Disaster mitigation: a community based approach.
Author:
Maskrey A
Source:
Oxford, England, Oxfam, 1989. x, 100 p. (Development Guidelines No. 3)
Abstract:
This book recounts the author's experiences with programs developed in Peru for lessening the impact of natural disasters. A key component is community participation. The book is directed to people working for nongovernmental organizations, international development agencies, and government departments. The approach reflects the self-reliance of people in hazard-prone geographic areas and their ability to use resources and organization to withstand the worst effects of natural disasters. This approach empowers rather than creates dependence under relief program approaches. The author states that pre-disaster prevention and post-disaster recovery both involve great exaggerations and gross underestimates of local resources to deal with problems. This book fills in the gap in knowledge of practical experience and focuses on the need and importance of local responses and the willingness and capability of people to introduce protective measures. The book is based on an innovative earthquake vulnerability study and protection plan for the metropolitan area of Lima-Callao during 1982-83 and a community-based disaster mitigation program in 1983 in the Rimac Valley, east of Lima. The valley is the most disaster-prone in Peru and suffers from floods, landslides, and earthquakes. The mitigation program involves 1) strengthening community organization, 2) providing technical assistance and training, and 3) developing mitigation proposals so that the community can negotiate for support. Specifically, part 1 focuses on vulnerability to disaster: approaches, seismic vulnerability in Lima, huaicos and floods in the Rimac Valley, and other contexts. Part 2 focuses on disaster mitigation: approaches, Lima's seismic protection plan, the Rimac Valley project, the recovery of Cuyocuyo, other mitigation programs, and implementation programs.