Every year natural disasters kill thousands of people. In 2001, a reported 25,000 people died worldwide from natural disasters. 2003 ended with more than 30,000 deaths in a single earthquake in Iran. While it is unlikely that we will ever be able to control the awesome forces of nature, we can make reasonable efforts to ensure our own readiness when natural disasters do strike. The key is knowing what types of disasters are likely where you live and then being properly prepared.

The goal of Dangerous Planet - Understanding Natural Disasters is to educate people about the various types of natural disasters from geological forces such as earthquakes and volcanoes to weather related disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. We have also included some general information on being prepared in case disaster strikes as well as some specific information on preparing for disasters likely where you live. Finally, we have included some information on measuring the magnitude of different types of natural disasters and some of the terms used by geologists and meteorologists to describe disasters and their potential threat. Click here for infomation about our site.

 
Asteroids   Blizzards
Scientists say a large asteroid impact is unlikely; however, the level of destruction would be huge.   Large snowstorms occur in many parts of the US every year causing accidents and deaths from snow and cold
 
Droughts   Earthquakes
Much of the US and many parts of the world are suffering from droughts destroying crops and making fresh water scarce.   Sudden movement of the Earth's crust can cause widespread death and destruction.
 
Floods   Hurricanes and Typhoons
Too much water can also be disastrous - destroying crops, property and lives.   Some of the most damaging and costly disasters occur when large sea storms hit land.
 
Tornadoes   Tsunami
"Twisters" are common in the central US and can cause a great deal of damage.   Often triggered by volcanic or seismographic activity deep in the ocean, these large waves can flatten coastal villages and towns.
 
Volcanoes   Wildfires
Awesome evidence of the activity deep inside the earth, volcanoes are both fascinating and deadly.   Whether begun by nature or man, wildfires are both necessary and devastating.

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