GE ELECT 1 BSMLS 2-A

Natural
Calamities and
Human Impacts
Group 8
List of
Contents What is a Natural Calamity?
1

2 Calamity VS. Disaster

3 Types of Calamities
4 Human Impacts
5 Hazards
6 Preparations
7 References
What is a Natural Calamity?
Natural Calamities are catastrophic events
that result from any of the Earth’s natural
phenomena.
These are major events brought about by the
natural processes of the Earth that causes
widespread destruction to the environment and
loss of life.
What is a Natural Calamity?

Natural disasters often cause destruction on a

massive scale. Certain natural disasters such as
wildfires cause destruction of animal habitat as
well as damage to property and loss of life.
 Calamity vs. Disaster
Calamity
Calamity is often used to describe a sudden and
unexpected event that causes widespread damage or
suffering, such as a natural disaster or a tragic
accident.
Calamity refers to a disastrous event that causes
widespread damage, destruction, and suffering. It is a
sudden and unexpected occurrence that often results in
significant loss of life, property, and infrastructure.
Disaster
Disaster is a broader term that can refer to any
event that causes significant harm or damage,
whether it is sudden or gradual.
A disaster is a catastrophic event that causes extensive
damage, destruction, and loss of life. It is a sudden and
overwhelming occurrence that often exceeds the capacity
of individuals, communities, and governments to respond
effectively.
Calamity vs. Disaster
 Types of Natural
Calamities
Different natural calamities can be distinguished from
each other in terms of their nature and extent of their
impact.
Geological Hydrological Meteorological
Cyclonic Storm
Avalanche Flood
Blizzard
Landslides Tsunami
Cold waves
Earthquakes Limnic Eruption
Heat waves
Sinkholes
Drought
Volcanic Eruption
Hailstorms
Tornadoes
 Types of Natural
Calamities
Different natural calamities can be distinguished from
each other in terms of their nature and extent of their
impact.
Space Other Types

Impact Events Forest fires

Solar Flares
Gamma-Ray Bursts
Geological Calamity

are catastrophic events that arise as a result of changes

in the earth, either above the surface or below the surface.

For instance, volcanic eruptions frequently occur where

tectonic plates make contact. Moreover, earthquakes are
prone in regions with active plate tectonics.
Avalanche
During an avalanche, a mass of snow, rock, ice, soil, and
other material slides swiftly down a mountainside.

A snow avalanche begins when an unstable mass of snow

breaks away from a slope. The snow picks up speed as it
moves downhill, producing a river of snow and a cloud of icy
particles that rises high into the air. The moving mass picks
up even more snow as it rushes downhill.
There are two main types of snow avalanches—sluffs and
slabs.
- Sluff avalanches occur when the
weak layer of a snowpack is on the
top. A sluff is a small slide of dry,
powdery snow that moves as a
formless mass.
- Slab avalanche occurs when the
weak layer lies lower down in a
snowpack. This layer is covered with
other layers of compressed snow.
When the avalanche is triggered,
the weak layer breaks off, pulling all
the layers on top of it down the
slope. These layers tumble and fall
in a giant block, or slab.
Landslides
Landslide or landslip is the mass movement of rock, debris,
earth or mud down slope.

Most landslides are caused by gravity, by rainfall,

earthquakes, volcanic eruptions groundwater pressure ,
erosion and destabilization of slopes as a result of
deforestation.
Types of Landslides
There are many ways to describe a landslide. The nature of a
landslide's movement and the type of material involved are two of
the most common.

Landslide Movement
In falls and topples, heavy blocks of material fall after separating from a very steep
slope or cliff. Boulders tumbling down a slope would be a fall or topple.

In translational slides, surface material is separated from the more stable underlying
layer of a slope. An earthquake may shake the loosen top layer of soil from the
harder earth beneath in this type of landslide.

A lateral spread or flow is the movement of material sideways, or laterally. This

happens when a powerful force, such as an earthquake, makes the ground move
quickly, like a liquid.
Types of Landslides
There are many ways to describe a landslide. The nature of a
landslide's movement and the type of material involved are two of
the most common.

Landslide Material
A landslide can involve rock, soil, vegetation, water, or some combination
of all these.
A landslide caused by a volcano can also contain hot volcanic
ash and lava from the eruption.
A landslide high in the mountains may have snow and snowmelt.
Volcanic landslides, also called lahars, are among the most
devastating type of landslides.
Earthquakes

It is a sudden and rapid shaking of the ground caused by the

shifting of rocks beneath the earth's surface or by
magmatic activity in the earth.

