Geophysical Hazards - Part 3: Vulnerability

Question 1

Vulnerability Definition and Factors Influencing it

Answer 1

Circumstances of a community that make it susceptible to the damages of a hazard.

Physical: poor design and construction

Social: poverty and inequality

Economic: uninsured, informal sectors, rural communities

Environmental management, use of natural resources

Question 2

Risk Definition and Managing Risk Factors

Answer 2

The likelihood of damage from a disaster. A consequence of the interaction between a hazard and vulnerability.

Insurance: recovery

Construction: building codes

Land-use, urban planning for new developments

Hazard understanding: life-saving evacuation procedures

Question 3

What are 4 ways of managing disaster risk?

Answer 3

Prevention
Mitigation
Preparedness
Relief and Response

Question 4

Outline the Event Profile of Landslides in Kalimpong, India

Answer 4

Location: Hill station in West Bengal.

Height: 1,250m overlooking the Teesta river.

House terraces excavate into the slope, steepening it and increasing instability.

Question 5

Primary Hazard of Landslide in Kalimpong, India

Answer 5

Slope disruption: dry channel at the end of the season, choked with garbage. Unstable flanks exacerbated by monsoon.
NH55 road broken, stopping communication and traffic congestion. Deaths. Most vulnerable at bottom of the slope.
End of wet season = saturation + heavy = high risk.

Question 6

How can landslides be managed in Kalimpong.

Answer 6

Building wall to stabilize slope sections.
Early warning system.
Analyse rainfall.