OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
AND MANAGEMENT
2011
National
Primary School
Quiz
Study Guide
Table of Contents
Flooding
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Hurricanes .
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Landslides .
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Earthquakes.
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Tsunamis
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Fires .
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Pandemics .
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Glossary .
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Natural Causes of Flooding
Man Made Causes of Flooding
Consequences of Flooding
Before Flooding
During a Flood
After a Flood
Past Flooding Events
Hurricane Warnings
Main Features of a Hurricane
Before the Hurricane Season Begins
During a Hurricane
After a Hurricane
Causes of Landslides
Before a Landslide
During a Landslide
After a Landslide
Impacts of Earthquakes
Before an Earthquake
During an Earthquake
After an Earthquake
Causes of Tsunamis
Tsunami Warning Signs
How to protect yourself from a Tsunami
Causes of Fires
Before a Fire
During a Fire
Symptoms of H1N1
Warnings of H1N1
Preventative Measures against H1N1
Dengue
Preventative Measures against Dengue
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1
1.0 FLOODING
surface runoff which leads to flooding.
Figure 1.1 shows the extent of flooding that can
happen when heavy rain falls for a long period of
time. In September 2007, there was an unusual
amount of heavy rain that poured over Port of
Spain: over four feet (4ft) of water collected in
the streets of Port of Spain.
Trinidad and Tobago experiences two (2) seasons:
The dry season, which lasts from January to May
and the wet season which starts in June and ends
in December. Typically more rain is experienced
in the wet season, but heavy rain can fall at
any time. Therefore severe flooding events can
occur throughout the year. Flooding is the most
commonly occurring natural hazard in Trinidad
and Tobago. Flooding occurs when an area of
land, usually low lying, is covered with water
where there was none before.
2) Relief
Relief refers to the difference in height between
the highest point and the lowest point on land.
When rain falls, the surface runoff can move very
quickly from mountainous or hilly areas to low
lying areas, which causes these low lying areas
to flood. The land on either side of a river also
known as a floodplain, such as the land on either
side of the Caroni River becomes flooded when
the Caroni River overflows its banks (sides of the
river). During heavy rainfall, water enters into the
river, but sometimes that river is not big enough
to contain all the extra water, forcing the excess
water to spill over the sides of the river (riverbank)
and flow onto nearby flat land (Figure 1.2).
Usually when rain falls, some of the water enters
or infiltrates the soil. The remaining water that
is not absorbed by the soil would therefore flow
over the surface of the soil and is termed as
surface runoff. Initially, surface runoff may result
in flash flooding which quickly disappears when
it enters into drains. However, if there is too
much surface runoff as is the case when it rains
for a long time or if drains are few or blocked,
the water can gather on land and result in severe
flooding.
Natural causes of flooding include:
Flooding can occur naturally, but certain activities
of man can worsen flooding events. Some of
man’s actions can cause flooding events are:
1) Heavy Rain
1) Deforestation
When rain falls for a long period of time, the soil
can become saturated. Soil can be described
as saturated when all the airspaces found
between the soil particles are filled with water.
When water is unable to pass into the soil, it
is forced to flow over the soil, thus increasing
the surface runoff. Drains and other waterways
may be unable to hold or transport the increase
in surface runoff away from low lying areas
therefore resulting in flooding.
Deforestation is the removal or cutting down of
trees and other vegetation from land (Figure 1.3).
Trees increase the amount of water that enters
into the soil, reducing the amount of surface
runoff and, as a result, the amount of flooding
that takes place. The roots of trees also help to
keep soil firmly in place. Once the land is barren
or lacks trees and other vegetation, rain water is
able to wash away soil particles and rocks from
mountainous areas to low lying areas. The excess
soil transported to lower areas can eventually
end up in rivers; increasing the height of the
riverbed (area at the bottom of the river). The
rivers are then able to hold less water and this
increases the chance of flooding in areas near
these rivers.
When rain falls heavily, the rain drops hit the
ground with more force. This can cause the rain
drops to bounce off the soil instead of passing
into the soil. The water from the rain is forced
to flow over the surface instead, increasing the
Figure 1.1:
Showing a major
flooding event
in Port of Spain
in 2007 due to
unusually heavy
rain.
2
Figure 1.2:
Showing Trantrill
Road, located
on the Caroni
floodplain, being
flooded when
Caroni overflowed
its banks.
Figure 1.3:
Showing trees
being cleared from
the land in south
Trinidad.
2) Poor farming practices
even in the death of humans. The following are
some negative impacts of flooding on people:
Poor farming practices such as slash and burn
agriculture and overgrazing can result in increased
soil erosion. Soil erosion is the washing away of
soil by rain water or strong winds. When there
is soil erosion, the soil particles that are washed
away can end up in rivers and streams. When the
level of soil builds up on the riverbed, it causes the
riverbed to increase in height. This would mean
that the river would be able to hold less water.
Therefore when there is heavy rainfall, there
would be less room in the river to hold the extra
water and flooding occurs more easily and quickly.
1) Flood water can move very fast. In some cases,
flood waters can have an undercurrent that is
able to sweep humans and animals away and can
result in drowning.
2) People can drown in flood waters. It is
never safe to walk in flood waters even if the
water appears to be still or stagnant because
sometimes the water can be dangerously deep.
3) People can suffer from serious health issues
after severe flooding events, usually after
hurricanes or tropical storms. Diseases such as
malaria and dengue can become common.
3) Pollution/Littering
Garbage that is not properly disposed could
enter into drainage systems and clog the drains.
This prevents the free flow of the water that
enters into these drains, water backs up during
rainfall and the surrounding area then becomes
flooded. A build up of garbage can also prevent
the natural flow of water in rivers and streams
(Figure 1.4). When there is heavy rainfall, there
is no place for the water to flow and there would
come a point when the river would be unable to
carry all the excess water. The water would then
spill over the riverbanks and onto nearby land
causing flooding.
