SUBJECT: EARTH SCIENCES

PAPER ES16: GEOHAZARDS & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

CODE: 602

TYPES OF NATURAL DISASTERS

BY
PROF.A.BALASUBRAMANIAN

Objectives
The purpose of this lesson is to make the user to know about the Types and Effects of Disasters, the
characteristics of Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic eruptions, Floods, Cyclones, Hurricanes,
Landslides, Bushfires, Droughts, Epidemic, Accidents and Civil unrests. It is important to analyze
the effects of disasters in relation to their own local circumstances.

Introduction
Disasters are serious, dangerous and intolerable phenomena frequently occurring on the planet earth.
Thousands of people die in a moment. Millions of people may become homeless within a day. Huge
infrastructure may get damaged within a few seconds or minutes. Disasters are the catastrophic
events shocking the whole world and making the humanity to feel very sad and depressed. All life
and life-support systems are also affected by these unexpected incidences. What is required,
ultimately, is to minimize the effects of these disasters by applying certain disaster management
practices. The subject of disaster management is a compulsory part of learning by all students in
earth and atmospheric sciences.

Definition of disaster
By definition "disaster" means a catastrophe, a mishap, a calamity or grave danger event occurred in
an area and affected life and properties. It may be arising from natural or man- made causes, or by
accident or due to negligence. This sudden event results in the substantial loss of life or create much
suffering to humans and other life. It also includes much damage to, and destruction of, property, or
damage to, or degradation of the environment. A disaster is of such a nature or magnitude as to be
beyond the coping capacity of the community of the affected area. Dozens of types of disasters
happen all over the world at one time or the other. It is necessary to have an understanding of the
types of disasters, their causes, characteristics and impacts.

Terminologies
A disaster is any violent event, causing death, injury, disease or damage to the life and properties. It
also damages the physical infrastructure and the environment. The term hazard is related to the
threats to life, to the well-being, and to the material goods. People who are severely affected due to
disasters are called as vulnerable population. The term Vulnerability is used to denote the degree to
which an individual or a community is at risk of experiencing a misfortune. The term Risk, is
defined as, the expected damage, or loss, caused by, any hazard. It depends on vulnerability of the
people exposed to these hazards, and its severity or periodicity. Natural disasters are never ending
processes. Every disaster may have a short-term or long-term impact. Disasters can never be
stopped, but their impacts can be minimized.

Disaster Management
Disaster management is the only solution to these issues. Disaster management, involves a three-fold
activity as
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a) the disaster preparedness, as a pre-disaster professional development
b) disaster response at the time of the event and
c) relief and rehabilitation after the incidents.

There are many physical, educational, institutional, psychological, political and socio-economic
issues, which are to be considered in disaster management. It is necessary to understand the types of
disasters while dealing with disaster management.

Types of Natural Disasters

Different types of disasters are distinguished in terms of their nature and extent of impacts.
The following are the major types of disasters that are commonly encountered:
•Agricultural diseases & pests
•Cyclones and Damaging Winds
•Drought and water shortage
•Earthquakes
•Emergency diseases (pandemic influenza)
•Extreme heat
•Floods and flash floods
•Hail
•Hurricanes and tropical storms
•Landslides & debris flow
•Thunderstorms and lighting
•Tornadoes
•Tsunamis
•Wildfire
•Winter and ice storms
•Sinkholes

Man-Made and Technological Types of Disasters

Disasters also can be caused by humans. Hazardous materials emergencies include chemical spills
and groundwater contamination. Workplace fires are more common incidences and can cause
significant property damage and loss of life. People are also vulnerable to threats posed by extremist
groups who use violence against both people and property.

The Types of man-made Disasters are

•Hazardous materials
•Power service disruption & blackout
•Nuclear power plant and nuclear blast
•Radiological emergencies
•Chemical threat and biological weapons
•Cyber attacks
•Explosion
•Civil unrest.

Sudden Occurrences
Disasters like earthquakes, hailstorms, avalanches, landslides, etc. occur quite suddenly. Similarly,
floods and cyclones occur with some element of .warning yet their occurrence is confined to a short
duration. Drought, on the other hand, spans over a much longer time-frame and its adverse impact
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will be on the economic activities of people and on the life of an area. The effects are more of a long-
lasting nature.

Major types of disasters

Natural disasters may be broadly grouped into major and minor types depending upon their potential
to cause damage to human life and property. The disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
droughts, floods and cyclones could be regarded as major types. The disasters like hailstorms,
avalanches, landslides, fire accidents, etc. whose impact is localized and the intensity of the damage
is much less than the others may be categorized as minor disasters.

