Nature's Drama
Understanding Natural Disasters
Natural Disasters
9 chapters in this video
0:00 Introduction
0:37 What a natural disaster is
1:26 Preparation & prediction
2:24 Blizzards, droughts, and earthquakes
3:17 Floods and heat waves
4:19 Hurricanes and thunderstorms
5:10 Tornados, tsunamis, and wildfires
6:23 Other natural disasters
6:48 Get ready for a natural disaster
8:25 Review of the facts
Video Settings
Natural Disasters discusses quite a few of these crazy storms. It specifically discusses ten of the most common and what causes them to occur. In addition, you'll learn a few things you can do to get ready for a natural disaster in your area. The most common type of natural disaster is flooding. Nearly 90% of all disasters actually involve flooding in some way. Floods can result from tropical storms, hurricanes, extreme rains, or even thawing snow.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is a drought. When an area experiences a drought, it means that there is intense heat and an extreme lack of precipitation. Droughts can kill plants and reduce freshwater supply.
Another common natural disaster is the tsunami. These large ocean waves that form after an earthquake happens end up flooding coastal land.
Hurricanes similarly produce excessive rainfall and often a lot of flooding. Wind speeds during a hurricane can reach up to 150 miles an hour! Still, the worst wind storm would be a tornado, with speeds up to 300 miles per hour. Luckily, there are things we can do to help get ready for these storms.
These are the three Ps: plan, prepare, and practice.
It always helps to have a plan that outlines what you should do in case a natural disaster occurs. Then it's important to prepare by gathering necessary supplies. And like practicing for a fire drill at school, it's a good idea to practice the plan you made and ensure it works.
Natural and human-caused disasters affect thousands of people each year. Major disasters such as these have the potential to cause catastrophic loss of life and physical destruction.
They are often unexpected and can leave whole communities in shock.
People who live through a disaster can experience emotional distress. Feelings of anxiety, constant worrying, trouble sleeping, and other depression-like symptoms are common responses to disasters before, during, and after the event.
Many people are able to “bounce back” from disasters with help from family and the community, but others may need additional support to cope and move forward on the path of recovery. Anyone can be at risk, including survivors living in the impacted areas and first responders and recovery workers.
Natural Disasters
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are large-scale geological or meteorological events that have the potential to cause loss of life or property.
These types of disasters include:
Tornadoes and Severe Storms
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Floods
Wildfires
Earthquakes
Drought
1.Tornadoes and Severe Storms
Tornadoes are rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. They are one of the most destructive and dangerous weather phenomena, with winds that can reach speeds of over 300 miles per hour. Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most common in the United States, particularly in the Great Plains and Midwest.
Severe storms are thunderstorms that produce one or more of the following: tornadoes, damaging winds (60 mph or greater), or large hail (1 inch in diameter or greater). Severe storms can also produce heavy rain and flash flooding.
Types of tornadoes
Supercell tornadoes are the most common and most dangerous type of tornado. They are formed in supercells, which are thunderstorms that have a strong, rotating updraft. Supercell tornadoes can be very large and long-lived.
Landspouts are weaker tornadoes that form from non-supercell thunderstorms. They are typically smaller and shorter-lived than supercell tornadoes.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water. They are typically weaker than landspouts and supercell tornadoes.
How to stay safe during a tornado or severe storm
If you are in an area where a tornado or severe storm warning has been issued, you should seek shelter immediately. The best place to shelter is in a basement or interior room without windows on the lowest level of your home. If you do not have a basement, shelter in a closet or bathroom.
If you are caught outdoors during a tornado, lie in a ditch or other low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your arms.
If you are caught in a severe storm with high winds and hail, seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle. Avoid taking shelter under trees or bridges.
Monitor the weather forecast and be aware of the signs of severe weather. This will give you time to prepare for a tornado or severe storm and seek shelter if necessary.
2.Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Hurricanes are the most intense type of tropical cyclone, with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or greater. They can cause catastrophic damage to coastal areas, and can also produce inland flooding.
Tropical storms are less intense than hurricanes, with sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour. They can still cause damage, but are generally less destructive than hurricanes.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are both types of tropical cyclones, which are rotating storms that form over warm ocean waters. They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge.
Types of hurricanes
Category 1 hurricanes have sustained winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour. They can cause some damage to buildings, but are generally not life-threatening.
Category 2 hurricanes have sustained winds of 96 to 110 miles per hour. They can cause significant damage to buildings, and can also cause some power outages and flooding.
Category 3 hurricanes have sustained winds of 111 to 129 miles per hour. They can cause major damage to buildings, and can also cause widespread power outages and flooding.
Category 4 hurricanes have sustained winds of 130 to 156 miles per hour. They can cause catastrophic damage to buildings, and can also cause widespread power outages and flooding.
Category 5 hurricanes have sustained winds of 157 miles per hour or greater. They can cause devastating damage to buildings, and can also cause widespread power outages and flooding.
How to stay safe during a hurricane or tropical storm
If you are in an area where a hurricane or tropical storm warning has been issued, you should take steps to protect yourself and your property.
Evacuate if you are ordered to do so.