Before Flooding:
1) Before building, find out if the area has a high
risk of flooding - then find out how many feet
above ground level you need to build your house
to help protect it from flooding.
2) Ensure that drains are kept clean and free
of garbage. This would ensure that excess rain
water can flow freely and safely out of low lying
areas.
Consequences of Flooding:
3) Do not litter. Paper, bottles, cans and
styrofoam containers can clog drains. Do not
dispose of large appliances and unwanted
Flooding can result in damage to property, the
loss of agricultural crops, the loss of livestock and
3
Figure 1.4:
Showing how
garbage could
build up in river
causing the natural
flow of water to
be obstructed,
allowing flooding
to take place more
easily. (This photo
was not taken in
Trinidad or Tobago)
materials in rivers.
building if the relevant authority gives official
word that it is safe to do so.
4) Plant trees and other vegetation on slopes
near your home.
2) Do not drive into flooded areas even if the
water is not moving (stagnant).
5) Formulate an evacuation plan, in the event
that you and your family have to leave your
home.
3) Do not eat any food that may have come into
contact with flood waters.
6) Keep all important documents such as birth
papers, certificates and passports together and in
a water proof bag.
4) Do not touch live electrical cables or electrical
equipment in wet areas, as there may be danger
of electrocution.
7) If there are signs that flooding is about to
occur near your home, move important items to
a higher floor if possible.
5) Use extreme caution when entering flooded
buildings, there may be hidden damages to the
building making it unsafe.
8) Educate children about the dangers of playing
and walking in flood waters.
1) Stay indoors; do not go out into the flood waters.
6) Report damaged utility lines to the relevant
utility company: T&TEC, TSTT or WASA. Drink
only bottled water or water that has been boiled
for at least fifteen (15) minutes or until it reaches
boiling point.
2) Stay calm; listen to the radio or television for
information to know when it is safe to leave.
7) Drink only bottled water or water that has
been boiled for at least five (5) minutes.
3) Move to upper levels of buildings or houses if
the lower levels are threatened by flood waters.
8) Bury all dead animals as soon as possible.
During a Flood:
9) Check your homes for damages and repair
them immediately.
4) Do not drive in flood waters at all. Two feet
(2ft) of fast moving water can sweep away
most vehicles. Vehicles can also shut down in
flood waters. If floodwaters rise above your car,
abandon your car immediately.
10) Clear garbage from drains and channels near
your home.
The effects of flooding can be devastating, but if
we each do all that we can to reduce the causes
of flooding, then flooding events and even their
negative impacts can be reduced.
After a Flooding Event:
1) Avoid going out into flood waters. Dangerous
items such as broken glass could be hidden in
flood waters. Stay indoors and only leave the
4
2.0 HURRICANES
cause widespread damage when they make
landfall; that is, when they pass directly over
land. Some of the danger caused includes
damage to infrastructure such as buildings,
roads and bridges; loss of agricultural crops
and livestock (farm animals); and in some cases
human lives. This is why it is very important
that everyone is educated on how to prepare
themselves and their homes to withstand a
hurricane.
One of the most feared natural disasters that
commonly affect the Caribbean Islands is the
hurricane. A hurricane can be defined as a violent
storm that has surface winds with speeds of over
118 kilometers per hour (km/hr).
These powerful forces of nature are known to
Table 2.1: Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Category
Wind Speed(km/hr) Damage
1
119-153
Older mobile homes could be destroyed.
Poorly constructed homes could have their roofs blown off.
Unprotected windows may break if struck by flying debris.
The branches of large trees would snap and shallow rooted trees can be toppled.
2
154-177 Extremely dangerous winds can cause extensive damage.
Substantial risk of injury or death due to flying debris.
Older mobile homes have a high chance of being destroyed.
Well constructed homes can sustain major roof damage.
Near total power loss is expected with outages that could last from
several days to weeks.
Potable or drinkable water could become contaminated and
therefore become scarce.
3
178-209
Devastating damage will occur.
High risk of injury and even death to people and livestock.
Nearly all older mobile homes would be destroyed.
Poorly constructed homes can sustain complete collapse of walls as
well as the loss of roof structure.
Well built homes could also sustain damage with a loss of most of
the roof structure.
Numerous windows will be blown out of high rise buildings resulting
in falling glass, which could pose a threat from days to weeks after
the storm passes.
Electricity and water would be unavailable for several days to weeks
after the hurricane passes.
4
210-249 Catastrophic damage will occur.
High risk of injury or death due to flying debris.
Nearly all older mobile homes would be destroyed.
A high percentage of newer mobile homes would also be destroyed.
Poorly constructed homes can also sustain severe damage with loss
of most of the roof structure.
Well built homes could also sustain severe damage with loss of most
of the roof structure and some exterior walls.
There would be a high percentage of structural damage to top floors
of tall buildings.
5
Over 250
People and livestock are at a very high risk of injury or death from flying and falling debris, even if indoors!
There would be almost complete destruction of mobile homes
regardless of age or construction.
All unprotected windows and even many protected windows would
be affected by flying debris.
Nearly all windows of high rise buildings would be blown off.
Nearly all trees will be snapped or uprooted and power lines
downed.
Longterm water shortages will increase human suffering.
Source: NOAA
5
There is a six (6) month period, during which
hurricanes are most likely to develop. This
period is known as the Hurricane Season. In the
Caribbean, the Hurricane Season is said to begin
on the 1st June and end on the 30th November.
It is important to note however, that hurricanes
can occur beyond this period, though it is a very
rare occurrence. According to meteorologists,
or scientists who study the weather, most
hurricane activity takes place during the months
of August, September and October. The Trinidad
and Tobago Meteorological Service, also known
as the Met Office, is responsible for observing
weather in our twin island.
Hurricanes are perhaps the most devastating
natural disaster that affects all of the Caribbean
and this is due to three main features. These
features are:
1) Extremely powerful winds
2) Torrential/Heavy rain
3) Destructive storm surge
The extremely powerful winds easily uproot
trees, shrubs and other types of vegetation.
