URBAN DISASTERS

Humanitarian Coalition ©

An urban disaster is a hazard that threatens a state and its population and economy. In contrast to other forms of disaster, the urban hazard endangers the lives and livelihood of a population within a confined geographical location, and comprises other forms of disasters. As a result, we find that a natural (e.g. hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis), technological (e.g. engineering, chemical or biological) or anthropogenic disaster (e.g. war, terrorism and civil disorder) may become an urban disaster if such take place in an urban setting.

As the world’s population concentrates in cities and disasters hit undetermined areas we are seeing an that disasters and risk are becoming urbanized. The population growth is mostly taking place in urban settings of low-income and middle income nations, where poverty not only enables underdevelopment and a lack of protective infrastructure.

Higher Risks:

It is not a coincidence that the past fourteen years have produced urban disasters throughout different cities in low- income nations in our world. Not only do they have deep-rooted problems such as poverty, government, healthcare and life-standards inefficiency, but are unable to move forwards on their own, i.e. without the contributions or involvement of international donors.

Continued…

Natural Valley Magazine ©

Difference between a natural and an urban disaster

FEMA ©

A Two Folded Problem

The impacts may vary by country, but the gravity is determined in a considerable manner on prior development choices. However, a rush to develop also increases risks of haphazard in an urban setting during a disaster. An urban geographical local that is great in size and fragmentation can create difficulties in planning, coordination of efforts and mitigation in the face of a disaster.