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Published - Thu, 28 Sep 2023

Vocabulary and Expressions Related to Natural Disasters

Vocabulary and Expressions Related to Natural Disasters

When disasters happen, they are usually big news around the world, no matter where they occur. Different locations experience things such as fires, earthquakes and large storms, but what are the proper words for them all?

In order to help you read about and discuss these events in English more accurately, this article will introduce common vocabulary and expressions connected to natural disasters. We'll also introduce some related terms that you are likely to see or hear in the news about these events.

Names for natural disasters

Hurricane/Typhoon

Both of these terms are types of storms called "tropical cyclones." They are storms that begin over large areas of water and bring heavy rain and very strong winds. 

Generally, if the storm begins in the Atlantic Ocean, it is called a hurricane, while storms beginning in the Pacific are called typhoons. If the starting point is the South Pacific or Indian Oceans, they are called cyclones. 

Residents of the town were told to leave in order to avoid the approaching hurricane.
It is common for this country to experience cyclones this time of year.

Earthquake

Earthquakes are events in which large pieces of land deep underground move, causing the ground above to shake violently. Earthquakes are most common in areas that are above "fault lines," which are big cracks under the ground.

The strength of earthquakes is measured with a system called the Richter scale.

The earthquake measured a 5.1 on the Richter scale.

Earthquakes are sometimes called "tremors." 

This area experiences tremors frequently, but they are usually not very strong.

The starting point of an earthquake is called the "epicenter."

The epicenter was about four miles from the city's downtown area.

Shaking that occurs after a major earthquake is called an "aftershock."

After the big earthquake, the town experienced aftershocks for several days.

Tornado

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Mbah Jefferson

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