Disaster Trends

Question 1

What is the general trend for hydrometeorological and geophysical disasters?

Answer 1

Both have increased, hydrometeorological by significantly more than geophysical

However, this may be due to better recording systems and better connection to isolated places, giving the illusion disasters are increasing

May also be due to more urbanisation so more chance for hazard to develop into a disaster

Question 2

Why have hydrometeorological hazards increased more than geophysical?

Answer 2

Climate change has increased the likelihood of extreme weather events

Flooding (A hydro-met diaster) has increased due to more urbanisation and more impermeable surfaces
-Along with increased deforestation

Question 3

Why may disaster data be incomplete/ unreliable?

Answer 3

-True death toll may be unknown

-Corruption may cause gov’s to lie about how well they coped

-Longer term/ Indirect deaths may not be accounted for

-Remote locations under-record disasters