This is a map of the historical earthquake data in the California area.  The size of the red circles represent the magnitude of the earthquake.  This could  be used to determine where the worst earthquakes are in the area. After knowing this, we can properly prepare for an earthquake disaster.

Earthquake leads to tsunami

A few weeks ago, there was an earthquake off the coast of El Salvador near the city of San Salvador.  The earthquake registered a 7.3 on the Richter scale.  This was followed about an hour later by a second 5.4 earthquake.  This caused a tsunami warning to be issued for Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico that would be later canceled.  There was only a  10 centimeter tsunami.  This may sound like just minor tsunami but the important thing to realize is that we saw what could have become of the earthquake and were prepared for a devastating tsunami.  A warning was initially issued so that the citizens of those countries would have a head start knowing a natural hazard was heading their way.  Technology and preparedness could one day prevent an event like this from being a natural disaster.

Tectonic Plates near El Salvador

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-08-27/strong-earthquake-el-salvador/57339556/1

Barh Azoum wadi flood destroys crops in Chad

On most occasions, crop failure is due to lack of water.  This is the exact opposite of what has happened in the African country of Chad.  The Bahr Azoum wadi river has flooded and compromised 3,000 hectares of maize and 170 hectares of rice.  This in itself would be enough to cause alarm but the residents of Chad were already suffering from food shortages and malnutrition.  Even worse, the rainy season is not over yet.  This could destroy even more crops that have not yet be affected by the flood.  Although it is too early to distinguish how much crops have been completely lost to the flood, Chad's government has already asked for emergency assistance and help from donors.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/sep/11/floods-hit-thousands-chad-rains

Hurricane Leslie hits Bermuda

The people of Bermuda are getting ready for the worst that Hurricane Leslie has to offer.  The storm, currently moving at 2 MPH, is expected to hit Bermuda this weekend.  Early effects of Leslie on Bermuda has been producing swells that could pull swimmers out to sea.  Boaters and swimmers on the U.S. coast have already been warned to use extreme caution.  An even stronger hurricane, category 3, has also recently formed but fortunately Hurricane Micheal does not appear to be heading toward land.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/06/world/americas/bermuda-hurricane-leslie/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Expected path of Hurricane Leslie