Hazard Risk and Human Factors Flashcards
What does the risk from earthquakes not always relate to?
The magnitude of the earthquake itself
Higher magnitude earthquakes may not lead to high death tolls if they occur in remote areas or advanced economies.
What was the magnitude of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami in 2011?
9.1
Despite its magnitude, the death toll was relatively low compared to other earthquakes.
Which earthquake had the highest death toll in known history?
Haiti earthquake of 2010
It killed 316,000 people despite being the weakest in the top ten deadliest earthquakes.
What were the death tolls for the 2004 Sumatra quake and Japan’s 2011 quake?
227,000 for Sumatra, 15,897 for Japan
The Sumatra quake had a significantly higher death toll despite a similar magnitude.
What common factor contributed to high death tolls in earthquakes?
The epicenter hitting a highly populated city
Population density is a crucial factor in determining disaster impact.
What is a significant disadvantage of cities that have rapidly grown in size regarding building design?
Poor building design that does not account for seismic activity
Rapid urbanization often ignores necessary safety measures.
What happens to informal settlements during earthquakes?
They are often built of poor materials and in dangerous locations
This increases vulnerability during seismic events.
What was a consequence of the Sichuan Province earthquake in China in 2008?
Many poorly built schools collapsed during school hours
This disproportionately impacted children.
What is the Pressure Release Model?
A model that identifies a progression of vulnerability based on root causes and dynamic pressures
Developed by Wisner et al (2004).
What do root causes in the Pressure Release Model concern?
Economic development, infrastructure, and governance
These factors operate at both macro and local scales.
Fill in the blank: Lack of economic development often means that countries lack _______.
Resources to mitigate hazards
This includes poor infrastructure and limited public awareness.
What is a common issue with aid distribution in least developed countries?
Aid may not reach those who need it due to poor governance
Trust issues and corruption can hinder recovery efforts.
What were the long-term living conditions for many Haitians after the 2010 earthquake?
Many were still living in tents four years later
Despite significant international aid, recovery was slow.
What factors increase vulnerability to hazards?
Combination of hazard characteristics, economic, social, and political factors
This includes both macro-scale and local-scale influences.
How do gender roles affect vulnerability during geophysical hazards?
Women are often more home-bound and less able to escape hazards
This increases their risk during disasters.
What was the ratio of women to men killed during the 2004 tsunami in some countries?
Four times as many women than men
Gender norms influenced survival capabilities.
What advantages do High-Income Countries (HICs) have regarding hazard events?
Better preparation, mitigation, and recovery capabilities
This includes sophisticated institutions and advanced infrastructure.
What role does scientific research play in reducing vulnerability to hazards?
It enhances understanding of fault zones and volcanic activity
This leads to better forecasting and planning.
What kind of early warning systems exist in countries like Japan?
Systems that provide warnings for tsunamis and earthquakes
Residents can receive warnings seconds before an event.
What are civil defence authorities in HICs specialized in?
Disaster response
They are well-trained and resourced to handle emergencies.
Fill in the blank: HICs often have financial mechanisms like _______ to buffer against hazards.
City and individual insurance schemes
These financial tools aid in quicker recovery.
