Management of Natural Disasters

Course Description

Objectives

Basic objective of the module is comprehension by the students of the processes of natural disasters, their impacts (primary and secondary, direct and indirect) and human society responses to cope with impacts and losses. The basic queries that the module attempts to give answer to, are the following: Which are the root causes of natural disasters and which are the factors triggering chain-like disaster processes and domino effects? Is it possible that human societies affect catastrophic events and potential losses? Which are the most appropriate policies, measures and actions and what is the best timing for their implementation to result in prevention or mitigation of disasters and losses, or at least in relief and  recovery, as rapidly as possible?

The module aims at supplying the students with knowledge, skills and the principles / criteria for disaster risk assessment, characterization and judgement, for estimation of losses after a disaster event and also for criticizing existing mitigation, preparedness, relief and recovery plans and measures and carrying out alternative management solutions.

Content

The thematic topics included in the module are: Natural and Na-tech disasters and the concepts of Hazard, Exposure, Risk and Disaster Risk – Natural and human-induced causes of disasters – The impacts of natural disasters and the concepts of Vulnerability, Coping Capacity and Resilience – The Hazards of Climate Change (CC), Mitigation and Adaptation to CC – Technical / building, human, social and economic vulnerability, institutional, ecological, systemic, territorial, urban vulnerability – Methods of vulnerability assessment – Areas in Greece and Europe which are prone to earthquakes, landslides, floods, heat waves and forest fires (hotspots) – Vulnerability of the Greek cities to earthquakes, floods and other natural and na-tech hazards – Disaster management policies and plans for mitigation, preparedness, emergency, relief, recovery and reconstruction – Examples from Greece, Turkey, Italy and other countries in Europe, the Americas and other continents.

Teaching & Assessment