Minor disasters
Minor disasters like hailstorms, avalanches, landslides and forest fires also occur without any
appreciable degree of warning. Almost all of them cause damage to properties and lives. However,
areas prone to be affected by such disasters could be identified. Certain precautionary measures
could also be taken in the context of potential threat requiring general awareness and preparedness
for appropriate responses on the part of the local administration. In addition to these, wartime civil
defense or protection measures are also coming under this concept.

General Effects of Disasters

The typical effects of disasters may be one or more of the following:
• Loss of life,
• Injury,
• Damage to and destruction of property,
• Damage to and destruction of plantations and crops,
• Disruption of production,
• Disruption of lifestyle,
• Disruption of transport
• Loss of livelihood and occupation to people
• Disruption to essential services like electricity, water supply and gas supply,
• Damage to national infrastructure
• Disruption of communication and other networks
• Disruption to government systems and schemes,
• Shortage of food resources
• Spreading of diseases
• National economic loss, and
• Sociological effects and
• Psychological after effects.

Consequences
Some are direct and primary Consequences and some may be Secondary and indirect Consequences.
Whenever a natural disaster occurs, it will certainly cause an economic crisis, starvation, epidemic,
migration, landlessness, homelessness, orphanage to some children and massive deaths.

Earthquakes
Earthquakes are shaking of the earth’s crustal blocks due to the movement of plates and their rocks
along a fault or plate boundaries. The rocks under stress accumulate strain energy over a period of
time. When the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, then the rock gets broken. The strain energy
is released as seismic waves. The longer that energy is stored up and is maintained without release,
the more likely that a strong earthquake will occur.
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For an earthquake to occur there will be no warning. However, after the occurrence of a major
earthquake, secondary shocks may indicate of a further earthquake. The speed of onset of an
earthquake may be usually sudden. For this purpose, the earthquake-prone areas are generally well
identified and defined/ demarcated. Major impacts and effects come mainly from land movement,
fracture, or slippage. Due to lack of warning, a severe loss to life occurs during earthquakes.

Seismic Prone-Areas
People of seismic prone-areas must go for seismic resistant constructions, analyzing the terrain
conditions, providing proper safety systems, dam protection and circuit controls in gas and
electricity lines. Post-earthquake activity mainly involves proper and immediate medical assistance,
rescue of victims, damage and needs assessment, relief to survivors, clearing of roads, re-establishing
communication channels, supply of food, blankets, clothes and other materials. Rehabilitation
includes, repair and re-construction, setting the lines of water, electricity and sewage lines. Economic
programs to provide jobs, credit assistance and donations are the life giving solutions.

Tsunami (Seismic Sea Wave)

Tsunamis are huge seismic sea waves that are generated by the earthquakes originating under the sea.
If the earthquake displaces the sea surface, waves are generated that can grow while moving over the
sea surface.

Characteristics of Tsunamis
Tsunamis are typical disasters. The occurrence is related to several factors. The velocity of the
tsunami wave depends on the depth of water where the seismic disturbance occurs. The initial wave
velocity may be as high as 900 kilometer per hour (kph), slowing to approximately 50 kph as the
wave strikes the land. The warning time depends on the distance from the point of wave origin.
The Speed of onset of a tsunami varies. Their impacts on a shoreline can be preceded by a marked
recession of normal water level prior to the arrival of a wave. This can result in a massive outgoing
tide, followed by the incoming tsunami wave. People may be trapped when they investigate the
phenomenon of the outgoing tide and then be struck by the incoming wave. The tsunami wave can be
very destructive. The wave heights may be of 30 meters or more. A tsunami can cause flooding;
saltwater contamination of crops, soil, and water supplies. Destruction and damage to buildings,
structures, and all shoreline vegetation happen during a tsunami.

Volcanic Eruptions
Sudden eruptions of volcanoes can create a lot of damages.

Characteristics of volcanic eruptions

Volcanoes also cause disaster threats. Most of the major eruptions can be predicted. Volcanic
eruptions come with severe blasts. A blast can destroy all structures and environmental settings
surrounding to it. They also cause fires. They also create forest fires. The land surface cracking,
resulting from volcanic explosion, may affect the buildings and other structures. The lava flow can
bury buildings and crops. It may also cause fires and render land unusable. Ash, in its airborne form,
can affect aircraft by ingestion into engines. Ground deposit of ash may also destroy the crops and
affect the land use conditions and water supplies. Volcanic ash may cause respiratory problems.
Sometimes, mud flows may arise from associated heavy rain.

