Early warning systems and other disaster risk reduction activities supported by USAID/OFDA saved the lives of more than 10,000 people when Indonesia's Mt. Merapi erupted in October 2010.

Hydrometeorological Hazards

Hydrometeorological disasters—such as cyclones, droughts, and floods—account for the largest number of natural disasters worldwide and affect more people than any other type of natural disaster. Between 1999 and 2018, more than 90 percent of all recorded natural disasters were due to hydrometeorological hazards, impacting over 4 billion people, causing more than 500,000 deaths, and resulting in an estimated $2.2 trillion in economic damages. USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) supports programs to reduce the adverse impacts of hydrometeorological events through disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities designed to strengthen readiness, response, and resilience before hydrometeorological disasters occur. USAID/OFDA-supported DRR initiatives emphasize locally sustainable and environmentally sensitive measures coordinated with vulnerable communities and local and national stakeholders.

Geological Hazards

Geological hazards—including earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes—threaten millions of people worldwide and can devastate communities in a matter of seconds by destroying homes, causing food and water shortages, disrupting livelihoods, and killing or injuring numerous individuals. Although many geological hazards cannot be prevented, proper mitigation and preparedness efforts can minimize the impact of disasters by saving lives, promoting resilience, and reducing the negative economic effects of geological events.

USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance supports geological hazards preparedness and response activities, including disaster risk reduction programming, that emphasize a comprehensive approach to reducing the impact of geological disasters.

Natural and Technological Risks Archive

• Sector Updates