Does the definition of disaster include the following hazards (expressly or implicitly)?
DroughtA long-lasting event triggered by a lack of precipitation. A drought is an extended period of time characterised by a deficiency in a region's water supply that is the result of constantly below average precipitation. (Source: CRED EM-DAT)
EnvironmentalMay include chemical, natural and biological hazards, created by environmental degradation or physical or chemical pollution in the air, water and soil. May be termed drivers of hazard and risk such as soil degradation, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, salinisation and sea-level rise. (Source: UNISDR)
Extreme heat/heat waveA period during which the daily maximum temperature exceeds for more than five consecutive days the maximum normal temperature by 9 degrees Fahrenheit/5 degrees Celsius. (Source: WMO)
Extreme cold/cold waveMarked cooling of the air, or the invasion of very cold air, over a large area; it usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. This is a drop of average temperature well above the averages of a region. (Source: UNISDR)
Biological emergencyA major epidemic outbreak of diseases such as avian influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) etc., plant or animal contagion, insect or other animal plagues and infestations.
(Source: IFRC)
Epidemic/pandemic diseasesThis includes viral, bacterial, fungal and prion diseases, yellow fever, cholera, Zika virus, Ebola virus, malaria and all other epidemics, including all zoonotic and pandemic diseases. Either an unusual increase in the number of cases of an infectious disease that already exists in the region or population concerned, or the appearance of an infectious disease previously absent from a region. (Source: CRED EM-DAT)
EarthquakeA term used to describe both sudden slip on a fault, and the resulting ground shaking and radiated seismic energy caused by the slip, or by volcanic or magmatic activity, or other sudden stress changes in the earth. (Source: United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Landslide/debris flowsMovement of surface material down a slope. (Source: USGS)
TsunamiA sea wave of local or distant origin that results from large-scale seafloor displacements associated with strong earthquakes, major submarine slides, or exploding volcanic islands. (Source: USGS)
Volcanic eruptionThe discharge (aerially explosive) of fragmentary ejecta, lava and gases from a volcanic vent. (Source: USGS)
Tropical cycloneAn atmospheric closed low pressure circulation system rotating counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere (includes: cyclone, extra-tropical cyclone, tropical cyclone, hurricane, typhoon). (Source: NOAA)
FloodAn atmospheric closed low pressure circulation system rotating counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere (includes: cyclone, extra-tropical cyclone, tropical cyclone, hurricane, typhoon). (Source: NOAA)
Storm surgeThe temporary increase, at a particular locality, in the height of the sea due to extreme meteorological conditions (low atmospheric pressure and/or strong winds). The storm surge is defined as being the excess above the level expected from the tidal variation alone at that time and place. (Source: IPCC)
HailstormHail is a form of solid rain consisting of balls or irregular lumps of ice, measuring between 5 millimetres and 15 centimetres in diameter. (Source: UNISDR)
TerrorismCriminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular persons for political purposes...whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or any other nature that may be invoked to justify them. (Source: UN Res "Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism" 1994, UN Doc. A/Res/60/49)
Nuclear emergencyNuclear emergencies (includes nuclear hazards) involve or emerge from nuclear chain reactions. Such chain reactions take place under controlled circumstances, for instance in nuclear power plants and research reactors. (Source: UNISDR/IFRC)
Radiological emergencyRadiological emergencies (includes radiological hazards) can involve all other sources of radiation, such as radiography machines, radioactive material for use in industry, lost sources and more. (Source: UNISDR/IFRC)
Chemical emergencyChemical emergencies (includes chemical hazards) are defined as any unplanned event involving hazardous substances that causes or is liable to cause harm to health, the environment or property, such as loss of containment of hazardous substances and fires. (Source: OECD)
FireThis includes all types of fire events, wildfires and forest fires. It is the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat, flames and (often) smoke. (Source: IFRC)
War/armed conflictInternational armed conflicts, opposing two or more States, and/or non-international armed conflicts, between governmental forces and non-governmental armed groups, or between such groups only. (Source: ICRC)
Other man-made hazards (non-conflict)Hazards that are “induced entirely or predominantly by human activities and choices” (i.e. anthropogenic, or human-induced). This term does not include the occurrence or risk of armed conflicts and other situations of social instability or tension that are subject to international humanitarian law and national legislation. (Source: UNSIDR)