5 Natural Calamities

1. Blizzards - is a severe storm condition characterized by low temperatures, strong winds, and
heavy snow. By definition, the difference between blizzard and a snowstorm is the strength of
the wind. Ground blizzards are a variation on the traditional blizzard, in that ground blizzards
require high winds to stir up snow that has already fallen, rather than fresh snowfall. Regardless
of the variety of blizzard, they can bring near-whiteout conditions, which restrict visibility to
near zero. Blizzards have a negative impact on local economies and can paralyze regions for days
at a time, particularly where snowfall is unusual or rare. The 1972 Iran blizzard, which caused
approximately 4000 deaths, was the deadliest in recorded history.
2. Cyclones - is an area of closed, circular fluid motion rotating in the same direction as the Earth.
[1][2] This is usually characterized by inward spiraling winds that rotate counter clockwise in the
Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth. Most large-scale
cyclonic circulations are centered on areas of low atmospheric pressure.[3][4] The largest low-
pressure systems are cold-core polar cyclones and extratropical cyclones which lie on the
synoptic scale. Warm-core cyclones such as tropical cyclones, mesocyclones, and polar lows lie
within the smaller mesoscale. Subtropical cyclones are of intermediate size.[5][6] Upper level
cyclones can exist without the presence of a surface low, and can pinch off from the base of the
Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere.
Cyclones have also been seen on other planets outside of the Earth, such as Mars and Neptune
3. Earthquakes - (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of
energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity or seismic activity of an
area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time.
Earthquakes are measured with a seismometer; a device which also records is known as a
seismograph. The moment magnitude (or the related and mostly obsolete Richter magnitude) of
an earthquake is conventionally reported, with magnitude 3 or lower earthquakes being mostly
imperceptible and magnitude 7 causing serious damage over large areas. Intensity of shaking is
measured on the modified Mercalli scale.
4. Flood and Landslides - is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land.[1] The EU
Floods directive defines a flood as a temporary covering by water of land not normally covered
by water.[2] In the sense of "flowing water", the word may also be applied to the inflow of the
tide. Flooding may result from the volume of water within a body of water, such as a river or
lake, which overflows or breaks levees, with the result that some of the water escapes its usual
boundaries.[3] While the size of a lake or other body of water will vary with seasonal changes in
precipitation and snow melt, it is not a significant flood unless such escapes of water endanger
land areas used by man like a village, city or other inhabited area.
5. Heat Waves - is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by
high humidity. There is no universal definition of a heat wave;[1] the term is relative to the
usual weather in the area. Temperatures that people from a hotter climate consider normal can
be termed a heat wave in a cooler area if they are outside the normal climate pattern for that
area.[2] The term is applied both to routine weather variations and to extraordinary spells of
heat which may occur only once a century. Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop
failures, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, and widespread power outages due to
increased use of air conditioning.
5 Man Made Disasters

1. Industrial Hazards - all the bad effects that are caused by an industry on the human being ,
enviornment (air, land and water) and flora and funa are collectively know as industrial hazards.
2. Structural Collapse - refers to loss of the load-carrying capacity of a component or member
within a structure or of the structure itself. Structural failure is initiated when the material is
stressed to its strength limit, thus causing fracture or excessive deformations. In a well-designed
system, a localized failure should not cause immediate or even progressive collapse of the entire
structure. Ultimate failure strength is one of the limit states that must be accounted for in
structural engineering and structural design.
3. Power Outage - (also known as a power cut, power failure, power loss, or blackout) is a short- or
long-term loss of the electric power to an area. There are many causes of power failures in an
electricity network. Examples of these causes include, faults at power stations, damage to
power lines, substations or other parts of the distribution system, a short circuit, or the
overloading of electricity mains.
4. Fire - is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat,
light, and various reaction products.[1] Slower oxidative processes like rusting or digestion are
not included by this definition. The flame is the visible portion of the fire and consists of glowing
hot gases. If hot enough, the gases may become ionized to produce plasma.[2] Depending on
the substances alight, and any impurities outside, the color of the flame and the fire's intensity
might vary. Fire in its most common form can result in conflagration, which has the potential to
cause physical damage through burning. Fire is an important process that affects ecological
systems across the globe. The positive effects of fire include stimulating growth and maintaining
various ecological systems. Fire has been used by humans for cooking, generating heat,
signaling, and propulsion purposes. The negative effects of fire include decreased water purity,
increased soil erosion, an increase in atmospheric pollutants and an increased hazard to human
life.
5. Terrorism - is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion.[1] No universally
agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition of terrorism currently exists.[2][3] Common
definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear
(terror), are perpetrated for a religious, political or ideological goal, deliberately target or
disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians), and are committed by non-government
agencies. Some definitions also include acts of unlawful violence and war. The history of
terrorist organizations suggests that they do not select terrorism for its political effectiveness.[4]
Individual terrorists tend to be motivated more by a desire for social solidarity with other
members of their organization than by political platforms or strategic objectives, which are often
murky and undefined.
5 Vehicular Accident

