Coastal Hazards

As it explains in the book, coastal erosion is becoming recognized as a serious national and worldwide problem because of continuing global rise in sea-level and expensive development in the coastal zone (Keller 377). Peru is no exception. I was not able to find many articles explaining Peru’s coastal problems, I did find a few examples.

As I was doing research, I read that the sand takes in the energy of the waves. Well, in the ANCA 24 article Carlos Bocanegra, biologist and ecologist, said Peru's erosion problem is due to climate change and "human factors." Those factors being a decease of sand. One being, the dunes in the region of La Libertad no longer existing. The second being, "builders of the Moche and Viru rivers decreased their supply of sand to beaches." The third reason being, houses being built in the desert interfering with the wind transporting sand. And lastly, "the construction of the port structure which blew part of the Cerro Carretas [which,] was a natural shade that originated then sand drift[ed] into areas sensitive to erosion."

In the Living in Peru article, a local resident wrote that Huanchaco lost 200 meters of beach when it was hit by strong waves. It was later explained that the district mayor did not do much to prevent further damage. (He added long stones and rocks in front of the ocean essentially, building a barrier.) It was expressed that the residents did not agree with the "solution" and are called on authorities to do more. 

References: 

ANCA24canada; In Peru, the erosion kills the coastal marine ecosystem

Keith Meldahl; Wave Refraction

Keller, Edward A., et al. Natural Hazards, Earth's Processes as Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes. Fourth Edition. 20

 

Living in Peru; Huanchaco Loses 200 meters of Beach to Strong Wave Erosion

Blizzards in the UK

This week I have stepped away from Peru's rainfall and will be discussing blizzards that occurred earlier this year in the United Kingdom (UK).  

Beast of the East striking London taken from police helicopter

As I was doing research for this week, I discovered two storms/blizzards: Storm Emma and the Beast of the East. I then found that, combined they caused the worst weather in the UK in years.

First, let me explain what a blizzard is. A blizzard is a severe storm that produces a large amount of falling and/or blowing snow that lowers visibility for long periods of time (Keller 311). In the UK's case, two blizzards hit them causing death and destruction.

The blizzards produced 50cm of snow and temperatures plunged. This caused the Met Office to issue a red warning, meaning "Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely" (Guardian). But thousands of drivers ignored the warnings and were stranded on the roads. (The Guardian) I was not able to find an exact number of people that died or were injured due to the blizzards but The Guardian article lists a few of the victims. Some of the victims include a 7-year-old girl who was hit by a car, a van driver in a collision, and two teenage boys who were injured due to being getting stuck under a fallen tree.

Emergency services tried to clear heavy snow and cars that broke down or crashed. The Environment Agency as issued flood warnings for parts of Cornwall's south coast. In Lincolnshire, local authorities enlisted the help of ten RAF vehicles to transport doctors and patients. All the trains, thousands of school and hospital operations and, hundreds of flights were cancelled. (Guardian) 

I have provided two videos. The first one was shot by the National Police Air Service in London and provides an aerial view of the Beast of the East. The second video is from The Guardian and shows the storm from a ground view. 

References:

Business Insider; An insane photo shows the 'Beast of the East'...

The Guardian; Beast of the East meets storm Emma, causing UK's worst weather in years

Keller, Edward A., et al. Natural Hazards, Earth's Processes as Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes. Fourth Edition. 20

NPAS London Twitter; Video of snowy front