Let’s go step by step to match each description with the correct natural disaster.
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1. “The ground started shaking and there was a lot of smoke in the air. Hot lava was flowing down the side of the mountain.”
- Ground shaking + smoke + hot lava =
volcanic eruption
- Volcanoes erupt, sending out lava, ash, and smoke. The ground shakes before or during an eruption.
✔ Answer:
a volcanic eruption
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2. “The winds became very strong and people were told to stay indoors. People were warned not to go swimming or to be near the coast.”
- Strong winds + warning about coast/swimming = likely a
typhoon (also called hurricane or cyclone depending on location)
- Typhoons bring dangerous winds and storm surges — that’s why you shouldn’t be near water or outside.
✔ Answer:
a typhoon
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3. “The ground started shaking and some building started to crumble. People took shelter under tables.”
- Ground shaking + buildings crumbling + hiding under tables = classic signs of an
earthquake
- Earthquakes make the ground shake violently, causing damage. “Drop, cover, hold” is what you do — like under a table.
✔ Answer:
an earthquake
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4. “It was terribly cold and when it started raining the rain droplets turned to snow. It was difficult to see clearly and the roads were too dangerous to drive on.”
- Cold + rain turning to snow + bad visibility + icy roads =
snowstorm
- Snowstorms can start as rain if it’s just above freezing, then turn to snow as it gets colder. Roads become slippery and visibility drops.
✔ Answer:
a snowstorm
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5. “The sky turned dark and there was heavy rain, with thunder and lightning. The electricity went out and people stayed indoors.”
- Dark sky + heavy rain + thunder + lightning + power outage =
thunderstorm
- Thunderstorms often cause blackouts due to lightning hitting power lines. People are advised to stay inside for safety.
✔ Answer:
a thunderstorm
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Final Answer:
1. a volcanic eruption
2. a typhoon
3. an earthquake
4. a snowstorm
5. a thunderstorm
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of natural disasters worksheet.