These winds also possess the ability to rip roofs
off of homes and other buildings. Signs and
outdoor furniture that isn’t firmly attached can
be made airborne, turning them into deadly
missiles. Power lines and other similar structures
could be pushed to the ground resulting in
massive power outages that could last for days
after the hurricane has passed.
Hurricanes can have varying strengths, depending
on the speed of the winds. The greater the wind
speed, the stronger the hurricane. The weakest
hurricane would be called a category one (1)
hurricane, while the most intense hurricane
would be termed a category five (5) hurricane.
Torrential or heavy rains are to blame for
the severe inland flooding that occurs during
hurricanes. Flooding is a natural disaster in itself.
Houses and possessions are destroyed by the
sheer force of these fast moving waters and
water supplies could become contaminated. The
torrential rain in combination with strong winds
batter homes and other buildings, sometimes
resulting in their complete destruction.
Meteorologists use the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale to decide the strength
of the hurricane. Table 2.1 shows what the
Saffir-Simpson Scale looks like. Meteorologists
compare the wind speed of the hurricane with
the wind speeds found in the Saffir-Simpson
Scale to determine the hurricane category. An
example of this would be: if a hurricane has a
wind speed of 160 km/hr, it would be considered
a category two (2) hurricane.
Storm surges are huge waves caused by storms.
The powerful hurricane winds apply pressure
or act on the surface of the sea, pushing water
towards the shore creating these large waves.
This of course leads to flooding of areas near the
shore which is termed coastal flooding. These
large waves that crash onto the coast can destroy
piers/jetties and other structures built along the
coast. The large waves and the forceful winds
beat against boats anchored in harbours, tossing
them around and in some cases completely
destroying them.
Hurricanes can result in destruction regardless
of their strengths, but hurricanes which are
category three (3) and higher are considered to
be major hurricanes. These have the potential to
cause the greatest damage.
When a hurricane forms, the exact position of
a hurricane can be detected due to pictures
obtained from satellites. A satellite is a manmade object that is able to take pictures of the
Earth from space. Meteorologists use these
satellite pictures as well as other instruments to
help track the movement of the hurricane.
Trinidad and Tobago has been very lucky to avoid
being directly hit by a hurricane in recent times.
The last hurricane to make landfall on Trinidad
and Tobago was Hurricane Flora in September
of 1963. Of the 7,500 houses on the island, 2,750
were destroyed and 3,500 were damaged. Fifty
percent (50%) of coconut and cocoa trees were
destroyed. Hurricane Flora caused eighteen (18)
deaths in Tobago and two (2) in Trinidad due to
drowning. Tropical Storms have made landfall
on Trinidad and Tobago in more recent times
though. Tropical storm Alma made landfall in
1974 and was responsible for two (2) deaths.
Tropical storms Arthur and Fran made landfall in
1990 and Bret in 1993.
If meteorologists think that a hurricane might
pass over or close to land, they would issue
bulletins to allow the public enough time to
prepare themselves for the oncoming hurricane.
There are two (2) different types of bulletins,
depending on how far away the hurricane is from
the island:
1) Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are
expected within forty eight (48) hours.
2) Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are
expected within thirty six (36) hours.
6
Even though Trinidad and Tobago has been spared
being directly affected by hurricanes in recent
times, the twin island has had some close calls:
such as canned foods and water supplies are
available.
6) Put together an emergency kit with items like
a working battery operated radio, flashlights,
batteries and a manual can opener in case
a power outage occurs. Also include any
medications that may be needed.
1) November 2010 - Trinidad and Tobago was
placed under Tropical Storm Warning due to how
close Tropical Storm Tomas was to the islands.
Even though the storm did not make landfall, it
caused widespread flooding in Tobago as well as
landslides. Two (2) homes in Delaford, Tobago
were completely destroyed!
7) Ensure there’s a well-stocked first aid kit.
8) Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
2) August 2007 - Trinidad was put under
Hurricane Watch due to Hurricane Felix passing
very near to the islands. The central and southern
parts of Trinidad experienced heavy rainfall and
as a result widespread flooding occurred.
9) Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed near homes
and remove branches that could damage your
home.
10) Ensure that lawn furniture and loose outdoor
items such as garbage cans and potted plants are
properly tied down.
3) July 2005 - When hurricane Emily passed
very near to the island, Trinidad and Tobago was
affected by widespread flooding and landslides
especially in the Northern Range. A house was
even swept away in Arima. The agricultural sector
was also severely affected when three hundred
and fifty (350) acres of rice was lost, amounting
to over one million dollars in damage.
11) Obtain and store materials such as plywood
to board up windows and glass doors, to help
keep them from shattering.
12) Place important documents such as birth
papers and passports in a waterproof bag and
keep them in an easily accessible location.
Knowing the damage that this natural disaster is
capable of causing, it is important to put the best
measures in place before the hurricane season
so that in the event that a hurricane does strike
you and your loved ones would be best protected
against any negative impacts that the hurricane
might cause. The following are important safety
tips that should be performed before, during and
after a hurricane occurs:
During a Hurricane:
1) Stay indoors and away from glass doors and
windows since these can shatter and cause injury.
2) Listen to your radio for official updates and
do not leave your home even if bad weather
conditions stop, since this doesn’t mean that the
hurricane is over. Those conditions could indicate
the presence of the hurricane eye. The Eye is a
region of light winds and fair weather that is found
at the center of a hurricane. It is usually referred to
as the calmest part of the hurricane.
Before the Hurricane Season Begins:
1) Learn the location of shelters closest to you
(visit the ODPM website: www.odpm.gov.tt).
2) If you live in coastal areas, learn safe routes
inland.
3) Only leave your home when it becomes
officially safe to do so.
3) Have your homes inspected for potential
problems that may happen during a hurricane;
if roofs are not very secure, hurricane straps or
metal bolts could be used, which would help
prevent roofs from being blown off by winds.
