Why do the Effects of Natural Disasters Vary

Why do the Effects of Natural Disasters Vary? 1

Whether an earthquake or a tsunami, a hurricane or a flood, the risk that a natural event will develop into a disaster depends only partially on the strength of the event itself. A substantial cause lies in the living conditions of people in the affected regions and the opportunities to quickly respond and help. Those who are prepared and who know what to do during an extreme natural event have higher survival chances. --World Risk Report 2011. 2

Natural Disasters: Indicators of Risk 3

EXPOSURE How likely is it that an extreme natural hazard will occur? 4

EXPOSURE is a function of the geographic features of an area. 5

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SUSCEPTIBILITY What is the likelihood that a natural disaster will result in harm and damages? 7

SUSCEPTIBILITY is a function of the public infrastructure, housing conditions, nutrition and the general economic framework of a country. 8

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COPING CAPABILITIES To what extent are societies able to cope with severe and immediate disasters? 10

COPING CAPABILITIES are the function of governance, disaster preparedness and early warning, medical services, social and economic security. 11

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ADAPTIVE CAPACITIES Does the society take precautionary measures against anticipated future natural hazards? 13

ADAPTIVE CAPACITIES are the function of factors such as education and research, environmental status, ecosystem protection, and investments. 14

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VULNERABILITY the sum of susceptibility, lack of coping capacities, and lack of adaptive capacities. 16

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EXPOSURE NATURAL DISASTER RISK FACTORS LACK OF COPING CAPABILITIES SUSCEPTIBILITY LACK OF ADAPTIVE CAPACITIES VULNERABILITY 18