Hazards: Beast From The East Case Study

Question 1

What was the beast from the east?

Answer 1

• it was a polar vortex which faced low pressure from Siberia
• temps dropped to -10C
• wind chill of -22C
• Feb-March 2018

Question 2

Effects of beast from the east?

Answer 2

• 10 killed across the country
• hundreds trapped on roads and motorways
• gas supplies ran low

Question 3

Primary effects of beast from the east?

Answer 3

• 15-20cm of snow fell over the course of three days
• snow drifts in excess of 7m in rural locations
• waves batter coastlines across the country
• crops damaged

Question 4

Secondary effects of beast from the east?

Answer 4

• UK issued with gas deficit warning
• NHS cancelled non-urgent operations and clinics
• trains stranded on tracks overnight in Dorset
• Schools across the country closed for up to 3 days
• flights cancelled

Question 5

Short term responses to beast from the east

Answer 5

• armed forces deployed to rescue drivers and drive NHS workers to work
• Greggs delivery driver hands out cakes to stranded drivers
• community centres open for the homeless to shelter from the conditions
• Taxi firms offered to shop and fetch medical supplies for elderly people
• red weather warning to people travelling

Question 6

Long term responses to beast from the east?

Answer 6

• very little done in long term as the event is rare