OVERVIEW OF RECENT HISTORY OF OVERVIEW OF RECENT HISTORY OF DISASTERS IN LATIN AMERICA AND DISASTERS IN LATIN AMERICA AND

THE CARIBBEANTHE CARIBBEAN

David A. Novelo David A. Novelo

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

To understand the diversity of natural To understand the diversity of natural disaster, hazards, and vulnerabilities in disaster, hazards, and vulnerabilities in LAC.LAC.

To become familiar with several real-To become familiar with several real-world scenarios.world scenarios.

Review of Hurricanes Georges and Review of Hurricanes Georges and Mitch, Venezuela Floods and El Salvador Mitch, Venezuela Floods and El Salvador Earthquakes.Earthquakes.

ALL KIND OF DISASTERS IN LAC: ALL KIND OF DISASTERS IN LAC: Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Volcanic Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Volcanic Eruptions, Landslides, Wildfires..Eruptions, Landslides, Wildfires..

MEXICO 1985EARTHQUAKE

HURRICANE GEORGES

Rio CholutecaRio Choluteca

LandslideLandslideDerrumbeDerrumbe

NorthNorthNorteNorte

Mitch Mitch LandslidesLandslides

EL SALVADOREARTHQUAKES

VENEZUELA FLOODS

HURRICANE GEORGESHURRICANE GEORGES

Georges Georges struck the eastern Caribbeanstruck the eastern Caribbean. The countries . The countries affected wereaffected were: St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and : St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and

Barbuda on September 20 and 21, and the Dominican Barbuda on September 20 and 21, and the Dominican Republic and Haiti on September 22, 1998.Republic and Haiti on September 22, 1998.

HURRICANE GEORGES:Damage HURRICANE GEORGES:Damage Report Report

DOMINICAN REPUBLICDOMINICAN REPUBLIC: At least 210 people reported dead, dozens : At least 210 people reported dead, dozens missing. About 100,000 homeless. About 70 % of bridges were missing. About 100,000 homeless. About 70 % of bridges were damaged; 90% of banana and other plantations were destroyed. Heavy damaged; 90% of banana and other plantations were destroyed. Heavy flooding in Santo Domingo. Damages estimated at more than $1 billion. flooding in Santo Domingo. Damages estimated at more than $1 billion.

HAITIHAITI: 167 deaths reported. Sixty missing. Flooding in Port-au-Prince, : 167 deaths reported. Sixty missing. Flooding in Port-au-Prince, Artibonite Valley, northern coast around Cap-Haitien. Dozens of homes Artibonite Valley, northern coast around Cap-Haitien. Dozens of homes destroyed. destroyed.

CUBACUBA: Five deaths, thousands of homes destroyed. Nearly 20,000 homes : Five deaths, thousands of homes destroyed. Nearly 20,000 homes flooded in Holguin province. Damage to coffee, cacao and banana crops. flooded in Holguin province. Damage to coffee, cacao and banana crops. Electricity knocked out in some areas. 200,000 people evacuated. Electricity knocked out in some areas. 200,000 people evacuated.

PUERTO RICOPUERTO RICO: At least three people killed directly by the storm, nine : At least three people killed directly by the storm, nine others by heart attacks and other health complications, 28,000 people in others by heart attacks and other health complications, 28,000 people in shelters. Hundreds of homes lost, near-total blackout, most water shelters. Hundreds of homes lost, near-total blackout, most water service lost. Damages surpass $2 billion.service lost. Damages surpass $2 billion.

HURRICANE GEORGES:Damage HURRICANE GEORGES:Damage Report Report

ANTIGUAANTIGUA: Two dead, roofs ripped off hundreds of homes and businesses, : Two dead, roofs ripped off hundreds of homes and businesses, main marinas damaged. Flooding along south coast towns. Hurricane main marinas damaged. Flooding along south coast towns. Hurricane caused island-wide power outage. caused island-wide power outage.

GUADELOUPEGUADELOUPE: Flooding in northern towns, especially Anse-Bertrand. : Flooding in northern towns, especially Anse-Bertrand. Moderate damage to homes. Moderate damage to homes.

