was about Rs. 250 million. (equivalent to some 15 million Euros, if the Euro existed
at that time) This would illustrate innovative technology, which is sometimes
proposed by engineers, or ambitious techniques which might go against the principles of traditions and ecologists.
For example, in the eighteenth century, Plaines Wilhems district (Mauritius)
developed as a residential area at the expense of Port Louis because of diseases
and epidemics and people leaving the capital to go elsewhere. Presently, however, in
spite of facing possible flood problems (the examples in Mauritius are numerous),
people living near the river beds rarely consider the possibility or necessity of
moving away.
Nature works and behaves according to some rules that have not changed. If
previous conditions that gave rise to disasters are repeated (same mistakes, similar
type of construction, same place, with the possibility of similar risk hazards, etc), it
would be surprising if history does not just repeat itself with similar disasters,
On a general note, however, after a disaster a priority list is established for
rehabilitation works and reconstruction. Most infrastructure networks (such as:
roads, water, electricity, telephones, etc) should be in working condition as soon
as possible. This may imply, however, that some provisional repair is just that. It
should be carried out again, some other time – when there is more money – in the
future.
12.11 Conclusion
After a general presentation of risk hazards as they apply to infrastructure, a risk
management framework (Table 12.10) has been presented and discussed.
Experts can plan for emergency situations which arise after disasters. However,
unless the relief community and the general public have been well drilled, this
planning might not give the expected performance. It is therefore recommended
that simulation exercises, drills are not only carried out, but also shown on TV for a
wider coverage at judicious, regular intervals.
References
Dauphiné, A. (2001). Risques et catastrophes. Paris: Arman Collin.
Scarth, A. (2002). La Catastrophe: Mount Pelée and the destruction of Saint-Pierre, Martinique.
London: Terra Publishing.
352
12 Disaster Recovery and Management
at that time) This would illustrate innovative technology, which is sometimes
proposed by engineers, or ambitious techniques which might go against the principles of traditions and ecologists.
For example, in the eighteenth century, Plaines Wilhems district (Mauritius)
developed as a residential area at the expense of Port Louis because of diseases
and epidemics and people leaving the capital to go elsewhere. Presently, however, in
spite of facing possible flood problems (the examples in Mauritius are numerous),
people living near the river beds rarely consider the possibility or necessity of
moving away.
Nature works and behaves according to some rules that have not changed. If
previous conditions that gave rise to disasters are repeated (same mistakes, similar
type of construction, same place, with the possibility of similar risk hazards, etc), it
would be surprising if history does not just repeat itself with similar disasters,
On a general note, however, after a disaster a priority list is established for
rehabilitation works and reconstruction. Most infrastructure networks (such as:
roads, water, electricity, telephones, etc) should be in working condition as soon
as possible. This may imply, however, that some provisional repair is just that. It
should be carried out again, some other time – when there is more money – in the
future.
12.11 Conclusion
After a general presentation of risk hazards as they apply to infrastructure, a risk
management framework (Table 12.10) has been presented and discussed.
Experts can plan for emergency situations which arise after disasters. However,
unless the relief community and the general public have been well drilled, this
planning might not give the expected performance. It is therefore recommended
that simulation exercises, drills are not only carried out, but also shown on TV for a
wider coverage at judicious, regular intervals.
References
Dauphiné, A. (2001). Risques et catastrophes. Paris: Arman Collin.
Scarth, A. (2002). La Catastrophe: Mount Pelée and the destruction of Saint-Pierre, Martinique.
London: Terra Publishing.
352
12 Disaster Recovery and Management