study how the local and national government managed it. If any failed initiatives or points could be improved upon, make sure to write your thoughts about this in your essay. Then, you can discuss what you believe will aid natural disaster management in the future.

For this prompt, you can split your essay into two sections. One section can discuss environmental causes, while the other delves into human activities that cause natural disasters. Topics can include pollution, climate change, and overpopulation of small areas. To create an emotive essay, write about your thoughts on what we can do as a society to mitigate these harmful activities.

Consider the short and long-term effects of these natural disasters. You can concentrate on a specific tragedy that the general public knows so your reader can easily imagine what you describe in your essay. To make your piece more interesting, you can list natural disasters’ negative and positive effects.

If you want your essay to focus on something positive, choose to discuss new beginnings. For example, you can center on a community and how its people helped each other recover. You can also include the assistance they received from different places and how it aided them in restarting their lives after the disaster.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Natural Disasters Essay for Students in English

Read Natural Disaster Essay on Vedantu

The planet earth has gone through many changes over these centuries. These changes are majorly due to natural disasters happening throughout time. When we talk about natural disasters, pollution, ozone depletion and global warming are the most common scenarios we witnessed.

Growing industrialisation and exploitation of natural resources have changed the echo system bringing on the verge of imbalance. However, over these decades, humans have also introduced many disaster warning systems helping to predict natural occurrence in advance. You can read more about Natural Disasters on Vedantu.

Different Faces of Natural Disasters

Nature possesses the character of a special balance in which all living beings live together in harmony with their environment. But whenever this balance is disturbed, we see the disastrous form of nature which wreaks havoc upon this world. Natural disasters come in various forms like earthquakes, Tsunami, Storms, Cyclones, droughts etc. These disasters have always occurred throughout history but the current threat of climate change has severely increased its risks. Man has to learn that he cannot control nature and his life should revolve around the conditions present in the environment and not the other way around.

We have tried to change the basic character of the Human-Nature relationship with every metric of development being centred on financial interest and the rise of global consumerism. This way of life promotes greed and has fundamentally made human beings disoriented towards nature. Our festivals celebrate the intrinsic relationship between humans and the environment where we celebrate Mountains, Rivers, and Animals etc. Natural disasters are a reminder that humans must never take the gift of nature for granted and always reciprocate for the resources that we have received from the environment. Clean Air, Clean Water and harmony in the ecosystem is a prerequisite for Human well being.

How to Deal with Natural Disasters?

India, due to its unique geographical character, faces natural disasters every year which cause massive harm to lives and property. Whether it be the floods of Uttarakhand in 2013 or the landslides in Western Ghats of Kerala. The cost of our blind exploitation of natural resources without showing reverence for the delicate balance of Nature has severely harmed us and we must learn lessons from these incidents.

One of the greatest stories of the Indian government in dealing with disaster readiness has been the story of the Indian state of Odisha. Odisha is a coastal state in eastern India that regularly faces cyclones that have caused great harm to the state. To deal with the menace of these cyclones the Odisha Government made an elaborate plan by taking the local communities in confidence and have successfully reduced the number of deaths in Odisha to a very small number which used to be in thousands earlier. Other Indian states should also learn from the experience of Odisha on how to improve disaster preparedness.

Keeping our environment safe and following the right process will help in bringing down the natural disasters. It is vital to learn about them.

FAQs on Natural Disasters Essay for Students in English

1. What are natural disasters increasing?

Over the years, natural disasters have increased. Regular earthquakes, massive flooding, cyclones, etc. have increased. According to the office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) which maintains an emergency disaster database, if a natural disaster kills 10 people, then it leaves 100 people injured. Increase in hydro-meteorological disasters, the combination of natural and man-made factors is leading to an increase in natural disasters.

2. What are the natural disasters that happened in 2020?

From wildfires in the US to locusts attack in India and back-to-back cyclones in India, there are many natural disasters in 2020. According to the Global Catastrophe Recap’s First Half of 2020 report, there were more than 207 natural disasters in just the first six months of 2020, causing \[＄\]75 billion loss globally.

3. What natural disaster is the worst?

Every natural disaster causing the loss of both property and human lives is the worst. Be it the earthquake, wildfire or cyclone; each disaster can be the worst in its sense.

4. What are the causes of natural disasters?

Natural disasters are caused by a number of reasons which may or may not be linked to Human interference. Floods, for example, occur generally because of a sudden increase in water level which cannot be supported by the natural geography of the river, however, it has been observed that floods have also occurred due to human interference like encroachment of river banks, illegal sand mining and obstructions in the natural flow of the river.