ST. KITTS AND NEVISST. KITTS AND NEVIS: Three dead, two missing. 85% of homes damaged, : Three dead, two missing. 85% of homes damaged, 3,000 homeless. Damage estimated at $402 million. Hospitals, police stations, 3,000 homeless. Damage estimated at $402 million. Hospitals, police stations, schools damaged. Severe damage to airport terminal, control tower. Both schools damaged. Severe damage to airport terminal, control tower. Both islands without electricity. islands without electricity.

ANGUILLAANGUILLA: Minor damage, temporary power outages. : Minor damage, temporary power outages.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDSBRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: Flooding, temporarily closed some roads, : Flooding, temporarily closed some roads, temporary power outages. temporary power outages.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDSU.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS: Several injured, moderate damage to homes, piers, : Several injured, moderate damage to homes, piers, some hotels, shops on St. Croix. 55 boats sunk. Widespread crop damage. some hotels, shops on St. Croix. 55 boats sunk. Widespread crop damage.

HURRICANE HURRICANE GEORGES:DamageGEORGES:Damage

HURRICANE HURRICANE GEORGES:DamageGEORGES:Damage

HURRICANE MITCHHURRICANE MITCH

HURRICANE MITCHHURRICANE MITCH

Hurricane Mitch was one of the strongest and most Hurricane Mitch was one of the strongest and most damaging storms to ever hit the Caribbean and Central damaging storms to ever hit the Caribbean and Central America. Mitch grew to become the Atlantic basin's America. Mitch grew to become the Atlantic basin's fourth strongest hurricane ever with sustained winds of fourth strongest hurricane ever with sustained winds of 180 mph on October 26 into early October 27, 1998, 180 mph on October 26 into early October 27, 1998, dumping heavy rains over Central America. dumping heavy rains over Central America.

It was the strongest storm in the western Caribbean It was the strongest storm in the western Caribbean since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Mitch stalled off the since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Mitch stalled off the coast of Honduras from late on Oct. 27 until the coast of Honduras from late on Oct. 27 until the evening of Oct. 29 before moving slowly inland.evening of Oct. 29 before moving slowly inland.

HURRICANE MITCHHURRICANE MITCH

HURRICANE MITCHHURRICANE MITCH

Honduras suffered the brunt of Hurricane Mitch. After being stalled for more than two days off the country's northern coast, the storm traveled inland on October 30 and 31. Extensive wind damage and devastating floods occurred nationwide, particularly along the northern seaboard and in the Bay Islands. As of December 1, the National Emergency Committee of Honduras (CONEH) reported that 5,657 persons were killed, 8,052 were missing, 11,762 were injured while approximately 1. 9 million were affected. .

HURRICANE MITCH: HURRICANE MITCH: Damage ReportDamage Report

In Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, infrastructure (bridges and roads) was destroyed and damaged. This isolated entire communities making access by emergency aid workers extremely difficult hampering efforts to supply the larger cities with food, water and other essentials.

Thousands of homes were also affected by high winds and flooding Severe impact on food security. Initial reports estimated that nearly 2 million

people were in immediate need of food assistance. Emergency food aid was most critical during the first few weeks of the disaster response.

Negative impact on the agricultural sector as well. Cash crops were most severely affected, with the banana industry losing an estimated 90% of its plants.

Serious health problems, due largely to lack of potable water and contamination of water sources.

More than 10 000 persons were killed; 15,000 were missing; 20 000 were injured while more than 3 million were affected.

HURRICANE MITCH:DamageHURRICANE MITCH:Damage

HURRICANE MITCH:DamageHURRICANE MITCH:Damage

HURRICANE MITCH:DamageHURRICANE MITCH:Damage

HURRICANE MITCH:DamageHURRICANE MITCH:Damage

VENEZUELA FLOODS: flash flood damage to VENEZUELA FLOODS: flash flood damage to Universidad Bolivar campus. One-story buildings Universidad Bolivar campus. One-story buildings

in foreground are buried to rooftops with in foreground are buried to rooftops with sedimentsediment

Two weeks of unrelenting rain led to flash flooding in northern Venezuela during December, 2000. On December 16, the

Government of Venezuela declared a State of Emergency for eight states and the Federal District of Caracas. The states of Miranda and Vargas were particularly hard hit: Tanaguarena

community

VENEZUELA FLOODSVENEZUELA FLOODS

Venezuela is one of the most urbanised countries in Latin Venezuela is one of the most urbanised countries in Latin America, with 85% of its people living in cities and towns. That America, with 85% of its people living in cities and towns. That figure is matched only by Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. figure is matched only by Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.

