How are “natural hazard” (hazardous event) and “disaster” defined? What is the connection between them that determines the size of a disaster caused by a hazard? You can use an example to explain the connection.
And... what's your answer to it? :0
Disasters often follow natural hazards. A disaster's severity
depends on how much impact a hazard has on society and the
environment. To reduce the damage caused by natural hazards like an earthquake humans can build durable buildings that will be able to withstand a earthquake.
I think that's pretty good! You could maybe make it a bit more lengthier, but it's still pretty good even being a short answer. ^^
"Natural hazard" and "disaster" are closely related terms that describe different aspects of a hazardous event. Let's first define each term:
1. Natural Hazard: A natural hazard refers to a naturally occurring event or process that has the potential to cause harm, damage, or loss of life. Examples of natural hazards include earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and droughts.
2. Disaster: A disaster occurs when a hazardous event causes significant damage, destruction, and loss of life, affecting human society or the environment beyond the capacity of the affected community to cope with the situation using their own resources. In simpler terms, when a natural hazard leads to widespread and severe consequences, it is categorized as a disaster.
The size of a disaster caused by a hazard is determined by the following factors:
1. Magnitude of the Hazard: The magnitude or intensity of a hazard plays a significant role in determining the size of a disaster. For example, a powerful earthquake or a high-intensity hurricane has the potential to cause more extensive damage and loss of life compared to a smaller earthquake or a less severe storm.
2. Vulnerability of the Population: The vulnerability of the population exposed to a hazard is an essential aspect of assessing the size of a disaster. Factors such as population density, infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, preparedness, and access to resources influence the impact of a hazard on a community. A more vulnerable population is likely to suffer more significant consequences from a hazardous event.
3. Preparedness and Mitigation Measures: The level of preparedness and mitigation measures in place can either reduce or amplify the size of a disaster. Communities that have implemented effective strategies to minimize the impact of hazards, such as early warning systems, evacuation plans, building codes, and public education, are better able to mitigate and respond to a hazardous event, thus reducing the size of the disaster.
To illustrate the connection, let's consider the example of an earthquake:
If a high-magnitude earthquake occurs in a densely populated area with inadequate building codes, limited emergency response capabilities, and a lack of public awareness about earthquake safety, the potential for a large-scale disaster increases. The vulnerability of the population and the absence of preparedness measures amplify the impact of the hazard, resulting in widespread destruction, numerous casualties, and long-term socioeconomic consequences.
On the other hand, if the same earthquake occurs in a region with low population density, strict building codes, well-prepared emergency response systems, and a high level of earthquake preparedness, the disaster's size would be significantly smaller. The preparedness measures and lower vulnerability of the population help minimize the impact and facilitate a more efficient response.
In summary, the size of a disaster caused by a hazard depends on the magnitude of the hazard, the vulnerability of the population, and the effectiveness of preparedness and mitigation measures in place.