5. What are the agencies that deal with natural disasters?

On the National level, Natural disasters are dealt with by the National Disaster Relief Force or the NDRF. The NDRF has its own commissioned force which is highly experienced and trained to deal with situations when a disaster has occurred. Apart from the NDRF, there is also the SDRF which is present in every state. The central and state governments work in coordination during Natural disasters and saving lives along with restoration of normalcy is the primary concern of the relief operations.

6. What are the ways to deal with floods and droughts?

It may sound surprising to some people but India is a unique country where due to its vast geography, we have seen conditions where some parts of the country are facing floods while other parts suffer from drought in the same year. These are especially tough to deal with as the volume of water in floods just cannot be stored and once a region is facing drought, access to water becomes a question of survival. Linking rivers is a very grand scheme which can solve some of our problems but this also needs to be dealt with caution.

7. What can I do to contribute to disaster relief programmes?

The central and state governments carry out various programmes which are directly related to disaster relief work, coordinating with the agencies and donating to these relief operations are some things that we can do as citizens. There are various NGOs that provide relief material to people who are suffering from natural disasters. Creating awareness about such an important issue is also an essential activity. You can learn more about it on Vedantu website and download it in PDF format.

8. Which regions are the most affected by natural disasters in India?

Every part of the country has a unique geographical character and in some way or the other, they face the threat of natural disasters. Bihar and Assam are two such states which face floods on an annual basis, The Himalayan states have a very delicate ecology and save the menace of flash floods and landslides. Maharashtra has a problem of flooding in the Western Ghats while Vidarbha faces drought. Innovative ways must be discovered by states to deal with natural disasters.

Disaster Archipelago: Japan

The course blog for history 326, spring 2015.

How to Survive a Disaster: Lessons from 3/11

by Gaia Cloutier

Natural disasters are messy. They are unpredictable. They are unstoppable. They take possessions, homes, and lives without regard for age, class, gender, race, or any of the other methods of categorizing people. And yet millions of people have lived through natural disasters, often against high odds. These people are usually met with the same question at some point following their experience.

How did you survive?

This question might be asked by someone who is simply curious, someone hoping to create a record of the disaster, or someone trying to create a plan for what they should do in a similar situation. This latter concern is almost always present, at least subconsciously, every time the question is asked. When viewing a horrible situation as someone who was not immediately impacted by it, it is almost human nature to think about what you would do in that situation. If you have a plan ahead of time, the thinking goes, surely you will know what to do when an actual disaster occurs and be able to save yourself, your family, and maybe some possessions. Asking how a person survived is part of gathering intel for this ultimate plan of survival.

Of course this can be a largely useless exercise. There can be no single ultimate plan for surviving a disaster because there are too many variables in play during a natural disaster for one solution to be the only solution. No natural disaster is the same as any other natural disaster, and no person survives a natural disaster in the exact same way as any other survivor. Examining the testimonies of survivors of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan confirms this. Even a brief survey of interviews and written testimonies reveals a myriad of ways that people experienced and survived the disaster on 3/11. This does not mean that nothing can be gained from examining how people survived. By examining specific methods of survival, general principles of survival can be extrapolated.

Although each situation was unique, the many survival stories from 3/11 share some common elements. Most survivors of the earthquake and tsunami credited their survival to at least one of the following:

1. Having a plan

Many people who survived 3/11 did so because they followed a pre-arranged plan. Each town had its “own anti-disaster measures department” (Gunzo Tamayama, “Experience”, p. 13) to establish shelters and issue evacuation instructions. These designated shelters gave people places to go to escape the tsunami, effectively saving lives and reducing chaos and panic. Drills also helped to save lives. Because people had practiced earthquake evacuations so many times, it was almost a reflex for them to follow that same plan during an actual earthquake. It is also important to note that many of these plans were flexible. One woman from Higashi Matsushima recalls being “assigned not to the gym, but the school building” (Toshie Abe, “Experience”, p. 11) because officials deemed the gym to be too dangerous. This flexibility meant that procedures were consistent for all disasters, making them easy to practice and facilitate, but still able to adapt to suit the specific disaster that the community was currently facing.

2. Listening to alarms and alerts

Communication was vital for the survival of many. Tsunamis do not occur after every large earthquake, so many people did not automatically assume that one would follow the earthquake on 3/11. For many of those who did not assume that there was going to be a tsunami, tsunami warning alarms and radio alerts gave them enough warning to reach safety before the tsunami reached their town. Like many following the earthquake, Takeichi Ono was driving home when he heard a tsunami warning on the radio. “Realizing the risk to go home” (Takeichi Ono, “Experience”, p. 33), he went to an emergency shelter instead. The radio warning gave Ryoichi and Yayoi Suzuki, interviewed in the video below, enough information to know that they had time to return to their home, collect their valuables and some essentials, and make it to the shelter before the tsunami would hit their city.

