Definition

An earthquake (from the Latin terraemōtus, from terra, "earth", and Motus, "movement"). A
sudden violent shaking of the ground, typically causing great destruction, as a result of movements
within the earth's crust or volcanic action, produced by the release of accumulated energy in the
form of seismic waves.
Cause
The main cause of earthquakes is in the release of energy from the accumulated earth's crust as a
result of tectonic activity, which originates mainly in the active edges of tectonic plates.
Earthquakes of volcanic origin are associated with the fractionation of the rock due to the
movement of magma. These tremors are usually of lesser magnitude than those of tectonic origin.
Although tectonic and volcanic activities are the main causes of earthquakes, there are other
factors that can cause them:
Collapse of cave roofs
Accumulation of sediments by rockfalls on the slopes of the mountains.
Modifications of the rive
r regime.
Abrupt variations in atmospheric pressure by cyclones.
Consequences
Earthquakes could cause massive destruction in urban constructions when it happens in countries
that are not used to it.
Tips
To be safe during an earthquake you shouldn’t hide under a bed, you should look for a table or
desk to hide under, you shouldn’t use the elevator you always should rather the stairs, you should
flee from windows, shouldn’t run and always keep calm.

Definition
A tsunami (from Japanese 津 [tsu], "port or bay", and 波 [nami], "wave"). A tsunami is a series of
waves in a water body caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, generally in an
ocean.

Cause
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, glacier calving, meteorite impacts, above or below water all can
to generate a tsunami.

Consequences
Tsunamis could cause a lot of damage not only in coast areas, there are records when waves
interned

Tips
You should find out if your home or school are in tsunami hazard areas along sea-shore. You
should plan evacuation routes from your home or school or any other place you could be where
tsunamis present a risk. You shouldn’t stay in tsunami risk areas during an alert.
Definition
The word "flood" comes from the Latin inundatio and means "action and effect of submerging in
water".
A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry.

Cause
Flooding may occur as an overflow of water from water bodies, such as a river, lake, or ocean, in
which the water overtops or breaks levees, resulting in some of that water escaping its usual
boundaries, or it may occur due to an accumulation of rainwater on saturated ground in an area
flood.
Consequences
Flood could cause damage in vegetation and urban constructions.

Tips
You shouldn’t drive in flooded areas; you should follow warnings about flooded roads. You should
stay out of flood water it may contain downed power lines.