In the morning of May 28, 2025, the picturesque Swiss alpine village of Blatten sat quiet and serene in the Lötschen Valley. Exceptionally quiet, in fact, as the village was evacuated on May 19th after a local Natural Hazards expert spotted a worrisome change in a local mountain looming about the village, the Kleines Nesthorn: it was …[Read More]
This week I think back on my time in the United States of America, where I was able to spend the holiday season. In North America, “fall” marks the beginning of this holiday season, and symbolises a time filled with traditions of togetherness that transcends regions. In New England, particularly in the state of Massachusetts, …[Read More]
Are you passionate about natural hazards? Do you want to explore and enhance your science communication skills? The EGU Natural Hazards Division Blog seeks beautiful minds to become enthusiastic new editors and join our diverse and inclusive team. The blog serves as a platform for the natural hazards community to share updates on the latest …[Read More]
The EGU 2025 General Assembly, scheduled from 27 April to 2 May 2025 in Vienna, Austria, is one of the most anticipated events in the geosciences field. This year’s assembly is expected to gather thousands of scientists from across the globe, offering an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the latest research, innovations, and trends in Earth, …[Read More]
Multi-hazards are “a selection of major hazards that a country faces, and specific contexts where hazards occur simultaneously, cascadingly, and accumulatively considering the interrelationships among them”, based on the UNSDRR definition [7]. Yet, this definition raises two key questions: Where are these specific contexts located, and what characteristics make them susceptible to intersecting hazards? When …[Read More]
Trust in institutions and scientific experts plays a pivotal role in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). This trust becomes even more critical for natural hazards—events often unpredictable and uncontrollable. Trust can shape individuals’ willingness to heed warnings, adopt precautionary measures, and participate in community preparedness initiatives. Conversely, distrust in institutions may lead to non-compliance, scepticism toward …[Read More]
From 23 to 26 October 2024, over 40 early-career researchers and practitioners from across the globe gathered at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) in Barcelona (Spain) for the Multi-hazard Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Academy. Set against the vibrant backdrop of this dynamic city, the Academy offered a unique platform for participants to engage, learn, and …[Read More]
Ultraperipheral European departments like Mayotte are developing regions, often disproportionately exposed to natural hazards and struggling to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The eye of cyclone Chido, the most violent storm to hit Mayotte island in 90 years, engulfed the French Department on the 14th of December 2024. The extensive destruction and massive loss …[Read More]
When another year comes to an end, it is time for reflection. In the context of natural hazards, it is essential to consider the challenges posed to societies, what went well, what could have been done better, and how we could create a more resilient world. Just before Big Ben strikes 12 times, marking the …[Read More]
Mountain ranges have long served as natural boundaries, shaping the geopolitical landscape of nations. However, these towering landmarks often straddle borders, creating zones of cooperation or, more frequently, contention. From the Mont Blanc massif in Europe to the young, fragile ranges of the Himalayas, mountainous regions are fraught with overlapping challenges, including natural hazards, climate …[Read More]
