Friday, Aug 14, 2026 20:45 [IST]
Last Update: Friday, Aug 14, 2026 15:12 [IST]
A natural calamity or disaster
resulting from natural processes on or beneath the Earth's surface leads to
unimaginable chaos, devastation, and the loss of property, as well as human and
animal lives.
Common or frequently occurring
natural disasters include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides,
cyclones/hurricanes, droughts, forest fires, avalanches, and tsunamis. The
last-mentioned continues to wreak havoc in Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia,
the Indian Ocean region, and elsewhere from time to time.
No place on Earth is immune to
natural calamities. Such disasters have occurred in almost every country in the
past, and there is no guarantee they will not occur again in the future.
According to a study, about
50,000 earthquakes occur annually across the world. These have resulted in
millions of deaths and incalculable damage to property.
Notable natural calamities of
the recent past include:
While the majority of these
events are caused by processes beneath the Earth's surface, it must be noted
that natural calamities can also result from weather and climate events, as
well as shifts in precipitation patterns.
Except for earthquakes, most
natural disasters can be predicted to some extent. Many specialised institutes
and organisations have been established across the world to monitor physical
phenomena capable of causing deadly disasters. They regularly share data and
issue warnings, helping to minimise, if not entirely prevent, the damage.
Heat Wave in Europe
Moving on, an unusual heat
wave, presumably driven by global warming, affected India and many European
countries in 2025. Record-breaking temperatures were experienced even in hill
stations. Rivers and lakes witnessed dry spells, while snow cover declined in
many areas near the snowline. Habitat loss and species extinction may also have
occurred.
As people in Europe were
unaccustomed to such extreme heat compared with Africa or Asia, temperatures of
37°C to 40°C proved unbearable in Portugal, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy.
Normal life was disrupted, and many people lost their lives.
A similar situation was
witnessed in 2026 across more European countries and several states in the USA.
In addition, a number of countries experienced large-scale forest fires.
The technology used in
constructing houses also came under scrutiny, as homes designed for cold
climates offered little scope for ventilation during hot nights. The sudden
surge in demand for fans, air coolers, and air conditioners could not be met
immediately by European markets.
Indian Flood Scenario in 2026
Floods affect many parts of
India every year, but this year the devastation in Assam and parts of eastern
India has been particularly severe. People in the majority of the affected
districts are still grappling with the aftermath. The disaster has impacted not
only residents of remote villages but also wildlife in Kaziranga National Park.
Floods have also occurred in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and even
in places where they were previously considered unlikely, such as parts of
Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Whenever floods are discussed,
we often ignore the harsh reality of the massive release of water into Bihar
from Nepal and the release of water into the Yamuna from the Hathinikund
Barrage in Haryana. The Yamuna's water level has already risen well above its
level in August 2025.
It is high time we undertook
more sincere and sustained efforts towards flood control and management.
June 24 Earthquake in
Venezuela
Twin earthquakes, occurring
just 39 seconds and 5 km apart, struck areas west of the capital, Caracas
(about 160 km away), and La Guaira in Venezuela on June 24. Reportedly the
country's strongest earthquake since 1900, it trapped people beneath collapsed
buildings and triggered powerful aftershocks. La Guaira, a coastal city,
witnessed the collapse of at least 100 buildings, including high-rise
apartments. In some places, volunteers were seen digging through rubble with
their bare hands due to a lack of equipment. Amid the panic, some stores were
also looted. Many houses near the epicentre in Morón collapsed.
According to the acting
President, 6,301 people lost their lives, while thousands were reported
missing. Around 16,740 people were injured and 17,907 rendered homeless.
However, the US Geological Survey estimated that the final death toll could run
into several thousands.
Initial reports estimated
losses at around USD 19.6 billion, while reconstruction is expected to cost
nearly USD 50 billion. Meanwhile, the United States has announced assistance of
only USD 150 million, along with an easing of sanctions.
The disaster struck a country
already grappling with years of economic turmoil, leaving much of its
infrastructure fragile and complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Northern Venezuela is prone to
severe seismic activity. In 1967, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the
Richter scale claimed many lives and caused extensive property damage.
Located along the boundary of
the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates, Venezuela suffered one of its
worst disasters in 1812, when an estimated 30,000 people were killed in a
devastating earthquake.
Expatriate groups among
millions of Venezuelans swiftly organised relief collections after establishing
contact with their families back home. This is something the Indian diaspora
can learn from. Expecting everything from the government is neither practical
nor fair.
Earthquake in Colombia on
August 10, 2026
Latin America had barely
recovered from the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela when a powerful
7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia's coffee-growing region on August 10.
According to the latest reports, more than 250 people have lost their lives.
With nearly 3,000 people still missing, the death toll is expected to rise.
A state of emergency has been
declared, as thousands are feared trapped beneath collapsed homes, apartment
blocks, schools, and health centres. It was the most powerful earthquake to
strike the region in decades.
According to reports, rescue
teams have been working through the night using heavy equipment as well as
their bare hands in desperate efforts to locate survivors.
As the affected area was
relatively accessible, rescue teams reached the site quickly, and communication
links were restored without significant delay. More details are awaited.
Conclusion
Natural calamities have
occurred throughout history and will continue to occur in the future. The focus
has rightly shifted from relief to mitigation, while advances in technology are
making a significant difference in rescue and relief operations. Funds are
generally available, but what matters most is the speed and effectiveness of
the response.
The initiative taken by
expatriate Venezuelans deserves appreciation. However, despite its vast numbers
and resources, the Indian diaspora still has room to contribute more meaningfully
during national disasters. Applauding the Prime Minister during overseas visits
alone is not enough.
(Views are personal)
