The Impact of Natural Disasters in the USA - Research Paper Example

Assignment Background Disasters and Natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, volcano eruptions etc. always result in huge financial losses as they adversely affect economic growth and employment prospects within a certain state or county. North Dakota is a US state that has also observed different natural disasters such as Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Snow and Ice, Flooding, Ground Saturation, Landslides and Mudslides in last 35 years (that is from 1975 to 2010). However, the Red River Flood of 1997 has still been called as the most disastrous event. Dickey, Eastern Walsh County, Western Walsh County, Grand Forks, Pembina, Cass County and Williams among the counties and areas that have already received flood warnings from National Weather Service in 2010 (NWS Report, 2010). Indeed, the “heavy winter snowstorms in 1997 led to massive spring flooding along the Red River thereby resulting in migration and displacement of more than ten per cent (10%) citizens” in North Dakota. This not only hampered the economic growth because of a sudden seize in business activities but also disrupted the society at large. It is worthwhile to mention that the financial burden had to be absorbed by US government, which initiated the move to ensure settlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North Dakota with the assistance of International welfare agencies, Non-governmental and Inter governmental organizations. Some of the examples of flood related agencies include Red Cross, The Salvation Army, FEMA, North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, National Weather Service and others etc (Edward, 2000). It must be highlighted that North Dakota has already observed severe storms and flooding in March 2009 followed by recent flooding in March and April 2010 that in turn have increased vulnerability of residents of this state. In fact, residents of affected counties and areas are left with no other option but to migrate to safer places. This paper is an attempt to highlight the impact of natural disasters specifically on Cass County of North Dakota state. The paper will then throw light over the argument that vulnerability seems to be decreasing in Cass County because the experts have measured risk of only 1.4 out 10 in this particular area. In addition, the paper will also discuss any possible economic effects of flooding on Cass County and draw conclusions after analyzing the latest available information and facts. Finally, the paper will end up with a prediction about Cass County’s vulnerability and its future that will be supported by relevant literature. Source: http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/public_affairs/articles/docs/abi_hurricanes.htm This graph shows that number of bankruptcies decreased during 1997 after worst Red River Floods in North Dakota. Impacts of flooding on Cass County: The following table lists the current zoning status for each jurisdiction in Cass County: TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT Zoning Calvin Township Local Howard Township Local Jefferson Township Local Mason Township Local Milton Township Local LaGrange Township Local Marcellus Township Local Silver Creek Township Local Volinia Township Local Newberg Township None Ontwa Township Local Penn Township Local Pokagon Township Local Wayne Township Local Porter Township Local MUNICIPALITIES Zoning City of Dowagiac Local Village of Vandalia Local Village of Cassopolis Local Village of Edwardsburg Local Village of Marcellus Local Source: http://www.casscountymi.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=FIhLUXJJ30A%3D&tabid=56 The above mentioned towns, villages and areas are affected from the floods, wind storms, snow melting and heavy rain falls. The population of Cass County as estimated in 2000 was over 50,000 residents. The population growth rate has declined from 1998 – 2000 to just over 3% from over 120% during 1940 – 1980s mainly because of vulnerability to natural disasters that occur once or twice every year. Howard, Ontwa, Porter, and Silver Creek are among the counties that observed hefty growth in population During 1940 to 1980, however, since then the population growth rate has declined that to some extent has reduced the difficulties (for example settlement of residents) faced by authorities at the time of flood. (CCOEMR Report, 2010) According to data collected about Cass County in 2000, the total housing units reported to be over 23,800 while occupied units were around 19,900. The remainder of those units was vacant. In short, there was a surplus of housing units within Cass County. As far as the ownership structure is concerned, it must be pinpointed that 82% of units were occupied by the owners whereas 18% were rented. The reason for mentioning these statistics is that more than 64% of units are mobile homes (in comparison to conventional housing) that are no longer proven to be sustainable in flooding or thunderstorm conditions. In simple words, these mobile homes fail to provide satisfactory shelter to thousands of residents in any emergency conditions that often lead to casualties, deaths or injuries. In simple words, healthcare and medical costs skyrocketed during any emergency condition due to this housing / property structure. (CCOEMR Report, 2010) As far as transportation facilities including road networks such as highways, freeways or expressways are concerned, it must be pointed out that Cass County has road network of over 600 miles that benefits individuals, businesses