The term natural disaster refers to a catastrophic event that is caused by nature, such as an earthquake, hurricane or tornado. These events are generally unexpected and can cause significant damage to property, infrastructure, and loss of life. Natural disasters often result from natural processes like volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, droughts, heatwaves, landslides, avalanches or even meteor strikes. They can occur anywhere in the world at any time and are generally beyond human control. Governments often have emergency plans to respond to natural disasters and provide aid to those affected by them.