1.7

• What is the Pressure and Release (PAR) model used for?

  The PAR model is used to understand a country's vulnerability to hazards. It assumes that disasters occur when opposing forces interact: root causes, pressures, and unsafe conditions create vulnerability, while the hazard event itself triggers the disaster
• What are the key components of the Pressure and Release (PAR) model?

  Root causes: Political and economic systems that control power and resources. Dynamic pressures: These create unsafe conditions, such as poor building regulations or inadequate preparedness. Unsafe conditions: These result from a lack of resources to reduce risk, such as poor infrastructure and weak governance.
• How did Haiti’s earthquake in 2010 become a disaster according to the PAR model?

  Haiti's earthquake became a disaster due to factors like poor infrastructure, corruption, lack of building regulations, and inadequate disaster preparedness. These vulnerabilities were worsened by the country's high population density and the destruction of critical infrastructure, hindering relief efforts.
• What challenges did Haiti face in its recovery after the 2010 earthquake?

  Haiti's recovery was slow due to the loss of government officials, corruption, and reliance on international aid organizations. Despite $13 billion in aid, the country's recovery was hampered by a lack of control over resources and the ongoing cholera outbreak. However, there were improvements in infrastructure, health, and governance over time.
• How did China's government respond to the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan?

  China's government responded by deploying 130,000 soldiers and relief workers. They provided $10 billion for rebuilding and quickly began constructing temporary homes, roads, and bridges. The country’s strong central government and infrastructure helped minimize the impact of the earthquake.
• How was China’s response to the 2008 earthquake different from Haiti's?

  China's response was more efficient due to its wealth, strong government, and infrastructure. In contrast, Haiti struggled with weak governance, poor infrastructure, and high corruption, making recovery efforts much slower.
• What factors contributed to Japan’s preparedness for the 2011 earthquake and tsunami?

  Japan had strict building regulations, low corruption, earthquake education, and well-developed disaster plans. Additionally, tsunami walls, evacuation shelters, and early warning systems helped minimize the death toll.
• What was the impact of the Fukushima nuclear disaster during the 2011 Japan earthquake?

  The Fukushima nuclear plant was severely damaged by the tsunami, leading to dangerous radiation levels and the evacuation of thousands. The plant had not been built to withstand such a large tsunami, and government oversight failures contributed to the disaster.
• How did Japan's energy policy change after the 2011 earthquake and Fukushima disaster?

  After the disaster, Japan closed all 44 nuclear power plants, which led to a 20% rise in electricity prices and increased greenhouse gas emissions. By 2014, Japan reinstated nuclear energy due to high electricity prices, a slowing economy, and reliance on fossil fuels.
• How did Japan’s government support the economy after the 2011 earthquake?

  The Japanese government offered US$183 billion to support the economy, and the country accepted help from recovery teams from over 20 countries.
• What role did corruption play in Haiti's response to the 2010 earthquake?

  Corruption in Haiti hindered the effective use of resources and aid. Many donations were controlled by international NGOs and governments, with less than 10% managed by Haiti’s own government, which slowed recovery efforts and limited the country’s ability to rebuild.
• How did China’s geographical location impact the 2008 Sichuan earthquake?

  The earthquake primarily affected rural areas, leading to fewer deaths compared to urban regions. However, landslides caused by the earthquake were responsible for 25% of the deaths.
• What was the immediate response in Japan after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami?

  Japan immediately mobilized 110,000 defense troops, broadcast information through all radio and TV stations, and implemented evacuation procedures. Emergency services were quick to respond to the disaster, saving lives and managing the aftermath.
• How did the earthquake in Japan affect the country’s energy infrastructure?

  The 2011 earthquake and tsunami caused the Fukushima nuclear power plant to fail, resulting in a significant drop in nuclear energy production. This led to increased reliance on fossil fuels and higher electricity prices, forcing Japan to reconsider its energy policy.