and other communities in travelling and transportation of products. This is to highlight that Highway US-12 (that comes under authority of the Michigan Department of Transportation) is the only roadway of this type and runs East and West along the southern edge of Cass County. Indeed, there are no expressways or freeways in Cass County as the policy-makers of North Dakota have no paid any attention this aspect. This enables the author to conclude that immediate migration and settlement of affected citizens after extreme flood events or thunderstorms would become difficult to handle for concerned authorities due to availability of inadequate transportation facilities and road networks. (CCOEMR Report, 2010) The failure of dams due to floods may lead to water shortages for residential, commercial and agricultural use. Similarly, the dam failure will further intensify this problem and lead to downstream flooding. Obviously, Cass County would then have to suffer the loss of human lives, natural resources damage for miles downstream from the dam and loss of property assets that have to be re-built or reconstructed in the affected areas. Vulnerability seems to be decreasing: In addition to above mentioned information, it must be highlighted that risk of Thunderstorm Hazards such as Severe Winds, Lightning, Hail and Tornado is 8.45 out of 10. Unequivocally, this is highest compared to risk of flooding (Urban and Riverine) or excessive rains in areas as measured as 1.40 of 10 by experts and researchers. (CCOEMR Report, 2010) The first type of flooding is known as “Riverine flooding that refers to the sporadic occurrence of overbank flows of rivers and streams that result in either partial or complete inundation of the adjacent floodplain. Riverine Flooding occurs on river systems whose tributaries may drain large geographic areas and encompass many independent river basins. Floods on large river systems may continue for several days.” This type of flooding could be a result of single or a combination of different factors such as prolonged, heavy rainfalls, snowmelt, ice jams and dam failures that lead to overtopping. This flooding event may occur due to changes in temperature due to global warming issue that lead to snow melting and thus the overbank flows. It must be emphasized that Michigan is frequently affected from Riverine flooding; hence it is justified to conclude that Cass County, which is a part of Michigan city have to consider this menace of flooding. (CCOEMR Report, 2010) As far as second type of flooding is concerned, “Urban flooding refers to the overflow of storm sewer systems and is usually caused by inadequate drainage following heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt.” The two above mentioned types of flooding are usually considered a greater menace for other counties and rural areas in Michigan, however, the opposite is case when we evaluate the position and defense of Cass County. The reason behind it is the fact that ‘natural terrain and soil features provide a source of water drain-off’ (CCOEMR Report, 2010). In simple words, they serve as a major defense against heavy rainfalls, snow melting and flooding events. After taking into account the above mentioned reason, it is justified to conclude that Social Vulnerability against Flooding events in Cass County seems to be decreasing. Moving towards more details of the reason that has compelled the researcher to draw aforementioned inference, it must be highlighted that ‘Sandy soils’ play their vital role to drain the ‘standing water and to move it away from the surface’. In more simple words, the ‘natural terrain’ across Cass County itself is responsible for safeguarding the rural and urban areas from floods. However, it must not be forgotten that this ‘water movement through soil’ may result in water contamination, which is quite dangerous for drinking purpose. Nevertheless, the Cass County Emergency Management office, Rehabilitation firms and the policy makers who are responsible for preparation of contingency plans to cope with any unexpected and unpredictable natural disasters, have developed a strategy to adjust their existing construction procedure so that they could bring it in-line with their proposed emergency plans. Indeed, new standards and regulations are formulated and implemented to thwart construction and development in ‘few areas prone to flooding’. This is although a self-developed policy that aims to guard their natural resources and to minimize any flood-related property, financial and infrastructure damages followed by injuries and deaths. (CCOEMR Report, 2010) Another major reason that enabled me to conclude that vulnerability to Flooding in Cass County seems to be decreasing is that the law enforcement agencies and Cass County Water Resources authority play their vigilance role to monitor and report for every single movement in areas where major dams are located. Indeed, it is core responsibility of water resource agency to keep record of changes in water levels and to maintain a predefined water level for ‘adequate seasonal water depth’. The major reason behind it is that ‘Inadequate water levels’ are against the financial interests / objectives / goals and economic well-being of Cass County officials, mainly because it is a menace for growth of industries like ‘Tourism and recreational activities compared to a threat to homeowners’ (CCOEMR Report, 2010) Undoubtedly, the flooding events that disrupt water level in dams, ‘wetland/boggy areas’ are a major threat for agricultural economy of Cass County because they directly impact farmers