Disasters explained: Earthquakes
Powerful earthquakes can be very deadly. Learn everything you need to know about earthquakes and how we help.
Hurricanes can be classified in five categories according to their sustained wind speeds.
The Saffir-Simpson wind scale is used to measure the destructive power of Atlantic hurricanes.
Have a look at the five different categories and what they mean.
Homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters.
Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled.
Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages.
Homes could sustain major roof and siding damage.
Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads.
Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends.
Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.
Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Homes sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls.
Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed with outages lasting for weeks or months.
Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
A high percentage of homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse.
Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.
Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months.
Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Powerful earthquakes can be very deadly. Learn everything you need to know about earthquakes and how we help.
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.
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.
Learn what volcanoes are, how they erupt, and the effects of a volcano eruption.
Everything you need to know about disasters – from extreme weather events to complex conflicts.