Emergency for natural Disasters-Prevention and Management
- Paper number
IAC-05-E6.4.05
- Author
Prof. Gabriella Catalano Sgrosso, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy
- Year
2005
- Abstract
The geological risk is the combination of geological danger and of the potential human vulnerability of a territory, in relation to the predictable events of geological danger, their intensity and frequency and their relevant interference with human activities. Therefore, geological risk is closely connected to human activities and it can be reduced by acting not so much on the geological phenomena, which are hardly controllable, but most of all through mankind's careful and rational use of the territory. The study of natural disasters includes accurate prediction of the event, that may cause or contribute to the cause of disaster, a rapid assessment of the location, a successful running of the arranged measures of alert and a quick evacuation and, in the end, the extent of damage for quicker and more effective help interventions. This study, which is conducted on Earth by geologists and experts and, in the system of international co-operation of the U.N. program, by those entrusted with the management of disasters, can benefit and is benefiting from new terrestrial and space technologies, including Earth Observation Systems, as well as mobile and fixed satellite communication systems. After having established which advantages may be gained, especially in the management of catastrophes, by the aids offered by modern observation, communication and meteorological space technology, attention turns to the carrying out of the international co-operation. Especially it will be examined all the rules of space law concerning the use of remote sensing, meteorological and telecommunication satellites that are applicable to the prevention and management of natural disasters, stressing a suitable data policy. The main aim of the U.N. International Decade resolution was "to improve the capacity of each country to mitigate the effects of natural disasters" by especially supporting developing countries and fostering "scientific and engineering endeavours aimed at closing critical gaps in knowledge in order to reduce loss of life and property" and to "develop measures for assessment, prediction, prevention and mitigation of natural disasters through programs of technical assistance and technology transfer". The attention towards the importance of co-operation, especially in favour of developing countries, is increasing. The importance of the initiatives undertaken in the United Nations context is evident, both for the predisposition of the specific organs and for the organisation of international meetings which are important moments for reflections and stimulation towards a greater awareness in the behaviour of the member States. The United Nations must absolutely guarantee the leadership of the international system for the prevention and management of calamities, but, at the same time, they must also encourage regional initiatives. The aim, pursued in the international meetings, is to place these results at the service of the various subjects who are entrusted with the prevention and management of calamities, on a national or international level. The main technicians and jurists ‘job is to make all these systems work in advance and in efficient manner in case of need, so it don’t happen we have to witness impotent the last Asiatic tragedy, summoning afterwards questionable Conferences, that are not even able to formulate an understanding program.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-E6.4.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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