NATURAL HAZARDSNATURAL HAZARDS OCCURRING LOCALLYOCCURRING LOCALLY Adéla Velísková, Patrícia Malíková a Tobias Vajgel INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION Students should be able to identify the difference between natural events, natural hazards and natural disasters Identify the different categories of natural hazards Understand the impact of natural hazards on our lives and be more careful We shouldn´t confuse manmade hazards with natural hazards Caused by people Radiation leaks, oil and chemical spills, mining accidents, terrorist attacks MAN-MADE HAZARDSMAN-MADE HAZARDS Are all the ways our restless Earth is constantly reshaping and modifying itself People are not affected For example if there was a massive earthquake in Antarctica and there wouldn´t be any people around, so no one would be affected, then we can call this process a natural event. NATURAL EVENTSNATURAL EVENTS What turns natural event into a natural hazard? NATURAL HAZARDSNATURAL HAZARDS NATURAL HAZARDSNATURAL HAZARDS Natural hazard is a natural event that poses a risk to people and property (there has to be an element of human involvement) Every natural hazard has two components: Geophysical Hydrological Meteorological Earthquakes Volcanic Activity Flooding Landslides Tsunamis Avalanche Heat Waves Cold Waves Hurricanes Hails Winter Storms Lightning Drought Wildfire Tornados Winds l CATEGORIESCATEGORIES This is also termed as geological hazard. They are driven by geological (i.e., Earth) processes, in particular, Shifts in tectonic plates and seismic activity Geophysical Hydrological Are hazards driven by hydrological (i.e., water) processes. The deadliest natural disaster in world history (not counting pandemics) was the 1931 Central China floods, killing three or four million people. Meteorological Are hazards driven by meteorological (i.e., weather) processes, in particular those related to temperature and wind. Such hazards are normally related to unexpected and adverse changes in the weather or weather-forming means. NATURAL DISASTERSNATURAL DISASTERS Natural disasters refer to extreme and catastrophic events caused by natural hazards, resulting in significant damage, destruction, and loss of life. We can also evaluate hazards: Magnitude (height, intensity) Time (frequency of occurence, speed of onset) Space Evaluating hazards can also show us how they changed over time l EVALUATING HAZARDSEVALUATING HAZARDS RISK FACTORSRISK FACTORS Urbanisation (Tokyo, Haiti) Poverty/ economic development (Low income countries - Rio de Janeiro) Lack of public education and awareness BEING READY IS OURBEING READY IS OUR SECRET POWER, GUIDINGSECRET POWER, GUIDING US THROUGH TOUGH TIMESUS THROUGH TOUGH TIMES WITH COURAGE.WITH COURAGE. SOURCESSOURCESl SOURCESSOURCES https://blogs.egu.eu/divisions/nh/2020/09/14/natural-hazards-101-what-is-a-natural-hazard/? fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1oG37kJKzbY_tIAeP0mb8W3tJWt7ogf4B6pB3XDFAoo87iig2i6iKep e4_aem_b24sY1Xuc2uzRtPQhpoApA https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8392/1/4/84? fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2_ZvZ5HWImYchU7T0GqMHOSZV5UN1EcH5sMZFoc3qBVkH1v4TU w2Uz9Vc_aem_Y9-VlqnofGUxnSq40fGINQ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zxh4wxs/revision/3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FBq5lE1Kz0&t=4s&ab_channel=CrashCourse https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/readingsnh/chapter/hazards/ https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog30/node/378 https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=LQp_82E2fTs&list=PLtM8hg4aOfuNkHOcLVzGMqpkbauE4W3mM&index=3&ab_channel=tutor2u https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/natural-hazards https://testbook.com/ugc-net-paper-1/hazards-and-disasters FLOODSFLOODS A flood is a natural disaster that occurs when an area becomes inundated with an excessive amount of water, typically due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or the overflow of rivers, lakes, or coastal areas. Floods can be slow-developing, lasting for days or even weeks, or they can be rapid and intense, known as flash floods. Natural floods: Caused by heavy rain, snowmelt, or ice blockages in the river. Typically cause less damage. Flash floods: Triggered by dam failures or breaches of protective barriers. Rare but highly destructive, causing significant damage. TYPES OF FLOODSTYPES OF FLOODS Case study 1 The 1342 Flood Causes: Prolonged rains combined with spring Impacts: Judith Bridge, a vital trade route, was completely destroyed Severe disruption of trade and communication, affecting Prague’s economy for decades Societal