3. Good Samaritans

Testimonies from 3/11 are filled with accounts of caring family members, neighbors, and strangers saving peoples’ lives at great risk to themselves:

“The man entered the water to help us…Her husband led us one by one to his house” (Ayumi Okuda, “Experience”, p. 5).

“Then I started to evacuate people from such dangerous place to the shelter. When I was patrolling around apartment houses, I heard someone shout ‘10 meter high Tsunami is coming!’ I was worried about Tsunami and again continued to evacuate” (Rikiya Aoto, “Experience”, p. 9).

“That moment, getting wet, two old men and a woman came and saved me. They pulled me up to the second floor, and gave me blankets” (Makago Shinobu, “Experience”, p. 40).

4. Listening to their instincts

Instincts played a large role in the survival of many during the disaster. As has been stated, it was not a foregone conclusion that a tsunami would follow the earthquake on 3/11. People began to evacuate anyways, relying on their knowledge of previous tsunamis and their instincts to tell them “that a big Tsunami would come” (Takeichi Ono, “Experience”, p. 33). In this way, instincts brought people safely out of the tsunami’s reach. Instincts were also vital to the survival of people who were not able to evacuate. Some people, such as Makago Shinobu (Makago Shinobu, “Experience”, p. 40), had simply never learned what to do during a tsunami. Others had learned, but the huge earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused them to panic and forget any plans or survival information that they might have had. Therefore, they had to rely solely on their instincts to survive.

One lifesaving instinct was Tsunami Ten-Den-Ko , which means to “be responsible for your own safety, run away from danger immediately, and get away from the sea as far as possible” (Ayumi Okuda, “Gratitude”, p. 3). The other lifesaving instinct was to reach high ground. It is interesting to note that testimonies taken sooner after the disaster, such as in the video below taken four months after 3/11, contain more reports of panic and instinctual action than later testimonies. This may be because as more time passes people have more time to reflect on their experiences, memory can be distorted, and personal narratives shift, or it may have to do with the way the testimonies were collected.

5. Supernatural help

Others credit their survival to supernatural forces. They thank God or their ancestors for their miraculous survival. Koichi Endo, for example, tells the story of how he survived the tsunami because his car was caught on the gravestones of his ancestors. He believes that the spirit of his mother asked his ancestors to save him.

Luck. Fortune. Chance. Coincidence. These terms occur over and over in survivors’ testimonies. Natural disasters are by definition outside of human control. By crediting luck with their survival, survivors acknowledge that who survives and who dies a disaster often has less to do with what a person does and more to do with the set of circumstances that they encounter during the disaster.

So what can be learned from these experiences? Can we combine these six different elements and create a foolproof plan for surviving an earthquake and tsunami? Of course not. We can, however, identify certain factors that could increase the likelihood of survival during natural disasters in the future:

1. A local and national government that is proactive and conscientious about natural disasters

2. Open channels of communication broadcasting emergency information

3. Individual awareness of basic survival strategies, such as heading to high ground during a tsunami, for natural disasters

4. Awareness of one’s neighbors and community

Together these factors might be able to increase the survival rates of natural disasters.

When examining the testimonies of survivors of the 3/11 disaster, an additional important common theme becomes evident. Many survivors are still in the process of surviving. Having lived through the disaster, they now have to live through its emotional consequences. Survivors lost their possessions, their houses, their friends, and their families because of the earthquake and tsunami. Entire villages were “swept away by the Tsunami” (Katsutoshi Aizawa, “Experience”, p. 42). Disturbing scenes of destruction and death were almost unavoidable for many survivors.

Survival means dealing with the grief, survivor’s guilt, pessimism, and PTSD caused by these consequences. Like natural disasters, these emotional responses to tragedy can be messy and unpredictable, and each method of surviving them is unique. Surviving the emotional aftershocks of natural disasters should be as much of a priority as surviving the event itself.

Looking back can help us learn ways to lessen suffering and loss in the future, but it is important that we do not forget the people who are trying to survive the effects of the earthquake and tsunami in the present. We should not just ask h ow did you survive?. We should also ask how can we help you survive now? .

Natural Disasters: Causes and Impacts

Categories: Natural Disasters

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Words: 682 |

Published: Jan 31, 2024

Words: 682 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Introduction, definition of natural disasters, causes of natural disasters, environmental effects of natural disasters, economic effects of natural disasters, social effects of natural disasters, mitigation and preparedness measures.

