Natural disaster is any calamitous event generated by forces of nature that threatens human life, property and infrastructure. Natural disasters can be caused by weather and climate events, such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions and other phenomena that originate at Earth’s surface or within the planet itself.
The number of people killed by a particular natural disaster varies widely from year to year, with small disasters killing few and large ones producing massive losses. Development processes sometimes increase the risk of harm from natural hazards by increasing people’s physical exposure to them, for example industrialization that results in the migration of rural populations into cities and their consequent living in unimproved ravines or on unstable slopes. The occurrence of disasters also varies geographically, with some regions being more affected than others.
Displacement in the wake of natural disasters poses a major health risk because it often means losing access to basic services, especially food and water. This can lead to malnutrition and an increased risk of infection from diseases such as diarrhoea and respiratory infections.
NASA’s Earth-observing satellites provide global information that is useful for the study of natural disasters. These data include hazard frequency and distribution maps, climate risk projections, mortality risk measures, economic loss risk deciles and more. This information is used for the mitigation, prevention and management of disasters, as well as in response and relief efforts after the event. Those who have been impacted by natural disasters are encouraged to seek help through their insurance company, local community organizations and local officials.