Why can't natural disasters be predicted?

Earthquakes differ from other types of natural disasters. Meteorologists can track a hurricane with precision, but seismologists cannot predict exactly when and where an earthquake will occur. read more

They cannot be predicted easily because they rely on a cause and effect process that has cascading consequences. The pre-existing conditions have to be in place for a disaster to occur. read more

Some high-casualty natural disasters come without any advanced warning while other come with advanced warning but infrastructure failure exacerbates issues (Hurricane Katrina -which had the levees remained intact the storm may have been completely benign). read more

Volcanologists use many instruments to help them predict eruptions. Here are some exapmles: Luigi Palmieri invented a seismograph in 1856 while working near Italy's Mt. Vesuvias. read more