VARIOUS HAZARDS THAT MAY HAPPEN IN THE EVENT OF

EARTHQUAKES, VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS, AND LANDSLIDES

What is a natural hazard?

Natural Hazard

It is a threat of a naturally-occuring event that has a possible negative effect on humans.

Natural Disaster

It occurs when a natural hazard occurs and significantly harm and damage the community.

Earthquake
An earthquake is a sudden release of energy along a fault in the Earth's crust. It poses a severe threat
because of its irregular intervals and difficulty to forecast.

Ground Shaking

The most immediate and obvious hazard, which can cause structural damage to buildings, bridges, and
infrastructure.

Surface Rupture

The breaking of the ground along a fault line can damage roads, pipelines, and buildings.

Aftershocks

Smaller tremors that follow the main earthquake can cause further damage to already weakened
structures.

Landslides

Earthquakes can trigger landslides in hilly or mountainous regions, posing additional risks.

Liquefaction

In saturated soil, shaking can cause the ground to behave like a liquid, leading to sinking buildings and
infrastructure.

Tsunamis

Underwater earthquakes can generate tsunamis, which can inundate coastal areas, causing widespread
destruction.
Infrastructure Failure

Damage to utilities (water, gas, electricity) can lead to fires, water shortages, and sanitation issues.

Volcanic Eruption
Volcanic eruptions occur when molten material from the Earth's interior is extruded to the surface.
Avalanches of hot materials, release of toxic gas, and lava flows make volcanic eruptions dangerous.

Lava Flows

Molten rock can destroy everything in its path, including homes and infrastructure.

Pyroclastic Flows

Fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter can devastate areas near the volcano, with
temperatures exceeding 1000 °C (1832 °F).

Ashfall

Volcanic ash can blanket areas, leading to respiratory issues, damage to crops, and disruption of
transportation.

Volcanic Gas Emissions

Gases such as sulfur dioxide can be toxic and contribute to acid rain.

Lahars

Mudflows created when volcanic ash mixes with water can flow down river valleys, destroying property
and infrastructure.

Climate Impact

Large eruptions can inject ash and sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, affecting climate and weather
patterns globally.

Landslide
Landslides are a type of mass wasting event where rock, soil, and debris move down a slope due to
gravity. They can occur in a variety of environments and can be triggered by natural factors or human
activities.

Rockfalls

Rapid falling or sliding of rock from a steep slope or cliff.

Debris Flows

Mixtures of water, mud, and loose debris that flow rapidly down slopes. They are often triggered by
heavy rainfall.

Slumps

Occur when a section of a slope moves downwards along a curved surface. Slumps can result in large,
spoon-shaped depressions.

Rotational Landslides

Involve the movement of material along a curved plane, often causing a distinct step-like appearance in
the landscape.

Vulnerability to Hazards and Disasters

Some areas can be more affected by a hazard or disaster than other areas due to the following factors:

 Proximity to a hazardous event

 High population density in an area
 Lack of public education and awareness
 Lack or non-existent early warning systems

Natural Hazard

It is a threat of a naturally-occuring event that has a possible negative effect on humans.

Some types of natural hazards are tropical cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods/flashfloods,
and forest/wildland fire.

Mapping Risk: Identifying Earthquake, Volcanic, and Landslide

Hazard Zones Using Hazard Maps
Using hazard maps is an essential method for identifying areas prone to natural hazards such as
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Hazard maps are created based on geological, seismic,
and historical data, and they provide valuable information for disaster preparedness and risk
management.
Earthquake Hazard Zones
Earthquake hazard maps typically show regions most likely to experience strong seismic activity based on
fault lines and tectonic plate boundaries. High-risk earthquake areas:

 Pacific Ring of Fire: Countries bordering the Pacific Ocean (e.g., Japan, Indonesia, Philippines,
Chile, and the U.S. West Coast).
 San Andreas Fault (USA): Runs through California.
 Himalayan region: Northern India, Nepal, and parts of China.
 Turkey and Greece: Due to the movement of the Eurasian and African plates.

- Hazard maps in these areas highlight seismic zones with high probability of strong shaking and
ground rupture.

Volcanic Eruption Hazard Zones:

Volcanic hazard maps identify regions near active or potentially active volcanoes, showing the areas at
risk for lava flows, pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and lahars (mudflows).