Earthquakes strike suddenly without warning and can occur

at any time.
Sinkholes

A sinkhole is a depression in the ground that has no natural

external surface drainage.

It may capture surface drainage from running or standing

water, but may also form in high and dry places in specific
locations.
Sinkhole
Volcanic Eruption

Volcanic eruption is an eruption of molten

rock, hot rock fragments, and hot gases
through a volcano, which is a vent in a planet’s
or satellite’s crust.
Volcanic Eruption
Hydrological Calamity
are described as a sudden and violent event caused due to
the change in the quality, distribution or movement of water
below the surface or in the atmosphere.

For example, a tsunami is a large column of water or waves

caused by the displacement of a large volume of water. They
are generally caused due to earthquakes or volcanic
eruptions under the sea.
Flood

A flood happens when water overflows or soaks land that is

normally dry.

Floods occur naturally. They are part of the water cycle,

and the environment is adapted to flooding. Wetlands along
river banks, lakes, and estuaries absorb flood waters.
Tsunami

Is a sea wave triggered by a large-scale displacement of the

sea floor. They are most commonly caused by earthquakes
but can also be caused by major underwater (or submarine)
landslides or volcanic eruptions.
Tsunami
Limnic Eruption

Limnic eruption is a sudden release of suffocating, inflammable

gases from a maar, a lake in the crater of an extinct volcano, which
is saturated with carbon dioxide from underlying magma reservoirs

Also known as a lake overturn, it can happen quickly, unexpectedly,

and with severe consequences to any living things in the surrounding
area. Disruptions in the Earth's crust can cause underground shifts,
triggering the explosions or releasing pressure in the area. This
phenomenon, in turn, is thought to lead to the initial disruption that
causes the eruption.
Limnic Eruption
Limnic Eruption
Meteorological Calamity
are usually caused by extreme weather such as rain, snow
or drought. These affect the earth’s atmosphere and the
weather-forming process. Moreover, these types of
meteorological disasters are particularly destructive to the
environment and can wreak havoc on life.

Examples of meteorological disasters include hurricanes,

hailstorms and tornadoes.
Cyclonic Storm

Tropical cyclone, an intense circular storm that

originates over warm tropical oceans and is
characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high
winds, and heavy rain.
Cyclonic Storm
What is the difference between a
typhoon, cyclone, and hurricane?
The terms "hurricane" and "typhoon" are regional names for
tropical cyclones. All tropical cyclones are alike in that they
draw heat from warm water at the ocean's surface to
power horizontal, rotating wind. Although similar in size,
tropical cyclones have a different energy source than
synoptic cyclones, which are storm systems that draw their
energy from weather fronts and jet streams.
Over the Atlantic and East Pacific, tropical cyclones are
commonly called "hurricanes." The common term is "typhoon"
for a tropical cyclone that forms in the West Pacific.
Tropical cyclones are called just "cyclones" in the Indian
Ocean and near Australia.
Blizzard

A blizzard is a dangerous weather event, bringing with it

frigid temperatures, howling winds, and decreased visibility.
To be categorized as a blizzard, the storm must last for at
least three hours and produce a large amount of falling
snow. Blizzards also have winds measuring over 56 kilometers
(35 miles) per hour.
Blizzard
Cold Waves

A cold wave, sometimes known as a cold snap or deep freeze,

is a weather event involving a cooling of the air, or the
invasion of very cold air, over a large area. It is marked by a
drop of average temperature well below the averages of a
region.
Cold Waves
Heat Waves

Is an extended period of unusually high temperatures and

often high humidity. They are expected to be more frequent
and more severe in the future due to climate change.
Drought

Is a prolonged dry period in the natural climate cycle that

can occur anywhere in the world. It is a slow-onset disaster
characterized by the lack of precipitation, resulting in a
water shortage.
Drought
Hailstorms

Hail is a type of solid rain made up of balls or lumps of ice.

Storms that produce hail which reaches the grounds are
known as hailstroms.
They usually last for no more than 15 minutes but can cause
injuries to people and damage buildings, vehicles and crops.
Hailstorms
Tornadoes

Also known as twisters, tornadoes are violently spinning,

funnel-shaped columns of air that stretch from the dark
thunderclouds they form in all the way to the ground.
Tornadoes
Space Calamity

primarily include solar flares, impact events and airburst

events.

Certain events have led to mass extinctions and disruptions

Impact Events

Impact event, collision of astronomical objects.

