Using Figures 10a, 10b, 10c and your own knowledge, assess the potential issues associated with managing this event - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1

Managing Hurricane Michael presents multiple challenges, primarily due to its intensity and rapid development.

Potential Hazards

The nature of hurricanes includes high wind speeds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and coastal flooding, as illustrated in Figure 10a and 10b. Each of these hazards poses unique risks:

• Wind Damage: The high winds can cause significant structural damage to buildings and trees, potentially leading to casualties.
• Flooding: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to severe flooding. Figure 10b indicates the amounts of rainfall that can be expected, which may exacerbate the flooding risk.
• Storm Surges: Areas close to the coast, like Mexico Beach shown in Figure 10c, are especially vulnerable to storm surges that can inundate properties.

Scale of the Event

The scale of Hurricane Michael requires meticulous planning and execution of response strategies. The timeline from its formation to landfall is crucial for timely evacuations and preparation. This rapid intensification, as can be seen from the track, complicates local preparedness efforts, as communities may not have adequate time to react.

Emergency Response Challenges

Human response to hurricanes involves various stakeholders including local emergency services, government agencies, and non-profits. Each has roles that need clear coordination. Challenges include:

• Information Dissemination: Ensuring that residents are aware of evacuation orders and risks is crucial.
• Resource Allocation: Limited resources may hinder effective response, particularly in less populated or vulnerable areas.

Long-term Management Issues

Post-event, the area will face extensive recovery efforts. The aftermath shown in Figure 10c underscores the destruction.

• Infrastructure Repair: Roads, electrical systems, and water supply must be restored to return to normalcy.
• Community Support: Assistance for affected residents is necessary, requiring funds and volunteers, which may be hampered by prior damage.

Conclusion

In summary, the management of Hurricane Michael encompasses immediate preparedness, response coordination, and long-term recovery processes. Each phase is fraught with challenges that require collaboration across various sectors to mitigate impacts effectively.