Naturel Disaster

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Every now and again Mother Nature reminds mankind that we are fools to think that we are in control of everything around us. In the past few weeks natural disasters have been the main topic of discussion for people around the world.

With the meteor events unfolding in Russia along with another approaching earth, followed by the massive torrential rain in Mauritius, people are starting to wonder, what if? Not all natural disasters can be prevented or even predicted. However, can the impacts be limited with proper planning and notification systems? Many specialists claim that by managing land and water resources - not for the possibility of a natural disaster but rather for the reality of it occurring - can reduce damage and loss of human life.

Over the past few decades, the incidence and magnitude of natural disasters has grown, resulting in substantial economic damages and affecting or killing thousands of people around the world. Recent disasters have shown that even the most developed countries are vulnerable to natural disasters. Hurricane Katrina in the United States in 2005 and the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011 are amongst a few recent and vivid examples.

Following last week’s catastrophic floods, many are beginning to take an interest in nature and its destructive force. The floods that hit the island last weak is evidence that a calamity might strike at any time. According to statistics, the Fire Services made 400 trips to help those in distress and the SAMU registered some 800 calls during the recent floodings.

Civil servants were confused as to whether risk the trip to work, until an official statement was released informing them that they could stay at home. Traffic jams were left as it is with traffic police almost nowhere to be seen. The public was unable to send warning messages to families because the telecom network crashed. Furthermore, though it was announced that private sector workers were officially allowed to go home early, many claim that bosses prevented them from leaving. Many shelters were not operational because of the floods, so where were the people supposed to go for help?

At times the consequences of Mother Nature are unavoidable. However, many claim it is high time the authorities developed a plan of action in case of another disaster as to avoid a repeat of the mayhem that occurred. What is being and should be done in case of another natural disaster is now a concern for everybody.

Innovations in technology, climate change and disaster preparedness

Contacted by News on Sunday, Suresh Boodhoo, Meteorologist and climate change consultant stated that the disaster that unfolded last week is evidence of Mother Nature’s destructive force. He stated that claims have surfaced that certain big events would not have happened without climate change and it is high time the country started taking responsibility for its actions.

“The link between climate change and natural disasters is becoming more visible. However, because climate is the average of many weather events occurring over a span of years, one-off events cannot be directly linked to climate change. But international studies do indicate that the increased occurrence of extreme climatic events could likely be a result of climate change. Limiting the damage caused by natural disasters is not enough. We must first and foremost protect our environment,” he said.

“The meteorologists also added that though in many instances a forthcoming disaster can be monitored, sometimes it is difficult to detect other coming dangers. “Not all natural disasters can be forecasted, although some can be monitored days before its arrival. For example a cyclone can be observed days before it approaches our atmosphere. Nevertheless, Mauritius may indeed improve technology to better forecast such events, but weather technology and equipments cannot guarantee every incident Mother Nature may throw at us.

The natural disasters and unexpected weather changes are consequences of the way people live around the world. Furthermore, people are nowadays highly dependant only on the authorities to take action. Disaster preparedness includes all of the activities that are carried out prior to the advance notice of a catastrophe in order to facilitate the use of available resources, relief, and rehabilitation in the best possible fashion. Disaster preparedness starts at the local community level; small contributions made by everyone can better nurture our atmosphere hence reducing the risks of natural disasters occurring. A proper disaster proof home design may also aid the cause,” stressed Suresh Boodhoo.

Types of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can be split into three categories: hydro-meteorological disasters, geophysical disasters and geomorphologic disasters. To begin with, hydro-meteorological disasters consist of floods, geophysical disasters are the second-most reported type of natural disaster, and earthquakes are the majority of disasters in this category. Last but not least a geomorphologic disaster consists of avalanches and landslides.

Fact Finding Committee: Will the law protect us?

It is impossible to prevent a hurricane, an earthquake, or a drought from taking place, but there is a spectrum of initiatives that, if adopted, can lessen the impacts of these and other natural hazards, keep them from turning into major disasters, and allow for a faster and more complete recovery. Reforestation of hillsides for example can contain the destructive force of floods and mitigate the effects of droughts.

Early warning systems and evacuation plans save lives. When and where disasters do occur, appropriate planning and preparation can limit the damages to people, property, and national and local economies.

A report by the Fact Finding Committee in 2008 brought forward numerous recommendations, a total of 34 to be exact, to limit damages

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