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Responses to Ecosystems Caused by Natural Disasters

Natural disasters occur in all forms -- tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, mud slides and wildfires -- and pose serious risks to both humans and the local ecosystem. While they often result from climatic conditions and change, natural disasters can have lasting consequences on the local environment. Humanity cannot control when natural disasters occur, but there is an opportunity to respond to the local ecosystem and avoid permanent damage to it.

  1. Land and Mud Slide Responses

    • One of the most common natural disasters is mud slides, which typically occur after periods of continuous heavy rain and affect areas with high soil erosion. The most vulnerable areas are steep slopes and areas burned by wildfire, which no longer have a system of roots to anchor the soil. This can also include agricultural areas, which have removed the previous forest areas for agricultural purposes. The most common response to ecosystems that bare the threat of mud slides or deteriorating land is to renew the system of plant roots. This involves planting trees and bushes, which over time will anchor the soil and prevent erosion. The goal with this type of response is to preserve and protect the areas from further erosion to that ecosystem.

    Flood Responses

    • Floods typically occur after extended periods of rain, which overwhelm lakes, streams and rivers, leaving no place for the water to drain. Communities that sit in low-lying areas or near bodies of water need to exercise extreme caution after torrential rain falls or during periods of ice thaw, when large amounts of snow or ice are unable to be absorbed by the ground. The most important response to this natural disaster is to stabilize the region through creating drainage channels and ensure that leaking sewage has not compromised water and food sources. After stabilizing the region, the next step is to assess the damage to trees and vegetation in the area and determine whether they will regenerate on their own. Cleanup of garbage and debris carried by the flood also needs to be carried out.

    Wildfire Responses

    • Wildfires occur naturally and function by regenerating the nutrients in the soil by burning dead foliage on the ground. While they serve a valuable function, they are unpredictable and are dangerous as they spread quickly, using wind and dry foliage as fuel. The most common practice for responding to the potential threat of wildfires is carrying out controlled burns of certain areas, which pose a risk. This includes areas that have an accumulation of dead dry foliage. If a controlled burn is not possible, then the next step is to remove dry debris and limit the opportunity for a spontaneous wildfire from occurring.

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