General info

• What is a natural hazard?

  A natural process that threatens people or property
• What distinguishes a hazard event from a natural hazard?

  A hazard event has actually occurred
• What is an example of an extreme event that is not counted as a hazard?

  A drought in an uninhabited desert
• What are the two main types of natural hazards?

  1. Geological Hazards

  • Caused by geological and volcanic processes
  • Examples: volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches

  1. Meteorological Hazards

  • Caused by weather and climate
  • Examples: tropical storms, heatwaves, cold spells
• What is hazard risk?

  The probability of being affected by a hazard
• How does population density affect hazard risk?

  Higher density increases vulnerability to hazards
• Why is Bangladesh vulnerable to flooding?

  It has high population density on flood plains
• What makes earthquakes harder to prepare for compared to tropical storms?

  Earthquakes happen suddenly with no warning
• What is the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Japan in 2011?


  1. 0
• What are primary effects of natural disasters?

  Immediate impacts caused by the hazard itself
• What are some examples of primary effects of natural disasters?

  • Buildings and roads destroyed
  • People injured or killed
  • Damage to gas, water, and electricity supplies
  • Roads and bridges damaged or contaminated
• What are secondary effects of natural disasters?

  Effects that happen later as a result of primary effects
• What are some examples of secondary effects of natural disasters?

  • Altered land due to hazards
  • Blocked roads hindering aid
  • Spread of disease from sanitation issues
  • Food shortages from crop damage
  • Economic weakening due to business damage
• What are immediate responses to natural disasters?

  1. Evacuate people if possible
  2. Treat the injured and rescue trapped individuals
  3. Recover dead bodies to prevent disease
  4. Provide temporary utilities if damaged
  5. Supply food, drink, and shelter
  6. Send aid from foreign governments or charities
• What are long-term responses to natural disasters?

  1. Repair or rehouse affected individuals
  2. Rebuild infrastructure like roads and bridges
  3. Restore utilities and communication
  4. Improve forecasting and evacuation plans
  5. Enhance building regulations for future hazards
  6. Promote economic recovery, e.g., tourism
• Why is it important to distinguish between immediate and long-term responses in exams?

  Different questions may focus on different response types