Swadesh Dolai-ENVS-VU221401387

Ever wondered why disasters happen? From a man standing on a beach to devastating tornadoes, volcanoes, and earthquakes, our world is full of powerful natural phenomena.A disaster is more than just a bad event; it's a serious disruption that overwhelms a community's ability to cope. It's often when a natural hazard meets a vulnerable population.Natural disasters come in many forms: meteorological like cyclones, geological like earthquakes, and environmental issues. We’ve seen them all, like the ones that shook the world in 2022.Earthquakes are sudden, destructive shakings of the earth's crust. They can strike with little warning, reminding us of the immense forces beneath our feet.Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates moving: converging, diverging, or transforming. These movements build up stress, releasing energy along faults that cause tremors and destruction.Earthquakes can be deep, medium, or shallow. Shallow ones, less than 60 km, are most damaging due to their proximity to the surface and direct impact.Tsunamis, meaning 'harbor waves' in Japanese, are massive waves caused by rapid displacement of water. Earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity are their primary triggers.Landslides and volcanic eruptions can also unleash tsunamis, like the massive one in Litua Bay, Alaska. These powerful waves can reach astonishing heights, devastating coastal areas.Cyclones are swirling atmospheric disturbances with powerful winds, known by various names worldwide, such as typhoons and hurricanes.Hurricanes, tropical cyclones, and even 'Willie-Willie' in Australia. These destructive systems bring strong winds, exceptional rain, and storm surges.