1. Motorcycle Accident - Motorcycles have a higher fatality rate per unit of distance travelled when
compared with automobiles. According to the NHTSA, in 2006 18.06 cars out of 100,000 ended
up in fatal crashes. The rate for motorcycles is 55.82 per 100,000.[1] In 2004, figures from the
UK Department for Transport indicated that motorcycles have 16 times the rate of serious
injuries per 100 million vehicle kilometers compared to cars, and double the rate of bicycles.
2. Car Crash - It is a primordial task among any type of public transport services to ensure the
safest and most efficient travel of their passengers. Drivers must implement cautiousness and
prudence at all times. In Los Angeles and some other areas in California, taxi accidents do occur
in such an alarming rate. These incidents have caused thousands of victims seriously injured and
even some others dead. Sadly, not all of the victims were able to obtain justice and suitable
recoveries from their misfortune due to their failure of getting the right legal assistance for their
cases. With much consideration on how our clients suffer from their catastrophic experiences;
our taxi accident attorneys extend all their efforts in defending the rights of these poor victims.
We provide the best legal assistance to let our clients recover the largest possible damages from
their personal injury claims.
3. Boat Accident - Being close to heaven. Riding an airplane gives us this feeling. Nevertheless,
most people choose the airplane because it is considered to be one of the safest forms of
transportation available today. Because they are common carriers, airplanes are required to
exert a high level of reasonable care as required by the law. In fact, they are observing the so-
called “extraordinary diligence” of taking care of their passengers. An airplane accident rarely
occurs. But when they do, it’s really traumatic and disastrous. An airplane accident usually
involves physical serious injuries and worst, death. There is a high probability of serious injury
and death in the event of an aviation accident due to the speed and height that they travel at.
Victims are usually undistinguishable because of the impact and explosion that goes along with
it. Some were even not seen at all. Truly, this is devastating for the loved ones of those victims.
It is believed that an airplane accident is indeed a rare event. So before booking a flight, try to
research first on the company’s credibility and work ethics. You can try to ask relatives and
friends for their recommendations. Remember the old saying “Better safe than sorry.” Surely,
you wouldn’t like the feeling of falling a thousand miles down, would you?
4. Rail Road Accident - are regulated by the FRA which promotes and regulates safety throughout
the railroad industry. Railroad accidents often occur at railroad crossings and more often than
not result in fatalities or serious injuries to passengers.
5. Pediatrian Accident - Almost two-thirds of the 1.2 million people killed in road traffic crashes
worldwide are pedestrians [1]. Despite the magnitude of the problem, most attempts at
reducing pedestrian deaths have focused solely on education and traffic regulation. However, in
recent years crash engineers have begun to use design principles that have proved successful in
protecting car occupants to develop vehicle design concepts that reduce the likelihood of
injuries to pedestrians in the event of a car-pedestrian crash. These involve redesigning the
bumper, hood (bonnet), and the windshield and pillar to be energy absorbing (softer) without
compromising the structural integrity of the car.
5 Aircraft and Seacraft Accidents

