Hurricane michael Flashcards
Why is Florida vulnerable ?
Physical geography is very flat (highest point 105asl)
1 third of population lives near the coastline.
Hurricanes are a regular hazard.
(Building regulations are tailored and it’s a HIC)
Key facts about USA
$80,300 GNI per capita
Life expectancy 80.9 years
literacy rate 79%
100% electricity access
92% internet access
18.1% of pop under 14
Key facts about Hurricane micheal
October 2018
Category 5
Wind speeds at landfall over 250 kph
North West Florida
Primary impacts of Michael
-Storm surge of Mexico beach 4.3m
-16 deaths
- $25 billion of deaths, $18.4 billion in florida
- More than 45,000 damaged, 1,500 destroyed (2 hospitals)
-Power-cuts affected 400,000
Secondary impacts of michael
-43 deaths caused by falls and trips clearing up hazard
-$6.3 billion in insurance claims
-Housing shortages created by destroyed homes increased rent (doubled in Panama City)
-Some residents didn’t return (Parker 15% left permanently - less tax revenue for local gov)
Responses of Michael before the storm
-Evacuation in 3 coastal counties
-Schools closed in advanced
-Mayor of Panama city asked 2 thirds of residents (120,000) to evacuate
-Emergency Preparedness organisation (like direct relief), provided emergency medical packs to health facilities in storms path
Micheal short term responses
-Florida National Guard deployed 3,500 troops for search and rescue
-47 helicopters and 240 high water vehicles were deployed to aid search and rescue
-National Guard operated 29 distribution centres in 10 counties to distribute food, water and supplies
Long term responses Michael
-Bay County had to borrow $250 million for clean up whilst it waited for reimbursement from central gov
-Trump declared major disaster in 5 countries. Residents were able to receive grants for house repairs, temporary shelters, business loans
-Trump signed emergency declaration for Georgia authorising funding for 75% of the cost of emergency protective measure and removal of storm debris
