The Savior described some of the pending natural disasters that will make the knees of men weak in a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1833.

After your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and man shall fall upon the ground, and shall not be able to stand. And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thundrings [sic], and the voice of lightnings, and voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea, heaving themselves beyond their bounds. And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.

D&C 7:25 [88:89-91]

Likewise, John reveals in his vision that “there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great” (Revelation 16:18). In those end times, the natural disasters will be greater than anything we have since known. It will include violent hurricanes, tornados and gales, along with immense earthquakes which will result in tsunamis and cataclysmic physical destruction. Volcanic activity will cloud the skies so much that the sun, moon and stars will be obscured. Resulting famines and pestilence will plague the world.

How alarming these warning should resound in our ears today as we see some of these prophecies coming to fruition. Yet, few seem concerned or aware of the pending tribulations. How do we know these predictions are being fulfilled in our time? The Lord gave us a parable to know when these things are close. “Now learn a parable of the fig tree: When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh at hand. So likewise mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:41-42 [24:32-33]). As we look around at our world today, seeing these wars, pandemics and natural disasters, we can be confident in believing the Lord’s final coming is at the threshold, just as one knows summer is coming when he or she sees the sprigs and buds growing on the trees.

There is no question reported earthquakes have increased over the last several decades. Recent earthquakes in Utah and Idaho shook the earth violently, and hopefully also shook our conscience. Though we have had increased reports or awareness of earthquakes, there is little convincing evidence of increased frequency or severity of earthquakes compared to previous centuries. The recurrence of earthquakes today may be similar to that experienced centuries or even millennia ago. But with advancements in technology have come a profound increase in our awareness. Due to improved technology and sensitivity of monitors, there was a tremendous leap in reported earthquakes in the 1970s, and technology has only improved since. The technology today is so sensitivity, we have an awareness of even minute….