The word "disaster" literally means the unfavorable aspect of a star. In our culture, it is taken to mean any large-scale, sudden calamity that brings destruction or great misfortune. It usually has a component of nature involved or results from an accident. Natural disasters include geologic incidents like earthquakes and fires or seismic sea waves associated with them, or volcanoes which cause not only land destruction from lava and ash but also debris flows that bury cities, and clouds of poisonous gas. Weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, flash floods or even droughts cause disasters. There is evidence that in the past, bolide impacts from space caused disasters on Earth (though people weren’t around). Many disasters have a human component as well, such as flooding, landslides, wild fires, structure failure, disease epidemics and famine. There are also environmental disasters like nuclear, chemical or industrial accidents. Unfortunately, transportation accidents become disasters when they result in many lives lost or severe environmental damage. Disasters, while devastating to communities or countries, often promote a sense of teamwork or even worldwide support to overcome the catastrophe and move on with life.
The nature of disasters is to be unpredictable. However, every year, hundreds of psychics claim to be able to foresee disasters. They are correct at odds no better than chance and are never forthright with respect to date and location until the event has happened. Many disasters can truly be avoided with good planning, such as use of hazards maps showing earthquake, volcano or flood areas to deter people from living in those dangerous areas. Or, safety regulation can be enforced for equipment, facilities or structures. Vigilance, not clairvoyance, will help us avoid disasters.
- Sharon Hill (Scientist) |
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