Hazards Flashcards
Where is Haiti located?
Haiti is located in the Caribbean, on the east of the island of Hispaniola.
What geological characteristics make Haiti seismically active?
Haiti is seismically active due to two fault lines on a constructive margin, leading to high magnitude shallow focus earthquakes.
What is the impact of deforestation in Haiti?
Deforestation makes landslides more frequent.
What percentage of Haiti’s land is mountainous?
60% of Haiti’s land is mountainous.
What social issues contribute to vulnerability in Haiti?
Poor quality housing, inherent poverty, lack of hazard education, 50% unemployment, and extreme rates of gang and organized crime.
What is Haiti’s GDP per capita?
Haiti’s GDP per capita is $21,300.
What percentage of the Haitian population lives on less than $2 per day?
77% of the population lives on less than $2 per day.
Describe the political situation in Haiti.
Haiti has extreme political instability, with a militant, corrupt government, often relying on Haitian UN police for policing.
How many tropical storms occur in Haiti annually?
Around 4-5 tropical storms occur in Haiti annually.
What is the effect of tropical storms on Haiti’s economy?
In 2008, 4 tropical storms hit Haiti, affecting over 5% of its GDP.
Fill in the blank: Haiti is the ______ developed country in the West.
least
True or False: Haiti has a stable political environment.
False
What caused the large shallow focus earthquakes in Haiti?
Haiti’s positioning between the North American plate and the Caribbean plate
Both plates are moving in the same direction, leading to seismic activity.
What was the magnitude and depth of the earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince?
Magnitude 7 with a 13km deep epicenter
The epicenter was just 25km from the capital city.
How many people required emergency food aid after the earthquake in Haiti?
4 million people
This indicates the scale of the disaster’s impact on the population.
What is the NDRMS?
An NGO project that developed an energy operation center for disaster management in Haiti, It was designed for civil servants to manage disasters effectively.
What happened to the NDRMS Emergency Operations Centre during the 2010 Haiti earthquake?
It was destroyed
This significantly hampered disaster response efforts.
What types of equipment did the NDRMS expand for disaster prediction in Haiti?
Weather monitoring equipment
This allowed the National Meteorological Centre to predict hazards more easily.
What were the consequences of the 2010 Haiti earthquake on emergency response?
Poor rollout of aid and emergency responses, Many emergency crews were injured, affecting the response efficiency.
How many people received emergency shelter materials after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti?
1.5 million people
This highlights the extensive need for immediate shelter following the disaster.
How many children were moved to temporary education facilities after the 2010 Haiti earthquake?
195,000 children
This was part of the efforts to provide continuity in education despite the disaster.
What percentage of displaced people from Port-au-Prince required health clinics after the 2010 Haiti Earthquake?
90% of people. This indicates a critical need for healthcare services in the aftermath of the earthquake.
What negative consequence arose from the UN soldiers’ presence after the 2010 Haiti earthquake?
Spread of disease compounding the challenges faced by the affected population after the earthquake.
Why was the Haiti 2010 earthquake thought to have had such a large impact?
Long term inaction was described as a contributing factor to the earthquake’s consequences Long-term inaction can exacerbate the effects of natural disasters.
When did Hurricane Katrina form?
25th August 2005
What was the maximum gust speed reached by Hurricane Katrina?
215 mph
Which US States did Hurricane Katrina impact after forming?
Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi
What typical conditions in the Caribbean sea contribute to the formation of tropical storms like hurricane Katrina?
Optimal 25°C temperature and low pressure with strong winds
What latitude range is associated with the conditions for large tropical storms such as hurricane Katrina?
5-10 degrees
How many houses in New Orleans were flooded due to Hurricane Katrina?
110,000 of the 180,000 houses
What was the size of the disaster zone declared after Hurricane Katrina?
233,000 km squared
How many people were left without power after Hurricane Katrina?
5 million people
What type of infrastructure was damaged in the Gulf area due to Hurricane Katrina?
Oil installations (rigs and refineries)
What area in New Orleans was severely damaged, affecting tourism revenues as a result of hurricane Katrina?
French Quarter
What was the estimated financial cost of Hurricane Katrina in the USA?
$200 billion
Fill in the blank: Hurricane Katrina was the most deadly storm felt in the US for over ______ years.
