Few tectonic hazards turn
into disasters. Since 1980, the
annual number of
geophysical events involving
loss (life, property) have
remained stable but
meteorological and
hydrological events have
increase (2015) and occur
more regularly.
smaller events in remote locations often aren't recorded
disaster deaths and damage are sometimes under-recorded for political reasons
mega-disasters can distort trends in disaster losses
(e.g. 2004 Asian tsunami, 2010 Iceland disaster, 2011
Japanese tsunami)
Countries can be exposed to multiple hazards.
5 = Ecuador, Philippines. 4 = Taiwan, Japan. 3=
Vanuatu.
Hazard Hotspots -
locations that are
extremely disaster
prone for a number
of reasons. Usually
for the fact that they
experience more
than one type of
natural hazard
Prediction and Management
Prediction is always the
strarting point to trying to
prevent the amount of
damage caused by
disasters
The Hazard Management Cycle
(involves multiple stages that
happen once the hazard has
struck)
1.Emergency response
2. Initial recovery (rehabilitation)
3. Reconstruction (including mitigation)
4. Return to normality
5. Appraisal of the lessons learned during the
event and implementation of remedial actions
6. Improving preparedness
Mitigation - any
action taken to
reduce or eliminate
the long-term risk to
human life and
property from
natural hazards
Preparedness - educating people
about what they should do in an
emergency (e.g. where to shell
shelter and how to assist),
improving warning systems and
training, equipping rescue teams.
More focused on the emergency
stage immediately after the hazard