Catnat.net Disaster Archive Guide
Table of Contents
The catalog of natural disasters on Catnat.net tracks events from January 1,2001,up to the present day.
A guide to finding and understanding data on global catastrophes.
When a natural disaster strikes, knowing where to find reliable details is crucial. For those keen on tracking these events,a extensive database is available on Catnat.net, allowing users to explore and understand the scope of recorded disasters.
Accessing Past Disaster Data
The core of this information hub begins its historical record on January 1, 2001. this extensive timeline allows for tracking trends and understanding the evolution of natural events over more than two decades.
Tools for Event Finding
Researchers and interested individuals have multiple avenues for pinpointing specific natural disaster events within the database:
- Sorting Options: For events occurring within the last six months, a “classify by” feature on the homepage helps organize information. Users can sort by date, country, continent, hazard type, or severity, both increasing and decreasing.
- Textual Search: A magnifying glass icon, typically located in the top right corner of the site, enables direct keyword searches for specific events or disaster types.
- Advanced Search: Within the “Disaster Archives” section, a prominent red banner signals the “Advanced search for events” function. Here, users can input specific criteria to filter and display matching events automatically.
Staying Updated on Disaster information
Keeping abreast of the latest natural disaster data and related news is facilitated through several channels:
- RSS Feeds: A dedicated RSS feed aggregates all new items, including disaster monitoring, risk management updates, climate change watch reports, data and statistics, and regulatory monitoring.
- Cartographic Feed: For a visual overview, a cartographic feed displays the latest identified events worldwide and within specific regions, such as France, at various time intervals. Further details on integrating this feed are available.
- Social Media Updates: Beyond the website, timely information is also disseminated daily via an official X (formerly Twitter) account.
- Weekly Newsletter: A free weekly newsletter provides a roundup of the latest articles published on the site.
Personalized Information Monitoring
For those with specialized information needs, a personalized topical watch service is available. This allows users to be automatically informed of new disasters or developments based on their specific criteria, such as hazard type, geographic area, or severity. This service can deliver updates via email or in various data formats like RSS, XML, or GeoRSS. The cost for this customized service can be calculated through a dedicated form.
Information Update Frequency
Data on natural disasters is updated as new information becomes available. This can include revised human or material assessments, or updates for events that unfold over extended periods, such as droughts or volcanic eruptions. The tracking of events continues for their entire duration, meaning articles may be updated multiple times.
Sources of Disaster Referencing
The information cataloged is compiled from a diverse range of sources to ensure comprehensive coverage:
- International and regional press outlets
- Official government statements
- Press agencies
- Local correspondents
- NGO information feeds
- National scientific agencies (meteorological, geological)
- Social networks
Financial impact data is updated quarterly and annually, drawing from reports by insurers, reinsurers, the UN, and government publications.
Criteria for Event Referencing
An event is listed if it is of natural origin and has resulted in human consequences,such as evacuations,injuries,or fatalities,or material damage,like widespread power outages or destruction of property.
