How Dangerous are some Types of Natural Disasters?

If a serious disaster is imminent, immediate evacuation is the best course of action. Regardless of the advice some provide about waiting it out, nature is not something to gamble with. Each disaster has a straightforward response to minimize the need for survival tactics – evacuation. Meteorologists will usually alert those in danger zones through television, radio, etc. Even if the roads are congested, attempting to leave is better than staying put. The following tactics are secondary strategies if evacuation is not possible.

Hurricanes are common on the east coast of the United States. If you live in this region, consider creating a hurricane kit that includes rations, walkie-talkies, water, and most importantly, a first-aid kit. Secondly, educate yourself! Determine the hurricane’s category on the Saffir-Simpson Scale (categories 1-5, with 5 being the worst), its projected path, and any other relevant details. Prepare your home for impact by covering windows with wood to protect against flying debris, pruning vegetation around your house, and clearing gutters to divert water away from your roof. During a hurricane, if evacuation orders are issued, comply. Find safety in the center of your house if evacuation is not possible. If your house or building has multiple floors, seek refuge on the highest level as basements can flood. Keep away from glass and breakable objects. It’s also critical to refrain from bathing or showering during a hurricane; water can conduct electricity, posing a risk of electrocution if power lines are down.

While surviving tsunamis can be nearly impossible, it isn’t entirely out of the question. If you’re on the coast and an earthquake occurs, a tsunami might follow, and you should race towards higher ground. Popular Science states, “When a tsunami comes ashore, areas less than 25 feet above sea level and within a mile of the sea will be in the greatest danger.” Therefore, reaching higher ground quickly is a must. Experts recommend traveling by foot because road congestion can slow escape efforts. Once the tsunami arrives, being caught in the wave reduces survival chances dramatically due to risks of underwater debris impact and drowning. Also, bear in mind a tsunami typically consists of more than one enormous wave, with the first wave not always the most powerful of the series.

Some people think that tornadoes are not as deadly as many make them seem. According to NPR, “Tornadoes have killed about 500 people in the U.S. so far this year. However, experts say that number would be much lower if everyone knew how best to protect themselves when a twister approaches.” For this reason, understanding the gravity of the situation is essential for survival. The first thing you must do is recognize a situation where a tornado could possibly develop. Tornadoes spawn in thunderstorms, so you can keep an eye out for that. Once an official warning has been released, you should go to your basement or the lowest floor of your house, far away from windows. If you are outside, you should find a low-lying point in the ground such as a ditch to lay down in. In both situations, you should cover your head as debris will be in the air. If you are in your car, you should follow the direction for people outdoors.

Earthquakes are common in certain areas of the USA therefore you should know the basics of survival. The first thing to remember is drop, cover, hold on. Drop is for dropping to the floor. Cover is for covering your head from debris. Hold on is for grabbing on to a heavy/sturdy object such as a table or bed. During an earthquake you should stay where you are. Be aware that there will be debris and unsteadiness. You should also know that there will be an aftershock, which may be worse than the original earthquake. (https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes)

“Who expects to be in the area where there is a volcanic eruption? I’m doubtful that anyone would say they would. However, you can take a look at Pompeii and ask yourself whether you’d rather be prepared or not. Genuinely, about 50 volcanic eruptions happen per year, and there are about 500 active volcanoes in the world. The place where volcanoes are most common is Hawaii. In the case of an eruption, you should cover your eyes with goggles, wear fall-style clothing (long pants, long sleeves), and avoid the use of contact lenses. Steer clear of low areas; these are hotspots for magma. Be prudent about using your car, as the volcano could affect it. According to Ready.gov, “A volcanic eruption may involve lava and other debris that can flow up to 100 mph.” To put the icing on the cake, underwater volcanic eruptions can cause, guess what, tsunamis.”

What happens after a natural disaster, and how can you help?

Devastation, destruction, lost, rebuilding are some words that can be heard after a natural disaster. Many say it’s impossible to really rebuild after a big enough disaster. Although that, there are ways to help and reclaim the former glory of a state, country, city, even continent! But how and what happens? According to Monographs “Regarding human losses, the damage counts show very large numbers of dead, injured and missing, not only during the natural disaster.” Using this information, we know there’s a lot to rebuild, so how can you help? One thing you can do is give money to rescue teams. The second thing is to join a rescue team to help those affected by the natural disaster. Other things include giving support to those affected, sending supplies to the areas. Some groups that are reliable are The Salvation Army, AmeriCares, Save the Children, the Red Cross, UNICEF, Mercy Corps, Convoy of Hope, Global Giving, ShelterBox, and Doctors Without Borders (http://www.cnn.com/ 2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/14/iyw.howtohelp.japan/index.html) Another thing is to help collect money. Donate blood to those affected. Maybe your health situation requires it. You must also continue to help those affected in the following months. (http://get.noblehour.com/noblehourblog/2016/10/23/fcw4qg3ud6c69pdcrcp70h6kf6fyr8) You should also think about animals after a natural disaster. Animals are affected. One idea is to adopt an animal from that area. (https://www.consumerreports.org/charitable-donations/best-ways-to-help-in-aftermath-of-a-natural-disaster) The most valuable thing you can do for those who have survived is donate your time for them. They have been valuable and need your support. Imagine this: You have seen terrible things, you have lost everything, several people have died, your house has no electricity, there is not enough food in the markets. What do you need more now? What would be the most important thing to you? Would it be a house, a bed, would it stop the death of the wounded? With donating your support these wishes can be reality. The brave people who have survived these terrors deserve everything and more for their courage in difficult times.

