Edexcel B Geography: Key Case Studies for Paper 1

Japan's Tohoku Earthquake (2011)

When a magnitude 9 earthquake struck northeast Japan on 11th March 2011, it showed how even wealthy countries can face massive destruction. The primary impacts were staggering - 127,000 buildings collapsed and 1.2 million were severely damaged, costing an estimated $300 billion.

Liquefaction turned waterlogged soil into liquid, causing buildings to tilt and sink dramatically. Over 2,000 roads and 26 railways were damaged, crippling transport networks across the region.

The secondary impacts proved even deadlier. The earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami that killed over 17,000 people and left 230,000 homeless. Most critically, the tsunami cut power to the Fukushima nuclear plant, causing a dangerous meltdown.

Key Point: Japan's excellent planning saved countless lives - their early warning systems helped people evacuate, and automatic braking systems meant nobody died on the bullet train network.

Haiti's Port-au-Prince Earthquake (2010)

The magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Haiti on 12th January 2010 demonstrates how developing countries suffer disproportionately from natural disasters. The primary impacts were catastrophic - 316,000 people died, 250,000 houses and 30,000 business buildings collapsed.

Shanty towns crumbled instantly, and rubble blocked vital roads and rail links. The secondary impacts created a humanitarian crisis that lasted years - over 600,000 people fled Port-au-Prince as cholera spread through dirty water supplies.

Many survivors were forced into squalid camps with no electricity and limited water. Factories and tourism closed, causing massive economic losses that Haiti struggled to recover from for years.

Key Point: International response included $330 million from the EU, but 98% of debris remained uncleared after 6 months, showing how developing countries need more sustained support.

Hurricane Katrina (2005)

Hurricane Katrina exposed serious weaknesses in disaster preparedness, even in a developed country like the USA. When the category 3 hurricane hit on 29th August 2005, forecasting systems worked well - the National Hurricane Centre in Florida tracked the storm and issued warnings 26th August.

The social and economic impacts were devastating. Over 1,800 people died, 300,000 houses were destroyed, and 230,000 jobs were lost. More than 80% of New Orleans was underwater when flood defences failed catastrophically.

However, evacuation efforts saved many lives - 70-80% of New Orleans residents left before the hurricane hit. The Salvation Army served 5.6 million meals, and India donated $5 million to Red Cross relief efforts.

Environmental damage was severe too - sea turtle breeding beaches were destroyed, and oil refineries were damaged, causing massive oil spills along the coast.

Key Point: Good forecasting and evacuation reduced deaths significantly, but poor flood defences and inadequate preparation for the most vulnerable communities caused unnecessary suffering.

Cyclone Nargis (2008)

Cyclone Nargis highlighted the deadly consequences of poor disaster preparedness in developing countries. When the category 4 cyclone hit Myanmar's Irrawaddy delta on 2nd May 2008, the country was woefully unprepared.

Forecasting failures proved fatal - Myanmar had no dedicated monitoring centre and no radar network to predict storm surges. Although Indian weather agencies warned Myanmar's government 48 hours before impact, these warnings didn't reach rural communities without proper communication systems.

The impacts were catastrophic. Over 140,000 people died, and 14,000 km² of land flooded. Natural defences had been weakened - mangrove forests that normally protect the coast had been chopped down in the previous decade.

Environmental and social damage was extensive. 65% of rice paddies were damaged, destroying livelihoods, while 138,000 hectares of mangrove forests were lost. Many survivors suffered from diseases caused by contaminated water and poor sanitary conditions.

Key Point: The lack of emergency preparation plans and early warning systems meant people didn't know what to do or where to evacuate, making this disaster far deadlier than it needed to be.

India's Development and Globalisation

India's transformation into a global economic power shows how globalisation can rapidly change a country's fortunes. Several factors drive this growth - 12% of India's population speaks English due to its colonial legacy, and government policies since 1990 have encouraged international business links.

Economic progress is impressive. Trade increased from $252 billion in 2006 to$794 billion in 2012, while life expectancy rose from 50 years in 1970 to 68 in 2024. Free education for 6-14 year olds has boosted literacy rates significantly.

However, environmental costs are severe. Air pollution reduces life expectancy by 3.2 years, and over 1 million people die annually from pollution. Deforestation and desertification affect 25% of India's land, threatening food security.

Social challenges persist despite growth. 700 million people live on less than $1.12 daily, and 40% of children are malnourished. Only 27% of working-age women have jobs, possibly due to traditional caste system attitudes.

Key Point: As part of BRICS nations, India now sends aid to countries like Bhutan and Nepal, showing its transformation from aid receiver to aid provider.