Hazards: Philippines multi hazardous zone Flashcards
(14 cards)
Why is the Philippines considered hazardous?
The Philippines is located on a convergent plate boundary, has over 20 active volcanoes, and is in the western Pacific typhoon belt.
These factors contribute to frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tropical storms.
What tectonic activity affects the Philippines?
The Philippine sea plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian plate, leading to frequent, high-magnitude earthquakes and volcanic activity.
This tectonic setting places the Philippines on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
How many active volcanoes are in the Philippines?
There are over 20 active volcanoes in the Philippines.
These volcanoes frequently erupt, causing ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and lahars.
What is the average number of typhoons that hit the Philippines each year?
Around 20 typhoons.
Of these, about 5 are classified as destructive.
What was significant about the Bohol earthquake in 2013?
It had a magnitude of 7.2, making it one of the most destructive earthquakes in the Philippines.
The earthquake caused extensive damage and loss of life.
What was the impact of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991?
It was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the 20th century, causing global cooling and infrastructure destruction.
The eruption released significant amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
What are the primary causes of flooding and landslides in the Philippines?
Intense rainfall from typhoons, steep topography, deforestation, and poor urban planning.
These factors increase the risk of flash floods and landslides.
What triggered the Leyte Landslide in 2006?
Heavy rainfall from La Niña conditions.
The landslide affected over 1,000 people.
What external physical factor increases the Philippines’ vulnerability to hazards?
Sea-level rise due to its many islands.
The archipelagic nature of the Philippines makes it particularly susceptible.
What human activities contribute to increased vulnerability to hazards in the Philippines?
Rapid deforestation and poor urban planning.
These activities exacerbate soil instability and increase exposure to storm surges and flooding.
What percentage of the Philippine population lives in coastal areas?
60%.
Many of these areas are prone to hazards.
What disaster management strategies are employed in the Philippines?
Disaster management agencies coordinate responses, community-based disaster risk reduction, land use planning, and multi-purpose evacuation zones.
These strategies help prepare the population for natural hazards.
What was a major outcome of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013?
It killed 6,000 people and displaced 4 million.
The storm’s size was underestimated despite early warnings and some evacuations.
Fill in the blank: The Philippines works with _______ for training and funding in disaster management.
UN agencies, NGOs, and other countries.
Cooperation with international organizations enhances disaster response efforts.