What are some records of natural disasters?
Although all natural disasters are dangerous, some are decidedly more deadly than others. First, I’m going to delve into the most fatal natural disaster on record: the Yangzi River floods. According to LiveScience, the estimated fatalities sit at a whopping “2 million,” yet other sources, including NOAA, report that the death toll may have reached up to as many as “3.7 million.” To add insult to injury, the flood also ravaged approximately 70,000 square miles of land. It’s not surprising people described the flooded river as resembling an ocean.

Next we have the record for the costliest year due to natural disasters, which was 2017. In that year, the United States paid a staggering 306 million dollars in damages. This figure takes into account three hurricanes (Harvey, Irma, and Maria) alongside a plethora of natural disasters that get a less recognition in the media – namely hail and frost storms – and, of course, tornadoes. Given this, it’s not surprising 2017 was the most expensive year in history with respect to natural disasters.

The record for the longest recorded lightning strike in history was awarded to a bolt in Oklahoma. A mind-boggling 321 kilometers in lenght, this lightning strike shattered the previously held belief that lightning could only cover distances up to 32 kilometers. This event marked a memorable moment almost 11 years ago. Close behind this event, is the lightning in France which spanned nearly 200 kilometers. But what truly cements its place in history is its duration in the air, coming in at 8 seconds – a stark difference from the typical lightning flash, which lasts for only a split second.

Earthquakes are a terrifying ordeal. Yet, there’s one that stands out above the rest: the 1960 earthquake in Valdivia, Chile. It registered a massive 9.5 on the Richter scale. The devastation was further escalated by a subsequent volcanic eruption. In total, these twin disasters claimed the lives of approximately 5,000 people.

Everyone knows that tornadoes pack a punch, especially those of us living in Wisconsin. However, the scale of destruction triggered by the 1989 tornado in Bangladesh defies all imagination – with an estimated 1,300 deaths and some 80,000 injuries. Omicrono speculates that the intensity of this tornado “will probably be close to level 5,” which is the maximum rating on the Fujita scale. Although it’s not possible to know for sure, the sheer scale of destruction lends strong support to this hypothesis.
After an earthquake like the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, what happens? 

If you have read the section on “How do they start?” you will remember that earthquakes cause tsunamis. Yet the earthquake I mentioned caused several tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. According to Juventud Rebelde, “they made landfall in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Somalia, Maldives, Burma, Tanzania, South Africa, Bangladesh, Seychelles, Kenya, Madagascar, and Indonesia.” The only place where there were no reports of fatalities was Madagascar. Indonesia suffered the worst, reporting half of the 230,000 fatalities.

The record that I am going to talk about now involves the place where natural disasters happen. If you want to be safe, where is the safest place in the context of natural disasters? The safest place in the United States is Syracuse, New York. There, it almost never floods, and hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and tornadoes are virtually non-existent. So, if you are very stressed about natural disasters, you should consider moving to Syracuse.

Hurricane Patricia is considered the most potent hurricane recorded in the history of the world. Its winds reached 200 miles per hour. Classified as category 5, which is the highest category, it resulted in $460 million dollars worth of destruction. Hurricane Patricia impacted Mexico, Texas, and Central America. It only caused six reported fatalities. Still, Patricia will always be remembered as the worst hurricane in history. Before Patricia, Typhoon Haiyan held the title of the most potent tropical cyclone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, natural disasters top the list of things you never want to encounter. Each one causes damage and instills terror, an experience no one deserves to have. Fortunately, today we have access to a wealth of information and protocols that our ancestors did not. Supporting those affected and being prepared are essential. Humanity must recognize the seriousness of natural disasters. If we do not, we cannot fully understand our world. Living on this planet means accepting natural disasters as a part of life. We must not dismiss the idea of a natural disaster as a hoax, or as a concern solely for others. Each one of us is responsible for our own safety, and that is an imperative consideration.

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