Current Issues / Natural Disasters
The frequency of natural disasters has increased significantly in recent years. Many economically weak countries in Africa, South America and Asia are particularly vulnerable to devastating natural events that threaten the lives of many people.
Unpredictable disasters such as floods or earthquakes have devastating consequences: thousands of people often lose their homes and all their belongings.
Many communities and institutions in vulnerable regions are not adequately prepared for natural disasters. That's why we help people around the world to take action to prevent and protect themselves from future natural disasters.
We draw attention to imminent dangers and thus help to reduce damage and suffering in the event of a natural disaster by providing rapid assistance after an event. In order to be able to implement our aid projects, we urgently need your donations. We deploy them where help is most needed.
Photo: EWL.com
Severe Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
Several major earthquakes shake Turkey and Syria on February 6. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives. The damage to buildings, roads and infrastructure is enormous. We are on site with our partners and provide immediate aid. Any help is needed now. Join us and donate now for those affected in Turkey and Syria!
Photo: CNBC.com
What is a natural disaster?
As soon as a violent natural event has devastating and profound effects on the surface of the earth, on people and other living beings, one speaks of a natural disaster. On the other hand, one speaks of an ecological catastrophe when the catastrophe was caused by people themselves.
Natural disasters are so devastating because they tend to be unpredictable and their consequences are unpredictable.
Some natural phenomena can be recognized before others. In such emergency situations, it is usually very difficult to take precautions. The frequency of annual natural disasters has increased significantly in recent years: According to Munich Re, the number of annual natural disasters has more than doubled in the past 40 years. Since 2012, more than 700 natural disasters have occurred worldwide almost every year. Natural disasters are mainly caused by creeping climate changes and natural processes over which humans have no influence. Human intervention in nature also contributes to the increased risk of natural disasters.
Most common natural disasters
There are different types of natural disasters that affect people and the environment in different ways. The most common natural disasters are floods, storms, earthquakes and droughts. Flooding in particular has increased dramatically in recent years as water levels rise rapidly due to climate change, human encroachment on natural waterways and heavy rainfall.
In addition, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, landslides and extreme temperatures are also natural disasters, although they occur much less frequently.
Photo: Nectar sunglasses.com
Destructive effects and extent of natural disasters
The consequences are devastating for the population: floods or earthquakes destroy fields and livestock, water sources, houses or entire villages, causing many people to lose their livelihoods. Periods of drought and extreme temperatures deprive victims of food resources and lead to water shortages and hunger.
The worst disaster in decades was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The earthquake, resulting tsunami and several aftershocks claimed a total of around 230,000 lives. More than 100,000 were injured and more than 1.7 million coastal residents have lost their homes.
Photo credit: Oxfam international
Protection through disaster preparedness : Be prepared for emergencies
Many countries, especially the economically weaker ones, lack preventive and protective measures in the event of a natural disaster. Disaster preparedness is particularly important to prepare people for dangerous natural phenomena and thus reduce damage and suffering.
With targeted measurements, we help people in action to identify dangers and to develop appropriate emergency plans. We pay particular attention to groups that are particularly at risk, such as the elderly or disabled, for whom we offer specially designed training courses.
No comments:
Post a Comment