Callaghan, K., & Alexander, M. (2018). Hurricane Harvey on the Gulf Coast: A Comprehensive Analysis of Impacts. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Kennedy School.
IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Cambridge University Press.
McMahon, J., & Keefer, J. (2016). Social Vulnerability and Tropical Cyclones in Sint Maarten. Journal of Water and Climate Change , 7(2), 396-408.
UNDRR. (2017). Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction. United Nations.
Vos, F., Dykes, J., & Pierce, L. (2017). Flood Preparedness and Early-warning System Effectiveness in the Philippines. Disasters, 41(S1), S16-S37.

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Surviving a Natural Disaster

Meet Shanice. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and three children and runs a restaurant on the first floor of her home. During a hurricane in 2019, her family “ignored the warnings and decided not to evacuate.” She remembers “I was in bed and someone was running down the street saying flood, flood, flood! I jumped up and put my feet on the floor and landed in a puddle of water.”

They were able to make it to the school, which was two blocks away. As they were driving, water was coming into their car and they had to abandon it and walk. When Shanice and her family returned home, they found her restaurant destroyed. She called the FEMA hotline to register and was afterwards instructed to apply for an SBA loan. She thought SBA could help her as a small business but didn’t realize they could also provide loans to individuals as well. After her evaluation, she was thrilled to quickly receive a notice that she qualified for an SBA loan.

Shanice considers herself lucky. It has taken several of her friends years to receive financial assistance after filing multiple appeals and being routed back and forth between agencies.

Those who have lived through a major natural disaster are facing one of the most difficult experiences they’ve ever encountered. Finding somewhere safe to live with their families, along with repairing homes and businesses amidst strained community services and school systems can all feel even more overwhelming as individuals realize the time it can take to truly recover. In these most vulnerable moments, survivors expect the government to step up and provide clear guidance and support. However, response and recovery responsibilities are spread across Federal, state, local, nonprofit, and other organizations, making it difficult for survivors to know who to turn to for what.

Journey Map

Click to download

This journey map is a composite of the experiences of the people we spoke with, and shows the steps and support as they articulated them. This map has five sections:

At the top of the map, listed from left to the right, are buckets of the key stages in this journey, ranging from the first days to years after experiencing a disaster. Each bucket, or column, corresponds with the content below.
Below the stages are what we call Moments that Matter . These are the periods and mindsets that are influential for the person navigating this journey; often when individuals are understanding what just happened, actions that they have to take to protect and recover themselves and their families, and the process of trying to apply and receive assistance from various government agencies, insurance companies, charities, and nonprofits. These could be considered themes for the stage. For those working to improve this journey, these areas are often the focal points for service improvement.
Following below, are a series of actions along the journey. The undulating line lighty refers to ups and downs of the journey felt by the person. The actions listed here are not complete nor comprehensive for everyone, but they were recurring in our interviews. The red circle icon draws attention to a single key cluster of actions at the center of this journey.
The next section is governmental and external supports . This section zooms into a cluster or small actions which vary by person and situation. The focal area includes several specific supports across Federal, State, and Local domains to be considered and coordinated by the user in order to effectively cover this area of the journey. The key insight here is that during the application process, disaster survivors are in a state of crisis and struggle to navigate complex government processes.
Lastly, along the bottom on the map, are six cross-agency challenges identified through the research. These include: Fragmented services and information; Fixing issues that could have been prevented; Not designed with stress in mind; Disjointed eligibility, Over-emphasis on fraud prevention; and Unsure what to ask of Federal resources.

Project Documents

Journey Map: Surviving a Natural Disaster

How we used data from our interviews (information collection approved under OMB Control # 2900-0876)

How we used data from surveys (information collection approved under OMB Control # 3090-0321)

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Natural Disasters
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From the towering walls of water that sweep across coastlines to the ground-shaking tremors that ripple through the earth’s surface, natural disasters are a stark reminder of the immense power of nature and the fragility of our existence. These catastrophic events strike without warning, leaving in their wake a trail of destruction, displacement, and heartbreak.

Table of Content

Types of Natural Disasters

Causes of natural disasters, precautions and preparedness, 500 words essay on natural disasters.

Natural disasters can take many forms, each with its unique characteristics and consequences. Some of the most devastating types include:

1. Earthquakes: Triggered by the sudden release of energy within the Earth’s crust, earthquakes can cause massive structural damage, trigger tsunamis, and disrupt vital infrastructure.

2. Tsunamis: Towering waves generated by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, tsunamis can inundate coastal regions with incredible force, sweeping away everything in their path.

3. Hurricanes and Cyclones: These powerful rotating storm systems, fueled by warm ocean waters, bring destructive winds, torrential rain, and storm surges that can devastate entire communities.

4. Floods : Caused by excessive rainfall, melting snow, or dam failures, floods can submerge vast areas, disrupting lives and destroying property.