75 years
True or False: Hurricane Katrina hit Florida before impacting Louisiana.
True
What environmental impact did Hurricane Katrina have on New Orleans?
The city and surroundings were completely flooded causing extensive damage to infrastructure and homes.
How many people became refugees as a result of Hurricane Katrina?
More than 1million people
What percentage of Katrina evacuees stayed within 400km of their homes?
75%, many people sought refuge in nearby areas.
On what date did the National Guard arrive in response to Hurricane Katrina?
9th September, their arrival was part of the emergency response efforts.
What actions did the Army Corps take after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans?
Plugged levees and pumped water out of flooded areas
What shelter was set up for those who could not leave New Orleans?
New Orleans ‘Super Dome’
How many people were stranded in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina?
60,000 people, this number highlights the scale of the crisis.
How many of the 60,000 stranded individuals were rescued by the Coast Guard?
More than 33,500 people, this rescue operation was a significant part of the emergency response.
How much aid was provided by the US government for Hurricane Katrina relief?
$50 billion ,this funding was essential for recovery efforts.
What supports the levees in New Orleans that were repaired after Hurricane Katrina?
New steel beams that are as deep as 65ft, these reinforcements were made to prevent future flooding.
Define Preparedness in managing wildfires
Increasing peoples’ awareness of the potential hazards associated with wildfires.
What does mitigation aim to achieve in wildfire management?
Actions aimed at reducing the severity of an event and lessening its impact.
What is the goal of prevention in the context of wildfires?
Actions aimed at preventing large-scale events from starting.
What does adaptation involve in managing wildfires?
Accepting that natural events are inevitable and adapting behaviour accordingly.
What do wildfires need to ignite?
Fuel, Oxygen and heat
What is the purpose of controlled burning?
To reduce the amount of fuel available to help manage the risk of wildfires.
What are the potential impacts of controlled burning on the ecosystem?
Reduces litter store and releases carbon dioxide. This affects natural ecosystems and nutrient cycles.
Why is public awareness of rules important in wildfire prevention?
To enforce rules regarding the use of campfires, barbeques and other activity that could increase wildfire risk. This is especially crucial in campsites and public areas.
What do many countries implement during times of high wildfire risk?
‘Fire bans’ to help mitigate the risk of wildfires.
Since what year has Smokey Bear been promoting fire safety?
1944, Smokey Bear has been influential in educating Americans about responsible fire behavior.
What percentage of Americans recognize Smokey Bear?
96 percent, His message of fire safety is well-known among the public.
What is the percentage of Americans who can recall Smokey Bear’s message of fire safety?
70 percent, This indicates the effectiveness of his campaign.
How has the average number of hectares lost to wildfires changed since 1944 (the implementation of Smokey Bear)?
From 54 million hectares to 16.5 million hectares, This shows a significant reduction in wildfire damage over the years.
True or False: There is a belief that fires are a natural regenerative process within forest ecosystems.
True, Some advocate for allowing fires to take their natural course in certain circumstances.
List at least 2 ways that citizens can prepare their property for wildfires
Any 2 from:
- Reduce tree and brush cover
- Dispose of Debris left from thinning
- Remove dead limbs, leaves and other litter
- Stack firewood away from home
- Maintain an irrigated green belt
- Mow dry grasses and weeds
- Prune tree branches to around 10ft above ground
- Trim branches
- Clean roof and gutters
- Reduce density of forest surrounding property
What does mitigation involve?
Reducing the severity of an event by direct intervention and support following a disaster
This includes actions taken before and after disasters to minimize their impact.
Why is early fire detection crucial?
It allows for timely intervention to prevent the spread of wildfires
Early detection can significantly reduce the damage caused by fires.
What methods were historically used for fire detection?
Observation from high fire towers
This method has largely been replaced by more advanced technologies.
What modern technologies are used for fire detection?
Satellites, infrared sensors, and cameras
These technologies can detect thermal variations and early ignition of fires.
What is NASA developing for wildfire management?
Drone technology for surveying vast areas
This technology aims to enhance monitoring and response capabilities.
What is Back Burning?
Removing the fuel (vegetation) through burning vegetation ahead of the fire front to create a controlled barrier.
What natural barriers can be used to control fire spread?
