Caracas - Natural Hazards

Question 1

nature of hazard

Answer 1

> at the base and flanks of large valley (common landslides)
1999 tropical storm triggered mudflow + killed over 10000 people
on boundary of Caribbean and South American plates
large major earthquake in 1967 killing over 300 people
slope angles exceed 80%

Question 2

social characteristics reflecting hazard impacts

Answer 2

> safest and most valuable land is on the valley floor
wealthy live on valley floor in well built, widely spaced buildings
Residents of Barrios have adapted fatalistic approach
clear division shows impact of hazard on social/ economic characteristics
water supply (no consideration of hazards), all 3 lie across major fault lines
main road into the valley crosses over the fault line

Question 3

economic and political characteristics reflections hazard impacts

Answer 3

> Venezuelan economy is based on oil
50% of GDP is based on oil sales
service focused does little to help or hinder hazard response
economic division has led to rallies on both sides of divide
political instability

Question 4

community response to hazards

Answer 4

> lack of equality means different groups respond in different ways
lack of education
financial restrictions
most barrios are illegally constructed
orient buildings to be parallel to any debris flow to minimise amount hitting building
laying streets parallel can reduce the risk
government funds bodies such as the Venezuelan foundation for seismological research (better knowledge)