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
Hi Kara! Great post on your country Germany. Germany seem like such an interesting place and I have heard so many great things about it. That was interesting to read what you had to say about the infrastructure and earthquakes. I believe that netting in areas with slopes as you mentioned would be a good idea in order to prevent any collisions incase of an earthquake. Also, emergency shelters would be a really good thing as well, because sometimes you may never know what can happen so it is always best to be prepared and to keep the citizens safe in case of any natural hazard were to occur.
ReplyDeleteDear Kara,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your chose hazard, mainly flooding. It seems the country has a widespread problem (lots of rivers and low/coastal areas) although I saw a federal state it its SW where 95% of all households have flood insurance, which is good. Maybe that would be also a place you’d building on? FYI. In your chosen area’ federal state (near Munich) there is a 21% flood coverage for all households [http://www.journalriskcrisis.com/germany-campaigns-promoting-natural-hazards-insurance-pay-off/]. Maybe try to encourage those people to get some sort of flood insurance as a measure?
A very complete final report-Thank you for sharing with us Germany!
My chosen country was Egypt and like Germany it experiences flooding as well. I would add public awareness to your list of suggestions to improve hazard prevention precautions. Knowing is only half the battle and when people aren't aware they can not take precautionary actions. It is nice to hear Germany is such a safe place.
ReplyDeleteI never knew Germany has a lot of low coastal areas that caused flooding a lot. My country Costa Rica, does not experience a lot of flooding but they do experience some and I know how important it is to be prepared for this natural hazard because not only can it be dangerous for citizens, but it can also lead to many other causes and expenses. Other than flooding, what you talked about, it seems like Germany does not have many issues frequently to deal with and that it is fairly more safe than other countries. I would love to visit one day!
ReplyDelete