5. Wildfires: Driven by dry conditions, high winds, and human activities, wildfires can consume vast swaths of land, threatening lives, homes, and natural habitats.

6. Volcanic Eruptions: The explosive release of molten rock, ash, and gases from the Earth’s interior can bury entire regions in a blanket of destruction.

7 . Droughts : Prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall can lead to water scarcity, crop failures, and even famine in some regions.

While some natural disasters are triggered by geological processes deep within the Earth, others are influenced by human activities and the changing climate. Factors such as deforestation, urbanization, and the burning of fossil fuels can increase the risk and intensity of certain disasters.

Climate change, in particular, is playing an increasingly significant role in the frequency and severity of many natural disasters. Rising global temperatures are contributing to more intense hurricanes, prolonged droughts, and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, which can exacerbate coastal flooding.

The impact of natural disasters can be catastrophic, affecting every facet of human life and the environment. Some of the most significant effects include:

1. Loss of Life: Natural disasters can claim countless lives, leaving families and communities devastated by the loss of loved ones.

2. Destruction of Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, buildings, and critical infrastructure can be severely damaged or destroyed, hampering relief efforts and hindering recovery.

3. Economic Losses: The damage caused by natural disasters can result in staggering economic losses, affecting businesses, industries, and entire economies.

4. Displacement of Populations: Disasters often force people to abandon their homes and seek shelter elsewhere, leading to humanitarian crises and long-term displacement.

5. Environmental Degradation: Natural disasters can disrupt ecosystems, pollute water sources, and contribute to soil erosion and habitat loss, threatening biodiversity and natural resources.

6. Psychological Trauma: Survivors of natural disasters often grapple with the psychological toll, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.

While it is impossible to prevent many natural disasters, proactive measures can be taken to mitigate their impact and enhance preparedness. Some of these measures include:

1. Effective Early Warning Systems: Developing and implementing robust early warning systems can provide valuable lead time for evacuation and emergency response efforts.

2. Disaster Risk Reduction: Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities through measures such as land-use planning, building codes, and infrastructure improvements can minimize potential damages.

3. Community Preparedness: Educating and empowering communities on disaster preparedness, including emergency plans, evacuation routes, and survival skills, can save lives and facilitate quicker recovery.

4. Resilient Infrastructure: Investing in resilient infrastructure, such as earthquake-resistant buildings and flood control systems, can reduce the impact of natural disasters.

5. Environmental Protection: Conserving and restoring natural ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, can act as natural buffers against certain disasters and mitigate their effects.

6. International Cooperation: Fostering global partnerships and collaborations can facilitate knowledge-sharing, resource allocation, and coordinated response efforts during disasters.

Throughout human history, civilizations have grappled with the unpredictable and often merciless power of nature. Natural disasters, ranging from earthquakes and tsunamis to hurricanes and wildfires, have left indelible scars on communities worldwide, reminding us of our fragility in the face of nature’s might.

At their core, natural disasters are events triggered by the Earth’s natural processes, such as tectonic shifts, atmospheric disturbances, or geological phenomena. However, their consequences extend far beyond the physical realm, profoundly impacting lives, livelihoods, and the very fabric of societies.

The destructive force of these events is unparalleled. Earthquakes can reduce towering structures to rubble in mere seconds, while hurricanes and cyclones unleash winds of incredible ferocity, capable of obliterating entire coastlines. Wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, consume everything in their path, leaving smoldering landscapes and displaced communities in their wake.

The human toll of natural disasters is staggering. Lives are tragically lost, families are torn apart, and survivors are left to grapple with the psychological trauma of witnessing such overwhelming devastation. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the aftermath often brings a cascade of challenges, including displacement, lack of access to essential resources, and the daunting task of rebuilding shattered communities.

The economic impact of natural disasters is equally profound. Infrastructure is crippled, businesses are disrupted, and entire industries can be brought to a standstill. The ripple effects of these events can reverberate throughout local and global economies, hampering recovery efforts and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

Moreover, the environmental consequences of natural disasters are far-reaching. Ecosystems are disrupted, delicate habitats are destroyed, and biodiversity is threatened as species struggle to adapt to the altered landscapes. The long-term effects on the natural world can be felt for generations, further compounding the challenges faced by impacted communities.

Addressing the threat posed by natural disasters requires a multifaceted approach that spans prevention, preparedness, and resilience-building efforts. Investing in robust early warning systems, fortifying infrastructure, and promoting disaster risk reduction strategies are crucial steps in minimizing the impact of these events.

