1. Lesson 17: Natural Hazards Flooding near Olympia, WA, Dec 2007 Big Question: Why Are More Of Them Becoming Disasters and Catastrophes?

2. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Case Study: Seattle Landslides Rob Harrison photo For more information and photos, see Landslides in Seattle.Landslides in Seattle

3. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes

4. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Taking a Historical Point of View

5. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Fundamental Concepts Related to Natural Hazards Hazards are predictable. Links exist between different hazards and between the physical and biological environment. Hazards that used to cause mostly disasters are now producing catastrophes. Risk from hazards can be estimated. Harmful effects of hazards can be minimized.

6. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Nature’s Dual Role: Performing Natural- Service Functions and Posing Hazards USGS photo

7. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Natural Hazards Are Predictable Mapping and monitoring are keys to spotting danger. Sometimes it is possible to forecast an event and issue a warning

8. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Indonesian tsunami of 2004 An Indian Ocean tsunami warning system would have triggered warnings automatically.

9. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Lessons Learned

10. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Linkages Between Hazards and Between the Physical and Biological Environments Hazards may be linked Volcanic eruptions often cause landslides. Mount St. Helens altered landscape and ecosystems.

11. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Hazards That Used to Produce Disasters Now Produce Catastrophes

12. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Hurricane Katrina: One of the Worst Natural Catastrophes in U.S. History

13. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington The city’s spread into low areas made it vulnerable to flooding.

14. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington The Cost of Hurricane Katrina Warnings were given, but funds were lacking. The whole New Orleans area is subsiding.

15. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Estimating Hazard Risk Determine the probability of an event Estimate the cost of a disaster Estimate risk - Scientific or mathematical theory and previous history Progress in forecasting Estimate the negative consequences Determine acceptable risk

16. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Minimizing Adverse Hazard Effects Active versus reactive response: - anticipate hazardous events; - be proactive; and - fast response.

17. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Impact and Recovery from Disasters and Catastrophes Hazardous events may affect society directly and indirectly.

18. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Perceiving, Avoiding, and Adjusting to Hazards People believe that bad things happen to others, not to themselves. Laws can protect people who disregard hazards. Land-use planning to avoid hazards. Obtaining insurance program Implementing evacuation plan Minimizing effects with preparation Control through engineering

19. Lesson 17 / ESRM 100 / University of Washington Disasters and Catastrophes in the Future Significant increase likely to continue with human population growth.

20. Chapter 17: Natural Hazards Flooding near Olympia, WA, Dec 2007 Questions? E-mail us at eschelp@uw.edu