Disasters in the hydrosphere and the atmosphere
Water and wind can also be very powerful. Some natural disasters begin in the hydrosphere and others in the atmosphere.
💧 In the hydrosphere
A giant wave that forms after an earthquake under the sea. It travels thousands of kilometres and floods the land when it reaches the shore.
Too much rain falls in an area, and rivers overflow. Water covers streets, fields and houses.
The opposite of a flood: very little rain for a long time. Plants and crops dry up, and animals suffer.
☁️ In the atmosphere
Very strong winds that swirl around in a circle, like a funnel. The strongest tornadoes have winds of more than 400 km per hour: they can lift cars and destroy buildings.
Strong winds that swirl in a circle too, but much bigger than a tornado. They begin over warm seas and bring heavy rain and floods when they reach land. The biggest are more than 2,000 km across!
How to stay safe
- 🫨EarthquakeGet under a strong table, hold on and stay away from windows.
- 🌊TsunamiMove away from the beach and go up to high ground.
- 🌧️FloodGo to a higher floor. Never walk or drive through flood water.
- 🌪️Tornado or hurricaneStay inside, in a room without windows or in the basement.
- 🌋VolcanoFollow the instructions of the authorities and cover your mouth and nose from the ash.
- 🏜️DroughtSave water: short showers and turn off the tap.
All these natural disasters can be very dangerous. Listen to the weather warnings, look out for warning signs on beaches and roads, and always do what adults and the emergency services tell you.