With
its beautiful, pristine forests and snow-covered mountainous terrain,
Germany is arguably one of the most scenically beautiful countries in
the world. And even though this country is not exactly hazard-prone, it
does, however, have its fair share of natural hazards that cause severe
damage and economic loss. The most major natural hazards that occur in
this country are floods, storms, extreme temperatures, and earthquakes.
All of these risks have shown a profound spatial variability.
These natural hazards will continue to affect the lives of the residents in Germany unless measures are taken to reduce these risks. Risk management would include first identifying the hazards. The flood-prone areas in Germany are mainly the areas near the ocean, so making sure there are proper water channels that hold excess rain and ocean water would be a first priority in preventing surrounding infrastructure. Earthquakes in Germany are also prevalent and have caused landslides and rockslides that have resulted in massive devastation. There are mountainous highways in certain states in Germany that would need netting on slopes around the highways. Emergency shelters are a must-have in this country for every type of natural hazard, as well as an advanced warning system that warns residents of oncoming storms, earthquakes, and floods.
The areas in Germany at the most risk for the major hazards is the lower terrain areas, and the areas surrounding the ocean. Germany has a large coastline along the North Sea, spanning some 3,500 km and also 2,000 km along the Baltic Sea. The vulnerability in these areas is intensely high, but it is significantly lower along the Baltic Sea. So the areas along the North Sea would be of utmost concern when there is a chance of flooding.
These natural hazards will continue to affect the lives of the residents in Germany unless measures are taken to reduce these risks. Risk management would include first identifying the hazards. The flood-prone areas in Germany are mainly the areas near the ocean, so making sure there are proper water channels that hold excess rain and ocean water would be a first priority in preventing surrounding infrastructure. Earthquakes in Germany are also prevalent and have caused landslides and rockslides that have resulted in massive devastation. There are mountainous highways in certain states in Germany that would need netting on slopes around the highways. Emergency shelters are a must-have in this country for every type of natural hazard, as well as an advanced warning system that warns residents of oncoming storms, earthquakes, and floods.
The areas in Germany at the most risk for the major hazards is the lower terrain areas, and the areas surrounding the ocean. Germany has a large coastline along the North Sea, spanning some 3,500 km and also 2,000 km along the Baltic Sea. The vulnerability in these areas is intensely high, but it is significantly lower along the Baltic Sea. So the areas along the North Sea would be of utmost concern when there is a chance of flooding.
Germany
is considered a country that is relatively safe and it also boasts of a
high standard of living. But, like most countries, Germany does have
problems with natural hazards and battling the elements. Of all the
cities in Germany, Munich is considered one of the best areas to live
not only because of the low crime rate, but it is also geographically in
a safer area. If I were to build a house in this country, it would be
in Munich or surrounding areas.
References:
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11069-014-1265-6
http://www.thelocal.de/20140604/germanys-most-dangerous-and-safest-cities-crime-rates
http://www.thelocal.de/20140604/germanys-most-dangerous-and-safest-cities-crime-rates
