As a nurse who has responded to hurricanes, floods, refugee crises, and global health emergencies, one thing has become increasingly clear to me: the words we use shape the actions we take. That’s why I’m amplifying an important message from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): Stop saying “natural disasters.”

Let’s be clear-hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and floods are not disasters. They are natural hazards. The disaster only occurs when these hazards collide with vulnerable communities-those lacking infrastructure, resources, protection, or political power.

Saying “natural disaster” makes it sound like tragedy is inevitable. But that’s not true. Disasters are the result of human systems failing to plan, protect, and respond-not the fault of nature.

The UNDRR’s campaign, #NoNaturalDisasters, urges us to rethink our language because language drives accountability. When we call something a “natural disaster,” we ignore the preventable factors that made it deadly:

• Poor urban planning
• Lack of emergency healthcare systems
• Inadequate early warning
• Marginalization of vulnerable populations

As disaster nurses, we don’t just respond-we advocate. We educate. We prepare. We build resilience.

🗣 Call to Action:
I challenge fellow responders, writers, educators, and journalists to join the movement. Stop saying “natural disaster.” Start asking:

• Who was most affected?
• What systems failed?
• How could this have been prevented?

Whether you’re revising an article, teaching a simulation, or briefing your team-use your words wisely. Disasters are human-made, and that means they can be prevented.

Let’s change the narrative, one phrase at a time. 🌍💪

#NoNaturalDisasters #DisasterNursing #HealthEquity #Resilience #AdventuresWithNurseJamla #WordsMatter