High-risk volcanic areas

 Pacific Ring of Fire: Again, this region is prone to volcanic eruptions, with numerous active
volcanoes in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
 Iceland: Located on a volcanic hotspot and divergent boundary between the Eurasian and North
American plates.
 Italy (Mt. Vesuvius, Etna): Has a history of destructive eruptions.
 Hawaii: Known for ongoing volcanic activity, including lava flows from Kilauea.

- Hazard maps for volcanic eruptions show exclusion zones (areas near volcanoes where
habitation or construction is prohibited or discouraged), lava flow paths, and regions vulnerable
to ashfall.

Landslide Hazard Zones

Landslide hazard maps are used to identify areas with unstable slopes or those prone to land movement
due to heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or volcanic activity.

High-risk landslide areas

 Mountainous regions: Areas with steep slopes, such as the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Rocky
Mountains.
 Tropical and subtropical regions: Countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, which experience
heavy rainfall and typhoons, are prone to landslides.
  Earthquake-prone areas: Landslides often occur as a result of earthquakes, so regions with both
steep terrain and seismic activity, like Japan and Nepal, are at risk.
 Volcanic areas: Near volcanoes, especially after eruptions, lahars (volcanic mudflows) can trigger
landslides.

- These maps show zones where landslides are most likely to occur due to slope angle, soil type,
vegetation cover, and recent weather or seismic events.

Summary
 Earthquake-prone areas: Pacific Ring of Fire, San Andreas Fault, Himalayan region, Turkey,
Greece.
 Volcanic eruption-prone areas: Pacific Ring of Fire, Iceland, Italy (Vesuvius, Etna), Hawaii.
 Landslide-prone areas: Mountainous regions, tropical areas with heavy rainfall (Philippines,
Indonesia), earthquake-prone zones, volcanic regions.

- By using these hazard maps, authorities can issue guidelines for building safety, evacuation
plans, and disaster risk reduction strategies in vulnerable areas.

Practical Strategies for Coping with Earthquakes, Volcanic

Eruptions, and Landslides

Coping with Earthquakes

 Build earthquake-resistant structures: Ensure buildings and homes are constructed following
earthquake-resistant designs. This includes using flexible materials and reinforcing the
foundation to absorb seismic waves.
 Create an emergency kit: Prepare a kit with essential supplies like water, food, first aid,
flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
 Secure heavy objects: Anchor furniture, appliances, and shelves to walls to prevent them from
falling during an earthquake.
 Know evacuation routes: Familiarize yourself with safe exits and gathering points. Have a plan
for where to go and how to contact family members in the event of an earthquake.
 Practice drop, cover, and hold on: During an earthquake, get under sturdy furniture, cover your
head, and hold on until the shaking stops. Practice this regularly at home and in schools.
Coping with Volcanic Eruptions
 Create an evacuation plan: Live in areas prone to volcanic eruptions? Identify escape routes and
have transportation ready in case of evacuation orders.
 Keep up with volcanic alerts: Stay updated with hazard maps and warnings from local
authorities or volcanic monitoring services to know the risk levels.

 Protect respiratory health: In case of ashfall, wear masks (preferably N95) and goggles to avoid
breathing in ash particles, which can cause respiratory issues.

 Strengthen roofs and windows: Ash from eruptions can accumulate and collapse roofs.
Strengthen structures, and close windows and doors to prevent ash from entering.

 Evacuate if necessary: If pyroclastic flows (superheated gases and ash) or lava flows are a risk,
evacuate immediately, as these hazards can be deadly.

Coping with Landslides

 Avoid building on steep slopes: Landslides often occur in hilly or mountainous areas, especially
after heavy rainfall. Avoid constructing homes or buildings in such areas if possible.

 Plant trees and vegetation: Trees and plants with strong root systems can help stabilize slopes
and reduce the risk of landslides by holding soil in place.

 Install drainage systems: Effective drainage can prevent water from building up in the soil, which
often triggers landslides. Divert water away from vulnerable slopes.

 Monitor early warning signs: Be alert for cracks in the ground, leaning trees or poles, or changes
in water flow, which could indicate a landslide is imminent.

 Have an evacuation plan: Know where to go and how to evacuate quickly if a landslide warning
is issued. Avoid driving or walking near slopes that may be unstable.

General Preparedness for All Geological Hazards

 Stay informed: Follow news and updates from local authorities, weather services, and geological
agencies about potential hazards.

 Participate in drills: Engage in regular community disaster drills for earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, or landslides. Practice makes response more effective.

 Get insurance: Consider purchasing disaster insurance for your home if you live in an area prone
to geological hazards.