Why are poor people more vulnerable to certain natural hazards? Cite examples.
Question
Why are poor people more vulnerable to certain natural hazards? Cite examples.
Solution
Poor people are more vulnerable to certain natural hazards due to a variety of reasons:
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Lack of Resources: Poor people often lack the resources to protect themselves from natural hazards. This includes not having the money to build sturdy homes that can withstand events like earthquakes or floods, or to buy insurance that could help them recover after a disaster.
Example: In the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the death toll was high because many people lived in poorly constructed homes that collapsed during the quake.
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Limited Access to Information: Poor communities often have limited access to information about impending hazards, which can prevent them from taking necessary precautions.
Example: In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, many poor coastal communities were not aware of the impending disaster and did not have the means to evacuate in time.
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Dependence on Natural Resources: Poor people are often more dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods, which can make them more vulnerable to natural hazards.
Example: In the 2012 Sahel drought, poor farmers and herders were particularly affected because they relied on rain-fed agriculture and grazing lands for their livelihoods.
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Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor communities often lack adequate infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, which can make it difficult for them to evacuate or receive aid in the event of a natural hazard.
Example: In the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, many poor communities were cut off from aid because roads and bridges were destroyed.
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Social and Political Marginalization: Poor people are often socially and politically marginalized, which can prevent them from accessing aid and resources in the aftermath of a natural hazard.
Example: In the 2005 Hurricane Katrina in the United States, many poor and marginalized communities in New Orleans were left stranded without aid for days.
In conclusion, poverty can exacerbate the impact of natural hazards, making poor people more vulnerable to these events.
Similar Questions
Vulnerability to poverty is a measure,which describes the greaterprobability of certain communities(say, members of a backward caste)or individuals (such as a widow or aphysically handicapped person) ofbecoming, or remaining, poor in thecoming years. Vulnerability isdetermined by the options availableto different communities for findingan alternative living in terms ofassets, education, health and jobopportunities. Further, it is analysedon the basis of the greater risks thesegroups face at the time of naturaldisasters (earthquakes, tsunami),terrorism etc. Additional analysis ismade of their social and economicability to handle these risks. In fact,vulnerability describes the greaterprobability of being more adverselyaffected than other people when badtime comes for everybody, whether aflood or an earthquake or simply afall in the availability of jobs!
Health risks related to poverty and lack of development that affect developing countries and poor people most are known as:Question 22Select one:a.Traditional hazardsb.Old hazardsc.New hazardsd.Systemic hazards
healthy risks for those in poverty
economic reasons why people live near earthquake prone areas
social reasons why people live near earthquake prone areas
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