Board up windows and doors to protect your home from flying debris.
Bring outdoor furniture and other loose objects indoors.
Have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate.
Stay indoors during the storm and avoid going outside until it is safe to do so.
Monitor the weather forecast and be aware of the signs of a hurricane or tropical storm. This will give you time to prepare for the storm and take steps to protect yourself and your property.
3.Floods
Floods are the overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, snowmelt, storm surge, and dam failure. Floods can occur anywhere in the world, but they are more common in coastal areas and river valleys.
Floods can cause a great deal of damage to property and infrastructure, and can also pose a serious risk to human life. They can also contaminate drinking water and spread disease.
Types of floods
River floods occur when a river overflows its banks. They are the most common type of flood.
Coastal floods occur when storm surge or high tides inundate low-lying coastal areas.
Flash floods are sudden and rapid floods that occur within a few hours of heavy rainfall. They are often caused by thunderstorms or cloudbursts.
Groundwater floods occur when the water table rises to the surface and floods low-lying areas.
Sewage floods occur when sewage systems are overwhelmed by heavy rainfall or other factors.
How to stay safe during a flood
If you are in an area where a flood warning has been issued, you should take steps to protect yourself and your property.
Evacuate if you are ordered to do so.
Move your belongings to higher ground.
Turn off your gas and electricity.
Stay away from flooded areas.
Monitor the weather forecast and be aware of the signs of a flood. This will give you time to prepare for the flood and take steps to protect yourself and your property.
4.Wildfires
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in forests, grasslands, and other vegetation. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including lightning strikes, human carelessness, and arson. Wildfires can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most common in dry, hot climates.
Types of wildfires
Ground fires burn in the organic matter on the ground, such as leaves, needles, and duff. They are typically slow-moving and easy to control.
Surface fires burn in the vegetation above the ground, such as grasses, shrubs, and trees. They can be fast-moving and difficult to control.
Crown fires burn in the leaves and branches of trees. They are the most dangerous type of wildfire, as they can spread quickly and create their own wind.
How to stay safe during a wildfire
If you are in an area where a wildfire is burning, you should take steps to protect yourself and your property.
Evacuate if you are ordered to do so.
Create a defensible space around your home by clearing away flammable vegetation.
Have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate.
Stay informed about the latest wildfire conditions.
Wildfires can be dangerous and destructive, but by taking precautions, you can stay safe and protect yourself and your property.
5.Earthquakes
Earthquakes are sudden and violent shaking of the ground that are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust that are constantly moving. When two plates collide, one plate may be forced underneath the other, causing the ground to shake. Earthquakes can also occur when plates slide past each other or when they pull apart.
Types of earthquakes
Tectonic earthquakes
Tectonic earthquakes are the most common type of earthquake. They are caused by the movement of tectonic plates.Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust that are constantly moving. When two plates collide, one plate may be forced underneath the other, causing the ground to shake. Earthquakes can also occur when plates slide past each other or when they pull apart.
Tectonic earthquakes can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most common around the edges of tectonic plates. The largest and most destructive earthquakes are typically tectonic earthquakes.
Tectonic earthquakes are the most common type of earthquake. They are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust that are constantly moving. When two plates collide, one plate may be forced underneath the other, causing the ground to shake. Earthquakes can also occur when plates slide past each other or when they pull apart.
Tectonic earthquakes can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most common around the edges of tectonic plates. The largest and most destructive earthquakes are typically tectonic earthquakes.
Here are some examples of tectonic earthquakes:
The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan was a magnitude 9.0 earthquake that caused a devastating tsunami.
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami was a magnitude 9.1 earthquake that caused a tsunami that killed over 230,000 people in 14 countries.
The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile was a magnitude 9.5 earthquake, the largest earthquake ever recorded.
Volcanic earthquakes
Volcanic earthquakes are caused by the movement of magma beneath the Earth's surface. Magma is molten rock that rises from the mantle, the layer of the Earth between the crust and the core. As the magma rises, it can push on the surrounding rock, causing it to fracture and shake.
Volcanic earthquakes can occur before, during, and after a volcanic eruption. They can also occur without an eruption.
Types of volcanic earthquakes
There are two main types of volcanic earthquakes:
Volcano-tectonic earthquakes are caused by the movement of faults near a volcano. These earthquakes can be similar to tectonic earthquakes, but they are usually smaller and less destructive.
Long-period earthquakes are caused by the movement of magma within a volcano. These earthquakes have a long duration, typically lasting several seconds or even minutes.
How to stay safe during a volcanic earthquake
If you live near a volcano, it is important to be aware of the signs of a volcanic earthquake. These signs may include:
Increased ground shaking
Loud noises
Changes in the smell or appearance of the volcano
Changes in the water level of nearby lakes or rivers
If you experience any of these signs, it is important to follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
Here are some additional tips for staying safe during a volcanic earthquake:
Drop, cover, and hold on.
Stay away from windows and other objects that could fall on you.
If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from trees, buildings, and other objects that could collapse.
Once the earthquake has stopped, be aware of the dangers of volcanic ash and other hazards. Ash can irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs. If you must be outside, wear a mask or respirator to protect yourself from the ash.
