The table below shows information recorded after Cyclone Idai affected settlements near Beira, Mozambique. Fig. 1 is a field sketch showing a low coastal se...
Question 1 Report
The table below shows information recorded after Cyclone Idai affected settlements near Beira, Mozambique. Fig. 1 is a field sketch showing a low coastal settlement, a river channel and a raised cyclone shelter. Emergency workers used this study figure when deciding which households needed help first. Tropical storms can bring strong winds, storm surges and intense rainfall at the same time.
| Zone | Mean house-floor height above ground (cm) | Maximum flood depth (m) | Households with access to a shelter (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal edge | 18 | 2.1 | 22 |
| River-bank area | 25 | 1.7 | 35 |
| Central settlement | 42 | 0.9 | 68 |
(a) Which zone in Table 1 should be prioritised for evacuation? Give two reasons. [3]
(b) Outline how the formation of a tropical storm depends on ocean and atmospheric conditions. [4]
(c) Explain why poorer communities can find it difficult to prepare for and recover from tropical storms such as Cyclone Idai. Use Fig. 1 and Table 1. [8]
Answer Details
(a) Coastal edge [1]; greatest flood depth, 2.1 m [1]; lowest shelter access, 22% / lowest floor height, 18 cm [1]. [3] (b) Sea temperature is at least about 27 degrees C [1]; evaporation supplies warm moist air [1]; air rises and cools so water vapour condenses [1]; latent heat release fuels further uplift / low pressure and rotating winds develop [1]. [4] (c) Any eight from: homes may be cheaply built / easily damaged by wind or water [1]; low floor levels allow floodwater to enter homes [1]; few people have access to raised shelters [1]; limited savings to buy supplies or rebuild [1]; weak roads or communications delay warnings and aid [1]; livelihoods such as fishing or farming can be destroyed [1]; loss of crops increases food insecurity [1]; limited insurance / credit [1]; health services may be overwhelmed [1]; people may have to remain in exposed areas because safer land is unaffordable [1]. [8]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
