Module 8 – Flooding, Ghibli, and Earthquakes in Tripoli, Libya

Section 1:

I live in Tripoli, Libya. It is a coastal city located in North Africa overlooking the Mediterranean sea. According to the Nathan World Map of Natural Hazards, Tripoli is classified into zone 1 in earthquakes and has a Modified Mercalli scale intensity of VI which means if an earthquake happens it will likely be strong and felt by everyone but the damage will be slight. Also, the map shows that Tripoli isn’t affected by tropical cyclones, volcanoes, and tsunamis. I think the map gives a good high-level view of natural hazards on a global scale, i.e. continent-level, but lacks enough precision and accuracy on the country-level or city-level. Thus, I think Nathan map is not well-suited for identifying natural hazards at the city-level.

 

Section 2:

From the RSOE EDIS map, I chose to focus on an earthquake of magnitude 2.2 that occurred in Kolympari, Greece on 03/30/16. Even though it was classified as a micro earthquake, I think it’s a significant event because Greece is geographically close to Libya with the Mediterranean sea in between which increases the risk of earthquakes happening in Tripoli. I haven’t felt an earthquake in Tripoli for the period of 20 years that I have lived there, so severe earthquakes are uncommon. However, for this reason Tripoli is not well-prepared to handle such natural hazards. The majority of people live in one story buildings which are more vulnerable to earthquakes than apartment buildings.

 

Section 3:

Throughout the 20 years that I have lived in Tripoli, I would say the most natural hazard that affects Tripoli is heavy rain. Because of the poor infrastructure and drainage systems, heavy rain leads to floods and road blockage. People usually get stuck in their houses not able to get outside. Coastal regions in Libya including Tripoli have had earthquakes but very sparse over the past century [1]. Also, because Libya contains a large portion of the Sahara desert, Tripoli is famous for Ghibli wind, which is hot, dry, and dust laden desert wind that occurs in spring and early summer [2]. Ghibli can last for days and prevent people from getting outside.

 

[1]: Suleiman, Abdunnur S., Paola Albini, and Paola Migliavacca. “A short introduction to historical earthquakes in Libya.” ANNALS OF GEOPHYSICS 47.2/3 (2004).

[2]: http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/wind/The-Ghibli.htm

 

Section 4:
Regarding flooding, improving current drainage systems as a pre-event preparedness measure would be one way to reduce water clogging. Also, improving flood warning systems would increase the ability to respond properly to emergencies such as preparing street evacuation plans. Such tasks could be carried out by the municipality of Tripoli. Since severe earthquakes are uncommon it wouldn’t make sense to take too much precaution, however, having open areas around buildings would be a good idea. Also, educating people about what actions to make in case of such unexpected emergencies can avoid much casualties. I can work on building resilience by increasing my awareness about handling natural hazards and share what I learn with the people around me.

3 thoughts on “Module 8 – Flooding, Ghibli, and Earthquakes in Tripoli, Libya

  1. Hi ovm5033! My name is Molly and I am from the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. I really liked your post because you are from Libya which is really different compared to the other posts. Even though you live so far away it is still interesting to see that both your area and min experience heavy rain for one of the main natural hazards. However, you were talking about how the infrastructure in your town isn’t the greatest which is different from my area so you probably have worse outcomes after it rains heavy. Overall, your post was very interesting and I really liked it. Here in the link to my post if you’re interested! http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/04/01/natural-hazards-7/

  2. Hi ovm5033, my name is Cody.
    [http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/04/01/earthquakes-los-gatos-ca/]
    I chose your post because the title grabbed me, and your location (Tripoli, Libya) is somewhere I’ve not been yet. I enjoyed reading your post about it. I think choosing the Grecian earthquake was apt, and I wondered about how a ‘micro-earthquake’ may cause higher waves on the beaches of Tripoli. And I agree that the Nathan Map gives a fine global perspective, yet the specificity needed to identify city-level disasters is lacking.

  3. Hello ovm5033!

    My name is Taylor and here is a link to my post:
    http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/04/01/gunderson-mod-8/

    Tripoli sounds like such an interesting place to live! I bet you have some amazing stories. I totally agree with you on your point about the Nathan map not suited for city level analysis. I really enjoyed reading your post, how often would you say you get storms that produce precipitation that overwhelms the existing drainage there? I’ve only been here in Casablanca since October, but I’ve already seen some minor flooding twice. Anyways, great post and good luck with the rest of the course.

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