Natural
Disasters
are you
prepared?Natural
Disasters can occur anywhere, anytime. They do not
discriminate between rich and poor, or between countries big and
small. They are part of the environment in which we live. We
cannot eliminate them, but if we work together as a community, we
will be able to limit the loss of life and the destruction they
cause.
What
causes a flood?
Most
disasters are not entirely natural. Human activity can
increase their risks and insufficient attention makes their
effects more severe. Look at the sketch closely and find out
what causes a flood and what can be done to lessen damage from
it.
1. Poor farming techniques increases soil erosion.
2. Deforestation of slopes increases water
run-off.
3. Flash floods are created at the base of
mountains due to very heavy rainfall, sometimes made worse by the
reduced capacity of the soil to absorb the extra water.
4. Sediment from erosion settles to the river
bottom and gradually raises flood levels in the river.
5. Overgrazing reduces ground cover and increases
water run-off.
6. Flood plain
7. Delta
8. Flood plains in rural areas often attract
farmers because of fertility of its land.
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How
an earthquake damages a house?
A vulnerable house consists of heavy materials stacked in
place without a continuous frame for reinforcement.
The house sways with the motion of the earth during an
earthquake.
The house cannot bear the growing pressure created by the
continuous motion.
The roof and walls of the house collapse.
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Lifted
from an IEC material produced by the
Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator
(Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland)
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