Natural Disasters

There are many types of various natural disasters that the Clans have had to overcome in their territories. Some can be sent by the Clan founders (Firestar, Earthstar, Waterstar, Airstar and Foreststar) from StarClan as a sign or signal, but most times a simple storm is just a storm. The Clans often have to move out of their camp to avoid the disasters, and many cats have died from them.

## **TYPES OF DISASTERS**

### **Drought**

Sometimes in greenleaf the streams dry up from heat and lack of rain causing a drought. When this happens, it affects all the Clans, although sometimes WaterClan is better off because the river allows them a larger water source that does not often dry up completely. This can be very dangerous for an entire Clan as water is essential to survival, and the young and old are at the highest risk of suffering from dehydration or heat exhaustion. Warriors have to pitch in and fetch water, using moss, for kits, queens, and elders, so that they do not die of dehydration, or resort to eating grass for moisture if it's not dry. Prey can also be scarce at this time or fresh-kill can be spoiled by the heat.

### **Falling Trees**

Falling trees are hazardous and can crush whatever they fall on. Falling trees occur naturally in the forest due to old age, erosion, floods or lightning strikes. Twolegs sometimes tear them down, such as destroying the forest to build a new Thunderpath. Cats can be crushed or killed by falling trees, such as Nettlefur. Falling trees can also be interpreted as signs from StarClan. They can also damage camps, and nests have to be rebuilt.

### **Fire**

Fire is deadly to the Clans because of the wooded areas they live in. Even a small spark can lead to a raging forest fire which destroys all the flammable material in its path. Dry spells can make a fire more of a possibility. ForestClan especially has had much trouble with fires due to their territory being the most thickly wooded and the most prone to fires spreading quickly. Fires can originate from lightning strikes and quickly spread through dry material. Fires can also originate from Twoleg activity, either from Twoleg rubbish or remains from the fires they use for cooking. If Twolegs fail to properly extinguish their fires, they can reignite and spread. Oftentimes, Twolegs will assist in putting the fire out if it occurs near their developments.

Forest fire can be deadly as many cats can die by breathing in too much smoke or being burned by the flames. Additionally, forest fires kill or frighten off prey which can lead to starvation after the fire. Fires are frequently the subject of many prophecies and omens. Recovery from the fires can take many moons for the forest to regrow.

### **Flood**

Flooding is not unusual for the Clans in heavy rains, but WaterClan is most susceptible to it because of their habitat along the river. Floods often occur in newleaf after the leaf-bare snow and ice has melted, causing the excess water to flow to the river and make the water level rise. In some cases, WaterClan has been forced to evacuate their camp due to flooding. Their dens also float in the floodwaters so they can be scavenged later. If river water rises drastically enough, a flash flood can occur.

The River is notorious for flooding; sometime before Quietstar became Leader of WaterClan, a storm caused the river to flood and resulted in several cats from WaterClan drowning and scarce prey for every Clan. WaterClan can suffer the most from lack of prey as floodwaters can kill lots of fish. Flood water can also tarnish drinking water and leave cats at risk for disease.

### **Rockslides**

In rocky areas such as The Hollow (EarthClan's camp), rockfalls are possible and can crush a cat just as easily as a tree. When combined with heavy rain, the fallen rocks, debris and dirt can turn into a mudslide. Sometimes EarthClan's Camp is checked for loose rocks following leaf-bare to mitigate them falling into camp.

### **Space Phenomenons**

While uncommon, the Clans have experienced some hazards from space. A shooting star signaled to Goldenspots that a shimmering spirit will save the Clan. A total solar eclipse removes the Clans' only source of light, and leaves them barely able to see for a few minutes. The birds fall silent, the air chills, and the sky appears to be a dusk. The sun is reduced to a limited halo. The Clans believe it to be a sign from StarClan to stop the fighting, but argue who the sign was for.

### **Storms**

Storms are quite common, but not all are dangerous. In extreme cases, they can cause other disasters. Heavy rain can cause flooding, and many forest fires are caused by lightning striking a tree and setting it on fire. Strong winds can blow down branches and large amounts of rain can erode the dirt from around a tree's roots, making it fall. Multiple storms or lengthy storms can lead to flooding. Flooding is mostly trouble to WaterClan because of the rivers surrounding their camp. They are sometimes forced to move out of their camp to avoid the flood. There have also been occasions when cats have been indirectly killed by lightning caused by storms, or directly killed by lightning. Storms have also been the subject of prophecies.

### **Thundersnow**

On very rare occasions, a thunderstorm will accompany snowfall. This unusual type of storm is always accompanied by snowfall, instead of the usual rain precipitation.

### **Winter Storms and Extreme Cold**

Snow is frozen water that falls from clouds and is very cold. During leaf-bare, temperatures are always lower than usual, and this can present several dangers. Not only is it colder for the cats themselves, but it also causes scarcity of prey and result in starvation. Cats may leave to find other sources of prey, sometimes outside their territories. The frost can also kill herbs used by Medicine Cats, making them helpless to heal their Clanmates. Freezing of the river is also dangerous to WaterClan because it makes them unable to catch fish, their primary food source. The wind chill can be bitter for cats, especially those on the open moor and dens have to be fortified. Cats are also vulnerable to diseases from being too cold or too hungry. On rare occasions, a cat - especially one who is very young or old, or is ill - can freeze to death if outside in snowy, freezing temperatures for too long, such as Tigerstripe.