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"Natural Disaster: Awareness, Prevention and Preparedness"Name: Rhaizza Mae B. Garcia Grade & Section: 12-Bill Gates Subject: Earth and Life Science Teacher's Name: Mrs. Jessa Manzalapus
What is Natural Disaster?A natural disaster is a destructive event caused by natural phenomena, not human actions, leading to significant loss of life, damage to property, or environmental harm. These disasters can stem from weather and climate events like floods, droughts, and storms, or from earth-driven events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Certain regions are more prone to specific disasters, some occurring with seasonal regularity. Though many are hard to prevent or predict, climate change increasingly contributes to the frequency and intensity of weather-related disasters. What is the importance of having a Disaster awareness and preparedness?Disaster preparation is crucial for several reasons. By having emergency plans in place, people can evacuate or take shelter quickly and reduce the risk of damage to lives and property. Disaster preparedness saves countless lives, speeds up people’s recovery post-disaster and helps mitigate socio-economic losses resulting from calamities.
Also, being prepared against any disaster ensures continuity of critical services such as healthcare, transportation, and communication. Keeping these services up and running even in the midst of a disaster is key not just to minimizing disruption to people’s lives, but also to ensuring quick and well- coordinated relief and recovery efforts.why is the philippines is vulnerable in natural disaster??The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Typhoon Belt, which expose the islands to frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and around 20 to 30 typhoons every year.
EarthquakeEarthquakeEarthquakeEarthquake can be defined as the shaking of earth caused by waves moving on and below the earth's surface and causing: surface faulting, tremors vibration, liquefaction, landslides, aftershocks and/or tsunamisWhat is Earthquake?There are four different types of earthquakes:A tectonic earthquake is one that occurs when the earth's crust breaks due to geological forces on rocks and adjoining plates that cause physical and chemical changes.A volcanic earthquake is any earthquake that results from tectonic forces which occur in conjunction with volcanic activity.A collapse earthquake are small earthquakes in underground caverns and mines that are caused by seismic waves produced from the explosion of rock on the surface.An explosion earthquake is an earthquake that is the result of the detonation of a nuclear and/or chemical device.
AFTER THE EARTHQUAKECause of EarthquakeIt can be caused by faulting, folding, plate movement, volcanic eruptions, and human activities like dam and reservoir constructionEffects of EarthquakeAn earthquake in itself, is not dangerous, however, the effects of that earthquake on the surrounding environment such as buildings and other manmade structures can be catastrophic. Some of the Earthquake Effects: Infrastractural Damage-Collapsing buildings, walls, bridges, falling furniture or objects and shattering glass. Mass Movement-During an earthquake, large rocks and portions of earth high up in the hills can become dislodged and rapidly roll or slide down into the valleys as a rock or land slide. Slopes which are already unstable may suddenly collapse leading to injury and death. Fires-Earthquakes can cause electricity poles to fall and live wires to become exposed or to start fires.
Floods-These may be caused by the collapse of dam walls. Earthquakes can cause dam walls and other crucial hydrological infrastructure such as levees to crack and eventually collapse, sending raging waters into surrounding areas and causing severe flooding. Liquefaction-When sediments with a high water content are subjected to prolonged shaking, the pressure of the water held in pores in the sediment graudally increases eventually, the sediments lose all cohesive strength and begin to behave as if they were liquids. Tsunami-A tsunami is a large ocean wave or series of waves that can be generated by a large underwater earthquake. Large tsunamis can completely devastate low-lying coastal areas. EarthquakePreparednessBE PREPARED. STAY SAFE. SAVE LIVES BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKEBuild your home in accordance with the recommended building codes. See your local disaster management office for details.Bolt heavy furniture, water tanks, water heaters, gas cylinders and storage units to a wall or floor.Place largest and heaviest items on lower shelves.Emergency items such as canned foods, medication, flashlights, battery- operated radios, fire extinguishers and a First Aid kit should be readily available and working properly.✓✓✓✓
DURING an EARTHQUAKEafter an earthquakeSTAY CALM. DO NOT PANIC. BE ALERT.If inside stay inside, do not run out of the building.If inside, get under a sturdy desk, table or bed and hold on. Do not use elevators or stairs. Move away from windows, mirrors, glass doors, pictures, bookcases, hanging plants and heavy objects.If outside, stay away from glass buildings, electricity poles, and bridges.If in a vehicle, do not stop on or under a bridge.Always look out for falling plaster, bricks, lighting fixtures and other objects.✓✓✓✓✓✓ DO:Check for broken gas lines and fires.Check utilities and switch them off, if necessary. Check your house for serious damage and evacuate if the house seems likely to collapse. Be prepared for more earthquakes (aftershocks) Stay away from landslide-prone areas. Turn on transistor radio for emergency news.✓✓✓✓✓✓DO NOT:Do not light a match or turn on a light switch. Use a flashlight instead.Never touch fallen power lines.Do not go sightseeing. Leave the streets clear for emergency and rescue vehicles.Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in danger of further injury.✓✓✓✓
