D - Geophysical Hazard Risk Flashcards
What is vulnerability in the context of natural hazards?
The geographic and social conditions that increase a community’s susceptibility to the impacts of a hazard.
Give an example of how economic factors can affect vulnerability.
Low income leads to poor-quality housing and limited insurance, increasing susceptibility to hazard damage.
How does building style or building codes influence vulnerability?
Poorly built structures (e.g., in Haiti 2010) are more likely to collapse, increasing casualties.
Why does access to technology and communications reduce vulnerability?
It enables timely receipt of warnings and forecasts, helping people prepare or evacuate.
How can insurance cover affect a population’s resilience to disasters?
Those who can afford insurance can recover more quickly, while the poor may be left without resources.
Name one social factor that can affect vulnerability.
Education: better-educated populations often have higher incomes and can afford safer housing.
How did public education help in Japan regarding earthquakes?
It raised awareness and taught people how to respond, potentially reducing casualties and damage.
What is an example of how awareness of hazards can reduce vulnerability?
After the 2004 South Asia tsunami, many communities became more aware of the signs of tsunamis and evacuation procedures.
How might gender roles increase vulnerability during disasters?
Women often care for children and elderly family members, which can make evacuation or response more difficult.
Why does population density matter for vulnerability?
Highly populated urban areas (e.g., Port-au-Prince in Haiti) have more people at risk in a confined space.
Give an example of how age can affect vulnerability.
Elderly individuals may be less mobile, making evacuation or response to hazards more challenging.
What is a demographic factor that influenced mortality in the 2011 Japanese tsunami?
Disability: the mortality rate for disabled individuals was twice that of non-disabled people.
How can political factors increase vulnerability?
If governments fail to allow aid (e.g., Burma after Cyclone Nargis 2008), more deaths can occur due to disease and malnutrition.
What was a contrasting example of effective political response to a disaster?
China’s government quickly mobilized 100,000 troops and allowed foreign aid after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, reducing further harm.
