physical geography - multi-hazardous environments case study

what are the two case studies?

LA and the Philippines

what hazards do the philippines experience?

tropical storm, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions and landslides

how have people adapted to the risks of living in a multi-hazardous environment in the philippines?

1. modify the loss - spread finances e.g. disaster relief insurance

2. modify the area - building design and location - land use zoning, emergency procedures - efforts that have been made to control extreme events include flood relief schemes, avalanches shelters and sea walls

3. modify human vulnerability to hazard emergency procedures, forecasting, warnings

what mitigation and management strategies have been put in place in the philippines?

• satellites produce coverage of land deformation from space

• hazard zonation maps used for decisions regarding evacuation and other responses

• provides early warnings of likely eruptions due to microearthquakes in the vicinity of the volcanoes core

• preparation of contingency plans can be used when the effects in vulnerable areas cannot be avoided

why do people continue to live in the Philippines, despite the hazard risk?

• people are prevented from living in better areas

• e.g. Taal volcano - disaster management training workshop found that people were not worried about the risks as islanders thought that the building to monitor volcanic activity set up by the Philippines volcanic institute would protect them

how is the character of the philippines effected by its multi-hazardous nature?

• demographic characteristics: children and elderly are more vulnerable so population mainly consists of working-class age (20-40), decrease in population

• economic hazards: many people rely on agriculture and fishing for their jobs - leaves them unemployed and reduces economic development

• land-use: new buildings such as VIP created, forces people to use land for other practices i.e. if soil becomes waterlogged and infertile, farmers will have to pursue another livelihood.

why is the philippines a particularly vulnerable country?

• location in the ring of fire

• poverty level of 17% and overall underdevelopment e.g. poor quality housing

which areas in the Philippines are most at risk?

• Manilla - high population density

• north-east coast - has the worst tropical storms as they make an east-west route across the Philippines due to Coriolis effect

how effectively do the philippines manage natural hazards?

• early warnings i.e. seismic monitoring gives people and authorities significant time to prepare

• community education/awareness: efforts to educate and raise awareness among communities about the risks associated with natural hazards

• works with international organisations and neighbouring countries to enhance its capacity to manage natural disasters e.g. monitoring and aid

what strategies and organisations are in place that contribute to people living there?

• rehabilitating natural ecosystems such as mangroves can help mitigate impacts by acting as natural barriers

• VIP+disaster management training

• land-use such as zoning prevents building in areas of high risk

where is LA’s geographical location?

on the san andreas fault line

what hazards does LA have?

wildfires, flooding, mudslides, earthquakes and extreme heat

what are the effects in LA of earthquake risk?

• e.g. Northridge earthquake

• 60 deaths, mainly due to the collapse of buildings

• several thousand people were injured

• 200,000 people left without water

• 3 million people left without electricity supply

• secondary damage such as landslips which blocked roads

what are the mitigation strategies in LA for earthquakes?

• continuous earthquake mapping and data collection help predict future earthquakes and likely locations

• building design techniques are also improving - during the Northridge earthquake a dam and freeway underwent major repairs

what are the preparation and planning strategies for earthquakes in LA?

• residents have prepared emergency supply kits in a convienient place

• emergency plans and earthquake drills

• emergency services also have plans and drills so they can cope

• hospitals have emergency procedures worked out

• local authorities produce videos and pamphlets

• strict building codes

why does LA get wildfires?

most of the area around the city is covered with bush vegetation, Santa Ana wind blows across

• climate change, drought conditions, build up of dry vegetation

what are some prevention methods for wildfires implemented by CAL fire?

• 10 metre bush clearance zone around houses

• prepared firefighting technology

• community preparedness initiatives

• reduction of fuels used

• managing vegetation - grazing goats

• campfire safety

what are some general prevention methods for wildfires?

• regular clearance, cleaning dry and dead vegetation around houses

• firebreaks: act as barriers to stop wildfires, fuel breaks to interrupt continuity of flammable materials

• research and innovation: implementing effective strategies e.g. using drones for early detection and warning

what are some political characteristics of LA due to hazard threat?

• resource allocation: funding wildfire prevention methods and earthquake resistant structures

• public education: strategies to inform the public about hazard risk and preparedness nature

• land-use planning/zoning: threat may enforce land-use policies and measures that restrict development in high risk areas or building standards

what are some economic characteristics of LA due to hazard threat?

• additional cost of building and rebuilding earthquake proof structures

• cost of safety campaigns to reduce hazard awareness

what are some social characteristics of LA due to hazard threat?

• houses cost more as have to be built to regulations

• house and life endurance policies are more difficult to obtain and more costly

• tourist industry reduction after hazard

• physical and psychological effects of living in a hazardous environment causing health issues - anxiety and high-blood pressure

how does hazard response and management in LA contribute to the character of the place?

• environmental awareness: strategies to manage and prevent wildfires contribute to an overall environmental consciousness in the region - reflected in policies promoting sustainable practices and green initiatives

• cultural and social dynamics: hazard response can help create a sense of community and mutual support, social dynamics contribute to overall character of LA, emphasizing a community oriented lifestyle

• innovation and technology: LA’s development of hazard management drives innovation in technology and research related to disaster preparedness - becomes a hub for advancements in seismic engineering, early warning systems and other technologies aimed at mitigating the impact of natural disasters.