Furthermore, addressing the underlying drivers of climate change is paramount, as many natural disasters are exacerbated by the effects of global warming. By transitioning towards more sustainable practices and reducing our carbon footprint, we can mitigate the intensity and frequency of certain disasters, safeguarding both human and environmental well-being.

Ultimately, natural disasters serve as a humbling reminder of the immense power of nature and the fragility of our existence. While we cannot control the forces that give rise to these events, we can cultivate resilience, foster global cooperation, and prioritize preparedness efforts to better withstand their fury.

As we navigate the unpredictable landscape of natural disasters, let us embrace our shared responsibility to protect lives, safeguard communities, and forge a more sustainable relationship with the natural world. By doing so, we can forge a path towards a future where the devastating impacts of these events are minimized, and humanity emerges stronger and more resilient in the face of nature’s challenges.

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Natural disasters underscore our need for resilience and preparedness. By bolstering infrastructure, safeguarding the environment, and addressing climate change, we can lessen their impact. Emphasizing risk reduction and sustainable practices, we aim to protect lives, economies, and ecosystems. Together, through resilience and cooperation, we can build a future where communities coexist with nature’s forces.

Essay on Natural Disasters- FAQs

What is disaster 1 paragraph.

A disaster is a major disturbance in the operation of a community or society resulting in widespread human, material, economic, or environmental losses and impacts that surpass the afflicted community’s or society’s ability to manage using its own resources.

What are the 2 main types of disasters?

Disasters are typically divided into two categories: natural and man-made. Natural catastrophes are typically related with weather and geological occurrences such as severe temperatures, floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and drought.

What are 5 man-made disasters?

A. Man-made disasters involve human intent, neglect, or error in the breakdown of a man-made system, as opposed to natural disasters caused by natural hazards. Such man-made calamities include crime, arson, civil unrest, terrorism, war, biological/chemical threats, cyber-attacks, and so on.

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Essay On Natural Disasters

Natural Disasters Essay

500+ words essay on natural disasters.

A natural disaster is defined as an event of nature, which overwhelms local resources and threatens the function and safety of the community. Natural disasters are the consequence of natural phenomena unleashing processes that lead to physical damage and the loss of human lives and capital. Earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, windstorms, floods and droughts are some examples of natural disasters. These disasters disrupt the lives of communities and individuals and the economic activity of the affected area. Students must go through this essay on Natural Disaster and gather ideas to write effective essays on topics related to them. Practising essays on such topics will improve the writing skills of the students and help them score better in the English exam.

Classification of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters result from forces of climate and geology. These are perhaps the most “unexpected” and costly overall in terms of loss of human lives and resources.

Disasters are classified into four categories depending on how they arise:

(1) Internal Earth Processes: It covers geophysical phenomena arising from the internal processes of the earth. It includes earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions etc., which human beings cannot usually predict or prevent.

(2) External Earth Processes: These comprise phenomena such as landslides, collapses, flooding, mudslides etc. These hazards can be avoided and are often associated with man-made alterations in the environment, such as deforestation on hillsides or excavations and many more such activities.

(3) Hydrometeorological Hazards: It is associated with changes in air and ocean temperature. This hazard is responsible for the formation of weather phenomena such as hurricanes and tornadoes, and the precipitation and climate variations that sometimes cause extreme flooding, storm surges, droughts and other hydrological phenomena.

(4) Biological Hazards: Biological disasters result from the proliferation of agents such as bacteria, viruses and toxins that can kill or disable people, harm animals, and crops and damage the environment. Some examples of biological hazards are cholera, dengue, yellow fever, Ebola virus and Marburg virus. The current pandemic situation due to Coronavirus is also an example of biological hazards.

Disaster Management

Disasters have massive human and economic costs. They may cause many deaths, severe injuries, and food shortages. Most incidents of severe injuries and deaths occur during the time of impact, whereas disease outbreaks and food shortages often arise much later, depending on the nature and duration of the disaster. Anticipating the potential consequences of disasters can help determine the actions that need to be started before the disaster strikes to minimize its effects.

Disasters are the ultimate test of a community’s emergency response capability. There are 3 major steps that can be taken to manage disaster which include pre-disaster management, during-disaster management and post-disaster management. The pre-disaster management involves generating data and information about the disasters, preparing vulnerability zoning maps and spreading awareness among the people about these. Apart from these, disaster planning, preparedness and preventive measures are other steps that need to be taken in vulnerable areas.

During disasters, rescue and relief operations such as evacuation, construction of shelters and relief camps, supplying of water, food, clothing and medical aids etc. should be done on an emergency basis. Post-disaster operations involve rehabilitation and recovery of victims. It should concentrate on capacity building in order to cope with future disasters, if any. These measures have special significance to India as about two-thirds of its geographical area and an equal proportion of its population are vulnerable to disasters. The Government of India has also taken some steps for disaster management such as passing the disaster management bill and the establishment of the National Institute of Disaster Management.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Natural disasters Essay

What are the types of natural disasters.

