Management of tectonic hazards and disasters
Modifying the loss
Mitigation is about modification of the loss burden. Insurance to cover the cost of
earthquake damage, for example, is an important part of wider earthquake protection.
Seismologists work with computer risk analysts to help the insurance industry calculate
premiums and risks. Computer simulations are used to estimate the probability of damage
from different earthquake events, based on:
• seismicity: the raw information about how frequently earthquakes affect a particular
location
• seismic hazard: the probability that a certain strength of shaking
will occur
• seismic risk: the probability that a certain amount of risk will occur.
Disaster aid
Disaster aid is the result of humanitarian concern following severe loss. This aid is all
about protecting life, health, subsistence and a person's physical security. Table 3.5
compares disaster aid and internal governmental aid.
Disaster aid is often criticised, however: there may be poor or corrupt distribution
systems, and it does not encourage self-help or a more bottom-up management of the
disaster at a local level. In the 2010 Haiti earthquake the Nepalese disaster relief workers
were implicated in the introduction of cholera.
Kashmir earthquake (2005)
Immediate responses to the earthquake (hours that followed)
● The earthquake struck at 8:50 am on October 8, 2005, and emergency services
were mobilised immediately.
● Rescue teams were sent to the affected areas to search for survivors and provide
medical aid to the injured.Helicopters were used to transport medical teams and
supplies to remote areas, and temporary medical camps were set up to provide
care to the injured.
● The government also set up a crisis management group to coordinate the response
efforts.
Short term responses (days that followed)
● In the days following the earthquake, the focus shifted to providing shelter, food,
and other basic necessities to the affected population.
● Tents and temporary shelters were set up for those who had lost their homes, and
efforts were made to restore power and other essential services.
Modifying the loss
Mitigation is about modification of the loss burden. Insurance to cover the cost of
earthquake damage, for example, is an important part of wider earthquake protection.
Seismologists work with computer risk analysts to help the insurance industry calculate
premiums and risks. Computer simulations are used to estimate the probability of damage
from different earthquake events, based on:
• seismicity: the raw information about how frequently earthquakes affect a particular
location
• seismic hazard: the probability that a certain strength of shaking
will occur
• seismic risk: the probability that a certain amount of risk will occur.
Disaster aid
Disaster aid is the result of humanitarian concern following severe loss. This aid is all
about protecting life, health, subsistence and a person's physical security. Table 3.5
compares disaster aid and internal governmental aid.
Disaster aid is often criticised, however: there may be poor or corrupt distribution
systems, and it does not encourage self-help or a more bottom-up management of the
disaster at a local level. In the 2010 Haiti earthquake the Nepalese disaster relief workers
were implicated in the introduction of cholera.
Kashmir earthquake (2005)
Immediate responses to the earthquake (hours that followed)
● The earthquake struck at 8:50 am on October 8, 2005, and emergency services
were mobilised immediately.
● Rescue teams were sent to the affected areas to search for survivors and provide
medical aid to the injured.Helicopters were used to transport medical teams and
supplies to remote areas, and temporary medical camps were set up to provide
care to the injured.
● The government also set up a crisis management group to coordinate the response
efforts.
Short term responses (days that followed)
● In the days following the earthquake, the focus shifted to providing shelter, food,
and other basic necessities to the affected population.
● Tents and temporary shelters were set up for those who had lost their homes, and
efforts were made to restore power and other essential services.