Rivers
What is ‘spotting’ in the context of wildfires?
When embers are carried far from the active fire, igniting new fires elsewhere. Spotting can significantly complicate wildfire suppression efforts.
How can disaster aid mitigate the effects of wildfires?
By providing financial and logistical support to affected individuals. This support can help communities recover more effectively after a disaster.
What is the purpose of risk assessments in Colorado Springs?
To identify where the largest threats to individual homes are. This information was posted online to encourage community action in reducing risks.
What types of grants are provided to residents in Colorado Springs for fire risk improvement?
Federal, state, and local grants. These grants are aimed at those who cannot afford to make improvements.
What vegetation management practice is implemented around properties in Colorado Springs?
Thinning of vegetation surrounding properties. This practice includes using granular hardeners to protect housing.
What is the purpose of the curbside chipper program in Colorado Springs?
To allow free branch removal and reduce financial impact on locals. This program facilitates the cutting down of larger shrubs.
What type of roofing is promoted for homes in Colorado Springs?
Class A roofing, designed to provide better fire resistance.
What is a technique used in wildfire management to reduce the fuel available for fire?
Control lines may be built to reduce the amount of fuel available for the fire by removing potential fuels and using natural barriers such as rivers and terrain breaks.
This can be done manually with tools like pulaskis or with bulldozers.
What is the purpose of air drops in wildfire management?
Aeroplanes and helicopters release water and fire-retardant chemicals onto the wildfire.
These air drops help to suppress the fire and prevent its spread.
What are smokejumpers?
Smokejumpers are firefighters who parachute directly into wildfires.
They carry axes and small amounts of fire retardant gel.
What technique involves deliberately burning areas of land ahead of a wildfire?
Backfiring is used to deliberately burn areas of land ahead of the fire to use up the fuel.
This technique is controlled by firefighting services and may involve bulldozers for large areas.
How many smokejumpers are often active in the US?
There are often 450 smokejumpers active in the US.
They are deployed to remote fires that could potentially cause issues.
What actions do smokejumpers take when they arrive at small fires?
Smokejumpers remove fuel on the cutside part of the small fires and dig soil to cool it down.
This helps to prevent the fire from spreading further.
What is a crown fire?
A crown fire spreads across tree canopies and affects forested areas.
Crown fires are typically intense and can move rapidly through the treetops.
What is a surface fire?
A surface fire burns across surface vegetation.
Surface fires usually burn low to the ground and can affect grasses, shrubs, and small trees.
What is a ground fire?
A ground fire burns beneath the ground in layers of dry organic peat.
Ground fires can smolder for long periods and are often difficult to detect.
What does the ladder effect describe?
The ladder effect describes the process of fires from the forest floor spreading to the tree canopy.
This effect can lead to more severe fire conditions and increased spread of fire.
What was the nickname of the wildfire that swept across Alberta in May 2016?
The Beast
In which province did the Fort McMurray wildfire occur?
Alberta
What type of forestry contributed to the rapid spread of the Fort McMurray wildfire?
Wooded pine forestry
What was a significant psychological effect experienced by 1 in 3 students who experienced the Fort McMurrey Wildfire?
Symptoms of PTSD
What was the impact on adolescent alcohol and drug consumption among those who experienced the Fort McMurrey Wildfire?
Higher than surrounding populations of children
What did many families experience due to the rapid evacuation during the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
Loss of pets and homes
What was the general sentiment among residents regarding the rebuilding of their community after the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
A strong sense of resilience
Fill in the blank: The Fort McMurray wildfire had the largest impact on the ________ (Which region) of Alberta.
North east
True or False: The residents of Fort McMurray felt hopeless after the wildfire.
False
What year did the Fort McMurray wildfire occur?
2016
What type of fire was prevalent in the Fort McMurray wildfire?
Crown fires
What was a major consequence for families affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire?
Huge impacts on their mental health
How did the perception of the Fort McMurrey wildfire differ among residents?
Devastating yet resilient
When did the Fort McMurray wildfire ignite?
1st May 2016
What caused the initial control of the fire to change?
A shift in the wind direction
What environmental conditions contributed to the outbreak of the Fort McMurray wildfire?