4) Review your evacuation plan.
After the Hurricane:
1) Stay indoors and listen to your radio to know if
there are still dangerous winds in your area.
4) Prepare a family plan so that household
members would know how to deal with injuries,
what should be done if you must evacuate,
where to meet and who to contact in cases
where separation occurs. Emergency telephone
numbers should also be posted in a visible
location.
2) Seek medical attention at first aid stations,
hospitals or clinics, if injured.
3) Beware of outdoor hazards such as downed
power lines and damaged roads.
4) Adults should check the home for any
structural damage.
5) Ensure that enough non-perishable food items
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5) Drink only bottled water/boiled water.
Hurricanes are violent storms capable of major
destruction as clearly seen in Figures 2.1, 2.2
and 2.3. It is always best to plan and to prepare
and to follow the guidelines outlined for before,
during and after a hurricane strikes so that the
possibility of injury and even death occurring is
greatly reduced. These precautionary measures
should also be carried out in cases of Tropical
Storms.
6) Use only dry or canned foods and throw away
any spoiled food.
The devastation caused by hurricanes on other
Caribbean islands is horrifying. The following
pictures show some of the devastation that
hurricanes are responsible for in our fellow
Caribbean islands.
Figure 2.1:
Showing how
Hurricane Ike
destroyed a main
bridge in Cuba in
2008.
Figure 2.2:
Showing the
obliteration of
the bridge that
connects Kingston
to St. Thomas by
the raging waters
of the Hope River
after Hurricane
Gustav made
landfall in Jamaica
in 2008.
Figure 2.3:
Showing
significant flooding
in Haiti after a
hurricane made
landfall in 2008.
8
3.0 LANDSLIDES
type of natural disaster and are the leading reason
for landslides occurring worldwide. Loose soil,
rocks and boulders can easily be removed from
hilly areas and allowed to move downhill when the
violent shaking of the ground occurs. Landslides
are more likely to take place when the earthquake
is of a high magnitude.
Landslides are a natural disaster than occur more
often than realised in Trinidad and Tobago but
what exactly is a landslide? A landslide is the
rapid mass movement of soil, mud and/or rocks
downhill due to the pull of gravity.
There are some activities of man that increases
the likelihood of the occurrence of landslides.
These activities usually result in land degradation
which is the depletion of the land’s natural trees,
vegetation and soil quality. This in effect leads
to the land becoming more vulnerable to soil
movement and more likely to suffer landslides.
Landslides can occur due to natural means;
however it is the activities of man that have
contributed to the increased occurrence
of landslides in recent years. Some of the
main natural factors that are responsible for
landslides are:
1) Heavy Rainfall
The following are the main activities that produce
landslides:
1) Deforestation
2) Quarrying/Rock Mining
3) Bad agricultural practices such as slash and
burn agriculture
Gravity is an invisible force that pulls all objects
towards Earth. When rain falls, water enters
or infiltrates into the soil which makes the soil
become heavier and therefore more vulnerable
to the pull of gravity. When soil absorbs all the
water that it is capable of holding, it is said to
be saturated. Soil is therefore its heaviest and
is therefore the most receptive to the effects of
gravity, when saturated. When large areas of soil
become saturated on steep slopes, the pull of
gravity causes the top layers of the soil to slide
downhill, therefore resulting in a landslide. Heavy
rainfall greatly increases the possibility of soil
becoming saturated within a very short space
of time, which can result in landslides. If a lot of
soil is moving downhill, rocks and large boulders
could be pushed downhill as well, which can
result in major damage to buildings and roads
found below. In November, 2004, two (2) people
were killed and five (5) others were injured when
a landslide occurred in Delaford, Tobago after
experiencing six (6) hours of heavy rains. The
roadway in the area was blocked off by debris
and one driver was killed when his vehicle was
covered with fallen soil material.
Deforestation is the removal or cutting down
of trees and other types of vegetation from the
land. The firm roots of the trees also help to keep
the soil in place, even when it absorbs water,
thus reducing the effects that gravity has on the
soil. It is when these trees are removed that the
bare and exposed soil is left defenseless against
the pulling force of gravity when saturated
since trees help to keep soil firmly in place. Soil
movement takes place more easily and rapidly
resulting in deadly landslides.
Quarrying or rock mining refers to the cutting
away or excavation of hilly or mountainous areas
so that rocks and minerals can be extracted from
the land. Quarrying is rampant in the Northern
Range and results in the land being left bare with
no trees or vegetation (Figure 3.1). Without trees
to hold the soil in place, soil movement occurs
easily and rapidly.
2) Earthquakes
An Earthquake is a tremor or movement in the
Earth’s crust. They are a deadly and unpredictable
There are guide lines that should be followed before,
during and after the occurrence of landslides:
Figure 3.1:
Showing
excavators cutting
into the land during
the quarrying of
a hill in Valencia,
Trinidad.
9
Before a Landslide:
try to take your belongings, just leave the area as
fast as possible.
1) Find out whether the area in which you live is
prone to landslides. Landslides usually occur in the
same areas, so if a landslide has occurred in your
area it would mean that the chances of another
landslide occurring in the future are high.
3) If driving, remain alert and look out for collapsed
or fallen pavements, mud and fallen rocks.
After a Landslide:
1) Don’t go into or return to an area that just
experienced a landslide since there may be
additional landslides. Only return to the area
once it is officially safe to do so.
2) If you live in a high risk area an evacuation
plan should be prepared.
3) Plant trees and other types of vegetation
that would help to stabilize or secure soil on the
slopes of your property.
2) Flooding may occur after a landslide since they
might be caused by the same factors.
4) Look for changes to your surroundings that
may signal the likelihood or chance of landslide
activity, such as leaning fences or walls.
3) Provide assistance to neighbours and to any
special needs individuals such as children and to
the elderly.
5) When driving along routes on hilly areas, such
as the roads to Maracas, drive with your windows
down and without music. This should be done so
that you would hear any unusual sounds such as
the knocking together of rocks or the cracking of
trees, which are warning signs of the possibility
of a landslide occurring.
