Environmental & Health Effects Of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are events that are created by nature and have destructive and catastrophic effects. These events not only pose a threat to the environment but also to the health and well-being of the people living in the affected areas. The answer accurately describes the characteristics of natural disasters, highlighting their origin, impact, and the dangers they pose to both the environment and human life.

Earthquakes are not caused by specific times of the year or any other meteorological activity. They occur due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. These plates are constantly shifting and when they release energy, it causes an earthquake. The unpredictable nature of plate movements makes it difficult to predict when and where an earthquake will occur. Therefore, the statement that there is no specific time of year or any other meteorological activity that causes earthquakes and it is difficult to predict them is true.

Drowning is the main cause of mortality with hurricanes because the strong winds and heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes can cause flooding, leading to people being trapped in their homes or vehicles and unable to escape the rising water. Additionally, the storm surge caused by hurricanes can cause rapid and dangerous flooding in coastal areas, putting people at risk of drowning.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in the case of flash floods and coastal floods. Injuries can consist of small lacerations or punctures due to the presence of glass, debris, and nails. Electrical shocks can occur.

Volcanos can release expelled gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, which can be harmful to individuals with compromised respiratory systems. These gases can cause lung damage and respiratory issues when inhaled. Therefore, the correct answer is volcanos.

Tsunamis originate at the epicenter of the seismic activity and spreads outward in ALL directions.

Exposure to the thick smoke of wildfires does not necessarily mean that everyone will have health problems. While it is true that wildfire smoke can be harmful and cause health issues, the severity of the impact varies from person to person. Factors such as age, pre-existing health conditions, and the duration and intensity of exposure can influence the level of health problems experienced. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that every individual exposed to wildfire smoke will have health problems.

Earthquakes pose a great risk to people because they can cause various destructive events. These include injuries and fatalities through collapsing structures, fires, floods, landslides, tsunamis, soil liquefaction, water and food contamination, and hypothermia. The shaking of the ground during an earthquake can lead to buildings collapsing, trapping or injuring people. Fires can also break out due to damaged gas lines or electrical systems. Additionally, earthquakes can trigger landslides and tsunamis, which can cause further destruction and loss of life. Soil liquefaction can occur in certain areas, causing the ground to lose its strength and stability. This can result in buildings sinking or tilting. Water and food contamination can happen due to damaged infrastructure, leading to the spread of diseases. Lastly, hypothermia can occur if people are exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period during or after an earthquake.

Extreme amounts of volcanic ash can cause structural damage to houses due to the weight and pressure of the ash. The ash can accumulate on roofs, causing them to collapse. Limited visibility is also a result of the ash, as it can create a thick cloud of particles in the air, making it difficult to see. Corneal abrasions can occur when the ash particles come into contact with the eyes, causing irritation and injury. Respiratory problems are another consequence of volcanic ash, as the fine particles can be inhaled and irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Drought can lead to severe health consequences such as communicable diseases, malnutrition, and infectious diseases. During drought, water scarcity can lead to poor sanitation and hygiene practices, increasing the risk of communicable diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Limited access to food and reduced agricultural productivity can result in malnutrition, leading to weakened immune systems and increased susceptibility to diseases. Additionally, drought can create favorable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases through contaminated water sources and increased contact between humans and animals.

The Four Stages of Disaster Involvement are prevention-mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Prevention-mitigation refers to actions taken to prevent or reduce the impact of disasters. Preparedness involves planning and organizing resources to effectively respond to a disaster. Response includes immediate actions taken during and immediately after a disaster to save lives and minimize damage. Recovery focuses on restoring and rebuilding the affected community after the disaster has occurred.