Week 16: Blog Final

 Egypt is prone to facing several sorts of different hazards, such as water scarcity or wildfires. However, there are some that become more common than others; making them more hazardous. And these hazards are river floods, and extreme heats; both of which can be considered life threatening- hence the reason I decided to discuss about these specific hazards and have them addressed as priority.

River floods refer to when the water level within rivers rises higher than it should be and ends it streaming out, and reaching land. Common causes for this includes excessive rain, failure to control water structures (dams, etc.), or even debris jamming, in where miscellaneous objects will cause the water to rise. This is a major hazard for Egypt due to the famous Nile River, 

Extreme heat is another common hazard that occurs within Egypt. As the country is mostly covered in dry lands and sand, this hot weather is something that is of the norm. Intense heat waves can be felt throughout the days, and especially during the summer in where temperatures can rise up to an overwhelming 122 degrees Fahrenheit, in certain areas.

In order to help reduce the severity of these disasters, I believe that people should come to follow certain procedures or take certain actions; that way, their surroundings and themselves can continue to remain safe. For example when it comes to river floods; naturally, humans cannot stop the rain. What they can do however is build plenty of flood management structures such as dams, or tide gates. This can certainly help control water level a lot easier, and there would be less worry when the times of heavy rain arrive.

 As to extreme heat, there really isn't much one can do since it is a hazard that one cannot control. However, there are certainly measures people can take to keep themselves healthy and safe. An example would be remaining hydrated at all times, and the constant usage of loose clothing. Following these simple procedures can no doubt help reduce the possibility of facing heat stroke- or even death.

The regions that I would most certainly take priority over the rest however, would be the cities of Alexandria and Cairo. The reason for this being is due to them being the most famous and populated cities within Egypt; but regardless, they are at grand risk of perishing because of these hazards. And so I believe that these cities should be prioritized- otherwise, Egypt will lose some of its most ancient cities.

If I were to construct a house within this country, the location I would choose would be near El Dahkla Oasis. The reason for this, is simply because the hazards it faces are not as severe as it is within other places in Egypt (as the cities mentioned above). Of course, there'll be common occurrences of heat waves- but it will not be as severe, and so I believe it isn't something to worry about much. And since it is an oasis, river floods will not be an issue.

Sources:

https://thinkhazard.org/en/report/40765-arab-republic-of-egypt/

https://riskfactor.com/solutions/flood

https://www.egypttoday.com/Tag/6599/Heat-Wave

https://engelsbergideas.com/notebook/handling-the-heat-lessons-from-egypt-to-a-warming-world

Week 10: Extreme Weather

 As Egypt is a very hot country, it rarely receives rain. When it does occur however, it mostly happens within coastal areas; however to the large amounts of rain that they will get at once, flash floods will commonly be triggered and will sweep through the nearby cities like Alexandria or Cairo.

Aside from flash floods, Egypt is also prone to facing extremely hot weather as well as cold during the summer. Nighttime is when it gets to freezing levels, with sometimes the temperature falling all the way down to 0 degrees celsius. And during the day, the air will get very hot; especially during the desert, to the point where even the wind forms hot sandstorms. It gets very suffocating during this point.

Week 8: Mass Wasting Risks

 As Egypt holds three coastlines, with them being; the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Nile River, the country definitely faces mass wasting risks. 

When heavy rains occur within Egypt, it triggers flash floods. These floods then cause further damage to the coastal fronts by causing erosion. And as these shoreline changes continue to occur, Egypt continues to become more prone to facing mass wasting. 

As a matter of fact, Alexandria (one of Egypt's oldest and most well-known cities), is now slowly sinking as sea levels continue to rise. 

Scientists estimate that within a few couple of decades, Alexandria will be long sunken into the sea, just like other lost cities within Egypt such as that of Thonis-Heracleion. 

Heracleion was an ancient city in Egypt, that rested not far off from Alexandria. The city was mostly used as a location for trading and porting materials. However throughout the years, it began to grow vulnerable after facing various tsunamis, earthquakes, and so on. Slowly, the city began to sink into the city till finally; it was completely gone, and all of its remains are now far below as of today. 

Due to having completely "disappeared", Heracleion was almost unheard of till more than 2,000 years later when the ruins were finally discovered by underwater archaeologists!

Week 5: Volcanoes

 After having thoroughly researched through Egypt's map, I have come to find out that there no active or even inactive volcanoes within Egypt.

Therefore Egypt does not encounter any sort of volcanic activity, as there is none to even worry about.

Although Egypt does not have any volcanoes; it seems that other locations within Africa, certainly do. 

Sources: https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/africa.html

Week 3: Earthquakes

 As Egypt has low seismic activity, earthquakes are not that much of a common occurrence, therefore they really are not considered as big of an issue as other disasters that occur. Despite this however, the couple of earthquakes that the country has experienced, have certainly been devastating. 

The biggest earthquake within Egypt that was ever recorded, was that in Cairo 1992. Though the maginitude was only around 5.9, it caused the death of over 561 people and injured more than 12,392. Thousands of homes within Cairo had been destroyed as well, leaving many homeless.

Prior to this, that biggest earthquake in Egypt had been way back in 1847.

After having done some research, I was unable to find any specific guidelines or regulations that Egypt follows, should they experience more earthquakes. The disaster being considered a low hazard however, is perhaps why there isn't much on this; it might not be too big of a concern, compared to other disasters they face such as river floods and extreme heat.

Sources:

• https://thinkhazard.org/en/report/40765-arab-republic-of-egypt
• https://earthquaketrack.com/quakes/2022-12-27-00-11-02-utc-4-7-10
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S209099771200017X

Week 2: Plate Tectonic Boundaries

 As Egypt is located within the northeastern corner for the African plate, it makes contact with both the Arabian and Eurasian plate. Due to this, Egypt finds itself surrounded by three active tectonic plates. 

These tectonic plates include: the Gulf of Aqaba-Dead Sea Transform Fault, the African-Eurasian plate boundary, and the Gulf of Suez-Red Sea plate boundary.

The majority of seismic activity within Egypt is considered to be from low to moderate. However, this does not apply to the southern end of the Gulf of Suez in which hazardous activity becomes much more strong and frequent. 

Due to its rather low seismic activity however, Egypt hasn't really been struck by any large and devastating earthquakes, within the last few couple of years. The last large earthquake recorded that occurred within Egypt that was caused by the Gulf of Suez, occurred in Cairo on October 12, 1992.

Week 1: Introduction to Egypt

 

Egypt

    Egypt is a country that is located on the northeastern corner of Africa. It is a country that holds some of the oldest traces of human civilization; with some features even dating back to as far as the 6th-4th millennia BCE. Its capital city is Cairo, which holds an estimated population of about 6.76 million people and is also considered the largest city in the country. 

     Similar to any other country, Egypt is also prone to facing natural disasters. Among these, it includes; sandstorms, earthquakes, droughts, and the most common one- flash floods. 

Natural Hazard: A threat that poses danger to human lives

Disasters: Dangerous events that harm the physical environment, as well as living beings

Catastrophe: A major event that has caused years worth of damage and harm