Question

Which type of disaster is often human-made or human-influenced, as suggested by the categories?

• A. Cyclones
• B. Earthquakes
• C. Industrial Accidents
• D. Droughts

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Industrial Accidents

Industrial accidents fall squarely into the category of human-made disasters because their occurrence is directly linked to human activities, technological processes, and management of industrial operations.

• Origin in Human Activity: Industrial accidents stem from the design, operation, or maintenance of factories, plants, and other industrial facilities. They involve the handling, processing, or storage of materials and energy by humans.

• Causes: They are typically caused by:

  • Human Error: Mistakes by operators, technicians, or managers.

  • Equipment Failure: Malfunctions or breakdowns of machinery, often due to poor design, manufacturing defects, or inadequate maintenance.

  • Systemic Failures: Deficiencies in safety protocols, emergency response plans, or regulatory oversight.

  • Negligence: Failure to follow safety standards or take necessary precautions.

• Examples: Chemical spills, explosions in factories, oil refinery fires, and large-scale pollution events are all examples of industrial accidents that result from human technological endeavors.

While natural events might sometimes act as triggers or exacerbate an industrial accident (e.g., an earthquake damaging a chemical plant), the fundamental vulnerability and the primary cause of the disaster lie within the human-designed and operated industrial system, making them distinctively human-made.