Response: Interpreted as divine punishment; led to religious processions and calls for repentance. Inspired the construction of the Charles Bridge (begun 1357), designed with better engineering to withstand future floods. Case study 2 The 1592 Flood Causes: A combination of spring snowmelt and intense summer storms. Impacts: In Prague, water levels rose 120 cm above the “Bradáč” gauge, flooding the Old Town up to Husova Street. In Polabí, large-scale agricultural damage led to famine and longterm economic strain. Societal Response: Continued reliance on religious explanations, but some communities started building basic flood defenses (e.g., embankments). Increased awareness of the need to avoid low-lying areas. Case study 3 The 1784 Flood Causes: Harsh winter followed by rapid snowmelt and heavy rains. Ice jams exacerbated flooding along the Vltava River. Impacts: Hundreds of deaths, destruction of infrastructure, and significant damage to Charles Bridge (statues washed away). Long-term agricultural losses led to food shortages. Societal Response: Marked a shift toward scientific understanding and planning. Initiation of systematic flood recording (e.g., water levels measured at Děčín Castle). Floods of 1342 At that time, there were no modern warning systems or river regulations. Measures included repairs of dikes and protective barriers, often made of wood. Improvised protective elements such as walls and barriers were also used, but there was no nationwide coordination. Floods of 1592 The first attempts at building protective embankments, often made of wood. Community efforts to control river flows through embankments and water diversion. Limited effectiveness due to a lack of technology and coordination. Floods of 1784 More advanced embankments and river flow regulations. The event’s documentation helped improve future prevention efforts. Increased focus on the management of watercourses. Historical Flood Preparation Historical Flood Preparation Technical Measures Construction of Dams and Protective Dikes: regulates water flow and protects low-lying areas. Flood Barriers: temporary or permanent structures preventing water overflow. Retention Reservoirs : collect excess water during heavy rainfall periods. Natural Measures Restoration of Wetlands and Floodplain Forests: wetlands absorb excess water and mitigate floods. Enhancing the Retention Capacity of the Landscape: afforestation and soil care help retain water in the landscape. Organizational Measures Early Warning Systems: weather and river monitoring, providing alerts about risks. Flood Risk-Free Zone Planning: designating safe areas for construction and development. Crisis Plans and Evacuations :pre-prepared procedures for protecting people and property. Flood Prevention and Protection Flood Prevention and Protection What to do in case of a Natural Disaster? Keep an eye on the news Have a family plan Prepare an emergency kit 1 2 3 take shelter in a safe place 4 l SOURCESSOURCES https://www.chmi.cz/files/portal/docs/reditel/SIS/prezentace_a_vyuka/HYDROLOGIE/ 02_historie_povodní_v1.pdf https://chmi.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html? appid=dc50b65b4483465cb98c50d4b55df75d https://www.chmi.cz/files/portal/docs/poboc/CB/pruvodce/verejnost_povodnova_oc hrana.html https://www.chmi.cz/files/portal/docs/poboc/CB/pruvodce/verejnost_povoden_defin ice.html https://medium.seznam.cz/clanek/petr-nutil-nejvetsi-povodne-v-historii-ceska-zkaza- ktera-se-vraci-86441 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294756599_Floods_in_the_Czech_Republic _during_the_past_millennium DROUGHTSDROUGHTS Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation, resulting in a shortage of water supply that significantly impacts ecosystems, agriculture, and human activities. It is a natural disaster that can occur in various regions around the world, leading to significant socioeconomic and environmental consequences. Types of droughtsTypes of droughts Meteorological precipitation deficiency Hydrological lowered water level and streamflow Agricultural low soil water availability Socioeconomic results of the others, lack of water for people Impact of droughtsImpact of droughts Recent droughts in Central Europe - 2003, 2015, 2018 and 2019 1950 and 2014 - 2.2 billion people globally affected Drought accounts for 34% of disaster-related deaths between 1970 and 2019 estimated damages of EUR 621 Mio on average per event 11% of the European population and 17% of the area of the EU have been affected by water scarcity Case study Drought of 1842 Hydrological and meterological Exceptionally dry and hot year for Central Europe, especially in July Streams