Multiple Hazard Zone (Philippines)

Question 1

According to a 2015 report, where were 8 out of the 10 cities most at risk from natural hazards located?

Answer 1

8 out of the 10 cities most at risk from natural hazards were located in the Philippines.

Question 2

What geological factors contribute to the Philippines’ vulnerability to earthquakes and volcanoes?

Answer 2

The Philippines sits on the convergent boundary of the Eurasian and Philippine plates, with 47 volcanoes (22 active).

Additionally, 30% of the population lives within 30 kilometers of a volcano.

Question 3

Why is the northeast coast of the Philippines particularly prone to tsunamis?

Answer 3

The northeast coast faces the Pacific Ocean, which is the most tsunami-prone ocean.

Question 4

How does the Philippines’ location contribute to its vulnerability to typhoons?

Answer 4

The Philippines lies within Southeast Asia’s typhoon belts and is affected by approximately 15 typhoons each year, with 6-9 directly striking the country.

Question 5

What climatic condition in the Philippines contributes to heavy rainfall?

Answer 5

The Philippines has a tropical monsoon climate, leading to heavy rainfall.

Question 6

Why are landslides common in the Philippines?

Answer 6

Landslides are common due to the country’s steep topography, heavy rainfall, and deforestation.

Question 7

What percentage of the population in the Philippines lives in poverty?

Answer 7

25% of the population in the Philippines lives in poverty.

Question 8

Can you describe a notable natural disaster event that occurred in 2006 in the Philippines?

Answer 8

In 2006, an earthquake killed 15 people, injured 100, and damaged or destroyed 800 buildings.

This earthquake generated a tsunami that was 3 meters high, which then created landslides.

These landslides breached the crater wall of a volcano, causing it to fall into a lake and create a flood that washed away houses.

Question 9

What series of disasters struck the Philippines in 2013, and what were their respective impacts?

Answer 9

In 2013, the Philippines was struck by three disasters in three months:
* October earthquake (killed 223),
* Typhoon Haiyan in November (killed 6,201)
* Floods from tropical depressions in January (killed 64).