Have tectonic disasters increased since 1960?
Yes, the number of reported disasters caused by tectonic hazards has generally increased since 1960
What are tectonic mega-disasters?
Large-scale tectonic events with significant regional and global consequences, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions
Why is the Philippines a multiple-hazard zone?
It is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and in the path of tropical storms, leading to both tectonic and hydrometeorological hazards
Can tectonic hazards be predicted?
Prediction varies by hazard type: volcanic eruptions are more predictable, earthquakes are least predictable, and tsunamis can be detected after triggering events
How are hazards managed?
Through the Hazard Management Cycle: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
How can the Park’s model be used to compare responses?
It shows changes in quality of life, economic activity, and services over time after a hazardous event
How can the tectonic event be modified?
Through mitigation strategies such as building codes and land-use planning
How can communities improve their resilience?
By enhancing preparedness, education, and infrastructure
How can governments and organisations reduce loss and improve recovery?
By implementing effective evacuation policies, improving infrastructure, and coordinating disaster response efforts
What is the Hazard Management Cycle?
A model consisting of four stages: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery
What is the most predictable tectonic hazard?
Volcanic eruptions
What is the least predictable tectonic hazard?
Earthquakes
What does the term ‘Build Back Better’ refer to?
Improving infrastructure and resilience during recovery after a disaster
What significant event did the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake trigger?
A major tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear crisis
How economic costs of tectonic disasters changed in developed nations over the last few decades?
They have generally risen due to expensive infrastructure
Social costs have generally reduced though
What was one positive consequence of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami?
It prompted the creation of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System
What is a key challenge in interpreting disaster trends?
Data can be incomplete, unreliable, or biased
What is one reason the Philippines is vulnerable to disaster interactions?
Hydrometeorological hazards can intensify the impacts of tectonic hazards
e.g. landslides worsened by saturated ground
Fill in the blank: The _______ model shows how a place’s quality of life changes after a hazardous geophysical event.
Park’s
What is a common effect of typhoons in the Philippines?
Displacement of thousands of people and damage to infrastructure due to flooding
True or False: Earthquakes can be accurately predicted in terms of time, location, and magnitude.
False
The wider risk area can be identified, but very little can be done in terms of precise location, time and magnitude.
What is the main purpose of tsunami early warning systems?
To issue alerts minutes after a triggering event to allow people to travel to higher ground or evacuation points.
What was the impact of the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991?
It caused lahars due to mixing with rainfall from Typhoon Yunya, resulting in over 850 deaths
What happens during the Recovery phase of the Hazard Management Cycle?
Long-term efforts to rebuild and return to normal life
