Change in the frequency and impact of tectonic hazards:
The number of natural disasters has increased over time, but the increase in earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions is less pronounced. On average there are now 30 volcanic eruptions
and earthquakes a year. Earthquakes have had a significantly greater impact in terms of
fatalities.
Disaster Risk Equation:
Natural Event = No human impact.
Natural Hazard = Cause human impacts.
Natural Disaster = The realisation of a hazard when it causes significant impact on a
vulnerable population.
Different factors affect hazard vulnerability- In Asian disasters 80% of deaths female (more
confined to homes, protecting children, drowning due to swimming ability).
Possible future strategies:
• Effectiveness of current strategies assessed and evaluated.
• Not currently possible to predict time and location of earthquakes, a specific and
reliable ‘precursor’ is necessary. Most geoscientists do not believe that there is a
realistic prospect of accurate prediction in the foreseeable future.
• Future research will focus on improving forecasting of earthquakes.
• UN identifies the alleviation of poverty as a priority in reducing seismic impacts.
• Falling buildings cause the most fatalities so it is essential building design can
withstand future tectonic events.
The relationship between disaster and response:
Responses occur at different levels – individual, community, national government and
international.
Resilience is the sustained efforts of the community to respond and withstand hazard
effects. Integration of prediction, prevention and protection plans also manages hazards.
Although natural hazards cannot be prevented, some of the dangerous secondary impacts
can be controlled.
Park’s Disaster Response Curve:
Rate of deterioration depends on combination of human and physical factors.
Seismic hazards:
