Managing tectonic hazards Flashcards
Mitigation
Identifies the characteristics of the potential hazard and what can be done reduce their impact on people, such as:
- Land use zoning
- Building codes and regulation
- Protective defences (tsunami wall)
Preparedness
Minimising loss of life and property - Developing preparation plans
- Developing warning systems
- Stockpiling medicines, food, water etc.
- Education, training, drill
Response
Coping with a disaster, the main aims would be to rescue people and reduce economic losses:
- Search and rescue efforts
- Evacuating people
- Restoring vital infrastructure like water and electricity
- Restoring vital services like law enforcement and health care
Short term aid
- Providing aid, food, water, shelter
- Providing financial assistance so people can rebuild their livelihoods
Long term aid
- Rebuilding homes
- Building and repairing infrastructure - Reopening schools and businesses
Modify the event
Control design of buildings by strengthening, diverting flows of lava, building sea walls, reinforce house roofs
Modify the vulnerability
Phone warnings, hi tech scientific monitoring, community preparedness and education
Modify the loss
Short and long term aid, insurance
The role of communities in managing hazards
In remote and isolated areas, it may take a long time for aid to come and people may begin local recovery operations, communities may clear debris from roads and set up temporary shelters
The role of NGOs and TNCs in managing hazards
NGOs play a very important role from providing funds, coordination rescue efforts and helping to develop reconstruction plans. Occasionally, TNCs and NGOs may cooperate; Charity buckets or events may be organised by businesses to improve IGOs ability to help
Why do governments in developing countries not invest in hazard mitigation?
they tend to focus their resources on development and economic growth. This lack of investment in hazard management often means that less developed countries and their populations are more vulnerable to hazards
What contributes to hazard vulnerability?
▪ Unstable political governance and/or corruption - a lack of political cohesion can impact on how prepared a country is for a hazard and can also negatively impact response and recovery efforts after the event
▪ Population density - the higher the population density the more people affected by a hazard
▪ Geography isolation and accessibility - remote, rural areas often have poor transport links which can negatively effect rescue efforts
▪ Level of urbanisation - urban areas tend to be worse affected by hazards (densely populated)
Governance and mitigation
▪ Meeting basic needs - When food supply, water supply and health needs are met, the population is generally less vulnerable to secondary hazards such as diseases
▪ Planning - Land-use planning can reduce risk by preventing people living in areas of high risk
▪ Preparedness - Education and community preparation programmes raise awareness
▪ Corruption
2011 Eyjafjallajökull eruption (iceland)
The significant ash cloud closed European air space, which lead to the halt of goods and trade into the EU by air. This resulted in Kenyan flowers (to be imported into the EU) couldn’t be transported and wilted