who are mostly located in rural communities. In order to reduce their vulnerability, an insurance program has already been initiated namely “The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that offers flood insurance to homeowners who are located within a flood plain at a reduced rate.” This program will enable the homeowners to reduce their losses in case of any flooding event while improve their confidence to continue living in Cass County instead of migration. (CCOEMR Report, 2010) Economic Impact: Cass County’s economic growth could be affected by floods, heavy rains and snow melting in adjacent city such as Fargo (which is a business hub and center of many economic activities) and other small communities that are directly affected by the catastrophic Red River Floods in 2009 – 2010. It is worthwhile to mention that this flood resulted in migration of more than 1500 people whereas added to the miseries of thousands who tried to stop the river flowing into the city of Fargo. The first major economic impact is the costs of migration and settlement of residents who have to leave their affected areas. Indeed, providing shelter, food, clothing and medical facilities to these internally displaced persons for a certain time period have been a costly option for state government and concerned authorities. (Vaughn, 2010) and (Jervis, 2010) The second major impact on the economy is immediate closure of business units or slowdown in business and economic activities lead to unemployment and fall in state revenues from taxed that aggravate financial position and lead to credit crunch like situation because of a sharp decline in money circulation. The unemployment also reduces the aggregate consumption or demand across the cities within Cass County, which further reduces the production and manufacturing of products and finally leads to higher unemployment. Indeed, it must be pinpointed that closure of many business units due to floods lead to a reduction in purchasing power of potential buyers that in turn result in closure / under capacity of other enterprises due to fall in aggregate demand of goods and services. The third major economic consequence of floods in Cass County is renovation / repair / maintenance of property units that are affected by floods. It must be emphasized that most of the small community areas have to be developed from scratch that means the concerned authorities have to develop plans for mass construction of buildings and property units to resettle people in those areas. This obviously requires colossal budget and financial resources that are provided by rich North Dakota state government. In addition, the NGO’s and IGO’s also play their vital role in rehabilitation and reconstruction process. The fourth major economic impact could be to cope with issues of water shortage that is used for power generation. Without any doubt, this electricity is used not only by residents but also by commercial businesses that provide employment and tax revenues to domestic authorities. Indeed, manufacturing enterprises may not be able to utilize their maximum production capacity that will increase their costs of doing business while simultaneously reduce sales and profits. These firms could then consider the option of dismissing redundant employees (as a result of low productivity and sales) that would lead to unemployment within county’s rural and semi-urban areas. Future Prediction: Before predicting any event in near future, it is worthwhile to mention that Cass County so far has observed 7 to 8 flood events in last 14 years (i-e from 1996 – 2010). Some of these events, especially the excessive rainfalls and flood in 2008, did prove to be noxious and led to migration of residents. However, after analyzing the literature, the author can conclude that changes in global temperature due to increase in consumption of fossils fuels, in carbon / sulphur dioxide emissions and depletion of Ozone layer have changed the rate of floods / thunderstorms / snow and glacier melting in various regions across the globe. It is, therefore, predicted that Cass County will also face the threat of floods in every 2 years that could result in ‘severe or moderate damages’. Indeed, the social vulnerability has reduced in presence of newly developed Insurance policies that in turn would build trust and confidence of Cass County residents on their state and domestic governments. (CCOEMR Report, 2010) References: Flynn, Edward (2000). “BANKRUPTCY BY THE NUMBERS“. Available at http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/public_affairs/articles/docs/abi_hurricanes.htm NDDES Report (2010). “ND Department of Emergency Services” Available at http://www.nd.gov/des/uploads%5Cresources%5C574%5Chmgp-grantranks-1829.pdf NWS Report (2010) “Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for North Dakota Issued by the National Weather Service” Available at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/alerts/nd.html Vaughn, Christina (2010) “Rural Cass County family battles flood waters after heavy rain” http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/34053/ “Red River Flood of 2009 - 2010 Pictures and Videos” http://www.squidoo.com/2009fargo Jervis, Rick (2009) “Fargo readies for record flooding” Available at http://www.usatoday.com/weather/floods/2009-03-25-flooding-bismarck-fargo_N.htm CCOEMR - Cass County Office of Emergency Management Report (2010) “CASS COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN” Available at http://www.casscountymi.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=FIhLUXJJ30A%3D&tabid=56 Read More