Natural Disasters Collection

Watch Natural Disasters Collection

  • 2004
  • 1 Season

Natural Disasters Collection is a riveting documentary series produced and aired by National Geographic in 2004. The series takes the audience on a global journey, presenting some of the most catastrophic natural disasters ever witnessed by mankind. From earthquakes to hurricanes, tsunamis to volcanoes, the show explores different natural phenomena that have caused immense destruction and loss of life across continents.

The series is divided into six segments, each focusing on a different kind of natural disaster. The first episode, titled 'Killer Waves: Tsunami,' explores the tragedy of the December 2004 tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. The episode takes the viewers on a journey through the rippling effects of the tsunami, the relief and rescue operations, the experience of the survivors, and the aftermath of the disaster.

The second episode, called 'Killer Storms: Hurricane,' focuses on the destruction wrought by hurricanes, which have been responsible for extensive property damage and loss of life across the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the United States. The episode examines the science behind hurricanes, the challenges in forecasting their paths and how societies prepare themselves for such disasters.

The third episode, 'Devastating Earthquakes,' is devoted to earthquakes, which have caused greater loss of life and property damage than any other natural disaster in the world. The segment investigates the power and unpredictability of earthquakes, the ways in which they are measured, and how the disaster-response is mobilized in their aftermath.

The fourth episode, 'Terrifying Tornadoes,' is dedicated to the twisters that have wreaked havoc through large swathes of the United States. These cyclonic storms are unpredictable and can destroy entire communities within a matter of minutes. The episode follows individuals who have witnessed the devastating power of these storms and attempts to deduce the science behind their formation and behavior.

The fifth episode, 'The Wrath of Kilauea,' is about the eruption of the Hawaiian volcano of the same name. The program explores the geological evolution of Kilauea and the impact that its continuous eruptions have had on the local environment and people. The episode also analyses the ways in which scientists have attempted to predict the movements of the magma and mitigate the damage caused by lava flows.

Finally, the last episode, 'The Power of Ice,' explores the destructive power of natural phenomena related to ice, such as glaciers, icebergs, and snowstorms. The segment takes the viewers across ice-covered landscapes, offering viewers insights into the complex systems of ice in the natural world.

Throughout the series, Natural Disasters Collection employs a combination of stunning real-life footage, reenactments, and expert interviews to provide detailed insights into the phenomena that have shaped different regions of the world. The series also delves into government response and rescue efforts, highlighting the importance of planning and preparation for these kinds of events.

One of the great strengths of Natural Disasters Collection is its focus on the human experience of these often traumatic events. The program introduces viewers to people who have experienced these disasters firsthand, and it shows the efforts of emergency services to save lives and rebuild communities. The individuals featured in the series testify to both the transformative, unifying potential of disasters as well as their destructive power.

In conclusion, Natural Disasters Collection is an informative and insightful documentary series. The show offers a rare and in-depth view of events that have impacted the world, and it does so with excellent production values, professionalism, and engaging storytelling. The series emphasizes that while we may not be able to prevent natural disasters, there are ways to minimize the severity of their impact and manage their aftermaths. It is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the power of nature and the human experience of disaster.

Natural Disasters Collection is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on November 9, 2004.

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Seasons
Violent Earth
8. Violent Earth
May 8, 2005
Violent Earth focuses on where and when the next mega disaster will strike. Join tsunami scientist Jose Borrero of the University of Southern California on his trip to visit Banda Aceh with a National Geographic film team, barely one week after the December 26, 2004, tsunami--a tsunami so strong it actually moved the island of Sumatra a hundred feet.
Drowning New Orleans
7. Drowning New Orleans
August 28, 2006
On August 28, an early Sunday morning, America woke up to a shocking surprise. Katrina, a moderate "category one" hurricane that recently skirted Florida, had blown up and become a "category five" killer and was headed straight for New Orleans. Join National Geographic as we survey the vast devastation after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005.
Witness: Caught By Disaster
6. Witness: Caught By Disaster
May 31, 2011
An American photographer is buried alive during the Haiti earthquake. With the help of news footage and photos he took from inside the crumbled building, he shares his harrowing story of being trapped inside. A family in Iowa records a deadly tornado barreling down on their home, and haunting images of the devastation and destruction that followed. A skier tells his chilling account of surviving an avalanche and storm chasers put their lives on the line while documenting a Florida Hurricane with 150mph winds.
Witness: Tornado Swarm 2011
5. Witness: Tornado Swarm 2011
May 29, 2011
The "super outbreak" of April 26-27 alone involved more than a hundred separate twisters, killing over 300 people and cutting a path of destruction across the south. Witness: Tornado Swarm 2011 tells the story of this once in a century event, captured by those who lived to tell about it.
Stormageddon
4. Stormageddon
May 29, 2011
Massive floods in Australia and Pakistan. Deadly mudslides in Brazil. Epic drought and wildfires in Russia. Historic snows and bitter cold across North America. 2010 was one of the most destructive years in history. Join National Geographic as we present the dramatic images and personal stories of this catastrophic weather year.
Witness: Disaster in Japan
3. Witness: Disaster in Japan
April 13, 2011
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society. The world watched in horror on March 11, 2011, as the fourth largest earthquake ever recorded crippled Japan and triggered a massive tsunami that swallowed entire communities, leaving an unprecedented catastrophe in its wake. All the while, amateur videographers, news crews, tourists and countless others were recording the sights and sounds of the unfolding chaos. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Witness Katrina, National Geographic presents a powerful firsthand look at the tragedy, entirely through the eyes of those who experienced it.
Witness: Katrina
2. Witness: Katrina
August 23, 2010
Hurricane Katrina may well be the most exhaustively chronicled natural disaster in history. Over the course of 72 hours, a cataclysmic storm became a catastrophic flood, which in turn became an apocalyptic human tragedy. All the while, amateur videographers, news crews, government agencies, tourists, storm chasers, and countless others were recording the sights and sounds of the unfolding chaos. Weaving together more than a hundred of these sources, Witness: Katrina reconstructs Hurricane Katrina as it happened, entirely through the eyes of those who experienced it. From Biloxi to Bay St. Louis, from Slidell to the Superdome, this 90-minute special captures the storm and its aftermath in all its epic human complexity - raw images of fear, grief, and anger, side by side with unforgettable moments of humor, grace, and joy. Timed to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the storm, Witness: Katrina is both a riveting documentary and an enduring document - the portrait of a defining moment in American history.
Forces of Nature
1. Forces of Nature
November 9, 2004
Witness the awesome power-and the unimaginable destruction-of explosive volcanoes, ground-buckling earthquakes, and deadly tornadoes as you head into the field with scientists who risk their lives exploring the origins and behaviors of these fearsome natural disasters. It's a spectacular, up close glimpse of the Earth's most destructive forces! Narrated by Kevin Bacon.
Description
Where to Watch Natural Disasters Collection
Natural Disasters Collection is available for streaming on the National Geographic website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Natural Disasters Collection on demand at Amazon, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    November 9, 2004