Social Studies

Form 3
 Definition of Natural
Disaster
 A natural disaster is any disastrous event that
can lead to death, caused by nature or the
natural processes of the earth. 
 Hurricane

 A hurricane is an intense tropical storm with

a central low-pressure area which carries
high, gusty winds exceeding 117 km/hr.
 Effects of Hurricanes

1. Heavy and prolonged rainfall that can lead to

flooding.

2. High gusty winds that can destroy buildings,

power lines and destroy crops.
3. Destruction of beaches and coral reefs.
4. Economic setbacks- tourist industry may be
affected.
5. Rainfall that can lead to landslides.
 Earthquake

 An earthquake is any sudden large-scale

tremor or movement of the earth’s crust.
 Effects of Earthquakes
1. Tremors or shaking of the ground. This can lead
directly to the collapse of buildings and
infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
2. Landslides and rock falls.

3. Tsunami or large ocean waves.

4. Broken gas pipe lines and fallen electricity poles
can lead to fire.
 Flooding

 A flood is a body of high water that

temporarily covers land that is usually dry.
 Effects of Flooding

1. Drowning of people and livestock.

2. Damage and/or destruction of buildings and

infrastructure.
3. Spread of diseases.

4. Pollution.
 Landslides

 A landslide is the downward movement of a

large mass of loose soil and rocks by the
force of gravity.
 Effects of Landslides

1. Burial of homes, livestock and crops.

2. Loss of valuable top soil.

3. Removal of vegetation/forest.
Tornado
Tsunami
Components of a disaster
preparedness plan
1. Be informed about the disasters that can
affect you:
 Consult your local authorities

 Get to know your warning systems and

signals
 Know your area to allow easy evacuation
2. Develop an emergency plan:
 Escape routes
 Systems to communicate with family
members
 Store food, water, medicine etc.
 Safety skills like CPR and First Aid
3. Collect and assemble:
 Clean drinking water

 First Aid kit

 Food supply
 Flashlight
 Important documents
4. Learn where to seek shelter:
 Consult your local disaster unit for
designated areas.
 Know those that are closest to you.
5. Practice and maintain you plan:
 Carry out mock evaluation drills
 Update your First Aid kit
 Constantly remind and educate everyone
about the plan