What are natural disasters?

A natural disaster is the effect of a natural hazard, such natural hazards are hurricane, floods, earthquake, droughts, and volcanic eruptions. These hazards affect the environment that leads to financial, environmental and human loss.

Types of natural disasters that has affected the Caribbean islands?

A hurricane is a storm with violent winds with speed of more than 120 km (75 miles) per hour. Hurricane season in the Caribbean is from June to November. The names of some major hurricanes are Ivan 2004, Gilbert 1988 and sandy 2012.

Image of an area affected by a hurricane

Floods are raising levels of water which normally occur after a hurricane, storm or heavy rainfall. A major flooding occurred in St Mary in the year 2013.

Image of an area affected by a flood

 Earthquakes are the shifting of the earth’s surfaces. Jamaica experienced a major earthquake on June 7 1692 in Port Royal.
Image of an area affected by an earthquake

A volcano is a type of mountain. Under this mountain there are special red hot rocks under the surface of the earth. A volcano erupted in Montserrat in the year 1995.

Image of a volcano erupting 

Drought is the lack of precipitation in an area over a long period of time.

Image of an area that is experiencing drought

What to do in the event of a natural disaster 

In the event of a natural disaster persons should

1.  listen to radio before and after the event for update and instruction. 
2. Secure property. 
3. Always carry flash light. 
4. Evacuate homes if necessary . 
5. Stack up on food items. 
6. Stay out of damage buildings.  
7. protect their live and important documents

Video showing brief information about the various types of natural disaster