Natural Hazard

Answer

Natural Hazard

Introduction

Natural calamities are inevitable. However, we must be prepared to counter the effects of the calamities to enhance population health as well as the national and global economy. However, how can we lessen the impact of many natural calamities in the globe? Floods, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes and other natural calamities are common around the globe. While the calamities are unavoidable, we should learn from previous calamities, to ensure less and fewer people are affected by natural calamities.

2017 is certainly an unforgettable year in the American history. From intense hurricanes to massive floodings, the country experienced a lot of natural calamities, straining the economy of the country, leaving thousands to suffer from displacements and injuries and others nursing the loss of their loved ones. The Mexican Earthquakes can be considered the worst natural disaster in 2017 due to their high magnitudes of 8.1 and 7.1 respectively. The earthquakes are considered the worst natural disasters so far due to a large number of human casualties caused by the disaster. Fundamentally, it is believed that 422 people lost their lives from the devastating event. Hurricane Irma is indisputably the second worst natural disaster in 2017 due to the massive destruction caused by the hurricane. Storm surges as a result of a Category 5 hurricane are expected to 18 feet above the normal feet. The hurricane can cause massive destruction to huge buildings, and other infrastructures, such as roads, power, due to its wind speeds that can exceed 157 mph. Irma is, therefore, considered the second-worst natural disaster in 2017 as it maintained a wind speed of 298 km/h (the first ever since 1924). The hurricane recorded  95 deaths. Although the economic impact of the hurricane is yet to be determined, it is believed that the catastrophe might cost billions of USD. Moreover, various economic activities were put to halt as the entire island of Puerto Rico was left without power. Hurricane Maria comes third as the worst natural disaster in 2017 due to its adverse effects in the affected areas. Although the storm came with the same intensity as hurricane Irma, human casualties from the storm were lower from Irma, 78 deaths, making the hurricane the second worst after Irma. Of the worst hurricanes that hit the states in 2017, hurricane Harvey is considered the fourth worst natural calamity in 2017. As a Category 4 storm, the hurricane is believed to have broken the cyclone rain records in the history of America due to extreme rainfall that caused massive floods displacing thousands of people in the affected areas. Although the death toll from the disaster is quite higher than that in hurricane Maria, it comes third after hurricane Maria because of the slightly lower intensity of the hurricane compared to hurricane Maria. Missouri and Arkansas Flooding and Central Severe Weather can be considered the fifth worst natural calamities in 2017. The calamity comes fifth due to its moderate wind speed of 10mph. The calamity, however, falls among the top seven calamities in 2017, as 20 people lost their lives with the economic impact of the calamity approximated to be about $1.7 billion. California floods and tornado outbreaks of 2017 come sixth and seventh respectively, due to the lower economic impact of the calamities. The catastrophes, however, fall in the top seven natural calamities list due to the massive economic stagnation that they caused. While natural calamities are inevitable, there is a need to implement mitigation plans to promote healthy populations, while enhancing our economy.

1. The Mexican Earthquakes

The September 2017 Mexican Earthquakes are certainly the worst earthquakes the country has ever experienced since 1985. The two earthquakes which were exactly 12 days apart, are considered the deadliest earthquakes which crumpled buildings, killing various people including those trying to escape the destruction. The earthquakes which struck with a magnitude of 8.1 and 7.1 respectively were as a result of ruptured fault lines in the tectonic plate of North America (Karimi & Narayan, 2017).

Location of the Disaster

On September 7th 2017, a devastating earthquake hit the Southern part of Mexico causing massive destruction in Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Chiapas. The 8.1 magnitude earthquake is believed to have been caused by the intensification effect of the lakeside. Twelve days later, 19th September 2017, another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit Mexico City and its surroundings causing massive destruction to people, is perceived to have been caused by a fault within the Cocos plate (Karimi & Narayan, 2017). The earthquake hit the city, exactly 32 years after the 1985 quake, which caused over 10, 000 deaths.

Human Destruction and Economic Loss of the Mexican Earthquakes

Earthquake magnitude of 8.1 and 7.1 are considered string quakes with the capability of bringing down an entire building. The earthquakes which occurred barely days apart are considered to cause massive destruction and loss of lives of hundreds of people in the affected areas. It is believed that approximately 98 people died from the 7th September 2017 earthquake and over 324 died in the second earthquake. Precisely, over 422 humans are believed to have lost their lives while thousands of them were left homeless with various injuries during the evacuation. According to the Insurance Journal Magazine, the two Mexican earthquakes are more likely to cost the country about $2 billion (2017).  According to the journal report, $750 million will be used to reconstruct schools as $440 million will be used to reconstruct the damaged cultural sites. $386 million will be given to victims of the disaster to reconstruct their homes.