Most collisions involve asteroids, comets, or
meteoroids colliding with larger objects, such as
planets or moons.
Impact Events
Solar flare

Solar flares are huge explosions of electromagnetic

radiation from the Sun. A flare appears as a sudden, intense
brightening of a region on the Sun, lasting several minutes
to hours.
Gamma-ray burst

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most powerful and violent

explosions in the known universe. These brief flashes of high-
energy light result from some of the universe's most
explosive events, including the birth of black holes and
collisions between neutron stars.
Forest Fires

forest fire, uncontrolled fire occurring in vegetation more

than 1.8 metres (6 feet) in height. These fires often reach
the proportions of a major conflagration and are sometimes
begun by combustion and heat from surface and ground fires.
Human Impacts
Human impacts on
calamities are significant
and can either
exacerbate or mitigate
the consequences of
natural disasters.
Human Impacts
Here are some ways in which human actions influence
the outcomes of calamities:
1. Urbanization and Infrastructure:
Impact: Poorly planned urbanization in hazard-prone areas and inadequate
infrastructure can amplify the damage caused by disasters like earthquakes,
floods, and hurricanes.
2. Deforestation:
Impact: Clearing large areas of forests increases the risk of landslides, reduces
natural barriers against flooding, and contributes to environmental
degradation, intensifying the impact of calamities.
Human Impacts
Here are some ways in which human actions influence
the outcomes of calamities:
3. Climate Change
Impact Human-induced climate change is altering weather patterns, leading to
more frequent and intense calamities such as hurricanes, droughts, and
heatwaves.

4. Land Use Practices

Impact: Improper land use, including construction in floodplains or on unstable
terrain, can increase vulnerability to calamities, resulting in more severe
consequences.
Human Impacts
Here are some ways in which human actions influence
the outcomes of calamities:
5. Lack of Preparedness
Impact: Inadequate disaster preparedness and response mechanisms can lead
to higher casualties and slower recovery, particularly in regions where
communities are not well-equipped to deal with the aftermath of disasters.
6. Pollution and Environmental Degradation:
Impact: Contamination of water sources and soil due to human activities can
worsen the impact of disasters, affecting both human health and ecosystems.
Human Impacts
Here are some ways in which human actions influence
the outcomes of calamities:
7. Over-Extraction of Resources:
Impact: Over-exploitation of natural resources, such as groundwater, can
exacerbate the effects of droughts and contribute to water scarcity during
calamities.
8. Globalization and Connectivity:
Impact: Increased global connectivity can facilitate the rapid spread of
calamity-related impacts, including the economic consequences of disasters
affecting multiple regions.
Human Impacts
Here are some ways in which human actions influence
the outcomes of calamities:
9. Community Resilience and Education:
Impact: Educated and prepared communities are more likely to withstand
calamities and recover more quickly, emphasizing the importance of education
and community resilience initiatives.
10. Mitigation and Sustainable Practices:
Impact: Implementation of sustainable practices, such as reforestation,
environmentally conscious urban planning, and climate change mitigation
efforts, can reduce the severity of calamities and enhance overall resilience.
Human Impacts
Understanding and addressing these human impacts is
crucial for building resilience in the face of natural
disasters. Sustainable development practices,
community engagement, and global cooperation are
essential components of efforts to minimize the
adverse effects of calamities on human societies and
the environment.
Human Activities that Increase the frequency
and intensity of natural disasters
OVERPOPULATION
POLLUTION
BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS
DEFORESTATION
URBANIZATION
Hazards
Hazards and calamities encompass a
range of natural and human-induced
events that pose a threat to human
well-being and the environment.
Hazards refer to the potential sources
of danger, while calamities represent
the actual events and their ensuing
consequences.
Hazards
1.Earthquakes:
-Hazard: Seismic activity along fault lines.
-Calamity: Ground shaking, building collapses, and potential tsunamis,
resulting in loss of life and property damage.

2.Hurricanes/Cyclones/Typhoons:
- Hazard: Tropical cyclonic systems over warm ocean waters.
- Calamity: High winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall causing flooding,
widespread destruction, and displacement of communities.
Hazards
3. Floods:
- Hazard: Heavy rainfall, storm surges, or dam failures.
- Calamity: Inundation of land, destruction of homes and infrastructure, loss of
crops, and increased risk of waterborne diseases.

4. Wildfires:
- Hazard: Dry conditions, high temperatures, and flammable vegetation.
- Calamity: Uncontrolled fires leading to destruction of ecosystems, homes, and
loss of life, as well as long-term impacts on air quality
Hazards
5. Tornadoes:
- Hazard: Atmospheric conditions conducive to the formation of tornadoes.
- Calamity: Rotating columns of air causing severe wind damage and
destruction along their paths.

