Hazards- Local Scale Hazard

Question 1

Venezuela- background

Answer 1

• 70th wealthiest nation in the world
• GDP per head of $17,000
• the wealth is very unevenly spread

Question 2

What hazards is Caracas exposed to?

Answer 2

• tropical storms (zone 5)
• earthquakes (magnitude 7)
• landslides
• storm surges
• heavy rainfall
• mudflow
• debris flow

Question 3

Social issues in Caracas

Answer 3

• buildings are generally constructed in the deepest part of the basin (where shaking is strongest)
• rainfall induced debris is greatest in the city centre
• lower class living in squatter settlements (highly exposed to hazards)
• building blocks called ‘barrios’ have a population of 25,000 per km2- so earthquake will have greater impact

Question 4

Economic issues in Caracas

Answer 4

• the housing of middle/lower class is made of un-reinforced masonry, making them vulnerable to hazards
• there is a vast economic division in Caracas (only the wealthy relatively safe from hazards)
• there is no nationwide disaster response- makes the response less efficient

Question 5

Political impacts of the hazard risk on Caracas

Answer 5

• Venezuela’s government is relatively stable but crime levels are high
• government funds research to assess the hazard risk on different parts of Caracas
• lack of funds means Caracas can only conduce ‘risk zoning’ and enforce strict ‘no build’ zones
• many buildings however are illegally built- reduces the effectiveness of this strategy

Question 6

Hazard responses in Caracas

Answer 6

• National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) is responsible for disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation
• this is important as it coordinates the different stages of disaster management
• Venezuela still relies on overseas aid as the government lacks funds-US and UK emergency responders and military are often sent