English Vocabulary for Disasters

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Learn Common Words for Disasters in English

This is a lesson to help you learn English words relating to natural disasters and extreme weather. There are eight learning methods for you to work through, including five different games and three different types of flashcard. At the end, there are three example sentences for each word.

Vocabulary Games for

The games and flashcards are currently set to test the following [wait...] words:

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Match-the-Pairs Game

Memory Game

Basic Flash Cards

Spell-the-Word Game

Spell the word represented by the picture.

Multi-Choice Test

Select the correct word or picture.

Learn with Hangman!

Hangman is a classic word game. In this version, the hidden word is one of the words from the "disasters" category. Choose your first letter to start. Show Instructions

Play Again

"Sentence" Flash Cards

Click on the box to see the word in a sentence.

"Missing Word" Flash Cards

Click on the box to see the missing word in a sentence.

Example Sentences

Here are 3 sentences for each of the following words from the "disasters" category:

• blizzard, drought, earthquake, flood, forest fire, hurricane, mudslide, sinkhole, storm, tsunami, volcanic eruption, avalanche

• A blizzard is a severe winter storm characterized by strong winds, heavy snowfall, and low visibility.
• During a blizzard, it's essential to stay indoors and avoid traveling, as the conditions can be extremely hazardous.
• Blizzards can lead to snowdrifts and icy roads, making it challenging to navigate the outdoors.

• A drought is an extended period of time with significantly reduced rainfall, leading to water shortages and dry conditions.
• Droughts can have serious impacts on agriculture, water supply, and ecosystems, causing crop failures and water rationing.
• Conserving water during a drought is essential to help mitigate its effects on communities and the environment.

• An earthquake is a sudden shaking or movement of the Earth's surface caused by the release of energy in the Earth's crust.
• Earthquakes can vary in intensity, and their effects can range from minor tremors to severe ground shaking and damage.
• Regions near tectonic plate boundaries are more prone to experiencing earthquakes.

• A flood occurs when an area becomes submerged in water due to excessive rainfall, melting snow, or the overflow of bodies of water like rivers.
• Floods can cause damage to homes, infrastructure, and crops, and they often result in the displacement of people.
• Preparing for a flood involves having an emergency plan, sandbags, and proper flood insurance in flood-prone areas.

• A forest fire, also known as a wildfire, is an uncontrolled and rapidly spreading fire that consumes vegetation in wooded areas.
• Forest fires can be caused by natural factors like lightning or human activities such as campfires or discarded cigarettes.
• Efforts to combat forest fires often involve firefighting teams, water-dropping aircraft, and controlled burns to prevent further spread.

• A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rainfall, typically forming over warm ocean waters.
• Storm surges, high waves, and flooding are common consequences of a hurricane, making it a dangerous natural phenomenon.
• Residents in hurricane-prone areas should have evacuation plans and emergency supplies in case of an approaching hurricane.

• A mudslide, also known as a landslide, occurs when a mass of soil, rock, and debris suddenly moves downhill due to various factors like heavy rain or earthquakes.
• Mudslides can block roads, damage homes, and pose a significant threat to people and property in hilly or mountainous areas.
• Proper drainage systems and slope stabilization measures can help reduce the risk of mudslides.

• A sinkhole is a depression or hole in the ground that forms when underground limestone or other soluble rocks erode.
• Sinkholes can appear suddenly and pose risks to structures and roads built above them.
• Geological factors and water infiltration are common causes of sinkholes.

• A storm is a weather phenomenon characterized by strong winds, rain, thunder, and lightning.
• Severe storms can lead to power outages, fallen trees, and localized flooding.
• It's important to stay informed about weather forecasts and take precautions during approaching storms.

• A tsunami is a series of powerful ocean waves generated by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides.
• Tsunamis can cause devastating coastal flooding and are often associated with significant destruction and loss of life.
• Early warning systems and evacuation plans are crucial for coastal communities to minimize the impact of tsunamis.

• A volcanic eruption is the release of magma, gases, and ash from a volcano's vent, often leading to the eruption of lava and the expulsion of volcanic material.
• Volcanic eruptions can have varying levels of intensity, from small volcanic eruptions to large, catastrophic events.
• Monitoring volcanic activity is essential for predicting and responding to potential volcanic eruptions.

• An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain slope, often triggered by various factors like snowpack instability or human activity.
• Avalanches can be extremely dangerous for skiers, snowboarders, and mountain climbers.
• Carrying safety equipment like avalanche beacons and receiving proper training is essential for those venturing into avalanche-prone areas.