Disasters Vulnerability Analysis: Discuss Potential Magnitude of Hazards (Essay Sample)

Disasters Vulnerability Analysis
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One type of disaster that may occur is that of tornadoes which are powerful and destructive weather conditions. Tornado is a violently column rotating air column that extends from the base of a thunderstom to the ground. However, their intensity varies according to the climate condition. According to the history of Anytown, it receives tornadoes during summers and it is located I humid subtropical climate zone. Woodland areas sometimes experience wildfire which is a threat to the human lives as well as wildlife (Jeffrey, 2007). Fires can be devastating to properties, homes, community and range land. According to National Fire Protection Association, about 370,000 homes in United States are destroyed by fire every year which cause deaths (Schneider, 2012). Another hazard that can occur is flooding since Anytown is located in humid subtropical climate zone. Flooding may occur especially in low lying land and along the river. Floods can affect a lot of homes especially those in flat and low lying land.
The possibility of occurrence of floods is low especially as most of the homes are not located in low lying land. In order to prepare for such a disaster, the town is expected to contrast dykes along the river as this is the area which is prone to flooding (Jeffrey, 2007). It is however unlikely to occur as the area is not located near a major water body and it is located on highlands. This means that the amount of runoff water is little to cause major floods which would destroy buildings.
However, possibility of occurrence of tornadoes is high as the area is reported to be experiencing such weather conditions. In U.S tornadoes occur in months of April, May and June and occur in areas experiencing humid and warm air just like the weather conditions of Anytown. Areas with tall buildings are more likely to be highly affected and they would cause more destruction in these areas in terms of destruction of property and loss of human lives (Schneider, 2012). However, the likelihood of a tornado hitting the area with large building is small but it can hit other areas with residential buildings. Tornados warning are issued by weather services warning against extreme weathers and tornadoes.
Possibility of wildfire occurrence is medium and therefore frequency of occurrence can be said to be possible. The potential magnitude of occurrence of wildfire is critical as they are caused by human activities such as smoking and throwing fire to areas under grass (Cutter, 2001). Wildfires can affect homes located near forests while areas with tall building such as downtown can experience fires as well. Wildfires can be experienced during summers when the region is experiencing high temperatures and the grass or trees are dry (Cutter, 2001).
Threat Profile Worksheet

Threat: Earth quakes

Potential Consequences
* Catastrophic (Mass fatalities/casualties, loss of governance and essential services, widespread damage)
* Severe (Numerous fatalities/casualties, loss of essential services, and widespread damage)
* Moderate (Limited number of fatalities/casualties and damage to property)
* Minor (Little or no injuries and isolated damage)
Severe

Probability of o...