Floods/tsunamis, wildfires, drought, hurricane/storms and earthquakes are examples for common natural disasters.

How can we control the impact of a natural disaster?

Impact of natural disasters can be mitigated to an extent by creating awareness among the public about counter measures to be taken. Governments could use disaster prediction technology and install warning systems to alert people about impending disasters. Implementing and enforcing building codes is another measure to reduce the after-effects of disasters.

How do natural disasters affect the environment?

Wildfires, floods, and tornadoes cause structural changes to our ecosystem and also damage the natural inhabitation of that area.

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Flood Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on flood.

Flood is one of the most dangerous natural disasters. It happens when excessive water is collected in any area. It usually happens due to heavy rainfall. India is highly prone to flood. There are many regions in the country that face this natural disaster because of the overflowing of rivers. Moreover, it also happens because of the melting of snow. Another reason for floods is when the dam breaks down. If we look at the coastal areas, the hurricanes and tsunamis are held responsible for causing floods. In this essay on flood, we will see the prevention and after-affect of flood.

In other words, whatever the cause may be, it is equally dangerous. It has a lot of harmful consequences. Flood damages the living conditions and it takes a lot of time to recover from this disaster. Therefore, the consequences of floods must be known and steps must be taken to prevent it.

After-effects of Flood

Floods interrupt with the day to day functioning of the affected area. The severe floods sometimes cause mass destruction. A lot of people and animals lose their lives due to floods. Several others are injured. Floods also bring a rise in diseases. The stagnant water attracts mosquitoes causing malaria , dengue, and more illnesses.

Furthermore, people face power cuts due to the danger of electrocution. They also have to face expensive pricing. As the supply of food and goods gets limited, the prices naturally grow higher. This creates a big problem for the common man.

Most importantly, the whole country faces economic loss. The resources needed to rescue people and tackle this disaster demands a hefty amount. Plus, the citizens lose their houses and cars which they worked all their lives for.

Subsequently, floods also hamper the environment. It causes soil erosion and this degrades the quality of the soil. We lose out on fertile soil. Similarly, floods also damage flora and fauna. They damage crops and displace trees. Thus, the measure should be taken to avoid these grave consequences.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Ways to Prevent flood

The government and citizens must work together to formulate ways to prevent floods. Proper awareness must be spread about the steps to take when floods occur. Warning systems must be set up so people get sufficient time to save themselves. In addition, areas that are more likely to have floods must have tall buildings above the flood level.

Other than that, dams must be constructed strongly. The use of cheap materials causes dams to break. The government must ensure there is a quality building of dams to prevent floods.

In short, we cannot prevent natural causes like rain and the melting of glaciers. However, we can stop the manmade causes like breaking of dams, poor drainage system, installing warning systems and more. We should take inspiration from countries like Singapore that never experience floods despite having heavy rainfall for most time of the year.

FAQ on Flood Essay

Q.1 what are the consequences of a flood.

A.1 Floods cause immense destruction. They are responsible for the loss of human and animal lives. People lose their homes and cars in floods. They also cause soil erosion and uproot of trees.

Q.2 How can we prevent floods?

A.2 Governments must take up certain measures to prevent floods. We can install flood warning systems. Make people aware of what to do in times of flood. Moreover, we can also build a proper drainage system that will ensure no waterlogging.

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Argumentative Essay: Natural Disaster: Their Abatement and Safety Measures

Introduction & Thesis

It should be left up to the government when it comes to natural disasters. They are something that government agencies can predict and are able to give warning for. The government should be the main focus when it comes to natural disaster safety measures and abatement.

The government is not able to predict all natural disasters, and so should not be held accountable for death tolls or the damage caused by natural disasters.

Counter Argument

The government is in a far better position to protect people from natural disasters then they are on their own. Plus, they have access to weather monitoring devices and warning systems that they can use to help save lives. We have seen what happens when a government does nothing from when George Bush Jar did nothing to help the millions affected by hurricane Katrina. The funny online pictures of George Bush Jar fishing in the floodwaters of New Orleans accurately summed up what happens when the government does nothing about natural disasters.

Natural disasters are the work of god and so cannot be abated or guarded against by humans. Like the story of Job, the bad times should be endured whilst giving thanks for what we do have.

God helps those who help themselves. God did not give us the capacity for thought and lateral thinking so that we could not use it. It is our job as children of god to use his gifts to cure disease, help the suffering, make safe ourselves from natural disasters and abate their devastation. God did not punish Noah for building an arc to avoid the floods.

