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Are natural disasters on the rise?

2008 has experienced a significant rise in natural disasters.

In a way, yes. Natural disaster effect more people because of the rise in population, and due largely to the fact that they continue to migrate to live in coastal areas which tend to get hit with hurricanes, floods, and tidal waves/tsunamis.

An average of 500 such disasters are now taking place each year, compared to 120 in the 1980s. Floods have also increased six-fold in the last thirty years.

Another factor to consider is that as we continue to build larger and larger cities, we disrupt the ecosystem and become at risk for landslides, mudslides, and flooding.

Does climate change factor into a growing number of natural disasters? Absolutely. According to the EPA, the earth will experience a higher level of heavy rains and droughts in certain areas due to a rise in ocean temperature and the melting of the polar ice caps.

If you’re wondering what the worst disasters that have plagued the earth, then visit the 10 ‘Worst Natural Disasters.” “>Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Hazards and Disasters.

There is good news–there’s no evidence that earthquakes or volcanoes are on the rise, but if you happen to live in New Orleans, Galveston, or the Florida Panhandle–heads up–we’re in a 30 year cycle of higher than normal atmospheric conditions that encourage the development of hurricanes.

As shocking as large scale tsunamis such as the one that hit Thailand in 2004, the more devastating storms impact smaller areas but pack a wallop, and without international aid, people suffer longer and can take years to regain the quality of life they once knew.

The key to saving lives lies in disaster preparedness.

Several organizations are dedicated to just this. They include the International Study for Disaster Reduction , Ready Gov, and Prepare.org.