Tectonics 14
Tectonic hazard profiles
And implications for hazard management
Hazard profiles allow us to compare different hazards (e.g. Kilauea effusive eruptions vs. boxing day tsunami) They
can be used by managers (e.g. Governments, IGOS, NGOs) to develop disaster plans.
For EQs this can be the most significant factor in determining These are both key factors in determining the success of modifying
the success of modifying the event. Even in MEDCs that have vulnerability as the more frequent and spatially predictable the EQ
invested heavily such strategies cannot fully cope with mega hazard the more likely for the community to be educated and
events. In contract lower magnitude EQs can be managed prepared for the risk. On the ither hand low frequency and spatial
more effectively even with low tech buildings. predictability can reduce awareness of the hazard risk
This can also be a vital factor as it determines both the number of A very different factor however is typically more significant than
people affect by an EQ and crucially the success of modifying the loss. hazard profiles in relation to the effectiveness of EQ
The larger the area affected the more difficult it is for emergency management. The level of development of an EQ prone area
services to respond. Conversely smaller affect area allows emergency determines whether it can implement any of the three strategy
services to concentrate their resources. types. None of them may be effective in an LEDC.
The Indian ocean tsunami shows a high magnitude rapid onset and widespread extent. Focus on early warning
systems ability to reach all countries affected. Kilauea might mean the government focus developing evacuation
plans following prediction.
However, hazard profiles are of limited use
A more significant impact on EQ management is level of development and effective governance which determines
whether it can implement any of the three strategy types.
Modifying hazard
Modifying vulnerability
Modifying loss
The major increase in natural disasters are accounted for by hydrometeorological events. Global climate change is
set to bring and increase in extreme weather. This increase the risk of a disaster in MHZs e.g. Philippines. It often
appears as if we are living in a more hazardous world. Since 1960, total number of natural disasters has risen.
Tectonic hazard profiles
And implications for hazard management
Hazard profiles allow us to compare different hazards (e.g. Kilauea effusive eruptions vs. boxing day tsunami) They
can be used by managers (e.g. Governments, IGOS, NGOs) to develop disaster plans.
For EQs this can be the most significant factor in determining These are both key factors in determining the success of modifying
the success of modifying the event. Even in MEDCs that have vulnerability as the more frequent and spatially predictable the EQ
invested heavily such strategies cannot fully cope with mega hazard the more likely for the community to be educated and
events. In contract lower magnitude EQs can be managed prepared for the risk. On the ither hand low frequency and spatial
more effectively even with low tech buildings. predictability can reduce awareness of the hazard risk
This can also be a vital factor as it determines both the number of A very different factor however is typically more significant than
people affect by an EQ and crucially the success of modifying the loss. hazard profiles in relation to the effectiveness of EQ
The larger the area affected the more difficult it is for emergency management. The level of development of an EQ prone area
services to respond. Conversely smaller affect area allows emergency determines whether it can implement any of the three strategy
services to concentrate their resources. types. None of them may be effective in an LEDC.
The Indian ocean tsunami shows a high magnitude rapid onset and widespread extent. Focus on early warning
systems ability to reach all countries affected. Kilauea might mean the government focus developing evacuation
plans following prediction.
However, hazard profiles are of limited use
A more significant impact on EQ management is level of development and effective governance which determines
whether it can implement any of the three strategy types.
Modifying hazard
Modifying vulnerability
Modifying loss
The major increase in natural disasters are accounted for by hydrometeorological events. Global climate change is
set to bring and increase in extreme weather. This increase the risk of a disaster in MHZs e.g. Philippines. It often
appears as if we are living in a more hazardous world. Since 1960, total number of natural disasters has risen.