6. Human-induced Hazards:
- Hazard: Pollution, industrial accidents, and deforestation.
- Calamity: Environmental degradation, health issues, and long-term ecological
imbalances.
Hazards
7. Droughts:
- Hazard: Extended periods of below-average rainfall.
- Calamity: Water scarcity, crop failure, and impacts on food security, leading
to economic and social challenges.

8. Volcanic Eruptions:
- Hazard: Presence of active volcanoes.
- Calamity: Lava flows, ashfall, and potential for pyroclastic flows, causing
destruction of landscapes and infrastructure.
Mitigating the impact of hazards and
calamities involves a combination of
preparedness, early warning systems, and
sustainable practices. Communities and
governments play a crucial role in
developing resilient infrastructure,
implementing effective response
strategies, and promoting environmental
stewardship to reduce the vulnerability to
these events.
Preparations

Preparation for calamities is crucial to

minimize their impact and
safeguard human lives and property.
Preparations
1. Emergency Kits:
Preparation: Assemble emergency kits with essentials such as water, non-perishable food,
medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, and important documents.

2. Evacuation Plans:
Preparation: Develop and communicate evacuation plans, including designated shelters
and evacuation routes. Practice evacuation drills regularly.

3. Communication Strategies:
Preparation: Establish reliable communication channels for emergency alerts and
updates. Ensure that everyone knows how to access and use these channels.
Preparations
4. **Early Warning Systems:
Preparation Invest in or utilize existing early warning systems for earthquakes, hurricanes,
floods, and other disasters to provide timely alerts to the affected population.

5. Community Education:
Preparation: Conduct educational programs to raise awareness about specific calamities,
their risks, and the importance of preparedness. This empowers communities to respond
effectively.

6. Infrastructure Resilience:
Preparation: Implement and maintain resilient infrastructure, such as earthquake-
resistant buildings, flood barriers, and storm-resistant structures, to minimize damage during
calamities.
Preparations
7. Emergency Services Coordination:
Preparation: Ensure coordination among emergency services, including police, fire
departments, medical services, and local authorities, to streamline response efforts during
calamities.

8. Medical Readiness:
Preparation: Train medical professionals and ensure that medical facilities are equipped
to handle an influx of patients during and after disasters.

9. Insurance Coverage:
Preparation: Encourage individuals and businesses to have adequate insurance coverage
to facilitate post-disaster recovery.
Preparations
10. Public Awareness Campaigns:
Preparation: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate people about the
importance of preparedness, including the creation of emergency plans for families and
businesses.

11. Government Policies and Regulations:

Preparation: Develop and enforce policies and regulations that promote resilient
construction practices, land-use planning, and environmental conservation to reduce
vulnerability to calamities.

12. International Cooperation:

Preparation: Foster international cooperation for disaster response and recovery, sharing
resources and expertise to enhance global resilience.
Preparations
13. Technology Integration:
Preparation: Leverage technology for disaster monitoring, early warning systems, and
communication. Drones, satellite imagery, and mobile apps can contribute to more effective
responses.

14. Post-Disaster Recovery Planning:

Preparation: Develop comprehensive recovery plans to facilitate a swift return to
normalcy after calamities. This includes rebuilding infrastructure, providing psychological
support, and restoring essential services.
 By incorporating these preparations
into comprehensive disaster
management strategies, communities
and governments can enhance their
ability to withstand calamities and
protect the well-being of their citizens.
 References
Admin. (2020, September 2). Natural disasters - everything you need to know. BYJUS.
https://byjus.com/biology/natural-disasters/

Avalanche.(n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/avalanche/

B, J. (2017, June 20). Natural calamities: Essay on natural calamities | Geography. Geography Notes.
https://www.geographynotes.com/essay/natural-calamities/natural-calamities-essay-on-natural-
calamities-geography/4788

Landslide. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/landslide/

Manaher, S. (2023, May 24). Calamity vs Disaster: When And How Can You Use Each One? The Content
Authority. https://thecontentauthority.com/blog/calamity-vs-disaster

OneLightCharity. (2020, February 26). The Human Impact Of Natural Disasters. Onelight Charity.
https://onelightcharity.com/the-human-impact-of-natural-disasters/?v=13b249c5dfa9
Thank You
Bonifacio
Celino
Galvan
Mana-ay