Requesting Active Hazards
To request the list of current active hazards please use the route defined here:
Query active hazards
GET https://api-v2.disasteraware.com/active-hazards-query
This endpoint allows you to query active hazards with flexible filtering options. You can filter by text search, hazard characteristics, geographic location, and time ranges.
Note, the payloads returned are gzip'ed NDJON/JSONL (newline delimited JSON). This is a change from our existing V1 API and V2 /active-hazards endpoint.
If you make a request which contains no query parameters, you will be returned the complete set of active hazards directly. Filtered queries (any request with query parameters) return a 302 redirect to a temporary pre-signed URL containing the results. Most HTTP clients follow this redirect automatically. The pre-signed URL expires after 5 minutes.
Query Parameters
name
string
Filter by hazard name (case-insensitive substring match). Example: name=earthquake
comment
string
Filter by comment text (case-insensitive substring match). Example: comment=evacuated
type
string
Filter by hazard type (comma-separated, case-insensitive). Example: type=VOLCANO,EARTHQUAKE
severity
string
Filter by severity level (comma-separated, case-insensitive). Example: severity=WARNING,WATCH
category
string
Filter by category (comma-separated, case-insensitive). Example: category=EVENT
country
string
Filter by country name (comma-separated, case-insensitive). Example: country=Guatemala,Peru
started_at
string
Filter hazards that started on or after this timestamp. Format: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. Example: started_at=2025-01-01 00:00:00
ended_at
string
Filter hazards that ended on or before this timestamp. Format: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. Example: ended_at=2025-12-31 23:59:59
created_at
string
Filter hazards created on or after this timestamp. Format: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. Example: created_at=2025-11-01 00:00:00
updated_at
string
Filter hazards updated on or after this timestamp. Format: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. Example: updated_at=2025-11-12 00:00:00
latitude
string
Filter by latitude range (min,max). Example: latitude=14.0,15.0
longitude
string
Filter by longitude range (min,max). Example: longitude=-91.0,-90.0
uuid
string
Filter by one or more hazard UUIDs (comma-separated). Example: uuid=15c2b3cb-bd71-4ce4-8a94-3215e4308668,ff6b2db4-8073-4077-862b-d58f43c09498
Headers
Authorization*
string
Authorize to access the API.
See Authorizing Requests page to get your accessToken.
Response Format
The API returns data as gzipped NDJSON (newline-delimited JSON) for optimal performance. When decompressed, each line contains a complete hazard object in JSON format.
Each hazard object includes enriched data with detailed incident information, geographic features, exposure assessments, and related metadata.
Response Fields
uuid
String
A unique universal identifier for the hazard across all DisasterAWARE systems.
name
Array
An array of objects, each defining the hazard name in a specific locale formatted according to RFC 5646 (e.g., "en" for US English). Each object contains locale and value keys. Currently, names are provided only in US English.
description
Array
An array of objects providing localized descriptions of the hazard. These descriptions detail the areas affected by the hazard, as well as an assessment of the populations and infrastructure at risk. Each object contains locale (RFC 5646 format) and value keys.
severity
String
Indicates the likelihood of the hazard impacting populated areas. This property helps assess the potential risk to human settlements, aiding in preparation and response efforts. Values include TERMINATION, INFORMATION, ADVISORY, WATCH, and WARNING. See Requesting Hazard Severities for complete reference.
category
String
The category classification of the hazard (e.g., EVENT, RESPONSE, EXERCISE, OTHER). See Requesting Hazard Categories for complete reference.
type
String
Specifies the phenomenon that caused the hazard, such as EARTHQUAKE, CYCLONE, VOLCANO, FLOOD, WILDFIRE, TSUNAMI, or TORNADO. This property is essential for understanding the hazard's nature and planning appropriate response strategies. See Requesting Hazard Types for complete reference.
comment
String/Null
Optional comment or additional information about the hazard. Currently not populated; reserved for future use.
createdAt
Integer
Unix timestamp (seconds since epoch) indicating when the hazard object was initialized and first logged in the system. Provides a reference point for tracking the timeline of the hazard's identification.
startedAt
Integer
Unix timestamp recording when the event underlying the hazard began. This can include future dates for forecasted hazards (e.g., an anticipated flood), valuable for preparedness and preemptive measures.
updatedAt
Integer
Unix timestamp capturing the last time information within the hazard object was updated. Essential for tracking changes as the hazard may increase/decrease in intensity or move locations. Regular updates ensure current and reliable data.
endedAt
Integer
Unix timestamp specifying when the event ceased to be hazardous. Can be a future date based on forecasts/predictions. The value may change as new information becomes available, providing updated insights into the hazard's duration.
latitude
Float
Geographic latitude coordinate (WGS84 projection). The significance varies by hazard type: may represent an earthquake epicenter, the last observed location of a cyclone, or the weighted center of wildfire perimeters.
