Natural Disasters

Hurricanes are powerful storms that form over the ocean and have winds greater than 75 mph Climate conditions make them very common in the Atlantic Often sweep across the Caribbean islands during summer and autumn months Destroy property and threaten lives Can be extremely devastating in the poor areas. Hurricanes

Earthquakes Occur when the tetonic plates move Most of L. America is located above the areas where the tectonic plates meet Region is prone to earthquakes Can be extremely violent

Volcanoes Openings in the earth’s surface through which lava, volcanic ashes, and gases escape. Exists throughout many of L. American mountain ranges. More than 40 are in Central America Many of the islands in the Caribbean are peaks of underwater volcanoes

Flooding Heavy rains cause flooding Also happens when winter snowfalls in the Andes melt and turn to water. Destroys crops, homes, and entire villages.

Mudslides One of the dangers from flooding is mudslides They occur when the ground becomes so wet that part of it gives way…massive amounts of mud come down the mountainside. Can bury people and entire towns.