The Effects of Natural Disasters on a Man-Made Environment

Infrastructure

• Severe weather in the form of strong thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes can do extensive damage to above-ground infrastructure. Power lines, other utility lines, school buildings and government office buildings are some of the sectors of infrastructure that are most susceptible to powerful storms.

  Although the below ground parts of the infrastructure are virtually unscathed by storms like hurricanes and tornadoes, earthquakes can certainly devastate both above-ground and below-ground structures. Sewer lines, water mains, gas pipelines, electric lines and other underground utilities are often damaged in strong earthquakes.

  Roads are usually unaffected by wind but can be undermined and washed out by heavy rains, while earthquakes certainly can and do damage and destroy roads.

  Dams and levees are, in the broadest sense, part of the infrastructure and they can be compromised or destroyed by flooding from a hurricane, for example. A breached damn or levy has a primary effect and a secondary effect. The primary effect is the damage to the dam or levee itself; the secondary effect is the resulting rush of water that can devastate buildings and other structures downstream.

Residences

• Residences---like single-family homes, condominiums and apartment complexes---are frequently damaged in natural disasters. A flood, if it doesn't entirely destroy the dwelling and its associated structures, may do severe damage to parts of the interior, like floors, walls and furniture. Tornadoes and hurricanes tear off roofs, while earthquakes can compromise or destroy a building's foundation.

Commercial Buildings

• The effects of natural disasters on commercial buildings is similar to that of residences. However, one difference is that residences tend to be wood-framed structures, whereas many commercial buildings are built with steel, masonry blocks and mortar. This generally stronger constitution can afford commercial buildings some measure of resistance to damage from natural disasters.

Automobiles

• Damage to automobiles from natural disasters can range from a relatively mild pelting from hail, forming small dents, to a vehicle being completely crushed by a large fallen tree. A strong tornado can lift a vehicle and smash it to the ground or into a building or another structure.