caracas (hazardous area at local scale)

Question 1

why is Caracas susceptible for hazards?

Answer 1

• primarily situated in the base of a large valley making it vulnerable to landslides triggered by tectonic activity.
• 1990, trop storms led to heavy rain. this triggered mudflow and landslides killing over 10,000 people.
• slope angles regularly exceed 80% making landslides and runoff major hazards in the Caracas basin

Question 2

what social characteristics reflect hazard impacts

Answer 2

• wealthy live on valley floor as the change of landslides is greatly reduced. buildings are high quality and many have earthquake resistant technologies.
• valley floor buildings are widely spaced to allow for easy evacuation and to prevent damage to infrastructure.
• water supply has no consideration for hazards. all 3 supplies cross major fault lines and could be lost in a disaster.

Question 3

community response to hazards

Answer 3

• lack of equality means different groups respond in different ways. there is little that poorest residents assn do due to their low economic status and lack of opportunities.
• financial restrictions on the gov mean they ‘risk zone’ areas with no building allowed.
• lack pf education is being addressed to ensure they know how to build in a safer way.