Early snow melt and warmer than average temperatures
What happened to the humidity levels and temperatures in late April before the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
Humidity was extremely low and temperatures soared
What were the temperature conditions in May during the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
Exceeding 30°C
What phenomenon helped to increase the intensity of the Fort McMurray wildfire?
El Niño Year (Above average temperatures)
What impact did the Fort McMurrey wildfire have on the boreal forest ecosystem?
Scorched soil and burnt tree roots
What risk does the dry and scorched party soil pose after the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
It could reignite at any time until the first heavy rainfall
How much carbon dioxide was released into the atmosphere due to the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
Several million tonnes
What toxins were released from burning trees during the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
Mercury, lead, and organic compounds
What environmental issue was caused by the toxins released during the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
Severe air pollution
What happened to the ash after heavy rain following the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
It was washed into water courses, leading to water pollution
What potential contamination risk arose from the ash washing into water courses after the Fort McMurrey wildfire?
Possible contamination of fish
What kind of waste had to be disposed of after the Fort McMurray wildfire?
Huge quantities of waste, including rotting food from freezers and toxic debris
How many people were forced to flee Fort McMurray due to the wildfire?
90,000 people
This mass evacuation was a direct result of the wildfire’s impact on the community.
What was the estimated damage inflicted upon Fort McMurray by the wildfire?
CAN$9 billion
This estimate was provided by initial insurance company assessments.
How many homes and other buildings were burned down in Fort McMurray?
2400 homes and other buildings
This significant loss contributed to the social and economic impacts of the disaster.
What effect did the wildfire have on jobs and livelihoods in Fort McMurray?
Jobs and livelihood were affected and movement in the area was restricted
The disruption had a broad impact on the local economy.
What happened to the water supplies in Fort McMurray during the wildfire?
Water supplies became contaminated
Untreated water was deliberately introduced into the municipal water supply to assist firefighters.
What portion of the workers in the oil sands industry had to be evacuated due to the Fort McMurrey Wildfires?
About one third of the 25,000 workers
This evacuation led to a significant halt in production and operations.
Which company’s mining operation was temporarily shut down due to the Fort McMurray wildfire?
Shell Canada Albion Sands mining operation
True or False: The Fort McMurrey wildfire led to increased levels of anxiety about the future among residents.
True
This psychological impact was one of the social consequences of the disaster.
What political debate was fueled by the Fort McMurray wildfire?
Impacts of climate change
The wildfire highlighted the potential damage related to climate-related events.
What role did government officials play during the Fort McMurray wildfire?
Oversee evacuation programmes
They had to coordinate with emergency services for effective evacuation.
What impact did the wildfire have on transport in the region?
Transport was seriously affected
This included disruptions at the nearby international airport.
What was the immediate effect of the wildfire on power supplies in Fort McMurray?
Power supplies were disrupted
This disruption added to the challenges faced by residents during the crisis.
When did Cyclone Nargis strike Myanmar?
May 2008
Cyclone Nargis caused huge devastation in Myanmar during this time.
What type of government was in place in Myanmar during Cyclone Nargis?
Military dictatorship
Myanmar is known for its isolationist policies and avoiding western intervention.
Where did Cyclone Nargis develop?
Bay of Bengal
The cyclone started as a low pressure system in this region.
What was the initial classification of Cyclone Nargis on April 27, 2008?
Tropical depression
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported this classification.
How fast was Cyclone Nargis moving on April 27, 2008?
8 mph
The depression was moving north-west at this speed.
What wind speed did Cyclone Nargis reach by May 1, 2008?
100 mph
This increase was due to high water temperature and the Coriolis effect.
What category hurricane was Cyclone Nargis when it hit land?
Category 4
The cyclone had wind speeds of 135 mph at this point.
What town did Cyclone Nargis hit on May 2, 2008?
Wagon
The cyclone made landfall in this southwestern town.
What was the height of the storm surge produced by Cyclone Nargis?
3-3.5 metres high
The storm surge significantly impacted the coastline.
When did Cyclone Nargis finally subside?
May 3, 2008
The cyclone lasted for several days before it subsided.
What geographical feature contributed to the impact of Cyclone Nargis on the coastline?
Coastal inlets
The topography of the land along the coast funneled the storm surge.
What caused the storm surge from Cyclone Nargis to be channeled inland?
Coastal inlets along Myanmar’s coastline
These inlets directed the surge further into the land.
