Which of the following is not a natural disaster?
(A) Phenomena beneath the Earth’s surface
(B) Phenomena at the Earth’s surface
(C) Meteorological or hydrological phenomena
(D) Biological phenomena
(E) Anthropogenic hazard
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: (E) Anthropogenic hazard
Explanation:
Natural disasters are catastrophic events resulting from natural processes of the Earth. These events typically cause significant damage to life, property, and the environment. They are classified based on their origin, such as geological, meteorological, hydrological, and biological.
Let’s explore the options:
(A) Phenomena beneath the Earth’s surface
These include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Such events are caused by tectonic activity and are classic examples of geological natural disasters.
(B) Phenomena at the Earth’s surface
Landslides, ground subsidence, and some forms of erosion are examples of surface phenomena. These are typically triggered by natural forces such as rain or seismic activity and are therefore natural disasters.
(C) Meteorological or hydrological phenomena
This category includes hurricanes, floods, droughts, and tornadoes. These are driven by weather and water systems and are among the most common natural disasters worldwide.
(D) Biological phenomena
Natural epidemics or infestations, such as locust swarms, plant diseases, and zoonotic disease outbreaks (like Ebola or avian flu), are classified as biological natural disasters because they originate from naturally occurring biological agents.
(E) Anthropogenic hazard
This refers to hazards or disasters that result from human activity, not natural processes. Examples include oil spills, nuclear accidents (e.g., Chernobyl), industrial explosions, and pollution. Since these are directly caused by humans, they fall into the category of man-made or anthropogenic hazards, not natural disasters.
Conclusion:
All the first four options describe events that arise from nature, whether from beneath the Earth, on its surface, or due to climatic or biological causes. Option (E), however, stands out because it is entirely human-induced. Therefore, the correct answer is (E) Anthropogenic hazard, as it is not a natural disaster.