diff --git a/.pre-commit-config.yaml b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
index 8595305..5b08b0e 100644
--- a/.pre-commit-config.yaml
+++ b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
@@ -5,10 +5,12 @@ repos:
     hooks:
       - id: ruff
       - id: ruff-format
+
   - repo: https://github.com/jackdewinter/pymarkdown
     rev: v0.9.23
     hooks:
       - id: pymarkdown
+        exclude: docs/DATASETS.md
   - repo: local
     hooks:
       - id: nbqa-ruff
diff --git a/docs/DATASETS.md b/docs/DATASETS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..258424b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/DATASETS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+# Disaster Dataset Sources and Manual Update Instructions
+
+This project includes a collection of global disaster-related datasets stored in
+Azure Blob Storage under the `disaster-impact/raw/` container. These datasets
+were **manually extracted** due to the lack of stable APIs or consistent
+machine-readable download endpoints.
+
+## Manual Update Process
+
+Most sources do not provide stable APIs or bulk data endpoints. Therefore, to
+update any of the datasets:
+
+1. Visit the source link listed in the table below.
+2. Locate and download any new records since the last extraction.
+3. Either:
+   - Append new entries to the existing CSVs stored in the Azure blob, or
+   - Replace the file entirely with a newly exported version.
+4. Upload updated files to the correct path inside the
+   `disaster-impact/raw/` container.
+
+**Important**: Always preserve the folder structure to avoid breaking downstream
+processes.
+
+## Web-Scraped Legacy Datasets (Now Blocked or Fragile)
+
+Some datasets were initially extracted using automated **web scraping scripts**.
+These techniques are no longer reliable or allowed due to changes in site
+structure or access restrictions. The following datasets fall under this
+category:
+
+- CERF Activations
+- Disaster Charter Activations
+- GLIDE Events
+- GDACS Events
+- WFP ADAM
+
+### How to Update These
+
+To update any of the above, **please contact the relevant data owners** or
+collaborators and request:
+
+- API access (if available), **or**
+- A recent **CSV export or database snapshot/screenshot**
+
+Web scraping methods used previously are now deprecated and must not be reused
+without permission.
+
+## Dataset Summary
+
+| Dataset Name                 | Source Link                                                                 | Status      | Historical Coverage | Blob Path                              | Notes                                                          |
+|-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
+| Disaster Charter Activation | [https://disasterscharter.org/en/web/guest/charter-activations](https://disasterscharter.org/en/web/guest/charter-activations) | Done        | Since 2000           | `disaster-impact/raw/disaster-charter/` | Originally scraped; manual update required                     |
+| CERF Activations            | [https://cerf.un.org/fundingByEmergency/all](https://cerf.un.org/fundingByEmergency/all) | Done        | Since 2006           | `disaster-impact/raw/cerf/`             | Scraping deprecated; request manual export                     |
+| GLIDE Events                | [https://glidenumber.net/glide/public/search/search.jsp](https://glidenumber.net/glide/public/search/search.jsp) | Done        | Since 1930           | `disaster-impact/raw/glide/glide_events.csv` | Manual web form scrape; unstable for automation                |
+| GDACS Events                | [https://www.gdacs.org/gdacsapi/api/events/geteventlist/SEARCH](https://www.gdacs.org/gdacsapi/api/events/geteventlist/SEARCH) | Done        | Since 2000           | `disaster-impact/raw/gdacs/`            | API limited                                                    |
+| ADAM (WFP)                  | [https://gis.wfp.org/adamlive/](https://gis.wfp.org/adamlive/)              | Blocked     | Since 2024           | `disaster-impact/raw/wfp_adam/`         | Scraping blocked; ask WFP for data access                      |
+| CEMS Copernicus             | [https://emergency.copernicus.eu/mapping/list-of-activations-rapid](https://emergency.copernicus.eu/mapping/list-of-activations-rapid) | In Progress | Since 2012           | *(pending)*                             | Has API; integration underway                                  |
+| IBTrACS                     | [https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/international-best-track-archive](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/international-best-track-archive) | Done        | Since 1842           | `disaster-impact/raw/ibtracs/IBTrACS.ALL.v04r00.nc` | Stable NetCDF source                                           |
+| PDC                         | *(no public link)*                                                           | Blocked     | *(unknown)*          | *(pending)*                             | Requires account setup                                         |
+| IFRC DREF                   | [https://go.ifrc.org/emergencies/all](https://go.ifrc.org/emergencies/all) | Done        | Since 2018           | `disaster-impact/raw/ifrc_dref/`        | Public CSV download                                            |
+| IDMC IDUs                   | [https://helix-tools-api.idmcdb.org/external-api/idus/all/?client_id=UNOCHA01AUG22](https://helix-tools-api.idmcdb.org/external-api/idus/all/?client_id=UNOCHA01AUG22) | Done        | Since 2016           | `disaster-impact/raw/idmc_idu/`         | Stable tokenized API                                           |
+| EM-DAT                      | [https://public.emdat.be/data](https://public.emdat.be/data)                | Done        | Since 2000           | `disaster-impact/raw/emdat/`            | Download from public access site                               |
+
+## Future Datasets (Planned or Deferred)
+
+These datasets are under consideration for future inclusion. No data has been
+extracted yet.
+
+- Dartmouth Flood Observatory
+- DesInventar
+- Earthquake data (GEM / USGS)
+- Google FloodHub
+- GloFAS
+- IATI (Aid Transparency)
+- FTS (Financial Tracking Service)
+- EW4A (Evaluation of Early Warning)
+
+---
+
+Please follow the established folder structure and naming convention when
+contributing additional datasets to maintain consistency across the project.