People can help themselves. It is the people who are ill prepared for hurricanes that sustain the most damage. People who stay in their houses and are killed are responsible for their own deaths; the people who do not board up their houses or leave glass items lying around, or do not switch of their water and gas lines. These people are proof that people can take care of themselves during natural disasters if they try harder.

It is up to the government to give ample warning about things such as hurricanes. If they did not, then people would not even get the chance to board up their houses and secure them. Nor would they know anything about how to make a house safer if the government did not give enough warning and advice. It is up to the government to warn people and to give advice on what to do.

The government is not expected to do all of the work when warning for a natural disaster, implementing safety procedures and abating further damage. But, they are responsible for a lot of it and should be accountable if they do not do a good enough job and do not warn and help to abate the damage. Death and damage is going to happen if the government fails to act beforehand and afterwards–such as with hurricane Katrina and New Orleans.

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The Hunger Games: a Parable of Societal Struggle and Survival

This essay about Suzanne Collins’s “The Hunger Games” explores its themes of power dynamics, socio-economic inequality, and media manipulation. Through the lens of protagonist Katniss Everdeen, it delves into the oppressive regime of Panem, where the annual Hunger Games serve as a tool of control. The narrative critiques voyeuristic entertainment and highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Ultimately, “The Hunger Games” prompts reflection on societal structures and the importance of resistance against oppression.

How it works

In the realm of contemporary literature, few works have ignited as fervent a discussion as Suzanne Collins’s “The Hunger Games.” This dystopian saga, set in the fictional world of Panem, has transcended its genre, weaving a narrative tapestry that intertwines themes of power, inequality, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of oppression. At the heart of the tale lies the indomitable protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, whose journey through the harrowing Hunger Games serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of our own society.

Central to the narrative of “The Hunger Games” is its exploration of power dynamics and the repercussions of authoritarian rule. Within the confines of Panem, a totalitarian regime led by the Capitol governs over twelve districts with an iron fist. The annual Hunger Games, a barbaric spectacle in which children from each district are forced to fight to the death for the Capitol’s entertainment, epitomizes the regime’s grip on power. Through Katniss’s perspective, readers are thrust into a world where defiance against the status quo is met with swift and brutal punishment, highlighting the precarious balance between compliance and rebellion.

In addition to its examination of power, “The Hunger Games” serves as a poignant commentary on socio-economic inequality and exploitation. The gaping chasm between the opulent Capitol and the impoverished districts underscores the pervasive disparities that plague society. Katniss’s humble origins in District 12 offer a stark contrast to the decadence of the Capitol, illuminating the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities. As she navigates the treacherous terrain of the Games, Katniss becomes a symbol of resistance against the systemic injustices that perpetuate inequality.

Moreover, “The Hunger Games” delves into the ethical implications of media manipulation and the commodification of human suffering. The televised spectacle of the Games, broadcasted for the Capitol’s amusement, serves as a grim reminder of the insidious nature of voyeuristic entertainment. Collins deftly critiques the voyeurism inherent in reality television, prompting readers to question the morality of consuming violence for the sake of entertainment. Through Katniss’s lens, we are compelled to confront our own complicity in perpetuating systems of oppression through passive consumption.

Beyond its socio-political commentary, “The Hunger Games” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds of solidarity forged in the face of adversity. Katniss’s unwavering determination to protect her loved ones and defy the Capitol’s tyranny resonates with readers on a visceral level. Her journey from reluctant tribute to reluctant symbol of revolution is a testament to the transformative power of individual agency in effecting change. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of the Games, Katniss emerges not only as a survivor but as a beacon of hope for a society on the brink of collapse.

In conclusion, “The Hunger Games” stands as a modern parable of societal struggle and survival, resonating with readers across generations and cultures. Through its rich tapestry of themes and characters, Collins crafts a narrative that transcends the confines of its genre, sparking vital conversations about power, inequality, and the resilience of the human spirit. As we accompany Katniss on her journey through the dystopian landscape of Panem, we are reminded of the enduring power of hope and the importance of standing up against injustice, no matter the cost.

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Migration tracking group says 76 million people were displaced within their countries in 2023

Jamey Keaten

Associated Press

GENEVA – Conflicts and natural disasters left a record nearly 76 million people displaced within their countries last year, with violence in Sudan, Congo and the Middle East driving two-thirds of new movement, a top migration monitoring group said Tuesday.

The Internal Displacement Monitoring Center report found that the number of internally displaced people, or IDPs, has jumped by 50% over the past five years and roughly doubled in the past decade. It doesn't cover refugees — displaced people who fled to another country.

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