local scale hazard environment - Tacloban Flashcards
What physical factors made Tacloban highly vulnerable to Typhoon Haiyan?
Tacloban is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Leyte Gulf, with mountains inland, trapping the city between rising waters and landslide-prone slopes.
How did the city’s geography contribute to the impact of the storm surge?
Much of Tacloban is below sea level and affected by land subsidence, increasing vulnerability to the 15-foot storm surge that submerged coastal areas.
What geological process made flooding more severe in Tacloban?
Land subsidence caused by groundwater extraction lowered the land, making storm surge and flooding impacts worse.
Why was evacuation in Tacloban difficult during Typhoon Haiyan?
The city was surrounded by water and mountains, so people couldn’t flee inland without facing risks like landslides.
How did urban development in Tacloban increase hazard risk?
Important buildings (e.g., schools, hospitals, city hall) were built by the coast despite flood risks.
What economic sector was hit hardest by Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban?
The fishing industry, a key livelihood, was devastated, leaving many without income.
How did Typhoon Haiyan affect infrastructure critical to the economy?
Roads, homes, businesses, and the airport were destroyed, severely disrupting economic activity and recovery.
What economic recovery strategy was used post-Haiyan in Tacloban?
A cash-for-work program by the Tzu Chi Foundation paid 31,000 people daily to clear debris, helping both clean-up and economic stimulation.
How did social conditions change after the typhoon?
Widespread displacement, looting, and overcrowded temporary shelters led to health and security challenges.
What role did community solidarity play in Tacloban’s recovery?
Strong social networks, NGOs, and faith-based groups (like Iglesia ni Cristo) provided critical relief and medical support.
What social challenge did the disaster highlight?
Breakdown of law and order due to desperation and lack of immediate resources.
How did local governance in Tacloban respond immediately after Haiyan?
Many local officials and police were incapacitated or missing, requiring military and national government intervention.
How did Typhoon Haiyan influence Philippine disaster policy?
It prompted national and local reviews of disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness policies.
What political lessons were learned from Haiyan’s aftermath?
Importance of strong governance, preparedness, and coordination with international aid groups during disasters.
How did economic responses support recovery in Tacloban?
Programs like the Tzu Chi Foundation’s cash-for-work cleaned debris and injected money into the local economy.
How did the social response aid recovery?
Community groups, religious organizations, and NGOs provided food, medical aid, and support networks to affected families.
What political action followed the disaster?
Recognition of weak local response led to calls for national reforms in emergency management and resilience planning.
What does the Tacloban case reveal about hazard vulnerability?
Poor urban planning, poverty, and physical geography combined to increase disaster severity and complicate recovery.