4) Check your property for any structural damage.
5) Check for any damaged utility lines or ruptured
water mains. Report any damage that may have
occurred to the relevant utility company such as
T&TEC and WASA.
6) Also while driving along those areas, if you see
an abnormal amount of leaves from trees falling, it
could be the signal that a landslide is about to occur.
6) Replant damaged ground immediately since
soil erosion could be further caused by loss of
ground cover.
During a Landslide:
Landslides can sometimes be unpredictable and
are a reality in Trinidad and Tobago. Thankfully,
they usually occur in the same areas and this is
why people should learn if they live in a high risk
area and take the necessary precautions since this
can help to save not only your life, but also the
lives of your family members and neighbours.
1) If outdoors, try to get to the nearest high ground
in the direction away from the path of the landslide.
2) If you are at a river, be prepared to leave
the area immediately if there are signs that a
landslide has occurred higher upstream. Don’t
Figure 3.2:
Showing a backhoe
clearing away the
rest of the debris
that blocked the
North Coast Road
after a landslide in
2008.
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Figure 3.3:
Showing the
after effects of a
landslide that took
place in Petit Valley
in 2007.
4.0 Earthquakes
through the Earth resulting in the shaking of the
ground or what we call an earthquake.
An earthquake is a natural hazard which occurs
when the ground shakes or rocks violently. An
earthquake can take place at any time, day or
night, without any signs at all and is capable of
inflicting the same type of damage as a major
hurricane. This makes it the most unpredictable
and feared of all natural disasters.
The region where two or more plates meet is
known as a plate boundary.
Scientists, who study earthquakes, or
seismologists, are unable to predict or tell the
exact time and location that an earthquake
would strike. They are able to measure the
magnitude of an earthquake or the amount of
energy that is released from the earth when an
earthquake takes place. They use the Richter
scale for that purpose.
The earth is made up of four major layers: the
inner core, outer core, mantle and crust. The
crust is the outermost and thinnest layer of the
earth made out of rock. This layer of rock is not
one smooth continuous layer, in fact the rock
is broken into several large pieces that can fit
together like a jigsaw puzzle (Figure 4.1). These
pieces are known as tectonic plates. These
tectonic plates are able to move around and
interact with one another; sliding and bumping
into each other. When two or more of these
plates meet, they can lock or stick together,
similar to when your fingers interlock with each
other. The plates continue to move about trying
to get themselves unstuck from one another and
this causes energy to build up below the plates.
When the plates are able to break free from each
other, the built up energy is released moving
When an earthquake first takes place, it is known
as the main event. However, there may be a
series of smaller earthquakes that could occur
after the main one. These smaller earthquakes
are known as the aftershock and are capable of
causing further damage. The aftershock is just as
unpredictable as the main one.
An earthquake typically lasts under one (1)
minute or sixty (60) seconds, but the shaking
could be so violent at times to cause irreparable
damage.
There are many negative impacts that can
Figure 4.1:
Showing as the
different Tectonic
Plates.
11
occur after an earthquake, depending on its
magnitude. Some of the major impacts are as
follows:
of panic experienced and would therefore help
lessen any sort of confusion that occurs when a
disaster strikes.
1) Damage to infrastructure: includes the
destruction of buildings (Figure 4.2), bridges,
roads and power lines.
4) Identify safe places indoors and outdoors
where it is safe to be, such as under a sturdy
table or at the inside wall or corner of a building.
2) Landslides and Tsunamis could be as a result
of earthquakes of high magnitudes. Landslides
and tsunamis are natural disasters in their
own right and are capable of causing mass
destruction. The strongest earthquake ever
recorded in the world was a 9.5 earthquake
that affected Chile in 1960. The earthquake
was powerful enough to cause a Tsunami that
affected southern Chile, Hawaii, Japan, the
Philippines, New Zealand and Australia.
During an Earthquake:
1) First of all, it is important to stay calm and not
to panic.
2) If indoors, do not run outside.
3) If, indoors, find a sturdy table or a sturdy
piece of furniture to get under, curl into a
ball and hold on (Figure 4.3) or stand under a
strong doorway. Don’t go anywhere near glass
windows or doors, since these can shatter.
3) Death: people are unfortunately claimed as
victims, but the amount of people that can lose
their lives could be decreased if people properly
educate themselves on how to act during such
a disaster.
4) Do not use elevators or stairs
5) Move away from heavy objects such as
bookcases and cupboards.
Since earthquake events CANNOT be predicted,
there is no given time in which to prepare for
this type of disaster. This is why it is necessary to
safeguard your homes and other structures when
they are being built.
6) If outside, try to get as far away as possible
from power lines and buildings from which debris
can fall.
After an Earthquake:
1) Do a head count to ensure that everybody is
safely out of the building.
Before an Earthquake:
1) Follow building codes when constructing
homes and other buildings. Building codes are
a set of standards that ensures that all buildings
are built as strong as possible. Buildings that
are not built on a strong foundation or are not
built on sturdy ground are more susceptible
to sustaining damage during an earthquake.
Earthquakes are also known to cause cracks in
the foundation and walls of structures, which can
further threaten the stability of the structures.
The 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti in January
2010, caused much more structural damage than
the 8.8 earthquake that hit Chile in February,
2010, even though the magnitude was lower
because of how the buildings were constructed.
The buildings in Chile were built stronger and
therefore better able to withstand the violent
shaking of the earthquake.
2) Check water mains and utility lines for
damages. Report any damages to the relevant
utility company such as T&TEC and WASA.
3) Check the walls and ceilings for any structural
damage and evacuate if there is any threat of
collapse.
4) Check for injuries and seek medical attention
or use a first aid kit if the injuries are not too
serious.
5) Turn on a radio and listen for emergency
bulletins.
6) Stay away from areas prone to landslides.
7) Be prepared for aftershocks.