Floods
Floods have the greatest damage potential when compared to the other natural disasters, over the
environment. Floods are also considered to be both social and economic disasters. A flood is a body
of water overflowing the river channels. Floods are associated with some extreme natural events that
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happen over a drainage basin. Floods are defined as relatively high flows which overtakes the
natural channels provided for the runoff. The level at which water flows along streams is called as
the river stage. During flood, the stage of a river is high. The river water during a flood usually
overflows its banks.

Characteristics of floods
Floods are classified as long, short, or no warning type of flood. Their speed of onset may be gradual
or sudden. There may be seasonal patterns to flooding. Major effects arise mainly from inundation
and erosion. Severe floods may include isolation of communities or areas, and involve the need for
large-scale evacuation.

Effects of floods
Every flood, affects the long term economic growth. Inflation, unemployment and more financial
burden are the other effects. Flood hazard maps, flood proofing of existing buildings, flood
detection, facilities to reduce flood damage, construction of more open channels and detention
facilities are needed.

Methods of control
Floods are controlled by construction of reservoirs, river channels, natural detention basins,
inter-basin water transfer, construction of levees and flood walls, diversion canals, bank stabilization,
best agronomic practices, afforestation and catchment zone management. These are done to modify
the susceptibility of flood damage through flood plain management, structural changes, flood
proofing, disaster preparedness, flood forecasting and flood warning.

Disaster management methods are adopted to reduce the loss though emergency evacuation, flood
fighting, public health, disaster relief, flood insurance and tax remission.

Cyclones
A Cyclone is defined as any large system of winds that rotates about a centre of low atmospheric
pressure with a speed over 100 kmph. This swirling action happens in a counterclockwise direction
north of the Equator and in a clockwise direction to the south. The diameter of the ring of swirling
winds may range from 500 to 1500 km. It is a highly dynamic movement and the direction of its
transgression is not precisely predictable.

Anticyclones have a flow opposite to that of cyclones--i.e., an outward-spiraling motion, with the
winds rotating clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern
Hemisphere. They are usually not as strong as the cyclonic storms and bring no rainfall.

Strong horizontal temperature gradients are responsible for the formation of cyclones. These are
known as the tropical cyclones. Those cyclones that form outside the equatorial belt are known as
extra-tropical cyclones.

The name of cyclone differs from region to region. The tropical cyclones are called
as hurricanes in the Atlantic and Caribbean,
as typhoons in the western Pacific , Phillipines and China , and
as willy-willies off the coasts of Australia.

Based on their velocities, wind speeds are classified into various kinds.
According to the famous Beaufort wind scale, the following categories are made.

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A Gentle breeze when it is having a wind velocity of 12-19 kmph. This force can move leaves and
small twigs.
A Strong breeze when it is having a wind velocity of 39-49kmph. This force can make large
branches of trees sway and make it difficult to use umbrellas.
A Moderate gale when it is having a wind velocity of 50-61kmph. This will make a person feel
difficult to walk against the wind.
A Whole gale when it is having a wind velocity of 89-102kmph. This force can uproot the trees.
A Storm when it is having a wind velocity of 103-117kmph. This will create a widespread damage.
A Hurricane when it is having a wind velocity of more than 117kmph. This force will lead to a
violent destruction.

Tropical cyclones are accompanied by winds of extreme violence. Storms usually occur with
cyclones. It is defined as a circular strom with rotating wind speeds in excess of 32 metres per
second. The life span of a tropical cyclone is on an average, six to nine days until it enters the land.
No tropical cyclone follows the same track.

Hurricanes:
A Hurricane is a powerful, whirling storm that measures 320 to 480 kilometres in diameter. The
winds near the centre of a hurricane blow at speeds of 120 kilometres per hour or more. Many
hurricanes have caused widespread death and destruction. The strongest winds and heaviest rain of a
hurricane occur within its wall clouds. Hurricanes occur in the North Atlantic and North Pacific
oceans from June to November--most of them in September. On an average, about six to eight
hurricanes form in these regions.

