Coping with natural and man-made disasters

摘要

Whilst natural hazards are the trigger for what are referred to as natural disasters, the reason a disaster unfolds is due to people's exposure and inability to cope, which is predominantly a result of man made factors. This paper has focused on how engineers have contributed to reducing physical exposure through the use of codes, mapping, planning, analysis, design and construction. But of equal importance are the various ways in which engineers can and do contribute to reducing vulnerability, and thereby people's ability to prepare for and deal with shocks on an individual and community basis by providing essential infrastructure. This is particularly important in poorer countries and communities where financial mechanisms to transfer risk are unavailable or unaffordable. The engineering successes of the past 100 years in understanding natural hazards and coping with disaster both through mitigation and transfer of risk are worth celebrating. But we must also consider how we can apply this knowledge over the next 100 years to reduce vulnerability globally, and respond to the dynamic factors that are increasing risk including de-forestation, urbanisation, climate change and poverty. Volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, and extreme rainfall may be considered 'acts of God' but survival need not be simply a case of 'Inshallah' - if Allah wills it.