2) Bolt down bookshelves and other similar
objects to the ground and to the walls to prevent
them from toppling over during an earthquake.
Place heavy objects on bottom shelves.
8) Help your neighbours as much as possible.
Some significant earthquakes that have affected
Trinidad and Tobago in the past are:
3) Prepare and practice an evacuation route
with all family members. When you perform
evacuation drills, it would help decrease the level
1) In 1766, an earthquake measuring a 7.9 on the
Richter scale destroyed San Jose, which was the
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capital city at the time.
Islands that are located in the Eastern Caribbean
are susceptible to earthquakes due to the
amount of seismic activity (activity responsible
for earthquakes) that occurs in this region. This
means that Trinidad and Tobago is vulnerable to
experiencing earthquakes since the islands are part
of the Eastern Caribbean. Once again countless lives
can be saved if the necessary precautions are taken
to protect our homes from the disastrous effects of
these unpredictable killers.
2) In 1997, a 6.1 earthquake injured two (2) and
left fifteen (15) homeless in Tobago. It caused
an estimated twenty five (25) million US dollars
worth of damages.
3) In 2000, a 5.8 earthquake affected Trinidad.
A sewer line at a primary school in Preysal was
ruptured. The effects of the earthquake were felt
as far away as St. Vincent.
Figure 4.2:
Showing a home
destroyed by an
earthquake in
Tobago and the
importance of
following proper
building codes
when constructing
homes and other
structures.
Figure 4.3:
Showing the
safest way to
protect yourself
in the event of an
earthquake.
13
5.0 Tsunamis
Tsunamis can be defined as large destructive
waves that are generated by large underwater
disturbances. Scientists have identified four (4)
major events that allow these destructive waves
to form. These events are as follows:
that occurred off the coast of Sumatra that was
responsible for the Tsunami. In 2011, Japan also
suffered severe damage due to a tsunami that
was triggered by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake
(Figures 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3). The tsunami resulted
in the loss of over 12,000 lives, with over 14,000
persons still missing. The waves were strong
enough to completely destroy over 14,000
buildings. According to the Pacific Tsunami
Warning Center (PTWC), Haiti also suffered the
effects of a minor tsunami after it was struck by
an earthquake in January, 2010. Homes near the
coast were flooded out and in some cases even
destroyed. Tsunamis can also be as unpredictable
as the earthquakes from which they are derived.
If the initiating earthquake occurs very close to
the coastline, then as a result a tsunami could
strike the shoreline within minutes. If the source
of the earthquake is a far distance away from the
shore, then it could be hours before the tsunami
strikes.
1) Earthquakes
2) Volcanic Eruptions
Earthquakes that occur under the sea (Submarine
Earthquakes) or near to coastlines can lead to
a tsunami. The size of the resulting tsunami
is usually directly related to the size of the
earthquake that causes the tsunami, in that, the
larger the magnitude of the earthquake, the
larger the tsunami. The 2004 Sumatra tsunami
is a perfect example, since it was an underwater
earthquake measuring a 9.1 on the Richter scale
When the Indonesian volcano, Krakatau, erupted
in 1883, three tsunamis were generated that
killed about 36 417 people.
In 2004, the Sumatra Tsunami was responsible
for the deaths of over 250 000 people and
affected over eleven (11) countries including
Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia,
Kenya and Somalia, making it the deadliest
natural disaster in recent times. Most people
believe that a tsunami is just one huge wave
that crashes onto the coast but in fact, a tsunami
consists of a series of large forceful waves
referred to as the wave train. These waves could
range in height from a couple of feet to over a
hundred (100) feet.
3) Landslides
One of the largest tsunamis, whose waves
measured over one hundred feet (100ft), was a
consequence (result) of a large scale landslide in
Alaska in 1958.
Figure 5.1:
Showing how
tsunami waves look,
they are not crystal
clear blue water like
Hawaiian waves.
The waves contain
material from the
ocean bed and
debris. (Tsunami
that affected Japan
in 2011).
Figure 5.2:
Showing the
effects of the
2011 Japanese
Tsunami, buildings
and homes were
reduced to rubble
after the event.
14
Figure 5.3:
Showing some
of the damages
that were done by
Japanese Tsunami
in 2011.
Figure 5.4:
Showing an aerial
view of what
Banda Aceh,
Indonesia looked
like before and
after the 2004
tsunami.
4) Meteorite Impacts
signs include:
A meteorite is a large rock from space that strikes
the earth. If this were to happen, the force of
impact can be so strong as to cause a powerful
and deadly tsunami. Historically, an event
such as previously described has never been
documented but is considered to be a possibility.
1) Severe ground shaking/earthquake: A strong
earthquake lasting twenty (20) seconds or more
near the coast is capable of triggering a tsunami.
2) A noticeable rise and fall in coastal waters.
When a tsunami is approaching, the water may
recede or move (back) a very far distance away
from the coast to such an extent as to expose
natural reefs and fishes.
Most of the catastrophic destruction inflicted by
a tsunami is mainly due to the destructive nature
of the waves themselves, however these huge
waves could contain within them debris that
could smash into buildings and other structures,
resulting in further damage. Tsunamis can
also cause severe coastal flooding which can
reach far distances inland (Figure 5.3). It also
demonstrates how vulnerable islands could be to
the catastrophic effects of tsunamis.
3) An approaching tsunami would make a very
loud ‘roaring’ sound which is quite similar to that
of a jet aircraft.
If you live within three kilometers (3km) from the
coast, then your home would be at risk of feeling
the impacts of a tsunami should one strike. It is
therefore important that the fastest route (way)
to get to higher ground is mapped out and an
evacuation plan be created and discussed with all
the members of the family. The same rules apply
if you are vacationing near a coastal area. It is
essential to find out if there is there is a tsunami
Trinidad and Tobago has been fortunate enough
to have never experienced a tsunami but we
are an island nation and therefore certain
precautionary measures must be put in place.
