NATURAL DISASTERS: Home

Natural Disasters in Australia

Australia experiences a range of natural disasters including bushfires, floods, severe storms, earthquakes and landslides. These events cause great financial hardship for people and communities, and can result in loss of life. Many of these stories have become part of Australian folklore.

(Source: Australian Government, 2016)

Can you prevent a natural disaster from happening? 

Save the world from disasters such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes.

Earthquakes:

Countries/Regions: Japan, Indonesia, Nepal, Mexico, the Philippines, Iran, Turkey, and many areas along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Tropical Cyclones, Hurricanes or Typhoons:

Countries/Regions: Coastal areas of the United States (particularly Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast), Caribbean islands, Southeast Asia (e.g., Philippines), Australia, Japan, and the Indian subcontinent.

Floods:

Countries/Regions: Bangladesh, India, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, United States (e.g., areas along the Mississippi River), and many parts of Africa.

Tornadoes:

Countries/Regions: United States (Tornado Alley, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas), Canada, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom (notable for European tornadoes).

Wildfires:

Countries/Regions: United States (particularly California, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of the Southwest), Australia, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and parts of South America.

Volcanic Eruptions:

Countries/Regions: Indonesia, Japan, Italy, Iceland, Chile, and several Pacific island nations (e.g., Philippines).

Droughts:

Countries/Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of the Middle East, Australia, the southwestern United States, and parts of South Asia.

Landslides:

Countries/Regions: Mountainous regions like the Himalayas (Nepal, India), the Andes (Peru, Colombia), the Alps (Austria, Switzerland), and hilly areas prone to heavy rainfall.

Tsunamis:

Countries/Regions: Coastal regions along the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire," including Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and countries bordering the Pacific Ocean.

Avalanches:

Countries/Regions: Mountainous regions like the Swiss Alps, the Canadian Rockies, the Himalayas, and other areas with heavy snowfall.

Hailstorms:

Hailstorms can occur in various parts of the world, including the United States (central plains), Argentina, South Africa, and parts of Europe.

Heatwaves:

Heatwaves can affect many countries, including the United States, India, Australia, Europe, and parts of the Middle East.

It's important to note that some regions may be prone to multiple types of natural disasters. Additionally, climate change and other factors can influence the frequency and severity of these events, so it's essential to stay informed about potential risks in your specific area.