longitude
Float
Geographic longitude coordinate (WGS84 projection). The significance varies by hazard type: may represent an earthquake epicenter, the last observed location of a cyclone, or the weighted center of wildfire perimeters.
version
Integer
Tracks the number of updates made to the hazard object, serving as a version counter that increments with each modification (intensity changes, movement, or other attribute updates). Maintains a clear record of how the hazard has evolved.
creator
String
Identifies the system or person responsible for reporting the hazard. "RICHTER" indicates the new hazard identification system, "D2P2" indicates the legacy system, or a username for manually created hazards by the monitoring team. Crucial for tracking the source and ensuring accountability.
relatedHazards
Array
A placeholder for future use. Currently returns an empty array. Once implemented, will contain UUIDs of related hazards (e.g., earthquake that triggered a tsunami, tornadoes associated with a cyclone). Will enhance comprehensiveness by illustrating connections between events for holistic risk assessments.
incident
Object
Details the event classified as hazardous. Contains: uuid (unique identifier), sourceRecordId (identifier from reporting agency like USGS or NHC), type (phenomenon type), and properties (dictionary of key/value pairs describing specific attributes that vary by phenomenon, such as epicenter location and magnitude for earthquakes).
source
Object/Null
Identifies the authoritative agency responsible for reporting the hazard. Includes: id (source ID in the system), name (agency name), longName (full agency name), and description (agency scope and expertise). Not all hazards have a source populated. When absent, this field is null. Source is fully populated for hazards from known agencies (e.g., USGS for earthquakes, VAAC for volcanoes, AI for Humanity for geopolitical events). Source population is being expanded to cover all hazard types.
alertGeometry
Object
A GeoJSON FeatureCollection delineating an area for notification purposes. Designed to intersect with user areas of interest for early-warning notifications (subject to user filtering settings). Intentionally larger than the actual impact area to inform nearby assets and individuals, allowing proactive decisions like altering travel plans.
features
Object
A GeoJSON FeatureCollection representing geographic features associated with the hazard (not included for all hazard types). When present, provides detailed geographical information specific to the hazard, such as the track of a tropical cyclone. Crucial for visualizing movement or extent over time.
exposureAreas
Object
A GeoJSON FeatureCollection with polygons defining areas exposed to the hazard, categorized by severity level: 1 = moderate severity, 2 = strong severity, 3 = severe. Allows for nuanced understanding of potential effects across different regions, helping authorities and residents prepare based on graded risk levels. Note: These severity levels differ from the hazard's overall severity property.
exposureAssessment
Object
A comprehensive report utilizing exposureAreas geometry to estimate affected populations. Provides detailed breakdown by region and exposure severity, including population estimates segmented by age group and vulnerability status. Details critical infrastructure (hospitals, airports, etc.), highlighting potential impact on essential services. Includes humanitarian needs estimates with specific units (CAL for food, liters for water, 100-liter units for waste, square meters for shelter).
Field Details
Timestamps
All timestamp fields (createdAt, updatedAt, startedAt, endedAt) are Unix timestamps representing seconds since January 1, 1970 UTC.
Important Notes:
startedAtandendedAtcan include future dates for forecasted hazardsupdatedAtchanges as hazards evolve (intensity, movement, etc.)Future date values may change as new forecasts become available
Geographic Data
latitudeandlongitudeuse the WGS84 coordinate system (EPSG:4326)The meaning of coordinates varies by hazard type:
Earthquakes: Epicenter location
Tropical Cyclones: Last observed position
Wildfires: Weighted center of perimeter polygons
Geographic feature collections (
alertGeometry,features,exposureAreas) follow the GeoJSON specification
Incident Object
The incident property contains event-specific details that vary by hazard type:
uuid: Unique identifier for the incident
sourceRecordId: ID from the reporting agency (e.g., USGS event ID, NHC advisory number)
type: The phenomenon type (matches the hazard's
typefield)sourceId: Numeric identifier for the data source
properties: A dictionary of hazard-specific attributes (e.g., magnitude and depth for earthquakes, wind speed and pressure for cyclones)
Source Object
The source property identifies the authoritative reporting agency:
id: Numeric identifier in the DisasterAWARE system
name: Short agency name (e.g., "USGS", "NHC")
longName: Full official agency name
description: Details about the agency's scope, expertise, and geographic coverage
This is particularly relevant when multiple agencies report on the same hazard type (e.g., different cyclone warning centers covering specific ocean basins).
Alert Geometry
The alertGeometry GeoJSON defines the notification boundary:
Intentionally larger than the actual impact area
Used to trigger alerts for users with intersecting areas of interest
Allows people near (but not directly in) the hazard zone to make proactive decisions
Subject to additional user-defined filtering preferences
Feature properties are currently empty (
{}ornull). The geometry alone defines the notification boundary.
