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

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

10 Dec 2021

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) 2013

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

Disaster learnings

04 Mar 2024

Hurricane Harvey 2017

Hurricane Harvey yielded extensive damage across the Southern United States, especially Texas.

Disaster learnings

04 Mar 2024

Japan: Kobe earthquake 1995

In January 1995, a massive earthquake struck Hanshin and brought about drastic damage, especially in Kobe. The earthquake is remembered as one of the worst in Japan during the 20th century.

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

25 Aug 2023

USA: Hurricane Sandy 2012

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in Cuba and swept through the East Coast of the United States, causing critical destruction.

Disaster learnings

25 Aug 2023

Hurricane Irma 2017

Hurricane Irma ravaged the Caribbean and the Atlantic United States, resulting in over U.S. $50 billion worth of losses and dozens of deaths.

Disaster learnings

25 Aug 2023

Kashmir earthquake 2005

Millions of people were displaced and left homeless after an earthquake struck the Pakistan-administered areas of Kashmir in October 2005.