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Potential Value of Lead-time for
Different Hazards
Natural hazards are
normally classified by their onset time. Some are slow-onset and provide
lead-time for mitigative action. Slow-onset hazards include droughts, floods
and volcanic eruptions. Other events, such as flash floods, tsunamis and
cyclones, provide little or no lead-time for mitigation and preparedness
measures or appropriate warnings. Sufficient lead-time increases the
potential for saving lives, livestock, property and livelihoods of a
population at risk.
Listed below are the approximate lead times for a selection of slow- and
quick-onset natural hazards.
|
Slow-onset
natural hazards |
Lead-time |
Value of
lead-time |
|
Drought |
3-6 months |
Crops/agriculture/water management, food security |
|
Riverine Flood |
3-5 days |
Saving lives by
evacuation of people and livestock to safe havens |
|
Volcanic Eruption |
48 hours |
Saving lives by
evacuation of people and livestock to safe havens |
|
Quick-onset
natural hazards |
|
Flash-Flood |
6-18 hours |
Saving lives by
evacuation of people and livestock to safe havens |
|
Tsunami (Local) |
5 mins |
Saving lives by
evacuation of people and livestock to high ground |
|
Tsunami (Distant) |
3 hours |
Saving lives by
evacuation of people and livestock to high ground |
|
Storm/Cyclone |
48 hours |
Saving lives by
evacuation of people and livestock to safe havens |
|
Landslide |
1-2 hours |
Saving lives by
evacuation of people and livestock to safe havens |
|
Tornado |
1-12 hours |
Saving lives by
evacuation of people and livestock to safe havens |
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