Mitigation Plan

Earthquakes are adequately inevitable, just like any other natural disaster. Since Mexico is an earthquake-prone area, implementing safety measures would save the lives of many during an earthquake. Therefore, it could be safe if the country invested in earthquake-resistant buildings, that would prevent collapse, thus rendering safety for the inhabitants during an earthquake.

2. Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma, which is the strongest storm and the fourth storm in 2017, is considered among the worst devastating hurricane in global history. The devastating storm, which is considered category 5 hurricane, crossed through the Carribean Island; Cuba, Saint Martin Island, Turks, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Carribean, Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Cape Verde, Havana, United Virginia Island, Leeward Islands, Miami, Southeastern United States, Virginia, Indian River, Greater, before settling in the United States. The hurricane, which maintained 298km/h for 37 hours, was the first category 5 hurricane experienced in Cuba since 1924, and the worst ever in Florida.

Location of the Disaster

Hurricane Irma began in the Cape Verde Islands on 30th August 2017.The hurricane first began as a category 2 storm before developing into Category 4 hurricane on 4th September 2017. On 5th September, hurricane Irma developed into a Category 5 storm and caused massive destruction in Barbuda, parts of the British Virginia Islands, the Dominican Republican, Haiti and Puerto Rico. On September 4th, 2017, hurricane Irma reduced into a Category 4 storm, where it maintained 150mph winds, as it flowed to Florida (O’Hara, 2017). On September 10th, hurricane Irma paved its way into Florida as a Category 4 storm, where it kept 185 mph winds, which lasted for approximately 37 hours (Resnick, 2017). Although the storm had already degraded, it was incredibly dangerous, as it caused massive destruction, including the loss of lives, for many in the state. Hurricane Irma further weakened to a tropical storm flowing between 39 and 73 mph, as it moved towards Georgia and Alabama. Hurricane Irma came to a halt, on 16th September 2017.

Human Destruction and Economic Loss of Hurricane Irma

The death toll from the devastating storm is approximated to be 95, with Florida recording the highest number of 72. Several humans were injured from the storm as millions were left without power. Although the economic impact of hurricane Irma is yet to be determined, it is estimated that the economic cost of the hurricane in Florida, is more likely to hit $100 billion (O’Hara, 2017).

Mitigation Plan

While there is no ultimate strategy to prevent hurricanes from occurring, the death tolls and injuries from hurricane Irma could have been minimized if a proper drainage system was created to prevent flooding. It is quite clear that the prolonged strong winds led to stagnant waters which caused flooding, leading to loss of lives, several injured and loss of power. Therefore, with proper drainage systems, the water could have flowed reducing the economic impact as well as human casualties.

3. Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria, which is considered a Category 5 hurricane, is perceived the second worst hurricane in 2017. The 13th named hurricane hit Leeward Island as a Category 5 hurricane on 18th September. On September 19th, the hurricane moved to Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis and Montserrat and later to the St. Croix, Virginia Islands on 19th September. The hurricane pursued further to Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm since it moved at a wind speed of 270 km/h.

Location of the Disaster

On September 16th, hurricane Maria started as a tropical storm, of 39 mph and 73mph wind speed at the Lesser Antilles (Caribbean Disaster Management Agency, 2017). The hurricane experienced an explosive intensification, developing into a Category 5 hurricane, with a wind speed of 160mph. On 19th September, hurricane Maria hit Dominica before weakening into a Category 4 hurricane due to eyewall replacement cycle, with a wind speed of 155 mph. On September 20th,  2017, hurricane Maria made its landfall in the South of Yabucoa Harbour,  Puerto Rico, as the first Category 4 cyclone in the areas since 1932 (Caribbean Disaster Management Agency, 2017). The storm caused massive destruction, including loss of power before moving to other parts of the Island. The hurricane also affected other areas, such as Dominica Republican, Caicos, Island, Turks, Haiti, The Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France, before coming to a halt on October 3^rd, 2017.

Human Destruction and Economic Loss of Hurricane Maria

78 people are reported to have died from hurricane Maria, with Puerto Rico recording the highest numbers of human casualties. Several people were reported were reported missing, with thousands of people nursing injuries as a result of the storm, and during the evacuation period.  Although the financial impact of the storm is yet to be determined, it is estimated that the economic effect of the storm in Puerto Rico, which was greatly affected, could range between $45 billion to $95 billion (Disis, 2017).

Mitigation Plan

While natural disasters are inevitable, preventing adverse effects of the disaster can reduce the human and economic impact of the disaster. Poorly designed infrastructures contributed to the great damages caused in the areas. Therefore, building strong homes with proper drainage could have reduced the effects of hurricane Maria in the Carribean and mostly, Puerto Rico.

4. Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey is considered among the most devastating hurricanes in the global history, due to its strong wind speeds of 130mph (215 km/h). The Category 4 hurricane caused much destruction in the affected regions, due to the extreme rainfalls, that broke the cyclone rains records in the U. S. History. The tremendous rainfalls caused massive flooding which destroyed over 200, 000 businesses and displacing over 3000, 000 people. The hurricane can, therefore, be considered among the worst in the global History, due to its adverse effects on human lives and the national economy.

Location of the Disaster

Hurricane Harvey developed on 17th August 2017, as a tropical wave in the Lesser Antilles, before developing into a tropical storm. On 18th August 2017, the hurricane developed into a tropical storm, as it moved towards Barbados and Saint Vincent. As it moved towards the Eastern Carribean, the hurricane weakened due to unfavorable winds and dry air in the area. On August 24th 2017, Hurricane Harvey intensified and became a Category 4 hurricane as it made its landfall in Rockport Texas (UNICEF, 2017). The hurricane weakened its wind speed as it moved to Southern Texas as a tropical storm. Hurricane Harvey fostered extraordinary rainfalls in Southern Louisiana and Southern Texas, on 29th August 2017, before weakening and dispersing on 3rd, September 2017. Other areas affected by the hurricane included, Guyana, eastern and Southern United States, Belize and Peninsula.

Human Destruction and Economic Loss of Hurricane Harvey

The massive flooding caused by hurricane Harvey caused substantial displacement of over 300, 000 people. Approximately 84 deaths were recorded after the hurricane, with over 200, 000 homes destroyed. Although the economic impact of the storm is yet to be determined, it is believed that the storm is more likely to cost an average of USD 57 billion. However, according to Kollewe (2017), the total economic cost of the hurricane might be as high as $100 billion (USD).

Mitigation Plan

From the analysis of the storm, it is clear that thousands of people were displaced from their homes due to immense flooding in the region, as a result of heavy rains, caused by the hurricane. Maintaining a good drainage system would have saved the lives of many during the storm.

5. Missouri and Arkansas Flooding and Central Severe Weather

Between April and May 2017, a heavy rainfall as observed in Arkansas, Missouri and Southern Illinois, causing massive flooding along many rivers in the regions.  The massive rainfall caused immense damage to infrastructure, homes, businesses, and agriculture. The calamity, which was mainly caused by deadly storms, is considered the top worst natural disasters in 2017 due to economic as well as human destruction caused by the calamity

Location of the Disaster

The disaster, which was fostered by heavy rains, caused severe flooding on April 26th 2017 in various parts of the Ozarks. On April 28th through to May 1st  2017, heavy rainfalls were observed in Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Kentucky, with Arkansas, Missouri, and Louisiana suffering the most (Wire, 2017). On 1^st  May 2017, the floods had become intense as water started flowing into homes, including such areas as Doniphan, Missouri. On May 3rd, 2017, levee breaches were reported along Pocahontas, Arkansas. On May 5th 2017, the Mississippi River was approaching a top five crest.

Human Destruction and Economic Loss of Missouri and Arkansas Flooding and Central Severe Weather

The Tornado, which came with a wind speed of about 10mph, uprooted huge trees, caused vehicle damage and destroyed various homes, that came its way. Utility poles and lines were also blown off,  causing structural damage in the areas (National Weather Service, 2017). 20 people are reported to have perished as a result of the calamity as hundreds were injured during the evacuation period. The total economic cost of the tornado is estimated to be $ 1. 7 billion to help reconstruct the power system and other buildings that collapsed during the event.

Mitigation Plan

Building strong walls can save many lives from perishing through a tornado. The severe weather is believed to have caused massive floodings in the areas. It is believed that the heavy floods caused more deaths in the incident. Therefore, building terrains to enhance the drainage system could have lessened the floods, thus saving lots of lives.

6. California Floods

It is quite indisputable that 2017 was indeed the worst nightmare for the residents of California as heavy rainfalls hit central and northern California, causing substantial destructions as a result of erosions and landslides.  The floods which caused Oroville Dam Spillway is recorded as the worst ever floods in the American History, since 1983.

