Local hazards can result from natural and human-made factors, or a combination of both. Broadly, there are two types of natural local hazards. Climate and weather-related local hazards are called hydrometeorological hazards: cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons, and tornadoes; sea surges, tidal wave, flood (river and coastal), and flash flood; drought and heat/cold waves; thunderstorms and lightening; dust and hail storms; blizzards and fog; and avalanche, landslide, or mudslide. Earth movement-related hazards are called geological hazards: earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and volcanic eruption. Some hydrometeorological local hazards have been attributed to global warming and climate change, and more controversially, to human-induced processes such as greenhouse gas emissions. These hazards are considered human induced natural phenomena.

In contrast to natural local hazards, human-made local hazards can include technological hazards such ...