Multi Hazard Environment - Philippines

Question 1

Where is the Philippines located?

Answer 1

South East Asia, in the Western Pacific Ocean, on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Question 2

What hazards do the Philippines experience?

Answer 2

Volcanoes, seismic hazards (earthquakes), and tropical storms.

Question 3

What plate does the Philippines lie on?

Answer 3

Destructive plate boundary.

Question 4

Roughly how many tropical storms do they have and why?

Answer 4

10 - oceans commonly reach temperatures above 27 degrees c.

Question 5

Why is the Philippines especially vulnerable?

Answer 5

They are a low income country

Question 6

Volcano example

Answer 6

Mount Pinatubo 1991 - 700 deaths.

Question 7

Seismic hazard example

Answer 7

Luzon island earthquake, 7.8 magnitude, 1990, 1500 deaths.

Question 8

Earthquake with tsunami example

Answer 8

1976 magnitude 7.9 caused a tsunami to hit Moro gulf, killing thousands

Question 9

Are people in the Philippines prepared for all these hazards?

Answer 9

• Even with many risks, the Philippines is densely populated - 340 people per square kilometre.
• Many people living there have already experienced many hazards and know what to expect, and may prepare on their own by stockpiling food and widening rivers near settlements.

Question 10

How did the government change their policies (in 2009) on disasters?

Answer 10

• Have building codes to stop people building in high risk areas.
• Earthquake proof current structures.
• Build embankments to reduce flooding risk from tsunamis and storms.
• Increase public awareness and education, and how to respond to them.
• Monitor hazards and develop early warning systems so people at risk have time to prepare.