How did the shallow continental shelf affect Cyclone Nargis?
It caused the storm surge to rise further inland
The shallow nature of the shelf amplified the surge.
What type of community was affected by Cyclone Nargis?
A densely populated rural community
This demographic increased the impact of the cyclone.
What was the estimated economic damage caused by Cyclone Nargis?
$10 billion worth of damage
This figure reflects the extensive destruction caused by the cyclone.
What percentage of buildings collapsed in Myanmar due to Cyclone Nargis?
75% of buildings
In the delta region, 95% of buildings collapsed.
How many temples were destroyed by Cyclone Nargis?
1,163 temples
This loss contributed to the cultural impact of the cyclone.
What environmental impacts did Cyclone Nargis have on agriculture?
The 2008 to 2009 harvests were destroyed
This led to significant food shortages.
What were the maximum wind speeds recorded during Cyclone Nargis?
Up to 135 mph
These winds contributed to the destruction of infrastructure.
What was the height of the storm surge during Cyclone Nargis?
7.6 m
This surge caused extensive flooding.
How far inland did floodwaters penetrate due to Cyclone Nargis?
40 - 50 km inland
This distance indicates the severity of the flooding.
What social impacts did Cyclone Nargis have on the population?
Lack of food and water, many died of disease
The aftermath led to numerous health crises.
How many children were orphaned as a result of Cyclone Nargis?
Many children were orphaned
This highlights the human tragedy of the disaster.
How many people were reported missing after Cyclone Nargis?
50,000 people
Many of these individuals were never found.
What was the estimated death toll from Cyclone Nargis?
At least 136,000 people
This figure represents the devastating human cost.
Approximately how many people were severely affected by Cyclone Nargis?
Around 2.4 million people
This indicates the widespread impact of the cyclone.
What was the extent of structural damage caused by Cyclone Nargis?
Extensive, causing over a million to become homeless
The structural damage was a significant issue in recovery efforts.
What was the initial perception of Cyclone Nargis among the population?
Many were unaware of the event until very late due to poor communication and warnings from the government
This lack of awareness contributed to the severity of the cyclone’s impact on the population.
How did Cyclone Nargis affect employment for the people?
Many were left without a job, seeing the cyclone as life altering under economic collapse
The economic consequences of the cyclone exacerbated existing challenges in the region.
What type of programs were initiated following Cyclone Nargis?
Many education programs were implemented to help those most impacted recover and mitigate damage in future storm events
These programs aimed to build resilience among communities.
What was the initial response of the military government to Cyclone Nargis?
The initial response was appalling
The government was criticized for its lack of preparedness and ineffective management of the disaster.
Why did the military Junta refuse foreign aid immediately after the Cyclone Nargis?
They did not want foreign people coming into the country and destabilizing their political oppression
This refusal delayed crucial assistance to the affected population.
How long after the impact of Cyclone Nargis made landfall did the government request aid?
A full 6 days after the storm made landfall
This delay highlighted the government’s skepticism and inadequate initial response.
What was the effect of the government’s skepticism on aid distribution during Cyclone Nargis?
Aid was far more restricted and therefore less effective
The limited access to aid hindered recovery efforts for the affected communities.
When did the Junta finally allow international aid to be delivered in Cyclone Nargis?
Members of the Association of South-East Asian admittance were allowed to deliver aid from 19 of May
This acceptance of aid came after significant international pressure.
What were the conditions for the people of the nation regarding food and medicine after Cyclone Nargis?
The people were still limited to reduced food, medicine, and basic supplies
This scarcity of resources created ongoing challenges for the affected population.
What sea temperature is required for tropical storm formation?
27°C or above
This temperature provides a continuous source of heat to maintain rising air currents.
What is the minimum ocean depth required for tropical storm formation?
At least 70m
This depth provides moisture that contributes latent heat, which powers the storm.
At what latitude must a location be for tropical storm formation?
At least 5° north or south of the Equator
This is necessary for the Coriolis force to induce rotation of air.
What atmospheric condition is necessary for tropical storm formation?
Atmospheric instability
This condition causes the convergence of air in the lower atmosphere.
What type of winds are required for tropical storm formation?
Uniform winds
Uniform winds allow for wind speeds to build up, which is essential for storm development.