In several LAC countries the loss of forests has worsened the In several LAC countries the loss of forests has worsened the impact of heavy rains, as the water rushes quickly down to the impact of heavy rains, as the water rushes quickly down to the nearest stream, unimpeded by tree roots and the soil. nearest stream, unimpeded by tree roots and the soil.

It has been Venezuela's worst natural disaster in a half-century.It has been Venezuela's worst natural disaster in a half-century.

Around 190,000 persons were evacuated and 326 military shelters Around 190,000 persons were evacuated and 326 military shelters were set up to house more than 100,000 evacuees. In addition, were set up to house more than 100,000 evacuees. In addition, 63,000 people received assistance in 280 shelters in different parts 63,000 people received assistance in 280 shelters in different parts of the country and numerous families took in family members and of the country and numerous families took in family members and friends. friends.

Venezuela Floods: Flashfloods transformed streets into raging rivers and mudslides brought houses crashing

down hillsides: Aerial view of Carballeda showing massive deposition of sediment delivered by flash floods

VENEZUELA FLOODSVENEZUELA FLOODS

Authorities declared nine northern states and Caracas disaster areas. Schools, banks and government offices were ordered closed, and officials urged residents to stay home.

VENEZUELA FLOODSVENEZUELA FLOODS

About 80,000 troops were mobilized to help in the rescue operation by air, sea and road.

VENEZUELA FLOODSVENEZUELA FLOODS

Joint Task Force played an important role for a fundamental and proper response.

VENEZUELA FLOODS: Aerial view of VENEZUELA FLOODS: Aerial view of Carballeda showing newly opened channels in Carballeda showing newly opened channels in

foreground and center right of photographforeground and center right of photograph

Today, it is estimated that the death toll stands at some 30,000 people and that 81,000 houses were affected, of which 30,000 were totally destroyed. In addition, the country suffered major economic losses and incurred significant environmental damage since massive mud slides swept away vegetation, leaving huge bare spaces on the mountain slopes

EL SALVADOR EL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKESEARTHQUAKES

EL SALVADOR EL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKESEARTHQUAKES

The largest earthquake occurred 13 The largest earthquake occurred 13 January, 2001 with a magnitude of 7.6. January, 2001 with a magnitude of 7.6. More than 800 deaths and thousands of More than 800 deaths and thousands of injured people were reported. More than 1 injured people were reported. More than 1 000 000 people were affected and there 000 000 people were affected and there was about 1 billion USD in material losses. was about 1 billion USD in material losses.

The second earthquake of 13 February The second earthquake of 13 February (M=6.5) caused approximately 305 deaths, (M=6.5) caused approximately 305 deaths, more than 3000 injured, 36 674 houses more than 3000 injured, 36 674 houses destroyed and large material losses. destroyed and large material losses.

EL SALVADOR EL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKES: DAMAGEEARTHQUAKES: DAMAGE

Economical losses equivalent to 13% GNP.Economical losses equivalent to 13% GNP. Approximately 20% of houses were destroyed Approximately 20% of houses were destroyed

or damaged.or damaged. Ample destruction of the road network. Ample destruction of the road network. Great impact to the health and education Great impact to the health and education

sectors. sectors. About 20% of losses to the coffee sector.About 20% of losses to the coffee sector. Great damage to the small and medium Great damage to the small and medium

industry. industry.