Location of the Disaster

On 6th January 2017, heavy rains commenced in northern and central California after a long period of drought in the area (California Flooding, 2017). The heavy rains were observed for several days and caused massive flooding and mudslides in various parts of California especially the Sierra Nevada. By January 10th 2017, the catastrophe had hit various parts of the state including Half Dome Village. On that particular date, January 10th 2017, various rivers were over flooded with various strategies improvised to reduce the flooding. For instance, the Sacramento Weir was opened for the first time, to prevent flooding in Sacramento. In Guerneville, various parts along the Russian River were hit by the storm. Other parts of the state which were hit by the floods include Forestville, Guerneville, Riverbend Resort, Morgan Hills, Santa Cruz and Maxwell, on February 19th, 2017.

Human Destruction and Economic Loss of California Floodings

Thousands of people were displaced from their homes during the California flooding. The devastating floods are believed to have caused 5 deaths with hundreds of humans nursing injuries as a result of the calamity and during the evacuation process. The floods led to the destruction of various properties including homes and other businesses within the state. The economic impact of the floods is estimated at $ 1.8.

Mitigation Plan

California State is believed to be vulnerable to floods which could cause massive destruction to significant aspects of the country such as the transportation, water, sewer, and energy networks. Constructing appropriate terrains would, however, reduce the impact of floods in the state.

7. Tornado Outbreak in January 2017

Although various tornados have been observed in the United States of America, the January tornado in certainly the worst tornado of 2017. The tornado which lasted for only two days produced 82 tornadoes, hence becoming the third largest tornado, in the American History, since 1950.  Georgia was the most affected state, as 42 tornadoes were experienced in the area.

Location of the Disaster

Various parts of the Southern United States were affected by the tornado outbreak. While Georgia was greatly affected by the calamity, other parts of the States were hugely damaged including Mississippi, Albany, and Hattiesburg.The Kansas City was also affected by an EF2 tornado, with a wind speed of 132 mph hit the area. On January 22nd, 2017, Crisp County and Bleckley County were also affected by the tornado, which moved at differing wind speeds at different tornado ratings.

Human Destruction and Economic Loss of Tornado Outbreak in January 2017

20 deaths were reported during the two-day tornado experience as over 150 casualties were reportedly injured during the incident. The severe weather is approximated to have caused billions of dollars, as over $200,000 million loss was recorded in Mississippi.

Mitigation Plan

Tornadoes and adequately inevitable and can flow with a wind speed of over 300mph, which is capable of bringing down heavy buildings as well as uprooting huge trees. Due to the heavy winds as a result of the tornado, it is safe to construct wind resistance buildings to reduce structural damages from tornadoes. Tornadoes uproot huge trees. Therefore, it would be safe if residential buildings were constructed away from trees and other destructive features that would cause more damage during a tornado.

Conclusion

Overall, 2017 was indeed a remarkable year in the world history. Intense hurricanes, massive floods and adverse tornadoes were experienced in the world, rating the calamities, to be the worst calamities, over a long period of time, in the global history. On 7^th September 2017, the Southern parts of Mexico, Oaxaca, Tabasco and Chiapas, were hit by a destructive 8.1 magnitude quake. Twelve days later, Mexico City was hit by a 7.1 magnitude quake, which fostered various injuries and deaths. We cannot avoid earthquakes. However, we can prevent ourselves from such devastating moments by employing various preventive measures. For instance, it is much clear that Mexico is prone to earthquakes due to the cocos plate. However, constructing buildings which are earthquake resistance is more likely to save lives. Hurricanes are also inevitable, especially on the Carribean Island. On the other hands, hurricanes can be very dangerous, depending on its wind speed. For instance, it is believed that a Category 5 hurricane can bring down huge buildings and trees,which could consequently cause massive destruction  in the affected areas. Hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey, hit the United States of America, with different intensity. While the country is experiencing a massive economic loss, from the hurricanes, several human lives were lost while thousands were injured. High wind speeds from the hurricanes are more likely to cause flooding in the affected areas and their sorroundings. Although hurricanes cannot be prevented, the human lives can be saved from the incident. Water is more likely to accumulate in an area due to improper drainage or lack of terrains. Constructing terrains will, therefore, save lives and other economic activities in the case of a hurricane. For instance, constructing terrains in preparation for the hurricanes and California floodings, could have saved many lives that succumbed in the incident. Tornadoes, on the other hand, are prevalent in various parts of the globe, including the United States of America. Tornadoes foster heavy winds and can cause massive destruction of important structures in the economy. Most devastatingly, the incident can cost many lives in a vast area. Building wind resistance buildings can, however, protect lives in vulnerable areas.

Human lives are important in the contemporary world. Through natural calamities, we have lost important individuals in the economy. Many children have been left homeless, many individuals suffer psychological issues, due to natural calamities. Such issues can, however, be prevented by employing the appropriate mitigation plans to promote healthy populations, while enhancing the global economy. (2017) study employed, there are very little room for generalizing the study’s findings.