Tornadoes: The Negative Impact Of Natural Disasters

Many people know that natural disasters are dangerous, but they don’t realize the full impact that the disasters can cause. In fact, between 2003 and 2013 the total damages caused by disasters totaled more than $1.5 trillion dollars. (Luxton) The total death toll from 2003- 2013 globally is more than 1.1 million people. (Luxton) Natural disasters make a negative impact by destroying property, causing death, and can lead to financial ruin. Natural disasters occur globally and result in the death of many people, the destruction of the environment, and a tremendous expense around the world. Although earthquakes can occur anywhere in the world there are areas that are more prone to earthquakes. These areas are along the Pacific coastal areas

Tornadoes are measured by how much damage they cause. In the United States we use the EF scale but over in different parts of the world they use another scale, the F scale which is similar. The severity of a tornado is scored on a scale of F1-F5 with F5 being the worse having higher wind speeds and causes more damage (Insurance Information Institute). An F1 has winds from 73-112 miles per hour and an F5 can have winds from 261-318 miles per hour (North Carolina Weather and Climate) Radar is used to predict a tornado so that a warning can be issued for the potential affected areas. Tornadoes are a “column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground” (Schneider) Tornadoes can happen anywhere in the world but are often seen in the United States. Central United States is known as the “tornado alley” (National Severe Storm Laboratories). They have occurred in Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America, Argentina and Bangladesh. The US has about 1,200 per year. (Severe Weather 101) During a tornado a person will notice high winds, hale, rain, and flying debris related to the winds. Tornadoes are often funnel shaped, fast moving, and can shift directions at a moment’s notice. In 2011 a tornado hit Alabama and caused around $7.8 billion dollars’ worth of damage (Insurance Information Institute). This tornado holds the record for the most expensive.

Wildfires are a natural disaster that many people do not consider. The cost of battling wildfires has increased to around “1 billion dollars per year.” (Moseley) One of the most famous wildfires was in 1910. This fire involved Idaho, Montana, and Washington, burning more than three million acres with eighty five people killed. (Forestry History Society) This fire taught many lessons about how to fight, and survive a wildfire. Wildfires can be started by accident or by lightening. Accidental starts are often caused by people with cigarettes or campfires. Dry conditions, fallen debris, and wind can all be fuel to a wildfire. The forest service even has controlled burns to get rid of debris as a method of preventing wildfires. The rainforest in South America has also been a target for wildfires. Actually wildfires are the “biggest threat to the Amazon ecosystem” (Lindsey). Many acres of the nutrient rich land has been destroyed. In fact, many areas look like they have “deforested” (Lindsey). Some of the land was able to be turned into farm land after it was burned. Prevention is the best way to stop wildfires. Making sure campfires are completely extinguished and proper disposal of cigarettes are important factors in prevention. Also being aware of warnings and watches that are issued. When a warning is issued there should be no controlled burning of any size. Fire can quickly spread and engulf acres