An Examination of Natural Disasters in the light of Modern Science

جديد سائنس كی روشنی ميں ناگہانی اورقدرتی آفات كا جائزہ

Abstract

Science, in its linguistic and terminological sense, refers to a systematic body of knowledge gained through observation, experimentation, and reflection on the natural world. Within this framework, disasters are categorized into natural and man-made types, including geophysical, meteorological, hydrological, climatological, and biological phenomena. The Islamic perspective emphasizes that natural disasters often occur as a consequence of human negligence and misconduct, while scientific studies also confirm the role of structural, environmental, and climatic factors in aggravating their impacts. Historical and archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of flood deposits in Mesopotamia, provides scientific validation of events like the Flood of Noah mentioned in revealed scriptures. Statistical data from the EM-DAT Emergency Database highlights the frequency and intensity of major disasters in Pakistan between 2005 and 2023, as well as globally from 2018 to 2023. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the global vulnerability to biological disasters, with millions of cases and deaths reported worldwide. This study integrates scientific, historical, and Islamic perspectives to understand the causes, impacts, and preventive measures of disasters, offering insights for strengthening preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and human responsibility in mitigating future risks.