Multiple Hazard Zone (Philippines Case Study)

Question 1

What is a multiple hazard zone?

Answer 1

When an area is at risk from multiple natural hazards and is vulnerable

(Also called a disaster hotspot)

Question 2

Why is Philippines a multiple hazard zone?

Answer 2

Lies on a destructive boundary so experiences earthquakes and volcanoes

South Asian Typhoon Belt

Also susceptible to tsunamis as coastal

Question 3

Why is Philippines vulnerable?

Answer 3

7000 small + hard to reach islands - Gov finds it hard to distribute healthcare

Young, poor population rapidly moved into coastal regions, resulting in poorly built housing - Prone to collapse

Many active volcanoes e.g. Mt Pinatubo

Low HDI

Question 4

What hazards does Philippines experience?

Answer 4

Large composite volcanoes e.g. Mt Pinatubo formed due to high subduction (Ocean under continental)

Landslides due to steep topography

Flooding due to typhoons creating storm surges on their islands

Question 5

Management

Answer 5

Challenging to manage as multiple hazards can hit at once creating extra pressure
E.g. Mt Pinatubo erupted while a typhoon struck

Low level of development means unable to easily predict/ forecast and unable to invest in infrastructure that decreases vulnerability e.g. aseismic buildings