1. Aviation Crash - is defined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation Annex 13 as an

occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any
person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, in
which a person is fatally or seriously injured, the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure or
the aircraft is missing or is completely inaccessible.
2. Air Disaster - We strive to present the most complete, accurate resource for aviation safety
related information on the internet. From our airliner accident photo gallery - the largest on the
internet - to our public discussion forums - hosted by pilots, 'fear of flying experts,' etc. - and our
comprehensive daily news service, we hope to provide valuable and timely information to
anyone with an interest in air safety. Although we strive for 100% accuracy, AirDisaster.Com
makes no guarantees, stated or implied, regarding the validity of the information found on this
website. Neither AirDisaster.Com, nor its operators, will be held liable for any misinformation,
omissions, improper use of the information presented, or any violations of any law which may
occur as a result of utilizing this resource.
3. Thunderbird Accident - gets about ten times as many hits as any other page on this site, so I
figured these other aviation “incident” videos might be of interest. They’ve been gathered from
various sites around the internet over the years. This entry started off as a way to share an
amazing slow motion video clip of a helicopter main rotor blade in flight, but I’ll save that one
for another day. 737 making a gear-up landing the gear is going to fail on a 737, this is one of the
worst ways for it to happen — one main landing gear is up, the other is down. But the pilot does
a great job of keeping the aircraft on the runway. There is something to be said for fixed gear.
4. Aircraft - In civil aviation, investigating aircraft accidents is the responsibility of the National
Transportation Safety Board (in the United States) or a similar government agency in any
country that is a signatory to the ICAO Conventions. Nonetheless, under ICAO Annex 13 and in
the US CFR Part 830, every operator of a civil aircraft has certain responsibilities in the event of
an accident or incident. These responsibilities include proper reporting, preservation of
evidence, and support of the investigation team. In addition, agencies or organizations actively
involved in the accident may be invited by the NTSB to participate in the investigation. This
would include the operator, airframe and engine manufacturers, and other technical experts. To
be qualified to join the investigation, invited participants must have the technical expertise to
support the investigation as well as an understanding of the accident investigation process in
order to provide accurate and timely support. These are the regulatory reasons for
understanding the aircraft accident investigation process and techniques. There is also another
very important reason for understanding accident investigation. The NTSB and the FAA only
become involved in those events (accident or incidents) that are reportable under Federal
Regulations. But, many events occur that are not reportable which under slightly different
circumstances could easily have been an accident and reportable. An effective aviation safety
program must be able to identify, investigate, and correct the factors that create near accidents
so that a real accident can be prevented.
5 On the Job and School Accidents

1. Accident involving your child using equipment in the playground - The equipment provided by a
school must take into account the age of your child and the risk of injury. Imagine your son is
using the climbing frame at school and slips landing badly breaking his arm. The school argues
that children must be able to play, there are unavoidable dangers of providing equipment like
climbing frames and no amount of supervision could protect have protected your son from this
fall. Albeit the points made by the school are valid - we all want our children to be able to have
fun, but we also want them to be as safe as possible. The climbing frame should not be too high
and very importantly the surface under the climbing frame should be able to cushion the fall of
your child. Modern surfaces include a kind of rubber which will cushion the fall of a child -
previously bark was used to have the same effect. The fact that you son broke his arm in the fall
suggests that the climbing frame was too tall and the surface under the climbing frame was
inadequate - it would seem the school did not take the proper child accident prevention
precautions.

2. A slip or trip on the school premises - The school must be careful to look after the welfare of
their children who are considered lawful visitors on the premises. They must keep the premises
safe from defect. If a child falls because there is a hole in the ground or a floor in the school is
wet or slippery it is likely that the school will have to pay compensation. To prevent injury to
adults a cone is normally sufficient to warn of a slippery surface. For a young child a warning
cone may not be sufficient - perhaps some form of shield to bar a child's access would be better.

3. Accident on the school playing fields - A school should take proper precautions to ensure the
playing fields are safe and free from danger. A case I had some years ago involved a child who
was cut by glass whilst playing rugby. Vandals were known to enter the school after hours and
maliciously embed glass into the grass on the rugby pitch close to the touchline. My client was
scoring a try when he was badly cut. The school knew of the problem with the vandals and
should have checked the rugby pitch properly before playing a rugby game to avoid an accident
occurring.

4. School bus accident - A school bus driver must take extra care with young passengers. For
example: if a bus driver applies the brakes suddenly a child who is not correctly seated may fall
and injure himself. If a vehicle collides with the bus - the rules of the road apply equally to a
school bus as it does to any other motor vehicle.

