Natural disaster is the term for an event triggered by environmental factors that results in large-scale human suffering. The consequences of these events can be as devastating as those from war or combat, with deaths, loss of family property, and the destruction of infrastructure. People are also displaced and struggle to find shelter. Lack of clean water and food are common problems. And psychological damage can be severe, leading to chronic illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The effects of natural disasters can be long-lasting. Some victims suffer from injuries like broken bones and cuts, while others develop infections from contaminated water and unsanitary conditions. Many of the world’s poorest populations are especially vulnerable to these events. They may live in regions prone to earthquakes, floods, and droughts, or in urban areas built on unstable land. They are less likely to have access to affordable insurance to protect their belongings, and are more likely to live in poverty or be displaced by natural hazards.
Natural disasters can be caused by a combination of factors, including climate change. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), global warming has been a major contributor to the increase in frequency and severity of some types of natural disasters, such as extreme heat events, tropical storms, floods, and wildfires. In addition, climate change is affecting the distribution of precipitation by delivering more to areas that are accustomed to low rainfall and more to regions that are adapted to high rainfall, increasing flooding risks and reducing availability of freshwater for agriculture.
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