Table 1.1. Types of Disasters

Natural Disasters

  • Hurricanes or cyclones.
  • Droughts.
  • Tornadoes.
  • Wildfires.
  • Mudslides.
  • Earthquakes.
  • Tsunamis.
  • Infestations or disease epidemics.
  • Ice or hail storms.

Technological Disasters

  • Hazardous materials releases or spills.
  • Transportation crashes or derailments.
  • Unintentional explosions or collapses.
  • Power outages.

Terrorism, National or International Violence

  • Bombings or explosions.
  • Multiple or mass shootings.
  • Chemical agent releases.
  • Cult-related violence.
  • Biological agent releases.
  • Riots.
  • Nuclear agent releases.
  • Arson.

Humanitarian Disasters, Complex Emergencies

  • War or violent political conflict.
  • Genocidal acts.
  • Famine.
  • Shelter, feeding, or medical care of displaced populations.
  • Droughts.

Source: Courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics. From: Romig LE. Disaster Management. In APLS: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Resource, 4th ed., Gausche-Hill M, Fuchs S, Yamamoto L (eds). Sudbury MA: Jones and Bartlett, 2003, pp. 542-67.

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