Earth's Worst Natural Disasters

Tsunamis are among the world's deadliest natural disasters. These giant waves have several causes, including underwater earthquakes and the eruption of volcanos. After hitting land, the waves can push nearly anything in their path, destroying property and killing both people and animals. Some of the worst tsunamis have taken hundreds of human lives. Nearly all tsunamis begin in a region of the Pacific Ocean called the Ring of Fire. Part of The Earth's Worst Natural Disasters series, The Worst Tsunamis on Record explains how these devastating natural disasters form and what people should do if they are ever in an area where one occurs.

The storms that people in the United States know as hurricanes have different names in other parts of the world. In the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, they are called cyclones. People in the North Pacific Ocean know these storms as typhoons. Bringing rain, wind, and flooding, typhoons are among the deadliest storms on Earth. Fortunately, weather experts can warn people when these natural disasters are approaching. Part of The Earth's Worst Natural Disasters series, The Worst Typhoons on Record explains how these devastating storms form and discusses some of the worst typhoons in history.

Floods are among the worst natural disasters in history. Often caused by storms that bring heavy rain, flooding can sometimes happen with little to no warning. In rare cases, they can even be caused by humans. This type of natural disaster can also be deadly. The worst floods in the U.S. history have killed thousands of people. Just a small amount of moving water can sweep people-and even vehicles-away. Part of The Earth's Worst Natural Disasters series, The Worst Floods on Record tells the stories of some of the worst floods that have taken place in the last two centuries.

Spinning storms that bring heavy rain and damaging winds go by different names in different places. In the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, they are called cyclones. People know these storms as typhoons in the North Pacific Ocean. But in the Atlantic Ocean, these often-deadly natural disasters are called hurricanes. The United States has experienced some of the worst hurricanes on record, including 1900's Galveston Hurricane and 2005's Hurricane Katrina. Part of The Earth's Worst Natural Disasters series, The Worst Hurricanes on Record explains how these devastating natural disasters form and discusses some of the worst storms in U.S. history.

Tornadoes are among the world's deadliest natural disasters. They have touched down on all of Earth's continents, except Antarctica. Tornadoes can kill people in their path, destroy homes and other buildings, and devastate the lives of people who survive these frightening storms. Most tornadoes take place in the United States. They usually happen during spring and summer. But they can occur anyplace, anytime. Part of The Earth's Worst Natural Disasters series, The Worst Tornadoes on Record explains how these devastating natural disasters form and discusses some of the worst storms in U.S. history.

Earthquakes are among the world's deadliest natural disasters. This ground shaking can have different causes, including natural processes that occur within the earth and certain human activities. Earthquakes can be devastating on their own, killing many people when they strike. But they can also trigger other types of natural disasters, such as fires, landslides, and tsunamis. Part of The Earth's Worst Natural Disasters series, The Worst Earthquakes on Record discusses some of the strongest and deadliest earthquakes in history. It also explains how these devastating natural disasters happen and what people can do to protect themselves if they ever experience one.