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Effects of natural hazards on the less economically developed countries
Effects of natural hazards on the less economically developed countries
Human and physical impacts of hazards
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People as the Creators of Hazards
"Those elements in physical environment harmful to man and caused by
forces extraneous to him". Definition of natural hazards, by I. Burton
and R.W. Kates (1964).
A hazard only becomes a hazard if it affects, or threatens to affect
people. It is essentially man centered. If no people are at risk, it
is not a hazard. (See fig 1.0)
The more people living in hazardous environments, and the higher the
level of development, the more damage caused by hazards.
"Venerability to any kind of hazard is essentially determined by
poverty". Maskney (1989).
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Fig 1.0
Natural hazards happen because the Earth is always moving, and the
tectonic plates are constantly grinding next door to each other. Where
the plate boundaries lie, most natural hazards occur, such as
Earthquakes and Volcanic eruptions.
Death rates from natural hazards and disasters seems to be increasing.
This is due to population growth, economic growth and the increasing
use of hazardous environments.
In the 1970's and 1980's about three million people were killed by
natural hazards and they affected a further 820 million people. They
have also cost the global economy an estimated US $40 billion in
losses and US $15 billion in relief and rehabilitation.
Natural hazards claim more lives in poorer countries with over 90% of
deaths occurring in developing countries. The impact of hazards in
developed countries can have a greater economic cost but may cause
fewer deaths.
People not using the land in a decent manor can intensify hazards. An
example of this is...
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preparation can be planned, and less people could be killed in the
actual event.
From this essay I have found out that humans affect the impact of some
natural hazards, and in some cases also the causes of hazards. Living
on a plate boundary is a choice, and natural hazards have to be
accepted as part of daily lives, but humans have to build - and when
they do, more fatalities occur when hazards occur. Countries not
situated on plate boundaries are still at risk of natural hazards,
such as flooding etc, but the impact is determined by the level of
development. MEDC's have the ability and budget to put money into
predictions of natural hazards, and some methods have helped, but
natural hazards are present all over the world, and no matter how man
tries to prevent damage to their lives, they will never be stopped.