1.8

• How have reported natural disasters changed since 1960?

  The number of reported natural disasters has dramatically increased due to better monitoring and reporting, although the number of geophysical disasters has remained fairly steady.
• What factors have contributed to the rise in the number of reported disasters?

  The increase is attributed to better monitoring, improved reporting of disasters (e.g., the Sendai earthquake tsunami shown live on TV), and increased population density near rivers and coasts.
• Why do hazard trends sometimes appear complex?

  Hazard trends appear complex because events vary in their impacts, with some causing large numbers of deaths, while others may result in homelessness or greater economic damage without causing as many casualties.
• How have early warning systems and building structures helped reduce disaster deaths?

  The development of early warning systems, better building structures, and more effective disaster management have contributed to a decrease in the number of people killed by disasters.
• How does the death rate from disasters compare between LICs and HICs?

  Between 1994-2013, people in LICs were three times more likely to die per disaster compared to those in HICs.
• How have annual disaster costs changed from the 1990s to the 2000s?

  Annual disaster costs rose from US$20 billion in the 1990s to US$100 billion between 2000 and 2010 due to increased areas at risk.
• Why is disaster data sometimes incomplete or inaccurate?

  Disaster data can be incomplete or inaccurate due to focuses on rescue operations rather than data collection, differences in how data is collected or classified, and some hazards occurring in remote areas.
• What is the purpose of hazard profiles?

  Hazard profiles show the characteristics of hazards and help compare different events. They assist governments and organizations in developing disaster plans.
• How does the hazard profile for the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami differ from that of Kilauea in Hawaii?

  The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami had a high magnitude, rapid onset, and widespread extent, whereas Kilauea's eruption in Hawaii had a smaller magnitude and limited extent.