Disasters Explained

Discover how El Niño events can impact weather patterns around the world, potentially causing severe storms, floods, droughts or heatwaves.

Heatwaves are extreme weather events. Learn about what they are, why they happen and their link to climate change.

Droughts affect millions of people each year. Learn what they and and how we’ve supported communities.

Wildfires burn millions of acres of land every year. Find out more about what they are and their connection with climate change.

Powerful earthquakes can be very deadly. Learn everything you need to know about earthquakes and how we help.

Learn what volcanoes are, how they erupt, and the effects of a volcano eruption.

Tsunamis can destroy lives, homes, crops and roads in the blink of an eye. Learn more about what they are, what causes them and what the effects are.

Floods are among the most common and devastating disasters. Read more about why they happen and their effects.

Find out everything you need to know about hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons.

Read everything you need to know about these violent storms also known as twisters.

Each year, avalanches kill over 150 people worldwide. Read more about avalanches, what causes them and more.

Climate change is a humanitarian crisis. Find out key stats about climate change, how it affects disasters and people, and what we’re doing about it.

Read why we no longer use the term ‘natural disasters’, the definition of a disaster, and how we have come to change our language.

Russia has launched a military operation on Ukraine. Read more about the crisis, who is involved, and get key facts.

Learn how the war in Syria began, who is involved and how families have been affected.

Read how the conflict started, who is affected, and how ShelterBox is helping vulnerable families.

Read about the crisis in Ethiopia and find out how we’re helping.

We’re providing aid to families affected by the Lake Chad Basin crisis.