1.1 - Natural Hazards

• Natural Hazard - A natural event (for example an earthquake, volcanic eruption, tropical storm, flood) that threatens people or has the potential to cause damage, destruction and death.
• The Types of Natural Hazard Include:

  • Geological (tectonic) hazards
  • Meteorological (weather) hazards
• Natural Hazard - Natural process which could cause disruption

  Natural disaster - Natural hazard which has actually happened

  Extreme Event - Natural process which poses no threat to human life
• Factors which affect hazard risk includes

  • Vulnerability (High population density)
  • Capacity to Cope
  • Nature of natural hazards (Type, Frequency, Magnitude)
• Primary effects can include:

  • Destroyed buildings
  • Injuries or deaths of people
  • Crops can be damaged
  • Water Supplies contaminated
  • Electric cables damaged
  • Gas pipes damaged
• Secondary Effects can include:

  • Other hazard triggered (earthquake --> tsunami)
  • Aid/Emergency vehicles cannot access affected area
  • Disease spread due to limited clean water and poor sanitation
  • Food shortages as a result of damaged crops
  • Country's economy can take a hit and be weakened
• Immediate responses can include:

  • Evacuating people
  • Treat injured and rescue anyone cut off
  • Recover dead bodies to prevent disease spread
  • Provide temporary supplies of electricity and gas
  • Provide essentials (food, water, shelter)
  • Aid workers, supplies or charity donation sent
• Long term responses can include:

  • Repairing homes or rehousing people
  • Repair or rebuild buildings
  • Reconnect broken electricity, gas, or water pipes
  • Improve forecasting, monitoring and evacuation plans
  • Improve building regulations
  • Boost economic recovery