PART THREE NATURAL DISASTERS
Natural disasters occur every day, throughout the world. They come in many different forms, including avalanches, droughts, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes landslides, tornadoes, tsunamis, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions. While every geographical area is susceptible to multiple types of natural disasters, it would be rare for a single location to experience the entire range of possibilities. Coastal communities are particularly prone to hurricanes, tsunamis, and flooding of low-lying areas. Seismically active areas face greater risk of earthquake and volcanic eruption. Less inhabited areas, particularly those faced with drought conditions, are at risk for wildfires, while steep terrain provides ideal conditions for landslides, including avalanches in locations where severe winter weather is prevalent. Tornadoes tend to be more random in terms of where they touch down, although there are "alleys" where the climate and topography make these sites a more likely target. 165