What is the Volcanic Eruption?A volcanic eruption happens when molten rock, hot rock fragments, and hot gases erupt through a volcano, which is a vent in a planet's or satellite's crust. Volcanoes erupt because of how heat moves beneath the Earth's surface. Heat from the Earth's interior goes to the surface through convection. Magma rises and erupts at the surface through volcanoes.Volcanic eruptions can be either effusive or explosive. Effusive eruptions involve basaltic magma that has low viscosity and gas content. Explosive eruptions involve magma that is more viscous and has a higher gas content.VOLCANICVOLCANICVOLCANICERUPTIONERUPTIONERUPTIONCause of Volcanic EruptionVolcanic eruptions are caused by the movement of heat beneath Earth's surface, primarily through convection of magma. This molten rock, formed from the partial melting of the mantle and crust, rises and erupts at the surface through volcanoes. Most volcanoes are linked to plate tectonic activity, where subducting plates release water, generating heat that melts rock into magma. This magma collects in chambers, and when internal pressure exceeds the weight of overlying rock, it forces its way through cracks to the surface as lava. Some volcanoes also form at hotspots within tectonic plates. The explosiveness of an eruption depends on factors like magma viscosity, gas content, and the rate of decompression.
Effects of Volcanic Eruption Their unfavourable effects depend on the distance from a volcano, on magma viscosity, and on gas concentrations. The hazards closer to the volcano include pyroclastic flows, flows of mud, gases and steam, earthquakes, blasts of air, and tsunamis. Among the hazards in distant areas are the effects of toxic volcanic ashes and problems of the respiratory system, eyes and skin, as well as psychological effects, injuries, transport and communication problems, waste disposal and water supplies issues, collapse of buildings and power outage. Further effects are the deterioration of water quality, fewer periods of rain, crop damages, and the destruction of vegetation. During volcanic eruptions and their immediate aftermath, increased respiratory system morbidity has been observed as well as mortality among those affected by volcanic eruptions. Unfavourable health effects could partly be prevented by timely application of safety measures.Volcanic EruptionPreparedness Before an Eruption How close is your home to the volcano? Know where the ‘live’ (potentially active) volcanoes are located in relation to where you live. Visit the Island Profile section to see volcanic hazard maps for each island. Stock an emergency supply kit with items that will last you and your family for at least 72 hours (3 days). This should include items like non- perishable food, water, battery-powered radio, batteries, breathing masks for each family member, flashlights, batteries and medication.Volcanoes may move from unrest to full scale eruption in a short period of time therefore you should have an emergency plan to enable you to evacuate at short notice. Ensure that all family members understand the plan. This should include an evacuation route to get to high ground away from the volcano. If you live in a danger zone (red or orange areas on the volcanic hazard map), make arrangements with friends or relatives in the safe zone (yellow or green areas on the volcanic hazard map) with whom you may be able to stay temporarily during and after an eruption. Visit the Island Profile section to see a volcanic hazard map for your island. ✓ ✓ ✓
Volcanoes do not usually erupt suddenly without warning. They are normally preceded by clear signals which, once recognized, enable timely warnings to be issued. Identify a meeting point to contact family members in the event that warnings are issued when everyone is apart, such as during the day when adults are at work and children are at school.Make a list of emergency numbers including your national disaster management office, police, fire, hospital and the nearest emergency shelter.Know what to expect by educating yourself on the impact of volcanic eruptions and relevant safety measures. Get involved in your local disaster management group or conduct online research to learn more.✓✓✓During an EruptionFollow the instructions issued by authorities. During a volcanic crisis your national disaster management agency and The UWI Seismic Research Centre are the official sources of information.Leave the area promptly if told to do so. Avoid areas downwind of the volcano. Get to high ground away from the volcano.For submarine volcanic eruptions e.g. Kick-‘em-Jenny, avoid passing near the summit of the volcano by boat. Pay attention to exclusion zone warnings that are in the sea as boats passing near or over the volcano may sink or be damaged by ejected material.STAY INDOORS. Close all windows and doors.If possible, bring all animals and livestock into closed shelter and store machinery indoorsBeware of mudflows or lahars. Avoid low-lying areas, where poisonous gases can settle and flash floods can be most dangerous.Stay out of the high hazard areas as identified by the authorities. These are also shown in the red and orange on your island’s volcanic hazard map. DO NOT attempt to get close to have a look at the erupting volcano!✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
