EQ2 - Why do some tectonic hazards develop into disasters?

Question 1

According to Degg’s model, what creates a disaster?

Answer 1

When a hazardous geophysical event is paired with a vulnerable population

• A disaster occurs when it ‘causes a significant impact on a vulnerable population’

Question 2

What factors should be considered when understanding risk?

Answer 2

1. Unpredictability of events
2. Lack of alternatives to the area (e.g occupational immobility)
3. Dynamic Hazards (level of threat can increase/decrease over time)
4. Cost-benefit of living in a hazardous area
5. ‘Russian Roulette Reaction’ (accepting risk - fatalism)

Question 3

What formula attempts to capture the various factors affecting risk?

Answer 3

Hazard-risk formula

Risk = hazard x exposure x vulnerability/manageability

Question 4

Loosely, what is the concept of Resilience?

Answer 4

The ability to ‘spring back’ from a hazard event or disaster shock

Question 5

What age groups are most likely to be vulnerable?

Answer 5

Elderly and Children

• In Japanese Tsunami of 2011, 56% of deaths were over 65, despite comprising just 23% of the population in the area

Question 6

What 2 processes form the basis for the Pressure and Release (PAR) model?

Answer 6

On one side, processes generating vulnerability

On the other, the natural hazard event itself

• The authors suggest it resembles a ‘nutcracker’ with increasing pressure arising from each side
• The ‘release’ aspect is relieving the pressure, which can only be achieved through reducing vulnerability

Question 7

What 3 components make up progression of vulnerability (PAR) ?

Answer 7

Root Causes&raquo_space;> Dynamic Pressures&raquo_space;> Unsafe conditions