Disasters Natural and Human Caused

What are Disasters? Disasters are devastating natural, accidental or willful events that suddenly result in severe negative economic and social consequences for the affected population, including: – Physical injury – Loss of life – Loss of property – Physical/Emotional hardship – Failure of administrative/operational systems

Why Study Disasters? Can we agree to get along? – If we want a peaceful planet, we study disaster to prevent human suffering Disaster Exposure Survey – How are we affected? – How do we respond? – How do we plan and prepare? How do we study the result of Disasters?

Disaster Exposure Study Witnessed Event (in person) Witnessed Event (social media/TV/FB/Twitter) At the Event Wounded at the Event Friend/Relative Killed Friend/Relative Wounded Total # of people Surveyed

How can we alleviate suffering? – Planning, preparation, response

Case Studies Natural Disaster – Hurricane Katrina (2005) –vs- Sandy (2012) Human Disaster – 9/11 (2001) –vs- Boston Marathon Bombings

“Lessons Learned” Lessons learned from Katrina Lessons learned from 9/11

This week… Predicting Natural Disasters Planning for Human Disasters Responding to Disasters