If possible, help others, who may require special assistance – infants, elderly, disabled.after an eruptionListen to the official radio or television stations, if possible, for the latest information. If you have access to the internet, visit your local disaster management office website or www.uwiseismic.com for regular updates.Be sure to avoid volcanic ash deposits or mudflows/lahars. These are EXTREMLY dangerous and should not be explored. Avoid driving in heavy ash fall since ash can clog engines and stall vehicles.When outdoors, protect yourself with proper clothing such as long sleeved shirts and pants.Inhaling volcanic ash is very dangerous to your health. Use a dust mask or damp cloth to help you breathe properly andCarefully clear roofs of ash as accumulated ash is very heavy and can cause roofs to collapse.✓✓✓✓✓✓
TsunamiTsunamiTsunamiWhat is Tsunami?A tsunami is a series of extremely long waves caused by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean, usually the result of an earthquake below or near the ocean floor. This force creates waves that radiate outward in all directions away from their source, sometimes crossing entire ocean basins. Unlike wind- driven waves, which only travel through the topmost layer of the ocean, tsunamis move through the entire water column, from the ocean floor to the ocean surface.Cause of TsunamiTsunamis are usually caused by earthquakes occurring below or near the ocean. Volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, and coastal rock falls can also generate a tsunami, as can a large asteroid impacting the ocean. Tsunamis originate from a vertical movement of the sea floor with the consequent displacement of water mass.From the area where the disturbance has occurred and the tsunami has been formed, the waves travel outward in all directions and can propagate across entire ocean basins. As a tsunami wave approaches the shore, it builds in height. The topography of the coastline and the ocean floor will influence the size of the wave.
Effect of TsunamiLarge tsunamis are significant threats to human health, property, infrastructure, resources, and economies. Effects can be long-lasting, and felt far beyond the coastline. Tsunamis typically cause the most severe damage and casualties near their source, where there is little time for warning. But large tsunamis can also reach distant shorelines, causing widespread damage.TsunamiPreparednessBefore a TsunamiFind out if your home is in a danger area by knowing the distance it is from the coast.If you live in a low-lying area – for example near to the beach – learn the quickest way to get to high ground. A safe area would be at least 30m (~100feet) above sea level and 3km (~ 2miles) inland. Teach and practice the evacuation plan with all family members.Ensure that all family members know how to recognize natural tsunami warning signs as there may not be enough time for authorities to issue an official tsunami warning.✓ ✓ ✓
Discuss tsunamis with your family and friends. Everyone should know what to do in case all members are not together during an event.Emergency items such as canned foods, medication, flashlights, battery-operated radios, bottled water and First Aid kits should be readily available and working properly.✓ ✓During a TsunamiIf you are at the beach or coast and detect signs of a tsunami evacuate and move to higher ground at once.Do not wait for an official warning before evacuating; authorities may not have enough time to issue a tsunami warning.Sometimes tsunamis may occur without the initial pulling back of the sea. In this case, a massive wall of water may be seen approaching land. If you can see the wave you are already too close to outrun it.If you are unable to move to higher ground, go to an upper floor (at least 3rd storey) or roof of a concrete and reinforced building. As a last resort, climb a strong tree if trapped on low ground. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
After a TsunamiIf swept up by a tsunami, look for something to use as a raft.A tsunami is not a single wave, but a series of waves that can come ashore for hours. The first wave may not be the largest. Stay out of the danger areas until an “all-clear’ is issued by a recognized authority e.g. your national disaster management agency.If a Tsunami Warning is issued NEVER go down to the beach to watch the waves come in.✓ ✓ ✓Do not try to surf the tsunami. ✓If possible, stay tuned to a radio, or television to get the latest emergency information.Help injured or trapped persons and call for help if necessary.Keep out of stagnant water.Open windows and doors to help dry buildings.Shovel mud while it is still moist to give walls and floors an opportunity to dry.Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.Check food supply and test drinking water. Fresh food that has come in contact with flood water may be contaminated and should be thrown out.Check for damage to sewer and water lines. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