Firstly one must learn to recognize the warning
signs of a possible tsunami strike. These warning
15
evacuation plan at the hotel and how you can be
warned.
After a tsunami event, listen to a radio to get
the latest emergency information. Do not go
in flood waters since their depths can easily be
underestimated (misread) which can lead to
drowning. Stay out of damaged buildings and
report any damaged waterlines and electricity
poles to the relevant authority. Drink only bottled
water or water that has been boiled for at least
fifteen (15) minutes. Do not eat food that has
been in contact with flood water, and eat only
perishable food.
Learning what to do in the event of a tsunami is
also of critical importance and could help to save
your life as well as the lives of your loved ones.
Therefore if you observe any of the tsunami
warning signs, you must try to get to higher
ground immediately. Do not wait until you get an
official tsunami warning to leave the beach. In the
case where you feel an earthquake on the beach,
it is firstly important that you protect yourself from
the earthquake. Once the earthquake stops, you
must immediately leave the beach and try to get
to higher land as quickly as possible. If you are in
a building near the coast, move to a high story or
onto the roof to escape rising waters. If you are
unable to get to higher ground fast enough, climb
a tree and hold onto a branch very tightly.
Citizens should be tsunami smart especially
since Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island nation,
completely surrounded by water. Tsunamis could
sometimes be unpredictable and are certainly
deadly, therefore it is of utmost importance that
people learn to identify the warning signs and
educate themselves on the actions that should
be undertaking if any of the warning signs are
observed.
It is important to remember that a tsunami
consists of a series of waves so it would be
unsafe to try to return to coastal areas before
official word that it is safe to return is released.
Be tsunami smart!
6.0 FIRES
flooding events occurring. It is important to note
that bush fires occur the most during the months
of February to May, in Trinidad and Tobago.
Fires occur naturally, when lightning strikes dry
vegetation or by volcanic eruptions, but in the
Caribbean, especially in Trinidad and Tobago,
fires are chiefly caused by man’s actions, whether
deliberate or accidental.
3) Electrical fires can start due to faulty electrical
appliances. Fires can also start when certain
electrical appliances are left plugged in and
unattended. When curling heaters and ironers
are left on unsupervised, the heat produced
by these appliances could ignite or set fire to
flammable objects.
Fires can start due to a multitude of reasons but
the major ones are:
1) The careless discarding of cigarette butts in
vegetated areas or near flammable objects. Any
material that can catch on fire easily and burn
rapidly can be described as flammable.
4) Another form of human negligence that can
cause a fire is when heat sources such as lit
candles and stoves are left unattended. This
reason combined with the amount of electrical
appliances that are found in the kitchen, makes
it one of the most common rooms in the home
where fires begin.
2) Poor agricultural practices such as that of
slash and burn agriculture (Figure 6.1) is the
main cause of bush or wild fires in Trinidad and
Tobago. It is considered to be a time effective
method by which existing vegetation could
be removed from land, so that a new set of
crops could be planted. What people fail to
realize about this practice is that not only is the
vegetation being removed but the nutrients
found in the soil needed for plants to grow are
also being burnt. Slash and burn agriculture can
ironically cause the land to become infertile and
incapable of allowing plants to grow (Figure 6.2).
This increases the possibility of landslides and
Fires can start through accidental and
simple means, but fires can quickly become
uncontrollable and turn deadly once three (3)
things are present. The three (3) factors that
must be present in order for a fire to start and
to persist are:
1) An ignition source. This is a heat source that
has enough energy to ignite (set fire to) a material.
Example of ignition sources would be lighters,
matches and an electric spark to name a few.
16
Figure 6.1:
Showing how
the practice of
slash and burn
agriculture is
carried out in
Trinidad.
Figure 6.2:
showing what the
land looks like after
the vegetation
has been removed
by forest fires in
Trinidad.
2) Flammable or combustible materials must be
present. These are any materials or objects that
can burn easily such as vegetation, wood and
even liquids such as oil and gasoline.
members remember what they should do in the
event of a fire. This can help to prevent family
members from panicking excessively when
there’s a fire.
3) An adequate supply of oxygen.
5) Regularly check for faulty wiring and repair any
errors at once.
Fires can happen when you least expect them
and could be caused by an unlikely source. This
is why it is necessary to do all that we can to
decrease the possibility of a fire occurring in our
homes.
6) Always turn off the gas from cooking tanks
when not in use and check for leaks.
7) Unplug all electrical appliances after being
used and never leave any lit heat sources such as
stoves and candles unattended.
Before a Fire
1) Obtain a fire extinguisher and ensure that all
family members learn how to use it. The fire
extinguishers should be kept in a location that is
visible to and accessible by all. Fire extinguishers
should also be serviced or maintain regularly to
ensure that they continue to work.
8) Smoke alarms could be placed in all rooms of
the house.
Educating yourself and others on what to do
should a fire occur can help to save yours or
someone else’s life. Most people try to protect
themselves from the flames of a fire but it is the
breathing in of the smoke that is responsible
for the most amounts of deaths. Having the
knowledge and practicing it also helps to reduce
the level of panic that one may experience during
such a traumatizing event. This can help one to
escape from a fire unharmed.
2) All children must be taught that playing with
matches is wrong and dangerous. Matches and
lighters should also be kept in places where
children can’t reach or see them.
3) Ensure that all keys for windows and doors are
visible and accessible to all members of the family.
During a Fire
4) Create an evacuation plan and perform
practice drills from time to time so that all family
1) Don’t stop to investigate the fire or look for pets.
17
2) Evacuate the building if the fire is too big to
control.
don’t open it because that warmth is a sign that the
fire has reached to the other side of the door.
3) If there is a lot of smoke cover your nose and
mouth with a wet cloth and stay as low to as the
ground as possible until you escape from the
building.
7) Once out of the building, stay out of the building.
Do not return into a burning building. If someone is
still inside, immediately inform a fireman.
8) After a fire event immediately seek medical
attention if you inhale smoke or suffered any burns.
