Consequences of floods:
A flood occurs when a river bursts its banks and the water spills onto the floodplain of a river.
Floods can cause damage to homes and possessions, as well as disrupt communities normal way of life.
Floods can cause:
- A loss of life: Floods can cause death and injury. People can get trapped in their houses by the quick-rising waters
- Damage to property: As floodwaters rise they can flow into low-lying properties. The river will be carrying huge amounts of pollution and silt that will destroy floors, walls and any electrical gear.
- Pollution: Floods will wash chemicals and sewage into the water. The contaminated water will spread quickly over an area – causing public health issues and killing fish.
- Destruction of habitat: Floods will destroy places where river animals and fish might have breeding grounds. Even slight changes to river temperature and water patterns can upset natural ecosystems.
Consequences of droughts:
- Droughts endanger lives through thirst, hunger and the spread of diseases.
- Reduction in food production.
- Droughts and famines have other geographical impacts such as people that migrate to a new home. This can put pressure on resources in neighbouring communities.
Consequences of earthquakes:
- Buildings might collapse and homes might be destroyed.
- People may be killed or injured.
- Transport links might be disrupted.
- Communication lines might break.
- Basic services might be destroyed (electricity and water supply)
- Shops and businesses might be destroyed.
- Economies might slow.
