Collections: Learning from past disasters

Learn from past disasters on the PreventionWeb knowledge base. These collections explore the lessons learned from past disasters, what were the risk drivers, impacts and efforts towards building back better.

Disaster learnings

10 Dec 2021

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) 2013

In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated the Philippines, killing thousands and yielding unprecedented wreckage.

Disaster learnings

25 Aug 2023

Haiti earthquake 2010

In January 2010, a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti, impacting millions of people and generating multiple aftershocks.

Disaster learnings

04 Mar 2024

Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 2011

The Japan earthquake and tsunami prompted extensive damage, including the nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Disaster learnings

04 Mar 2024

El Nino 2015 - 2016

The 2015-16 El Niño was one of the strongest El Niño events since 1950, with wide-ranging effects felt around the world.

Disaster learnings

15 Mar 2022

Cyclones Idai and Kenneth 2019

Tropical Cyclone Idai made landfall near Beira City, Mozambique on 14 March 2019, bringing strong winds and severe flooding in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar.

Disaster learnings

04 Mar 2024

Australia: Queensland floods 2010-2011

In 2010 and 2011, a series of floods hit Queensland, Australia, and affected approximately 90 towns, leading to major economic losses.

Disaster learnings

30 Aug 2023

Australia: Bushfire season 2019-20

The 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season proved to be unprecedented in many ways. Beginning before the official arrival of spring, in June, and worsening significantly from Sept. 2019 on to mid-January 2020.

Disaster learnings

30 Aug 2023

Australia: Black Saturday bushfires 2009

On Saturday, February 7, 2009, a series of bushfires blazed across the state of Victoria, killing several dozen people and amounting to billions of dollars in damages. Black Saturday is remembered as one of Australia's worst bushfires.