Tornadoes:
A Tornado is a powerful, twisting windstorm. These are the most violent winds that occur on the
earth. They whirl around the centre at more than 320 kilometres per hour speed. Most of them
measure several hundred metres in diameter. It becomes a rotating funnel cloud that extends
downward from a mass of dark clouds. Some of them do not reach the earth. Others may strike the
surface of the earth, withdraw into the dark clouds above, and then dip down and strike the earth
again. It happens in the United States, and in parts of Australia. Most tornadoes last less than an
hour. Some of them last several hours and measure up to about 2.5 kilometres in diameter.
Tornadoes can uproot large trees, overturn railway carriages, and carry cars hundreds of metres
away.

Typhoons:
A Typhoon is a violent, low-pressure tropical storm that occurs in the western Pacific Ocean. They
are similar to hurricanes, beginning near the equator and move westward. They advance slowly,
usually at about 15 to 25 kilometres per hour speed. The circular winds around the centre are very
strong, often reaching speeds of 240 kilometres per hour. The diameter of a typhoon can be as large
as 480 kilometres.

Typhoons are associated with heavy rains and powerful winds causing severe land and property
damage and loss of life. The destructive rush of seawater, called a storm surge, often accompanies a
typhoon as it moves onto the coastal lands.

Characteristics of cyclones
Cyclones have a destructive power. They attack coastal regions with severe storms and rainfall.
Activated by the rainstorms, the can easily remove huts, small shelters, trees and plants, boats and
other vehicles. Every storm changes the distribution pattern of surface water bodies, groundwater
systems, affect the growth of fresh water crops, disrupt the normal cycle of life and occupation.
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Cyclones give indications well before their arrival. They give long warning. The speed of onset is
gradual. They tend to conform to seasonal pattern. The major effects arise mainly from destructive
force of winds and storm surges. Flooding from intense rainfall may also increase the damage.
Landslides may follow flooding and heavy rainfall. All these cumulatively lead to destruction and/or
severe damage to buildings and other structures, roads, essential services, crops, and the
environment. Major loss of life and livestock may occur.

Cyclone warning
Warning and tracking of tropical cyclones are essential tasks of the people. Cyclone warning can
help people to vacate the zones of danger and prepare for advance relief measures. Attempts to
forecast tropical cyclones date back to the nineteenth century. Cyclone and Pressure Monitoring
ships provide warning of any storm within the range. Earth Observation Satellites transmit live
images of any part of the globe and its cloud systems. Methods to protect the environment against
tornadoes are a permanent requirement in some places.

Methods of monitoring
Weather monitoring stations obtain information from local observers, radar stations, and the pilots of
aircraft when weather conditions appear to be dangerous. The receiving stations issue warning
messages to the people in the area of the tornado. Every country having a long coastal belt has to
establish a Cyclone Warning Network. Wind tunnel research is a major activity to propose cyclone
resistant houses and structures. It is very difficult to protect the vegetation, without constructing sea
walls and shelter belts. Ports and harbors need frequent maintenance operations and hence they need
to evolve certain precautionary measures. The origin of a cyclone may be spotted out using a satellite
image at least two days in advance. This is one of the major advantages of organizing precautionary
measures and relief related activities.

Landslide
Landslide is a general term used to describe the downslope movement of soil, rock, and organic
materials under the effects of gravity and also the landform that results from such movement.
Landslides can be classified into different types on the basis of the type of movement and the type of
material involved. The material in a landslide may be either a rock or soil (or both). The latter is
described as earth if mainly composed of sand-sized or finer particles and debris if it is composed of
coarser fragments. The type of movement describes the actual internal mechanics of how the
landslide mass is displaced: fall, topple, slide, spread, or flow.

Characteristics of landslide
The warning period of a landslide may vary. Little or no warning may be available if the cause is an
earthquake. However, some general warning may be assumed in the case of landslide arising from
continuous heavy rain. Minor initial landslips may give warning that heavy landslides are to follow.
Natural movement of land surface can be monitored, thus providing long warning of possibility of
landslides. The speed of onset is mostly rapid. The damage to structures and systems can be severe.
Due to landslides, the rivers may be blocked, causing flooding. Due to this the crops may be
affected. Sometimes, areas of crop-producing land may be lost altogether. When landslides are
combined with very heavy rain and flooding, the movement of debris may cause high levels of
damage and destruction.

Bushfire (or Wildfire)

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It is also called as forest fires. Bushfires are frequent events occurring during the hotter months of
the year. They are formed due to hot and dry climate. In some countries, it happens every year.
Bushfires impact extensive areas. They can cause property damage and loss of human life. In
certain countries, the native flora have evolved to rely on bushfires as a means of reproduction,
and fire events are an interwoven and an essential part of the ecology of the continent.

