Page 20 - CAPE Caribbean Studies Study Guide Sample_Neat

2.6 Factors that promote or hinder development

IV: natural and human-made disasters

Learning outcomes Natural disasters

On completion of this section you Natural disasters can be categorised into the following areas:
should be able to :
Geological disasters
■ identify types of natural disasters
and hazards, and human-made ■ Earthquakes – these are caused by the movement of tectonic plates and
disasters can result in cracking of the ground, crumbling of buildings, fatalities
and loss of property. When people die the labour force is reduced, thus
■ explain their impact on Caribbean productivity falls.
development.
■ Volcanic eruptions – these occur when an active volcano releases lava,
volcanic rock and ash. They can be hazardous to health and property. Due
to health issues from the volcanic eruption, many people choose to move
away from the territory. Thus families and communities are separated
and the territory itself becomes less populated. This has occurred in
Montserrat with the eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano.
Hydrological disasters
■ Floods – these occur when lakes, rivers or streams overflow, and the
flood may destroy life and property in its path. When flooding occurs,
waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid may spread if sewage gets
mixed with the drinking water or contaminates food sources. There may
be an epidemic in the area and lives will be at risk.
■ Tsunamis – these are also known as a tidal waves. Tsunamis sometimes
occur as a result of an earthquake. They are gigantic waves that can drown
a whole city or seaside village. Kick ’em Jenny is an underwater volcano
Did you know? off the coast of Grenada. It is believed that if an eruption occurs, then the
upward thrust of the water from the eruption will create huge tsunamis
A natural hazard is a phenomenon that may affect neighbouring territories.
that has the potential to harm Meteorological disasters
humans, whereas a natural disaster is ■
the realisation of a natural hazard. Cyclonic storms – these are also known as typhoons, cyclones or
hurricanes and they form over large bodies of water such as an ocean.
These storms can flood any low-lying area and kill thousands of people.
Also, the high winds generated by the storm can destroy infrastructure
and homes and can lead to loss of life.
■ Droughts – lack of precipitation or rainfall can cause water sources to dry
out. People and livestock may die.
■ Fires – forest fires can be caused by extreme drought or by lightning strikes.

Impacts of disasters on development

Development can be impeded by the adverse effects disasters can have on
economic growth and poverty reduction, especially because governments can
never fully prepare for the magnitude and effects of disasters. They impact
the earning power of citizens, which in turn reduces GPD. In the Caribbean,
tourism and agriculture are often the most affected industries.
Disasters also affect human development, causing displacement, loss of life
or livelihood health care crises – often as a result of rises in disease cases and

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