Week 1: Hazards, Disasters, Catastrophes

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Natural Hazards: A natural hazard is a natural phenomenon that might have a negative effect on humans or the environment. 

 Disasters: A natural event such as a flood, earthquake, or hurricane that causes great damage or loss of life. 
What makes an event a natural disaster: 

  • 10+ people are killed
  • 100+ people are affected
  • There is a declared state of emergency
  • International assistance is requested
Catastrophe: A catastrophe is a massive disaster that requires significant expenditure of money and an extended amount of time for recovery to take place. 

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