DEATHS BY MUNICIPALITYDEATHS BY MUNICIPALITY

DIFERENT CIVIL SOCIETIES DIFERENT CIVIL SOCIETIES RESPONDED TO THE RESPONDED TO THE

EMERGENCYEMERGENCY

HOUSES DESTROYEDHOUSES DESTROYED

LANDSLIDESLANDSLIDES

STRONG SUPPORT FROM NATIONAL STRONG SUPPORT FROM NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MILITARY AND INTERNATIONAL MILITARY

FORCESFORCES

SOME PROBLEMS DURING SOME PROBLEMS DURING THE EMERGENCYTHE EMERGENCY

Need for better national coordination. Need for better national coordination. Lack of rapid and reliable scientific Lack of rapid and reliable scientific

information. information. Need of seismic monitoring and analysis.Need of seismic monitoring and analysis. Need of professionals (sociologists, earth Need of professionals (sociologists, earth

scientists, etc.) scientists, etc.) Strong pressure from society to be informed Strong pressure from society to be informed

(considering right to information and education (considering right to information and education for prevention and response)for prevention and response)

LACK OF ADEQUATE LACK OF ADEQUATE SHELTERSSHELTERS

IMPORTANT CONSEQUENCES FROM IMPORTANT CONSEQUENCES FROM

EL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKEEL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKE

Creation of a new governmental institution for Creation of a new governmental institution for disaster reduction, prevention and mitigation. disaster reduction, prevention and mitigation.

Greater regional integration for risk Greater regional integration for risk management.management.

More participation of Civil Society.More participation of Civil Society. Proposal to consider risk reduction as a Proposal to consider risk reduction as a

national and regional priority for sustainable national and regional priority for sustainable development. development.

SOMETIMES DISASTERS DAMAGE SEVERAL SOMETIMES DISASTERS DAMAGE SEVERAL COUNTRIES AT THE SAME TIME: HURRICANES, COUNTRIES AT THE SAME TIME: HURRICANES,

EARTHQUAKES: Transnational DisastersEARTHQUAKES: Transnational Disasters

TRANSNATIONAL DISASTERS TRANSNATIONAL DISASTERS

Common in small regions in which disasters Common in small regions in which disasters affect several countries at the same time. affect several countries at the same time. Examples are the extreme climate events Examples are the extreme climate events

(droughts, floods, hurricanes) and earthquakes.(droughts, floods, hurricanes) and earthquakes.

TD REQUIRE MANAGEMENT AT TD REQUIRE MANAGEMENT AT THE REGIONAL LEVELTHE REGIONAL LEVEL

MAIN PROBLEM: MAIN PROBLEM: VULNERABILITYVULNERABILITY

Defined as the susceptibility Defined as the susceptibility of a Community or Nation to of a Community or Nation to suffer damage and losses due suffer damage and losses due

to natural phenomena. to natural phenomena.

KIND OF VULNERABILITIESKIND OF VULNERABILITIES

Physical:Physical:– EnvironmentalEnvironmental

– GeologicalGeological

– TechnicalTechnical

Social:Social:– EconomicalEconomical

– SocialSocial

– PoliticalPolitical

– IdeologicalIdeological

– CulturalCultural

– EducativeEducative

– InstitutionalInstitutional

Fragility of human settings

WHERE IS WHERE IS VULNERABILITY?VULNERABILITY?

OTHER FACTOR THAT PROMOTES OTHER FACTOR THAT PROMOTES

VULNERABILITYVULNERABILITY

THIS IMPLIES: THE NEED FOR PROMOTION OF A THIS IMPLIES: THE NEED FOR PROMOTION OF A CULTURE FOR DISASTER PREVENTION AND CULTURE FOR DISASTER PREVENTION AND

MITIGATIONMITIGATION

Comparation of economical Comparation of economical losses caused by recent losses caused by recent natural disasters (USD)natural disasters (USD)

Mexican 1985Earthquake

US$ 6,197 millions

Hurricane Andrew, 1992United States of America

US$ 29,500 millions

“El Niño 1997-1998”Andean CommunityUS$ 7,545 millions

Hurricane MitchCentral America

US$ 6,018 millions

Economical Effects in these Economical Effects in these CountriesCountries

0

5

1 0

1 5

1

D A Ñ O E N R E L A C I Ó N C O N P I B , %

C e n t r o a m é r i c a M i t c h

T e r r e m o t o M é x i c o 8 5

P a í s e s A n d i n o s E lN i ñ o 9 7 - 9 8

H u r a c á n A n d r e w U S A

( 1 3 . 2 % )

