are a chain reaction of events where a primary trigger, such as an earthquake or hurricane, initiates secondary, subsequent
disasters
Cascading hazards
A major earthquake causes landslides, which block
rivers, resulting in flash floods.
Earthquake-Driven Cascade
A volcanic eruption causes ash fall, which triggers
localized roof collapses, followed by rapid snowmelt or heavy rain causing mudflows (lahars)
that destroy downstream communities.
Volcanic Eruption Chain
A hurricane
(primary) causes storm surge, leading to coastal
flooding, subsequent power grid failure, and the
release of toxic materials from industrial sites
(Natech disasters).
Tropical Cyclone Consequences
Large wildfires
destroy vegetation, making the soil unstable,
which leads to massive debris flows or landslides
Wildfire-Landslide Sequence
A natural
disaster (e.g., flood) destroys water infrastructure,
leading to cholera outbreaks (secondary health
hazard) and mass displacement.
Health and Social Cascades
involve multiple, distinct
dangers (e.g., earthquakes, floods)
occurring in the same area within a specific
timeframe, whether simultaneous or
sequential
Multi-hazards
are a type of multihazard where one primary event triggers a
chain reaction of secondary events, like an
earthquake causing a landslide which then triggers a tsunami
Cascading hazards
