compoundhazard

Compound hazard refers to a situation where multiple hazards combine or interact to create a more severe or complex risk than any single hazard would pose on its own. These hazards can be of the same type or different types, and their interaction can lead to synergistic effects, meaning the combined impact is greater than the sum of their individual impacts.

Examples of compound hazards include a heatwave followed by a drought, leading to increased wildfire risk and water scarcity. Another example is a hurricane that causes storm surge, heavy rainfall, and high winds simultaneously, resulting in widespread flooding, structural damage, and power outages. The aftermath of one hazard can also exacerbate another; for instance, damage from an earthquake might hinder rescue efforts during a subsequent flood.

Understanding compound hazards is crucial for effective risk assessment and disaster preparedness. It requires considering not only individual hazard probabilities but also the potential for their co-occurrence and interaction. Mitigation and response strategies need to account for these complex scenarios to ensure comprehensive protection and recovery. This approach moves beyond single-event thinking to a more integrated understanding of interconnected risks.