Characteristics of bushfire
Most bushfire-prone areas are well-known and well defined. The Bushfire threat tends to be
seasonal. The speed of onset may vary. It can be rapid under conditions of high temperatures and
high wind, when major fire fronts advance very quickly. Also, fragments of fire from a main front
may be carried forward by the wind, starting new fires further ahead. This is sometimes known as
“spotting.” The effects can be very destructive, especially in loss of buildings, timber, and livestock.
The recovery from effects on the environment may take several years. Evacuating the communities
may be difficult and dangerous, in the face of a major fire front.

Drought
This is arising due to recurring failure of monsoons. The area affected by drought becomes dry and
waterless. Food security will be affected. Water scarcity prevails everywhere. People die due to
hunger.

Characteristics of drought
Major areas liable to drought are usually well-known. The periods of drought can be prolonged. The
area(s) affected may be very large. Droughts give early warning, well before its occurrence. The
effects on agriculture, livestock, rural industry production, and human habitation may be severe. This
may lead to prolonged food shortages or famine. The long-term effects can be in the form of severe
economic loss, erosion which affects future habitation and production, and sometimes abandonment
of large tracts of land. The man-made activities may aggravate the possibility and extent of the
drought problem. The inability and/or unwillingness of the population to move from drought-prone
areas may aggravate the problem, further.

Epidemic
Epidemic is the spread of sudden outbreak of contagious diseases due to some natural or man-made
reasons. The Disaster-related epidemic arises generally from the disrupted living conditions which
follow disaster impact.
Epidemic may arise from:
food sources;
water sources;
inadequate medical facilities and poor health standards;
malnutrition; and
vector-borne sources (e.g., mosquitoes).

Types of diseases
Types of disease include:
hepatitis,
typhoid,
diptheria,
malaria,
cholera,
influenza,
enteritis,

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diarrhea,
skin diseases, and
food poisoning.

Under post-impact conditions, when personnel and facilities may be limited, disease outbreaks may
prove difficult situation to contain and control. This may particularly apply if community health
education is of substandard in reality. The warning is self-evident in most of the post-impact
circumstances. The speed of onset of a disease outbreak is mostly rapid.

Major Accidents
Accidents are sudden incidents causing severe loss of life and properties. These are mostly
unexpected incidences. Accidents are usually violent in nature. It may be an industrial or other
explosion, aircraft crash, major fire and a train collision. It can have limited or widespread effect.
Accidents are mostly limited but do not show any warning. The speed of onset is usually rapid.

Civil Unrests
This is humanly-induced activity. It creates a lot of problems to well-being. The causative factors are
many. Violent and disruptive activities occur like bombing, armed clashes, mob demonstrations,
and violence. Patterns of civil unrest are difficult to predict. Therefore, effective warning may also
be difficult. In many civil unrest circumstances, especially terrorism, the instigators have the
initiative, thus complicating the task of law enforcement authorities.
Other Disasters
Severe outbreaks of animal diseases that threaten rural industries, food production may also occur.

Indian Scenario
Many regions in India are vulnerable to regular natural disasters on account of its unique geological
and climatic conditions. About 60% of the area of the country is prone to earthquakes of various
intensities; over 40 million hectares of land are prone to be affected by floods; about 8% of the total
area is prone to frequent cyclones and 68% of the area is susceptible to drought. Some regions are
common to these multiple disasters.
In the last decade between 1990 and 2000, an average of about 4344 people lost their lives and about
30 million people were affected by disasters every year. The loss in terms of private, community and
public assets has been alarming. The United Nations General Assembly, in 1989, declared that
period as the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. It was done with the basic
objective to reduce the loss of lives and property and restrict the socio-economic damage caused by
disasters.

Conclusion:
Disaster management is the only way to mitigate the effects of all these hazards. India has efficiently
handled the recent cyclones and reduced the effects to bare minimum level. It was possible due to
advance planning. Advance planning is always needed to keep the items of emergency for any
disaster. Guidelines are also to be prepared in the form of booklets and circulated to the educated
individuals. Awareness camps are to be organised for public. Training is yet another initiative.
Training involves the duties and responsibilities, efforts to sustain, role of employees/NGOs, risks,
errors, behavioural patterns, recovery techniques, communication channels, safety rules, priorities
and security measures. Understanding of the types of disasters is a basic necessity in disaster
management.

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