What is a natural disaster?

A natural disaster is a major adverse event caused by

the natural processes of the Earth, consisting of floods, hurricanes,
tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and other
geologic processes. Often human activities also make causes
of natural disasters, such as climate change and deforestation. They
may also have a tremendous impact on the place’s economy. Loss of
life is also a result.

EXPLAINING FOREST FIRE

What were the causes of the forest fire?
Though they are classified as natural disasters, only
some wildfires occur on their own in nature. The other major percent
result from human causes, including unattended camp and debris fires
and discarded cigarettes.

What are the precautions to be taken during

the wildfire?
1. Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires;
2. Keep all flammable objects away from fire;
3. Have firefighting tools nearby and handy;
4. Carefully dispose of hot charcoal;
5. Drown all fires;
6. Carefully extinguish smoking materials.

What are the aftermaths of wildfires?

Wildfires can disrupt transportation, communications, power and gas
services, and water supply. They also lead to a deterioration of the air
quality, and loss of property, crops, resources, animals and people.

List the measures to prevent the wildfire.

 Report unattended fires.
 Extinguish fire pits and campfires when done.
 Don't throw lit cigarettes out of your moving car.
 Use caution when using flammable liquids.
 Pay attention to local ordinances for trash burning.
 Only use fireworks in clear areas with no woods nearby.

List the name(s), place(s) and year(s) where the

wildfire struck.

 Some of the most important wildfires are -


2003 Russian  Russia
wildfires
 2019-2020 Australian bushfire
 2
season
 3  2019 Siberia wildfires
  4  2014 Northwest Territories fires
 2002–2003 Australian bushfire
 5
season
 6  2020 California wildfires
 7  2010 Bolivia forest fires
 2011–2012 Australian bushfire
 8
season
 2006-2007 Australian bushfire
 9
season
 10  2017 British Columbia wildfires
 11  2015 Russian wildfires
 2012–2013 Australian bushfire
 12
season
 13  2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires

How do natural disasters affect biodiversity?

Natural hazards generally decrease biodiversity. They can either kill
organisms directly or destroy their habitats so that they are no longer
able to live in the area where the hazard occurred. For example, forest
fires result in the loss of habitats for bird and insect species.

Can birds predict natural disasters?

Earthquakes – Birds can predict earthquakes because they can
sense the magnetic field an its tremors. This is mainly used for
migrating, however birds might also use this to predict natural
disasters and fly away before vigorous effects.

Tsunami – Well, Yes! Birds can detect a tsunami by feeling

movement in their body.

Hurricanes – Birds are gifted animals when it comes forecasting

weather and hurricanes. They usually sense hurricanes by noticing
haywire wind directions. Evidence says that before hurricanes,
seagulls already take shelter. There are also instances when bird life
grows extremely quiet before it begins to rain.
Birds can predict a lot more natural disasters and can also forecast the
weather. This helps them a lot during migration and also in their day-
to-day life.

Adverse effect of natural disasters on a bird’s

life.
Though most of the natural disasters have adverse effect on a bird’s
life causing loss of habitat, shortage of food and inability to fly, oil
spills are the worst. They cover the bodies of these poor birds with a
sticky, grey substance and can also be fatal. Eg. Birds who lay their
nests on the crater are also really vulnerable and there is 90% chance
they die. Eg. Volcanoes, storms, and floods can kill
marine animals directly, or cause long-term problems by depositing
debris and affecting the temperature and salinity of water.

Does it affect the migration of the birds?

Hurricanes, blizzards, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters
can destroy crucial stopover and rest sites as well as destroy food
sources birds need to refuel along their journeys. Eg. After many
tsunamis, birds could not migrate due to shortage of food.