4) If your clothing has caught on fire, Stop Drop and
Roll. Do not run.
Although fires can occur due to natural causes,
most of the fires in Trinidad and Tobago are mainly
due to either the deliberate or accidental actions of
man. By educating people on the causes of fires and
how to quickly react to them, the negative effects of
fires can be decreased.
5) Contact the nearest fire station (990) and report
the fire as soon as possible.
6) When escaping check for the warmth of the door
with the back of your hand. If the door is warm,
7.0 Pandemics
A pandemic is an outbreak of an infectious
disease affecting human populations over a large
region example in tropical areas or around the
world. A major pandemic that have affected
Trinidad and Tobago in recent times is Dengue.
Figure 7.2: Showing the distinctive white spots
found on the Aedes aegytpi mosquito.
Dengue is common in tropical areas like the
Caribbean, Africa and Asia and it is a virus that
CANNOT be passed directly from one person to
a next. Instead dengue can only be transmitted
from one human to another via a vector, which
is an organism that is able to transmit a disease.
The vector responsible for transmitting dengue
from one human to the next is the Aedes aegytpi
mosquito (Figure 7.2).
Symptoms of DHF include:
• Abdominal pain
• Hemorrhaging (bleeding)
• Shock which occurs after two to six (2-6) days
• Continuous fever and headache
• Respiratory problems
• Cool clammy hands
• Weak pulse
• Blueness around the mouth
• Blood spots on skin and blood in stool
• Bleeding gums
• Nosebleeds
A person can start showing symptoms of
dengue after four to six (4-6) days have passed.
Dengue symptoms are also similar to that of the
common cold.
Symptoms of Dengue:
There are no vaccines for dengue or dengue
hemorrhaging fever. A person can recover
from dengue by getting plenty of rest, fluids or
by taking medication such as Paracetamol or
Acetaminophen (Panadol / Tylenol.) Avoid taking
medication such as Aspirin, Motrin, Cataflam,
Olfen or Ibuprofen. These can cause bleeding
which leads to shock. The most important thing
to do to help one recover from dengue would be
to drink lots of fluid.
• Fever
• Joint and bone pains
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• A rash may occur three to four days after the
person starts suffering from fever
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a more
severe form of the dengue virus. The symptoms
are more severe than the dengue virus, though
they are very similar.
Prevention is always better than a cure therefore
if people take steps in preventing the breeding
18
of mosquitoes or take precautions against being
bitten by mosquitoes, dengue outbreaks can be
better controlled. The Ministry of Health advises
that some proactive measures that people can
take to decrease the breeding of mosquitoes
and the spreading of dengue include:
• Properly covering all water storage containers
like barrels and buckets with a cover or with a
material that wouldn’t allow mosquitoes to get in.
• Emptying and scrubbing vases
• Getting rid of all unwanted containers that
water can collect in and around the home. This
is an effective method since mosquitoes breed in
still or stagnant water.
• Using mosquito repellent sprays
• Clearing gutters and drains of all debris
Dengue can be very deadly diseases but only if
we allow them to. Taking preventative measures
is the best defense against these and any other
diseases.
• Dispose of garbage around homes such as
styrofoam cups and containers, old tyres.
19
Glossary
Aftershock: Smaller earthquake that takes place after the largest or main earthquake
Coastal Flooding: Flooding that occurs in coastal areas because of sea water moving more inland
Crust: The outermost layer of the Earth made out of rock which is not continuous but in fact broken
into several larger pieces called Tectonic Plates
Deforestation: The process of cutting trees and other types of vegetation from the land
Earthquake: A natural hazard which occurs when the ground shakes or rocks violently
Flammable Material: Materials that can be easily burned
Floodplain: Land that is directly adjacent to rivers; this land is usually low lying and is easily flooded
Gravity: Gravity is an invisible force that pulls all objects towards Earth
Hurricane: A hurricane can be defined as a violent storm that has surface winds with speeds of over
118 kilometers per hour (km/hr).
Hurricane Season: A six (6) month period during which hurricanes are most likely to occur. It starts on
June 1st and ends on 30th November
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within thirty six (36) hours.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are expected within forty eight (48) hours.
Landfall: A hurricane is said to make landfall which it directly passes over land
Landslide: A landslide is the rapid mass movement of soil, mud and/or rocks downhill due to the pull
of gravity
Meteorologists: Scientists who study the weather
Met Office: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services Division: responsible for monitoring the
weather and making weather predictions.
Pandemic: An outbreak of an infectious disease affecting human populations over a large region
example in tropical areas or around the world
Plate Boundary: The place where two or more tectonic plates meet
Quarrying: This refers to the cutting away or excavation of hilly or mountainous areas so that rocks
and minerals can be extracted from the land
Relief: This refers to the highest and lowest points on land
Richter Scale: Registers the magnitude of an earthquake
Riverbank: The sloped piece of land directly adjacent to any waterway
Riverbed: The land directly over which the river naturally flows/ the bottom of a river channel
Saffir-Simpson Scale: Scale used to classify hurricanes according to their strengths. It also informs on
what type of damage would be expect for a hurricane of a certain category.
Saturated Soil: Soil that has absorbed all the water that it can hold
Seismologist: A scientist who studies earthquakes
Slash And Burn Agriculture: A farming practice used to remove existing vegetation from the land by
burning it
Storm Surge: Temporary rise in sea level, near coastal areas, due to adverse weather conditions
Submarine Earthquakes: Earthquakes that takes place undersea or beneath the ocean
Tsunami: A tsunami can be defined as large destructive waves that are generated by large underwater
disturbances
Vector: Any organism that transmits a disease from one person to another
Viral Disease: A disease caused by a virus
20
21
National Disaster Preparedness Primary School’s Quiz 2011
For further information: www.odpm.gov.tt
For quiz information contact:
Colthrust PR Ltd, 56 Alfredo Street, Woodbrook
Tel: 221-6154, Fax: 628-9664