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Natural Hazards Assignment

Student’s Name

Institution’s Affiliation

Course Code and Section

Instructor’s Name

Date
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Natural Hazards Assignment

Natural Hazard #1: Strong magnitude 7.1 earthquake

It was an endogenic process

Location and Country: Xinjiang region, China

Date: January 23, 2024

URL: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3249406/major-70-earthquake-hits-china-

kyrgyzstan border?campaign=3249406&module=perpetual_scroll_1_RM&pgtype=article

Description of the Natural Hazards Event:

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred in western Xinjiang region, causing significant

disruption and damage. The tremors were felt across the Xinjiang region and neighboring

countries like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Power lines were downed, several homes

collapsed and authorities suspended trains in the affected areas. The earthquake occurred in

the Tian Shan mountain range, known for its seismic activity, and was followed by multiple

aftershocks, with some registering above 5 magnitude.

The economic and human costs of the earthquake are significant. While infrastructure

damage, including collapsed homes and downed power lines, will require extensive repairs,

the immediate economic impact remains to be fully assessed. However, the suspension of

train services and disruption to transportation networks will likely incur financial losses. The

human costs, though thankfully no fatalities were reported immediately, include the

psychological impact on affected individuals, displacement, and potential injuries sustained

during the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

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Natural Hazards

Event: Flooding

The event is

exogenic.

Location and

Country: Louisiana and Texas, United States

Date: January 25, 202

URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/us/texas-louisiana-flooding-weather.html

Description of the Natural Hazards Event

Heavy downpours over parts of Louisiana and Texas have resulted in significant

flooding, prompting concerns of flash flooding and necessitating emergency measures by

local officials. Brenham, Texas, received more than 12 inches of rain, while other cities in

Texas recorded rainfall totals between four and 11 inches. In San Jacinto County, north of

Houston, conditions were severe enough to prompt a disaster declaration and a voluntary

evacuation due to rising water levels from nearby rivers. The forecast indicates continued rain

across the region, raising concerns of further flooding. Nearly 26 million people from

Louisiana to West Virginia are under a flood watch, with a slight risk of excessive rainfall

from the Central Gulf Coast through the Southern Appalachians. While rainfall totals on

Thursday may be modest compared to previous days, any additional rain could lead to

scattered instances of flash flooding, particularly in areas already saturated by recent heavy

rainfall.
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The has resulted in economic and human costs, including property damage,

disruptions to transportation and infrastructure, and potential displacement of residents.

Emergency declarations and voluntary evacuations indicate the severity of the situation, as

officials work to ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities. The heavy rainfall

and subsequent flooding pose risks to public safety and necessitate ongoing monitoring and

response efforts by local authorities.

Natural Hazard #3: Volcanic Eruption in Iceland

The event is endogenic.

Location and Country: Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Date: January 14, 2024

URL: https://travelnoire.com/volcanic-eruptions-iceland-triggers-travel-warnings

Description:

Grindingvik, Iceland, was the site of a volcanic eruption on January 14 that led to a

change in shape within the landscape, and travelers were required to take precautions while
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venturing into the region. The volcano ruptured the ground in two points at Reykjanes

Peninsula, and lava spread, changing the landscape around. The lava flows entered the town

of Grindavik, where about three homes were burnt, and 4000 people from this area around

ten kilometers southwest of Keflavik airport had been evacuated.

The eruption has some effects, which include people losing their homes while

properties were destroyed. The eruption led to the burning down of houses in Grindavik and

forced thousands from their homes. However, the additional emergency response costs

associated with such efforts as erecting protective barriers incur expenditure. The eruption

also raises concerns for the tourism industry, as travelers are advised to exercise caution and

monitor updates from Icelandic authorities.

Natural Hazard #4: Landslide in Yunnan Province, China

The event was exogenic

Location and Country: Liangshui Village, Tangfang Town, Zhaotong City, Yunnan

Province, China

Date: January 22, 2024

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URL: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/22/china/china-yunnan-landslide-intl-hnk/index.html

Description of the Natural Hazards Event

A devastating landslide hit Liangshui Village, Yunnan Province in China, leading to

the loss of many people and property. The landslide happened at dawn on January 22, 2048,

covering up the ground of eighteen houses and many people. The released landslide mass had

dimensions of about 100 meters wide and sixty meters high, with a thickness of

approximately six meters. The region above, which is approximately 150 meters above the

village, had heavy snowfall and freezing conditions when this happened. The landslide’s

effect has been catastrophic, causing the death of 31 people as of January 2024. Although

more than a thousand rescue volunteers were engaged in their work, including dogs, drones,

and other devices that helped find people after the accident, 13 victims of the tragedy are still

considered missing. More than 900 people were evacuated from the area.

The devastating landslide in Yunnan Province has caused massive economic and

human costs. The death of human life, destruction of property, and eviction from their homes

indicate the potential power that natural disasters bring to communities. The rescue workers

have worked tirelessly despite the difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions

characterized by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, which often resulted in life-

threatening avalanches. The isolated nature of the disaster area further exacerbates the

situation. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has directed local officials to intensify rescue efforts and

remain alert as Lunar New Year festivities get underway, stressing the need for preparedness

even among responders prior to emergencies in preparing residents’ jurisdictions against

future accidents.
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