Mitigation measures for risks associated with geohazards can broadly be classified in six categories: (1) land use plans, (2) enforcement of building codes and good construction practice, (3) early warning systems, (4) construction of physical protection barriers, (5) network of escape routes and "safe" places and (6) community preparedness and awareness building. Early warning systems and construction of physical protection barriers have been singled out as specific tasks in the proposed ICG research. Together with the other four categories, they form the backdrop for a mitigation strategy. The results of hazard and risk mapping and analyses will be used to formulate mitigation strategies to assist decision-making on the need and cost-benefit of hazard mitigation works. Based on such a strategy, protection measures can be developed and their cost-effectiveness and environmental soundness compared.
A mitigation strategy would involve: (1) identification of possible disaster triggering scenarios, and the associated hazard level; (2) analysis of possible consequences for the different scenarios; (3) assessment of possible measures to reduce and/or eliminate the potential consequences of the danger; (4) recommendation of specific remedial measure and if relevant reconstruction and rehabilitation plans; and (5) transfer of knowledge and communication with authorities and society. The strategy developed by ICG and NGI for the tsunami-affected areas of Thailand after the 26th December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami provides a good example of what can be done. Any mitigation strategy needs to be adapted for different natural hazards and different parts of the world. Especially for developing countries, it is vital to establish and promote proper land-use planning and construction practices to regulate human activities that increase risk to earthquakes, landslides or tsunamis and to prevent settlement of communities in high-risk areas.
Physical protection measures include, but are not limited to, integrated land use planning, drainage, erosion protection, vegetation and ground improvement techniques, barriers (earth ramparts, artificial elevated land, anchoring systems, retaining structures), and offshore or onshore walls to reduce the energy or the loads induced by geohazards (e.g. landslide, rock slide, tsunami, floods). Buildings need to be designed (and placed in locations) to withstand the impact forces of geohazards and to provide safe dwellings for people. Land can also be elevated to ensure that buildings are above a critical height, for example to protect against tsunami danger.
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Mitigation measures for risks associated with geohazards can broadly be classified in six categories: (1) land use plans, (2) enforcement of building codes and good construction practice, (3) early warning systems, (4) construction of physical protection barriers, (5) network of escape routes and "safe" places and (6) community preparedness and awareness building.
Early warning systems and construction of physical protection barriers have been singled out as specific tasks in the proposed ICG research. Together with the other four categories, they form the backdrop for a mitigation strategy.
The results of hazard and risk mapping and analyses will be used to formulate mitigation strategies to assist decision-making on the need and cost-benefit of hazard mitigation works. Based on such a strategy, protection measures can be developed and their cost-effectiveness and environmental soundness compared.
A mitigation strategy would involve: (1) identification of possible disaster triggering scenarios, and the associated hazard level; (2) analysis of possible consequences for the different scenarios; (3) assessment of possible measures to reduce and/or eliminate the potential consequences of the danger; (4) recommendation of specific remedial measure and if relevant reconstruction and rehabilitation plans; and (5) transfer of knowledge and communication with authorities and society. The strategy developed by ICG and NGI for the tsunami-affected areas of Thailand after the 26th December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami provides a good example of what can be done.
Any mitigation strategy needs to be adapted for different natural hazards and different parts of the world. Especially for developing countries, it is vital to establish and promote proper land-use planning and construction practices to regulate human activities that increase risk to earthquakes, landslides or tsunamis and to prevent settlement of communities in high-risk areas.
Physical protection measures include, but are not limited to, integrated land use planning, drainage, erosion protection, vegetation and ground improvement techniques, barriers (earth ramparts, artificial elevated land, anchoring systems, retaining structures), and offshore or onshore walls to reduce the energy or the loads induced by geohazards (e.g. landslide, rock slide, tsunami, floods).
Buildings need to be designed (and placed in locations) to withstand the impact forces of geohazards and to provide safe dwellings for people. Land can also be elevated to ensure that buildings are above a critical height, for example to protect against tsunami danger.