Terrifying Documentaries About Natural Disasters

Lists
Written By Sebastian Sauerborn

Natural disasters have been a major concern for humanity for centuries. From earthquakes to hurricanes, tsunamis to wildfires, these disasters not only cause enormous destruction but also deeply resonate with the survivors.

Documentaries on natural disasters educate people about the devastating impact these incidents can have on life, property, and the environment. In this post, we have compiled a list of must-watch documentaries on natural disasters that are both informative and engaging.

To Calm the Pig Inside (2020)

This documentary explores the human effect of the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, where 87,000 people were killed.

Through personal accounts of survivors, the film illustrates the emotional and psychological toll of the disaster on the Chinese people and the resilience it took to rebuild the destroyed region.

To Calm the Pig Inside

Elemental (2012)

This award-winning documentary covers three stories from across the globe that showcase the intimate relationship between humans and the natural world.

It follows individuals who are working to protect and restore the environment in the aftermath of historic natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Elemental

Closed for Storm (2020)

Closed for Storm follows the stories of different people in Wilmington, North Carolina, who faced Hurricane Florence in 2018.

The documentary chronicles the devastating effects of the hurricane on the community and displays how residents came together to rebuild their neighborhood after the storm. The film highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and the courage of those who face these disasters head-on.

Closed for Storm

Earthstorm (2022)

This harrowing documentary is a journey through the powerful forces of nature. Earthstorm takes viewers around the world to witness iconic natural events, including volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and sudden tsunamis.

It highlights the impact of these disasters on humans, animals, and the environment.

Earthstorm

Cooked: Survival by Zip Code (2018)

This documentary focuses on the vulnerability of low-income Americans in the face of natural disasters. The film examines the 1995 Chicago heatwave that killed over 700 people, most of whom were living in low-income neighborhoods.

It explores the link between poverty and the ability to adapt to environmental changes, and challenges society to create a more equitable disaster response system.

Cooked: Survival by Zip Code

Fukushima: A Nuclear Story (2015)

Fukushima: A Nuclear Story chronicles the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, which occurred following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Gagliardi, the documentary explores the social and political implications of the disaster and how it affects the people living in and around the disaster zone.

The film provides insights into the political and social consequences of the disaster, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in nuclear energy and disaster management.

Fukushima: A Nuclear Story

Before the Flood (2016)

Before the Flood is a documentary that explores the impact of climate change on the planet. Directed by Fisher Stevens and featuring Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, the documentary follows DiCaprio as he travels around the world, meeting with scientists and activists to better understand the effects of climate change.

The film highlights how global changes in temperature are causing rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, and the extinction of species.

Before the Flood

Katrina Babies (2022)

Katrina Babies is a documentary that highlights the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the people of New Orleans. Directed by Edward Buckles Jr., the documentary focuses on the physical and emotional toll of the disaster on the city’s youth.

The film explores how the hurricane aftermath affected residents, including how children lost homes, schools, families, and communities. Katrina Babies is a compelling and emotional documentary that provides insights into disaster preparedness for families and communities.

Katrina Babies

Seconds from Disaster (2004-2018)

Seconds from Disaster is a documentary series that explores significant catastrophes, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, aviation accidents, and more.

The series recreates these events through interviews with survivors, eyewitnesses, and experts, as well as computer-generated imagery. Seconds from Disaster offers a unique perspective on how and why disasters occur, and how to prevent them from happening again.

Seconds from Disaster

Bring Your Own Brigade (2021)

Bring Your Own Brigade is a documentary that focuses on forest fires and how people react when these disasters occur. Directed by Lucy Walker, the film explores how California communities react to wildfires and how prepared they are for these events.

The film features interviews with first responders, residents, and experts on fire management, highlighting the challenges of living in a state prone to wildfires.

Bring Your Own Brigade

After the Wave (2014)

This documentary revolves around the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and how it impacted people in Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. It tells the stories of survivors and how they coped with the aftermath of the disaster.

It is an excellent documentary for anyone who wants to understand the true impact of a natural disaster on people's lives.

After the Wave

Children of the Tsunami (2012)

This documentary tells the stories of the children who survived the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami. The documentary follows the lives of children, their families, and how the disaster impacted their lives and dreams.

It is a touching and heartwarming documentary that shows the resilience of children and the human spirit.

Children of the Tsunami

Trouble the Water (2008)

This documentary captures Hurricane Katrina and the tragic events that occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2005.

The documentary shows how people survived and the aftermath of the disaster. It is an excellent documentary that highlights the social and political issues that emerged in the wake of the disaster.

Trouble the Water

Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake (2022)

This documentary follows a group of mountaineers as they ascend Mount Everest in the days before the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.

The documentary shows how they survived the earthquake and the challenges they faced to get help. It is an informative documentary that provides insight into the impact of natural disasters on remote communities.

Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake

Conclusion

Natural disasters are events that can have a significant impact on individuals and communities on a physical, emotional, and psychological level. The above-listed documentaries offer insight into the complexity and devastation of these disasters and the need for effective disaster management and recovery strategies.

By creating awareness and telling the stories of those who experience these disasters, these documentaries facilitate important conversations about how best to prepare, respond, and support each other in the face of such events.

#eyewitness accounts #history #disaster documentaries #volcanoes #flooding

 
Sebastian Sauerborn
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