The effect of natural disasters on suicide rates was studied. 377 American counties that had each been affected by a single disaster between 1982-89 were selected. Data on suicides during the 36 months before & the 48 months after the disaster were collected. Suicide rates increased in the 4 years after floods by 13.8%, in the two years after hurricanes by 31%, & in the first year after earthquakes by 62.9%. The increases occurred in both genders & all age groups. (See #990808 for retraction.)