Natural Disasters Vocabulary in English

Natural disasters often dominate global news and understanding them can be essential if you are in an English-speaking country. This reference covers the different types of natural disasters and the vocabulary you need to discuss these events. You will find a list of natural disasters and severe weather, along with examples and pictures.

Natural Disasters Vocabulary

Natural Disasters Vocabulary
Natural Disasters Vocabulary – Created by 7ESL

A natural disaster is a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the Earth; examples include floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, and other geologic processes.

  • Snow
  • Snowstorm
  • Avalanche
  • Flood
  • Landslide
  • Lightening
  • Earthquake
  • Forest fire
  • Fog
  • Storm
  • Volcanic eruption
  • Drought
  • Rain
  • Drizzle
  • Explosion
Natural Disasters List
Natural Disasters List – Created by 7ESL

Natural Disasters Vocabulary with Pictures 

Learn these names of natural disasters to improve your English words about weather.

Snow

Snow is precipitation in the form of ice crystals that falls from clouds.

  • Example: The ski resort was bustling with activity after a fresh snowfall, as skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes to enjoy the new snow.

 

Snow

Snowstorm

A severe winter storm characterized by heavy snowfall, high winds, and low visibility.

  • Example: The town was buried under several feet of snow after the snowstorm.

Snowstorm

Avalanche

A sudden and rapid flow of snow down a steep slope.

  • Example: The skiers were caught in an avalanche while skiing on the mountain.

Avalanche

Flood

An overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry.

  • Example: The town was evacuated due to the severe flood caused by heavy rain.

Flood

Landslide

The movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope.

  • Example: The road was closed due to a landslide caused by heavy rain.

Landslide

Lightening

A sudden and powerful electrical discharge in the atmosphere, often accompanied by thunder.

  • Example: The tree was struck by lightning during the storm and caught fire.

Lightening

Earthquake

A sudden and violent shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

  • Example: The city was devastated by a powerful earthquake that destroyed many buildings.

Earthquake

Forest fire

A large and destructive fire that spreads rapidly through a forest.

  • Example: The firefighters worked to contain the forest fire that threatened nearby homes.

Forest fire

Fog

A thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the air, reducing visibility.

  • Example: The driver slowed down due to the thick fog on the road.

Fog

Storm

A violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds, rain, thunder, or lightning.

  • Example: The boats were anchored in the harbor to ride out the storm.

Storm

Volcanic eruption

The sudden and violent release of molten rock, ash, and gas from a volcano.

  • Example: The town was covered in ash and debris after the volcanic eruption.

Volcanic eruption

Drought

A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, resulting in a shortage of water.

  • Example: The crops withered and died due to the severe drought.

Drought

Rain

Precipitation in the form of liquid water droplets falling from the atmosphere.

  • Example: The children played outside in the rain and jumped in puddles.

Rain

Drizzle

Light rain falling in very fine drops.

  • Example: The windshield wipers were turned on to clear the drizzle from the windshield.

Drizzle

Explosion

A sudden and violent release of energy, often resulting in destruction or damage.

  • Example: The building was destroyed by the explosion caused by a gas leak.

Explosion