Question

VULNERABLE places. What are the consequences of floods, droughts & earthquakes?

Answer 1

Consequences of floods:

A flood occurs when a river bursts its banks and the water spills onto the floodplain of a river. 

Floods can cause damage to homes and possessions, as well as disrupt communities normal way of life. 

Floods can cause:

• A loss of life: Floods can cause death and injury. People can get trapped in their houses by the quick-rising waters
• Damage to property: As floodwaters rise they can flow into low-lying properties. The river will be carrying huge amounts of pollution and silt that will destroy floors, walls and any electrical gear.
• Pollution: Floods will wash chemicals and sewage into the water. The contaminated water will spread quickly over an area – causing public health issues and killing fish.
• Destruction of habitat: Floods will destroy places where river animals and fish might have breeding grounds. Even slight changes to river temperature and water patterns can upset natural ecosystems.

Consequences of droughts:

• Droughts endanger lives through thirst, hunger and the spread of diseases. 
• Reduction in food production. 
• Droughts and famines have other geographical impacts such as people that migrate to a new home. This can put pressure on resources in neighbouring communities. 

Consequences of earthquakes:

• Buildings might collapse and homes might be destroyed.
• People may be killed or injured. 
• Transport links might be disrupted. 
• Communication lines might break. 
• Basic services might be destroyed (electricity and water supply)
• Shops and businesses might be destroyed. 
• Economies might slow. 

Answer 2

Natural Hazards and vulnerable places
Here you can learn a bit more about Natural Hazards, such as Earthquakes, Volcanoes and what causes them.