Global Hazard Trends Primary hazard-directly related to disaster like house flooded Secondary hazard- indirectly related to disaster

like cholera from contaminated water There is an increase in reported hazards. Why is this? Technology Media International monitoring agencies e.g. CRED Better communication with isolated regions More accurate readings and satellite remote sensing

There is a decrease in the number of deaths. Why is this? Better medicine Better technology Better preparedness Prevention Better predictions Better management due to better understanding of natural disasters

However with less developed countries this isnt always the case Increase in economic costs. Why is this? Since 1980 the average economic cost of a hazard has risen from less than $20 billion to more than $160 billion Actual financial cost is larger in developed countries Relative financial cost (amount of money lost relative to how much they started with) is larger in less developed countries

Natural disaster trends: Earthquakes and tsunamis- not such an increase over the years Floods and windstorms- large increase and could be due to global warming and environmental changes, deforestation, increase in building Volcanoes- no significant increase over years Hurricanes-increase some say due to global warming

Reasons why disasters are increasing:

Human factors increasing risk: Population growth means Pressure on land which means: o more people live in high risk areas o Deforestation as more land needed o Destruction of mangroves as coastal areas developed o Desertification as more food needed More elderly people so more vulnerable people Growing number of young in developing countries who are vulnerable Rural-urban migration so more squatter and shanty town developments

Poverty and Politics Corrupt government may misuse money making disaster worse Difficult to help isolated areas Areas with no technology, communication make it worse as less help available etc. Developing countries most at risk with no precautions, prediction systems