( 1 . 4 % )

( 3 . 6 %) )

( 0 . 4 % )

EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL INFRASCTRUCTURE EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL INFRASCTRUCTURE IN THE C.A. REGION THAT CAN BE DAMAGED IN THE C.A. REGION THAT CAN BE DAMAGED

DURING A DISASTERDURING A DISASTER

Transnational Roads

- Pacífico (1700 kms)- Panamericano (1400 kms)- Atlántico (1400 kms)- Conexiones (1100 kms)

Airports

Ports

LOGISTICAL SERVICESLOGISTICAL SERVICES

- Transport- Customs- Warehouses

Steps for Physical Vulnerability ReductionSteps for Physical Vulnerability Reduction 1. 1. PredictionPrediction of place, time of occurrence and magnitude of the event with the of place, time of occurrence and magnitude of the event with the

potential of causing a disaster.potential of causing a disaster.2. 2. WarningWarning to the community and/or the government, public and private institutions to the community and/or the government, public and private institutions

with the purpose of coordinating actions. with the purpose of coordinating actions. 3. 3. Prevention (Mitigation)Prevention (Mitigation) for an adequate use of land, establisment of building codes, for an adequate use of land, establisment of building codes,

etc.etc.

4.4. PreparationPreparation for taking measures established during the prevention phase. for taking measures established during the prevention phase. Information and communication systems are required as well as contingency and Information and communication systems are required as well as contingency and evacuation plans, etc. evacuation plans, etc.

5. 5. ResponseResponse adequate and according to the disaster extension and in coordination with adequate and according to the disaster extension and in coordination with national and international activities of search and rescue and humanitarian national and international activities of search and rescue and humanitarian assistance. assistance.

Physical Vulnerability reduction can be achieved through the introduction of appropriate building standards and codes, mitigation policy, city planning, and hazard mapping.

NEEDS FOR PREPARATION AND NEEDS FOR PREPARATION AND RESPONSE DURING THE RESPONSE DURING THE

EMERGENCYEMERGENCY

Although the monitoring and the technical Although the monitoring and the technical regional information problem is solved, it is regional information problem is solved, it is still required:still required:

1. Development of social programs for warning 1. Development of social programs for warning transmission to population in risk and training of transmission to population in risk and training of groups for response. groups for response.

2. Programs of public conscientiation and regional 2. Programs of public conscientiation and regional strenghtening for preparation and response to the strenghtening for preparation and response to the emergency. emergency.

SOME POSSIBLE AREAS OF SOME POSSIBLE AREAS OF COOPERATIONCOOPERATION

FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCEFOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

Strenghtening of Emergency Operation Centers. Strenghtening of Emergency Operation Centers. Development of Regional Monitoring Systems: Development of Regional Monitoring Systems:

Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunamis, Hurricanes, etc.Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunamis, Hurricanes, etc. Development of Communications during Emergencies. Development of Communications during Emergencies. Training in Search and Rescue.Training in Search and Rescue. Strenghtening of Programs for Public Health and Strenghtening of Programs for Public Health and

Medical Assistance.Medical Assistance. Logistic.Logistic. Programs for Food Security. Programs for Food Security. Support to Public Work and Engineering.Support to Public Work and Engineering.

IMPORTANT TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANT TO PROMOTE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN ALL FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN ALL

SECTORS (Political, Financial, Social, etc.)SECTORS (Political, Financial, Social, etc.)

Which of my ongoing activities are Which of my ongoing activities are vulnerable?.vulnerable?.

Which of my ongoing activities increase Which of my ongoing activities increase vulnerabilty?.vulnerabilty?.

Which of my activities can help to reduce Which of my activities can help to reduce vulnerabilty?. vulnerabilty?.

GRACIAS!