Types

Types of natural disasters listed by the US Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Management Agency include flooding, landslide, tsunami, earthquake, fire and storms.

Predictions

FEMA reports that some natural disasters can be predicted, such as weather-related disasters such as hurricanes and flood risks. However, other naturally-occuring disasters, such as earthquakes, have not yet had prediction techniques developed for them.

Tsunami

The tsunami affecting Sumatra in 2004 brought about attempts to detect earthquakes with the creation of the Global Seismographic Network. Over 100 listening posts were set up to respond to earthquake activity in real time.

FEMA

Disasters are categorized by FEMA into three levels: Major Disaster, Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and the Emergency Declaration. These levels allow for extra federal assistance and aid for affected areas.

Emergency Alert System

In the United States, television and radio broadcasters provide the government with an alert system to provide information to the public regarding national emergencies, natural disasters and locally targeted weather and crime information.

Health

The Pacific Disaster Center also risks health issues as a natural disaster. The PDC takes information from the World Health Organization regarding perceived pandemic risks.

Source:

Hurricanes & Natural Disasters

Natural Disasters

The Disaster Process

Resource:

Emergency Alert System

Global Listening Posts

Pacific Disaster Center