Explosion earthquakes
Explosion earthquakes are caused by man-made explosions, such as nuclear tests or mining explosions.
when the lava column drops below the water table, groundwater may come into contact with with magma or hot rocks, causing violent steam explosions.
Explosion earthquakes are caused by man-made explosions, such as nuclear tests or mining explosions. They are relatively rare, but they can be very destructive.
Explosion earthquakes are different from tectonic earthquakes and volcanic earthquakes in that they are not caused by the movement of tectonic plates or the movement of magma. Instead, they are caused by the sudden release of energy from an explosion.
Explosion earthquakes can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most common in areas where there is a lot of mining or nuclear testing.
How to stay safe during an explosion earthquake
If you are caught in an explosion earthquake, the best thing to do is to "drop, cover, and hold on."
Drop to the ground immediately.
Cover your head and neck with your arms or a sturdy object.
Hold on to something sturdy until the shaking stops.
If you are indoors, find a safe place to shelter, such as under a table or desk. Stay away from windows and other objects that could fall on you.
If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from trees, buildings, and other objects that could collapse.
Once the earthquake has stopped, be aware of the dangers of flying debris and other hazards.
How to stay safe during an earthquake
How to stay safe during an earthquake
If you are caught in an earthquake, the best thing to do is to "drop, cover, and hold on."
If you are indoors, find a safe place to shelter, such as under a table or desk. Stay away from windows and other objects that could fall on you.
If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from trees, buildings, and other objects that could collapse.
6.Drought
A drought is a period of abnormally dry weather that persists long enough to cause a shortage of water. Droughts can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most common in dry and semi-arid regions.
Droughts can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Changes in weather patterns, such as reduced rainfall or increased evaporation
Human activities, such as deforestation and overgrazing
Climate change
Droughts can have a significant impact on people, plants, and animals. They can lead to crop failure, water shortages, and even famine. Droughts can also damage ecosystems and increase the risk of wildfires.
Types of droughts
Meteorological drought is a period of abnormally dry weather.
Agricultural drought occurs when there is not enough water to support crop growth.
Hydrological drought occurs when there is not enough water in surface water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, or in groundwater aquifers.
How to stay safe during a drought
There are a number of things you can do to stay safe during a drought, including:
Conserve water. Take shorter showers, fix leaky faucets, and water your lawn less often.
Be prepared for water shortages. Have a plan for how you will get water if your water supply is interrupted.
Stay informed about the latest drought conditions. This will help you to make informed decisions about how to stay safe and protect your property.
Human-caused disasters are events triggered or worsened by human actions, whether accidental or intentional. These events can lead to various impacts, such as property damage, loss of life, and harm to our environment and communities. Examples encompass pollution, oil spills, accidents due to human errors, industrial accidents, shootings, acts of terrorism, and incidents of mass violence. Similar to natural disasters, these traumatic events may result in loss of life, property damage, evacuations, and strain on behavioral health resources within affected communities.
Understanding these disasters is crucial for making informed decisions to safeguard our planet and its inhabitants. In this section, we'll delve into what these disasters entail and how they transpire. We'll explore three main types of man-made disasters: Technological Disasters (e.g., chemical spills, transportation accidents, mining accidents), Social Disasters (e.g., warfare, genocide, civil unrest, hyperinflation, terrorism), and Environmental Disasters (e.g., deforestation, climate change). Join us on this educational journey to comprehend the importance of responsible actions for a safer and healthier world.
Types Of Human-Caused Disasters
Transportation accidents include plane crashes, train derailments, and car accidents. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as human error, mechanical failure, and bad weather.
Industrial accidents include chemical spills, explosions, and fires. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as human error, equipment failure, and inadequate safety procedures.
Environmental disasters include pollution, deforestation, and climate change. They are caused by human activities that damage the environment.
War and conflict are human-caused disasters that involve violence between different groups of people. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as political instability, religious extremism, and economic inequality.
Climate change: Climate change is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. It is caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. Climate change can lead to more extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and heat waves.
Oil spills: Oil spills can be caused by a variety of factors, including accidents, leaks, and intentional discharges. They can have a devastating impact on marine life and coastal communities, and they can be very difficult to clean up.
Water pollution: Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies with harmful substances, such as sewage, chemicals, and agricultural runoff. It can cause health problems for people who drink the water, and it can damage aquatic ecosystems.
Air pollution: Air pollution is the contamination of the air with harmful substances, such as particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. It can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
Deforestation: Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture or development. It can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.
Other Incidents of Mass Trauma
Infectious disease outbreaks, incidents of community unrest, acts of terrorism, and other traumatic events can evoke intense emotions in people. These distressing occurrences significantly impact communities and individuals, illustrating how terrorism, diseases, and societal unrest are notable instances of mass trauma that can profoundly affect people's lives.
Ebola Virus Disease is a serious infectious disease spread between humans from person to person. Infection is transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the blood, body fluids or secretions (stool, urine, saliva, semen) of infected people, but only when they show symptoms.
COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.
371,549 views May 7, 2018 UNITED STATES
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