How Earthquakes, Floods, and Storms Differ: A Simple Breakdown

Nature is powerful but not every natural disaster is good. While an earthquake makes the ground tremble and a flood makes streets rages with rivers or a storm roars in the sky, they all have their unique disasters.

Earthquakes, floods and storms are some of the most recognizable natural disasters on a global scale. They all cause devastation and interruption of lives, however, they happen for completely different reasons, give completely different warnings, and require completely different preparedness.

This blog is to provide a basic overview of the distinguishing features of earthquakes, floods and storms in a clear and simple way. Whether you are a student or an inquisitive reader, or someone who wants to stay prepared, this guide provides a side-by-side summary of how these disasters work and the functional features of each one.

What Are Natural Disasters?

Catastrophes produced by nature are generally sudden and extreme phenomena resulting from natural forces and catastrophic to human life, properties, and environment. They often strike with little warning and may cause extensive agony in terms of human loss and severe damage. Different natural disasters are usually categorized according to the causes of their existence and impact:

• Geological Disasters - The cause of geological disasters is the changes occurring within the Earth by disturbances such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• Hydrological Disasters - These pertain to water in relation to disasters such as floods and tsunamis.
• Meteorological Disasters - Meteorological disasters are those caused by atmospheric conditions such as storms, cyclones, and hurricanes.

Earthquakes: Sudden Shakes from the Ground

The abrupt shaking of the earth is referred to as an Earthquake. An Earthquake commonly happens near the borders of tectonic plates. Quakes can also occur due to the trembling caused by an explosion. The shaking is damaging to the buildings, launching landslides, or even creating enormous waves, also known as Tsunamis. The sudden shifting of the Earth results in enormous fractures in the ground which can ease the built-up stress, however, the rocks get pushed to some distance creating fractures in the ground.

Since these quakes can strike at any moment without any warning, it is important to know some do's and dont's during an Earthquake. For example, covering your head under a table or holding onto a desk is very helpful. Do not under any case touch the windows or any loose objects. Following these simple rules can go a long way to reserving your safety during an Earthquake.

Floods: Water Gone Wild

Floods occur as too much water accumulates in one place before it can drain. Heavy rains and melting snow can leave too much excess water in one place. Other causes of floods can be rivers overflowing, and broken dams. Floods can happen slowly or rapidly as in flash flooding which occurs without warning. Areas close to rivers and coastal areas are prone to flooding.

Floods can affect lives by damaging homes, cars, roads and destroying lives. People may lose their homes and the dirty water can cause disease. To be safe from floods stay tuned into weather forecasts, and go to higher ground. Never walk or drive through standing water. It is to keep supplies in an emergency kit at home.

One recent example is the Tornadoes and Flash Floods Strike Northeastern South Dakota, which shows how dangerous and unpredictable flash floods can be.

Storms: Winds That Rage

Storms are extreme weather phenomena characterized by heavy rain and strong winds. Severe storms such as cyclones, hurricanes, or typhoons occur over hot ocean water, but can move over land in the future and potentially cause extreme damage, Storms are often caused by imbalances in air pressure and temperature.

Storms can produce damage from fallen trees, downed power lines, floods on highways, and damage to outdoor construction. One of the safest takes is to check the weather and track the storm as it approaches. When a storm is approaching, do not go outside until the storm is over. When tracking a storm, it is safer and recommended, to remain indoors entirely, or at least away from windows. Following the storm, having an emergency kit with a flashlight, purified water, and when possible a phone charger is helpful if the power goes out.

Conclusion

Earthquakes, floods and storms are all natural disasters, but each one can start differently, will cause different damage and we will need different precautions for each. Earthquakes shake the earth, floods come with too much water and storms have strong winds or heavy rains.

By knowing how each disaster works and having some simple safety information, we can try to protect ourselves and those we care about. Nature can be wild, but knowledge and precautions can help keep us safe.

Many people still believe wrong things about disasters. Don’t fall for them - check out Top 5 Myths About Natural Disasters - Debunked.