Features
The features GeoJSON is not included for all hazard types. When present, it contains geographic features specific to the hazard's source data. The structure and properties vary by hazard type:
Cyclones: Storm track segments (observed and forecast paths), forecast cones (72hr/120hr), position points with detailed meteorological data, and wind radii polygons (34kt, 50kt, 64kt thresholds). See Cyclone Sample.
Floods: Watershed severity points and flood incident area polygons from the NASA Global Flood Model. Properties include
featureType("INCIDENT" or "WATERSHED"),pfafId(Pfafstetter basin ID), risk scores (rfrScore,cfrScore), GloFAS return period flags, DFO/VIIRS satellite observation scores, andexposureLevel.Volcanoes: Volcanic Ash Advisory polygons from VAAC sources with forecast time steps (0hr, 6hr, 12hr, 18hr). Properties include
featureType("ASH_CLOUD", "SMART_ALERT", or "INCIDENT"), advisory details, ash cloud observations, eruption information, and summit elevation.Landslides: Landslide incident polygons. Properties include
featureType("INCIDENT"),senderName, risk scores, and exposure levels.Geopolitical (COMBAT, TERRORISM, ACCIDENT, CIVILUNREST): Smart Alert area and exposure area features. Properties include
featureType("SMART_ALERT" or "EXPOSURE_AREA"), casualty data, and incident details.Weather (WINTERSTORM, SEVEREWEATHER, HIGHWIND, HIGHSURF, TORNADO, STORM, EXTREMETEMPERATURE): CAP (Common Alerting Protocol) info features with source-provided alert polygons. Properties include
featureType("CAP_INFO"),senderName,headline,urgency,severity,certainty, and alert timing fields.
Note: The features property may be null or contain an empty features array for some hazard types (e.g., earthquakes prior to ShakeMap availability, wildfires).
Exposure Areas
The exposureAreas GeoJSON contains polygons categorized by severity level. The number of levels and their meaning vary by hazard type:
3-Level Exposure (levels 1, 2, 3):
Earthquake (before ShakeMap)
30-100km buffer
10-30km buffer
0-10km buffer
Earthquake (with ShakeMap)
Moderate-Strong shaking (V-VI)
Very Strong shaking (VII)
Severe shaking (VIII+)
Cyclone
Minor damage / power out
Moderate damage (~5% value)
Widespread damage and above
Wildfire
Outer buffer zone
Moderate proximity zone
Active fire perimeter area
Geopolitical (ACCIDENT, CIVILUNREST, COMBAT, TERRORISM)
30-100km buffer
10-30km buffer
0-10km buffer
Single-Level Exposure (level 1 only):
Flood
Combined water basins at Watch or Warning severity
Landslide
Combined landslide polygons at Watch or Warning severity
Volcano
PDC Volcano Hazard Zone (10km buffer fallback)
Avalanche
10km buffer around reported area
Weather types (WINTERSTORM, TORNADO, SEVEREWEATHER, HIGHWIND, HIGHSURF, STORM, EXTREMETEMPERATURE)
Source-provided alert area (NWS, Environment Canada, BoM) or SmartAlert Area
No Exposure: CYBER, MANMADE types have no exposure areas.
Note: These exposure severity levels are distinct from the hazard's overall severity property (which indicates likelihood of impact on populated areas).
Exposure Assessment
The exposureAssessment object provides critical humanitarian planning data with the following structure:
Top-level aggregates:
population: Total estimated population within all affected areas
capital: Total estimated capital/infrastructure value at risk
foodNeeds: Total food requirements. Units specified by
foodNeedsUnit(MRE - Meals Ready to Eat)waterNeeds: Total water requirements. Units specified by
waterNeedsUnit(gal - US gallons)wasteNeeds: Total waste management needs. Units specified by
wasteNeedsUnit(25 gal - 25-gallon units)shelterNeeds: Total required shelter space. Units specified by
shelterNeedsUnit(sq feet - square feet)
Exposure Levels Array: Breakdown by severity level with the same metrics:
level: "1" (moderate), "2" (strong), or "3" (severe)
exposureDescription: Human-readable description of the exposure zone (varies by hazard type)
data: Object containing population, capital, and needs estimates for that specific level
Additional details (when available):
Population segmented by age group and vulnerability status
Critical infrastructure counts (hospitals, airports, schools, etc.)
Estimates help emergency managers plan resource allocation and response priorities
Important: The exposureAssessment structure is subject to change as the system evolves.
Note: The hazardUuid, hazardType, version, and exposureDescription fields within exposureAssessment may be empty strings in the current implementation and are reserved for internal use. The level field within exposureLevels is returned as a String (e.g., "1", "2", "3"), not an Integer.
Planned / Future Fields (not yet available): The following fields are planned for future inclusion in the exposureAssessment object. Field names are subject to change:
Estimated number of households exposed
Number of countries affected
Demographic breakdown (children 0-14, adults 15-64, elderly 65+) with population counts and percentages
Number of schools exposed
Number of hospitals exposed
Last updated