Introduction to Hazards and Disasters

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a significant mental health issue that can result from experiencing a disaster?

Anxiety disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (correct)

Chronic fatigue syndrome

What primarily drives climate refugees to migrate?

Desire for better job opportunities

Escape from political unrest

Search for food and shelter (correct)

Interest in new cultures

What type of environmental consequence can result from disasters such as the Fukushima incident?

Expansion of forests

Regeneration of coral reefs

Increased biodiversity

Pollutant release (correct)

What is a common consequence of infrastructural damage after a disaster?

Disruption of public services Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a significant financial impact of Hurricane Katrina?

2% loss of overall GDP in one year Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of individual impact is often overlooked after disasters?

Stigma associated with migration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disasters is known for its catastrophic loss of life in 2005?

Earthquake in POK Signup and view all the answers

What kind of hygiene facilities are typically damaged during disasters?

Water and toilet hygiene facilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as a geological disaster?

Floods Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes biological disasters from other types of disasters?

They involve the exposure of living organisms to harmful microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events can be categorized as a climatological disaster?

Drought Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the vulnerability of developing countries to disasters?

High levels of technological readiness Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of man-made disasters?

Inadequate technological systems Signup and view all the answers

What type of disaster includes events such as meteor collisions with Earth?

Extra-Planetary Disaster Signup and view all the answers

Which category does the release of toxic chemicals fall under?

Chemical Disaster Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about technological disasters is FALSE?

They exclusively occur in industrial settings. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily differentiates a hazard from a disaster?

A hazard is a process that potentially causes an extreme event. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the relationship between hazards and human society?

Disasters cannot occur without a human presence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of disasters?

They can occur at any time without warning. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is critical in measuring the quantum of a disaster?

The extent of damage to human society. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a cyclone not be classified as a disaster while still considered a hazard?

If it remains offshore without affecting any communities. Signup and view all the answers

What term is defined as a serious disruption in community functionality due to widespread losses?

Disaster Signup and view all the answers

How do disasters affect community structures?

They disrupt social structures and impair life-supporting systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the common misconception about the occurrence of disasters?

All extreme events lead to disasters. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Hazards and Disasters

Disaster: An event, natural or human-made, causing significant damage to living communities.
Hazard: Processes that lead to extreme events.
Extreme Events: Occur rarely and worsen natural processes.

Characteristics of Disasters

Disasters can be natural or man-made.
Impacts can be immediate or gradual, but they occur regardless of preparedness.
Disasters impact people directly, resulting in damage to society.
The severity is measured by the damage done to human communities.
Hazards become disasters when they impact inhabited areas.
Disasters disrupt societal structures and essential services, leading to socio-economic issues, health problems, and infrastructure damage.

Causes of Disasters

Natural Causes: Natural disasters have existed long before industrialization.
Impact of Population Growth: The increasing population magnifies the intensity and frequency of disasters, both nationally and internationally.

Effects of Disasters

Individual Impact: Physical, mental, and emotional effects, including stress, depression, and displacement.
Humanitarian Crisis: Mass migration leading to climate refugees or environmental migrants, struggling with adaptation and mental health problems.
Public Health Issues: Damage to water/sanitation infrastructure, breeding grounds for pathogens, limited access to clean water and resources, and mental health issues like PTSD.
Infrastructural Damage: Destruction of both public and private infrastructure.
Loss of Life: Impacts humans, plants, and animals.
Economic Impact: Financial losses, high recovery costs.
Environmental Problems: Long-term ecological damage, pollution, habitat destruction, and depletion of natural resources.
Vulnerability of Developing and Least Developed Countries: Lack of resources, infrastructure, and preparedness increases the impact of disasters for these nations.

Types of Disasters

By Causative Factors:
- Natural Disasters:
  - Geological: Plate tectonics, erosion, volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides.
  - Atmospheric: Cyclones, storms, wave surges.
  - Hydrological: Avalanches, floods.
  - Biological: Diseases, epidemics, plagues.
  - Climatological: Droughts, wildfires, extreme temperatures.
  - Extra-Planetary: Celestial events such as meteor impacts.
- Man-Made/Induced Disasters:
  - Physical: Reservoir-induced seismic activity, man-induced landslides, soil erosion.
  - Chemical: Toxic chemical releases, nuclear tests, oil spills.
  - Biological and Health-Related: Epidemics, pandemics, eutrophication, insect swarms.
  - Technological: Technological failures or misuse of technology.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz provides an overview of hazards and disasters, distinguishing between natural and man-made events. Learn about the characteristics, impacts, and causes of disasters, as well as their effects on society and infrastructure. Test your knowledge on how these events disrupt communities and the evolving challenges posed by population growth.