Hazards, Disasters & Catastrophes

A natural hazard is a natural process and event that can potentially threat human life and property. The process and events do not cause it to become a hazard, rather the the way i n which humans use the land. Thus, no area is considered hazard-free and which is why natural hazards affect the lives of people around the world. Meanwhile, a disaster is a hazardous event that occurs in a limited time and space. In order for an event to be considered a natural disaster it needs to apply the criteria of (1) 10 or more people are killed (2) 100 or more people are affected (3) a state of emergency is declared, and (4) international assistance is requested. Lastly, a catastrophe is a massive disaster the requires a significant amount of money and time in order for recovery to take place.