Natural Hazard Risk – The probability or chance that a natural hazard may take place

To remember the meaning of the term Natural Hazard Risk, use the following mnemonic:

Here is the hazard. What is the risk (hazard risk)? Well, just take a look at the probability or chance as if this were a horse race.

Natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes and asteroid impacts.

Apart from these geological and atmospheric hazards, there are also insect infestations, disease epidemics and wildfires.

While it cannot be eliminated, the risk to humans from natural hazards can be minimized. Taking action to minimize this risk is called hazard mitigation.

Risk and vulnerability can be reduced if there is a means of predicting a hazardous event. For instance, meteorologists may forecast sustained heavy rain and issue flood warnings so that those likely to be seriously affected can take action to protect possessions and leave their homes before the flood arrives. 

Seismologists may report greater risk of a volcanic eruption when their equipment registers increased seismic activity so that people living nearby can move away before the eruption begins. 

The experts carefully assess the risks of natural hazards they know are coming before issuing advice. But some – including many earthquakes – arrive without prior warning, leaving people unprepared.