Natural disasters can unfold in a matter of seconds, transforming familiar landscapes into scenes of extraordinary destruction. Earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions and powerful storms remind us just how quickly the forces of nature can overwhelm even the most prepared communities.

In the age of smartphones, security cameras and widespread video recording, some of these extraordinary events have been captured as they happened. The footage provides a rare and sometimes frightening look at the immense power of nature — from enormous waves rushing toward populated coastlines to violent winds, collapsing buildings and spectacular volcanic eruptions.

When cameras capture the power of nature

The video featured below, produced by WatchMojo, brings together ten remarkable examples of natural disasters caught on camera.

Rather than simply documenting destruction, footage like this can also help us understand how quickly natural hazards develop and why early-warning systems, evacuation plans and disaster preparedness are so important.

Some events provide only seconds or minutes of warning. Others can be monitored for days before reaching populated areas. In every case, however, the images demonstrate the enormous forces involved when the atmosphere, oceans and Earth’s crust produce extreme events.

Watch: Top 10 Most Dramatic Footage of Natural Disasters

Watch the video below to see WatchMojo’s selection of ten extraordinary natural disasters captured on camera.