Fig. 1 shows the projected path of Tropical Storm Lira across the fictional island country of San Isidro. The storm is expected to make landfall near Port N...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows the projected path of Tropical Storm Lira across the fictional island country of San Isidro. The storm is expected to make landfall near Port Nueva within 24 hours. A disaster-management team must decide how to protect people in coastal villages, a hospital on higher ground and farms beside the River Mando. The arrow on the map shows the predicted movement of the storm, while the shaded coastal zone may experience storm surge.
(a) State one hazard, other than strong winds, that is likely to affect Port Nueva. [2]
(b) Describe the location of the hospital in relation to the predicted storm-surge zone. [2]
(c) Explain why the River Mando farms may be vulnerable during Tropical Storm Lira. [4]
(d) Assess how far emergency preparation before landfall is more effective than responding after the storm has arrived. Use Fig. 1 and your own knowledge. [12]
Answer Details
(a) Two likely hazards at Port Nueva are storm surge and coastal flooding. Heavy rainfall, river flooding or landslides would also be creditworthy. A storm surge is an abnormal rise of sea level driven by the storm, which is especially dangerous at a coastal settlement. [2]
(b) The hospital is inland, away from the northern coast, and it is outside the marked storm-surge zone. The information also identifies it as being on higher ground. [2]
(c) Intense rainfall can increase River Mando's discharge. Because the farms are beside the river, they may be inundated when it floods. Saturated soils can damage crops and floodwater can erode fertile topsoil. Livestock may drown or lose shelter, and flooded routes may cut farms off from help or markets. [4]
(d) Preparation before landfall is generally the most effective way to reduce deaths because it acts before people are exposed to the hazard. Warnings can be issued early, and people in Port Nueva and other low-lying coastal areas can be evacuated from the storm-surge zone. Authorities can open shelters, secure homes and boats, protect hospital supplies and communications, and pre-position food, water and rescue teams. Figure 1 helps prioritise coastal settlements exposed to storm surge and farms beside River Mando that may flood.
However, preparation is not perfect. The predicted path and intensity may change, some people may not receive or trust warnings, and evacuation routes may be limited. Action after arrival is still essential: search and rescue, medical care, restoring water and electricity, and supplying isolated communities are all needed.
A justified conclusion is that preparation is more effective for reducing immediate loss of life, but post-storm response remains essential for rescue and recovery. [12]
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