When something is natural, it comes from nature and it is not manmade. A disaster is something that usually causes major problems. It would be a disaster if a bridge suddenly fell because it was not built properly. Disasters are negative but can be manmade. However, when speaking about natural disasters you can combine the two terms and define them as catastrophes that occur in nature or by natural processes. They are not manmade. A natural disaster takes place in populated areas of the world when lives may be lost, the property is severely damaged, and the economy is negatively affected.

Natural disasters may include an asteroid collision with Earth, avalanche, landslide, blizzard, thunderstorm, earthquake, flood, gamma-ray burst (from space), volcano, heat wave, hurricane, solar flare, drought, tornado, tsunami, hail, and wildfire.

It is not a natural disaster if it occurs in an unpopulated area and there is no loss of life or property damage. For example, if a tsunami took place on an uninhabited island, it would not be a disaster. Disasters cause a loss. There are many things that can happen during a natural disaster. Sometimes, more than one disaster occurs at the same time. Landslides may occur during severe flooding and thunderstorms.

Natural disasters occur throughout the world, and often people know when they are coming and can prepare for them and be safe. Other disasters may occur without warning. Most people die during a natural disaster when there is no time to prepare for it. Though natural disasters cause many problems, injuries, and sometimes death, they are not to be feared, but being aware of them and properly preparing for them is extremely important.
In addition, there are natural disasters that can occur more often in one part of the world or country than in other regions. For example, a person living in the middle of the United States would not need to be concerned with a tsunami, but someone living along the coast would be affected. In the middle of the country, a tornado might occur, but often there are fewer of them along the coast.

The top 10 natural disasters most likely occurring throughout the world include blizzards, droughts, earthquakes, floods, heat waves, hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornados, tsunamis, and wildfires. Some of the listed disasters may occur simultaneously such as a hurricane and thunderstorm causing massive flooding, or possibly a tsunami, or a heat wave coupled with wildfires.

Other natural disasters include landslides and avalanches, which can be caused by earthquakes, heavy rain or snow, or other disasters. Snow or mud can be released from the side of a mountain or hillside burying the area below. Finally, there are active volcanoes, which are eruptions of a mountaintop, sending out ash clouds, lava, and more, causing damage to property and the loss of human life.

The most common types of natural disasters in the world are floods and storms.

All natural disasters cause damage and destruction, and often one or more people die due to the effects of the natural disaster. Many of the disasters can be predicted ahead of time with some warnings given for people to prepare and move to safety.