dried out, water levels in rivers sank historically low - hunger stones Agricultural Crop failures recorded everywhere, only wine grapes seemed to flourish Socio-economic Towns and cities affected the most Fires - Hamburg fire (3 days long) Many mills on smaller rivers out of commission or limited Raised prices of food Impact on livestock - dropped to a half or third Drought mitigation and Adaptation Drought mitigation and Adaptation Water management Agriculture conservation tillage maintaining vegetation cover improved pasture management Sustainable agriculture practices Restoring and protecting freshwater habitats Lowering water use rainwater harvesting Reservoirs desalination Assesment M Monitoring Vulnerability assesment WHAT TO DO?WHAT TO DO? Use water sparingly and avoid wastage. Turn off faucets tightly to prevent dripping, fix any leaks promptly, and only use the water you need. Consider collecting and reusing water for non-potable purposes, such as watering plants or cleaning. Water plants and gardens during cooler hours to minimize evaporation, and use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Educate yourself and others about the importance of water conservation during a drought. TORNADOTORNADO A tornado is a violent and rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud (thunderstorm cloud). Tornadoes are characterized by a funnelshaped cloud extending downward from the thunderstorm, often accompanied by a visible condensation funnel or debris cloud. Supercell tornadoes Tornadoes attached to a large storm formation, the most dangerous, most common Non-supercell tornadoes Tornadoes formed without the supercell, less dangerous Whirlwinds A wind vortex, small and easily disrubted Types of tornadoesTypes of tornadoes Tornado scaleTornado scale The Enhanced Fujita Scale speed assessed by damage on buildings and trees 28 damage indicators Tornadoes in EuropeTornadoes in Europe Handful a year in Czechia Rarely damaging Quieter periods and more active periods Unpredictable, lack of data Case study Tornado in Moravia - 2021 LOCATION Hrušky, Moravská Nová Ves, Mikulčice, Lužice, Hodinín RATING EF 4: 332 -418 km/h levels well constructed building, can take lighter buildings with it AFTERMATH 6 dead, tens of injured people, 100+ destroyed houses Case study Tornado in Moravia - 2021 RECOVERY Financial aid government donations Lack of organisation Underprepared volunteers Donated resources mismanaged WHAT TO DO?WHAT TO DO? Move to a small, windowless, and sturdy interior room on the lowest level of your home, such as a basement or storm cellar. Regularly practice tornado drills with your family or classmates to ensure everyone knows what to do during a tornado. Listen to local weather updates and warnings through a battery-powered weather radio or smartphone app. Cover your head and neck with your arms or a sturdy object to protect against flying debris. l SOURCESSOURCES https://www.climatechangepost.com/countries/europe/droughts/ https://cp.copernicus.org/articles/15/1861/2019/#section4 https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/tag/tornado-v-cesku-2021-58069 ttps://tn.nova.cz/zpravodajstvi/clanek/561760-vyzkum-zhodnotil-uklid-skod- po-tornadu-pomohly-penize-dobrovolnici-prekazeli https://www.clovekvtisni.cz/jak-pomahame-lidem-tornado-na- morave-7876gp https://www.droughtmanagement.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/WS6- Drought-Preparedness-and-Mitigation.pdf https://www.weather.gov/oun/efscale https://www.tornada.cz/o-tornadech/ https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/datavize/tri-roky-od-niciveho-tormada/ r~18c01d462d5f11efa1910cc47ab5f122/ l Students will be divided into three groups (tornadoes, floods and droughts). Each group will have a specific natural hazard that already happened. Each group will get a printed assignment. You will get 5 minutes to read what happened. Then your group supervisor will give you another paper with a SWOT Analysis. You should try to analyse the situation and if we will have the time, each group will share their analysis. ACTIVITYACTIVITY l SWOT ANALYSISSWOT ANALYSIS What exactly is swot analysis? l SOURCESSOURCES https://www.clovekvtisni.cz/jak-pomahame-lidem-tornado-na-morave-7876gp https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torn%C3%A1do_na_B%C5%99eclavsku_a_Hodon%C3%ADnsku https://sumpersky.denik.cz/zpravy_region/povoden-zaplavy-jesenicko-mikulovice-vidnava-velka- kras-2024.html https://www.idnes.cz/brno/zpravy/sucho-jizni-morava-zima-obce-omezeni-voda- setreni.A230123_703938_brno-zpravy_krut? THANK YOU FORTHANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION :)YOUR ATTENTION :)