Force majeure clauses are usually applicable to performance failures caused [cause, to] by: (a) natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods); (b) wars, riots or other major upheaval; (c) performance failures of parties outside the control of the contracting party (e.g., disruptions in telephone service attributable to the telephone company or labor actions by employees of a common carrier). Many force majeure clauses apply equally to both sides, excusing either party from its obligations in the event of a triggering event; however, few clauses excuse the failure to pay money.