Natural disasters and world population

[nebula]

Self-made dangers?

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Study: Disaster risks loom in coastal, urban regions <<--LINK

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 Posted: 7:58 AM EST (1258 GMT)

NEW YORK (AP) -- While the earthquake in Indonesia and last December's Asian tsunami have focused attention on natural disasters, hundreds of smaller disasters cause widespread devastation every year.

The danger and economic damage from such threats as earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones and hurricanes is increasing as the world's population becomes more urban and concentrated in hazard-prone coastal regions, according to a new report released Tuesday.

Seventy percent of the world's population is at risk for drought, and 82 percent is in areas that are subject to flooding, according to the Earth Institute at Columbia University and the World Bank.

Strategies for minimizing the impact of disasters include strengthening building codes, instituting early warning systems and, in the case of drought, using seasonal climate predictions, said Maxx Dilley, a research scientist at Columbia's International Research Institute for Climate Prediction and one of the authors of the report.

"What we would like to see happen is countries managing the risks instead of managing emergencies," Dilley said.

According to the report, many people in the developing world live in areas that are subject to multiple hazards.

In 35 countries, more than 5 percent of residents live in an area identified as relatively high in mortality risk from three or more hazards, the report found.

More than 90 countries have more than 10 percent of their total population in areas at relatively high mortality risk from two or more hazards. And 160 countries have more than 25 percent of their total population in areas at relatively high mortality risk from one or more hazards.

But because underdeveloped countries have other problems such as AIDS and poverty, "the fact that you're on a fault line or in an area where El Nino makes the climate very variable just may not be the most pressing thing on your screen," Dilley said.

"But it is better to be aware of the potential for disaster and then be doing something about it."

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Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

[Gerioke]

What could you do about an asteroid falling on your head?

[RGR]

I live on the New Madrid fault line (less than 50 miles from New Madrid itself!). Me move? Not unless the Lord specifically so led. In addition to that, we're now entering tornado season! I trust in the Lord to take care of me and if it's my time to go, it's my time to go!!! Anywhere you go there are dangers, so unless we want to live in outer space (might appeal to Neb-who knows?), we're in trouble!

[nebula]

What could you do about an asteroid falling on your head?

Off topic

I trust in the Lord to take care of me and if it's my time to go, it's my time to go!!!  

Actually, that wasn't my point in posting this.

Over the decades, the loos in human life from hurricanes has decreased, but property damage has increased.

Why?

Because more and more people are building homes along and near "the beautiful coastline" - putting themselves at greater risk for hurricanes.

We've just got better detection systems than before so most people are able to escape the danger to their lives (but not their homes).

The worst natural disaster in history, in terms of loss of life, occured when I think it was the Yellow River(?) in China flooded - so many people lived along the shores in impoverished conditions, they didn't have a chance to escape.

This isn't supposed to be a "fear" post.

It's a "food for thought" post on how so many lives of the world are at risk for living in places where natural disasters are a greater threat.

Sure, it can't be "helped" all the time - for instance I am sure living along a river would provide a better life for those people (when it's not flooding that is).

AM I making any sense here?

[RGR]

Actually, that wasn't my point in posting this.

I know! I wasn't trying to take over-just interjecting a thought!!!! I agree with your post totally!

[nebula]

O-tay!