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

04 Mar 2024

New Zealand: Christchurch and Canterbury earthquakes 2010-2011

A strong earthquake in Canterbury, New Zealand, triggered a series of aftershocks, including an earthquake that resulted in multiple deaths in Christchurch.

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

25 Aug 2023

India: Gujarat earthquake 2001

In January 2001, a strong earthquake impacted the Kutch District of Gujarat, killing thousands, injuring over 100,000, and destroying over 300,000 homes.

Disaster learnings

04 Mar 2024

Pakistan floods 2010-2011

In July 2010, heavy monsoon rains affected millions of people by submerging approximately one-fifth of Pakistan's land area.

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

10 Feb 2022

2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami

The morning of December 26, 2004 saw the worst disaster in Indonesia’s history. A magnitude (M) 9.1 submarine earthquake occurred along the Indian Ocean subduction zone triggering a massive tsunami.

Disaster learnings

30 Aug 2023

Canada: Fort McMurray wildfire 2016

In May 2016, a wildfire swept through Fort McMurray, Alberta, ruining thousands of homes and buildings, and causing tens of thousands of people to evacuate.

Disaster learnings

04 Mar 2024

Sierra Leone: Mudslide 2017

In August 2017, a massive mudslide in Freetown, Sierra Leone, resulted in many deaths while demolishing homes and communities.