5. Accident during a school trip - Even though children are not on the school premises they should
be supervised properly and kept safe from danger.
5 Household Accidents

1. Bleeding - technically known as hemorrhaging or haemorrhaging (see American and British

spelling differences) is the loss of blood or blood escape from the circulatory system.[1] Bleeding
can occur internally, where blood leaks from blood vessels inside the body or externally, either
through a natural opening such as the vagina, mouth, nose, ear or anus, or through a break in
the skin. The complete loss of blood is referred to as exsanguination,[2] and desanguination is a
massive blood loss. Typically, a healthy person can endure a loss of 10-15% of the total blood
volume without serious medical difficulties, and blood donation typically takes 8-10% of the
donor's blood volume.

2. Drowning - is death from asphyxia due to suffocation caused by a liquid entering the lungs and
preventing the absorption of oxygen leading to cerebral hypoxia and myocardial infarction. Near
drowning is the survival of a drowning event involving unconsciousness or water inhalation and
can lead to serious secondary complications, including death, after the event. In many countries,
drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children under 12 years old. For example, in
the United States, it is the second leading cause of death (after motor vehicle crashes) in
children 12 and younger.[3] The rate of drowning in populations around the world varies widely
according to their access to water, the climate and the national swimming culture. For example,
typically the United Kingdom suffers 450 drownings per annum or 1 per 150,000 of population
whereas the United States suffers 6,500 drownings or around 1 per 50,000 of population. In
Asia, according to a study by The Alliance for Safe Children, suffocation and drowning were the
most easily preventable causes of death for children under five years of age;[4][5] a 2008 report
by the organization found that in Bangladesh, for instance, 46 children drown each day.

3. Suffocation - The body creates the need to breathe from the excess carbon dioxide in the lungs;
and yet the body has no way to detect the absence of oxygen. Many gases, though non-toxic,
are classified as simple asphyxiants in their pure form or in high concentrations for this very
reason. One form of asphyxiation is from entering a low oxygen atmosphere or an inert
atmosphere, such as in a food oil tank that has a covering blanket of nitrogen or argon to shield
the oil from atmospheric oxygen, thus absence of sufficient oxygen to sustain life, people act
normally but with no warning they simply feel dizzy and then black out in a matter of seconds as
the remaining oxygen in the blood stream is consumed. Oxygen deficient atmospheres are the
basis for many single and multiple deaths occurring; the deceased will be observed lying prone
in the bottom of a tank, and then the observer will rush in to rescue them, and succumb to the
same effect, hence the need to vent or purge the inert gases from all tanks before entry.

4. Electrocution is the stopping of life (determined by a stopped heart) by any type of electric
shock. In the vernacular, the term electrocution is used to mean: death, murder or suicide by
electric shock deliberate execution by electric shock, usually involving an electric chair; the word
"electrocution" is a portmanteau for "electrical execution" Electrocution is also frequently used
to refer to any electric shock received but is technically incorrect. This choice in definition varies
from dictionary to dictionary. Death can occur from any shock that carries enough current. Small
 currents (70 mA - 700 mA) usually trigger fibrillation in the heart which is reversible via
defibrillator, but large currents cause permanent damage via burns, and cellular damage. The
heart is most devastated by foreign electricity, next is the brain.[citation needed] Women are
more susceptible to macroshock electrocution than men, but men are equally susceptible to
microshock electrocution.

5. Dehydration (hypohydration) is defined as an excessive loss of body fluid. It is literally the

removal of water (Ancient Greek: ὕδωρ hýdōr) from an object, however in physiological terms, it
entails a deficiency of fluid within an organism. There are three main types of dehydration:
hypotonic or hyponatremic (primarily a loss of electrolytes, sodium in particular), hypertonic or
hypernatremic (primarily a loss of water), and isotonic or isonatremic (equal loss of water and
electrolytes).[1] In humans, the most commonly seen type of dehydration by far is isotonic
(isonatraemic) dehydration which effectively equates with hypovolemia, but the distinction of
isotonic from hypotonic or hypertonic dehydration may be important when treating people who
become dehydrated. Physiologically, dehydration, despite the name, does not simply mean loss
of water, as water and solutes (mainly sodium) are usually lost in roughly equal quantities to
how they exist in blood plasma. In hypotonic dehydration, intravascular water shifts to the
extravascular space, exaggerating intravascular volume depletion for a given amount of total
body water loss. Neurological complications can occur in hypotonic and hypertonic states. The
former can lead to seizures, while the latter can lead to osmotic cerebral edema upon rapid
rehydration.