2. OVERVIEW OF RECENT HISTORY OF DISASTERS IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN David A. Novelo

3. OBJECTIVES To understand the diversity of natural disaster, hazards, and vulnerabilities in LAC. To understand the diversity of natural disaster, hazards, and vulnerabilities in LAC. To become familiar with several real-world scenarios. To become familiar with several real-world scenarios. Review of Hurricanes Georges, Venezuela Floods and El Salvador Earthquakes. Review of Hurricanes Georges, Venezuela Floods and El Salvador Earthquakes. To understand the missions of different regional organizations in the LAC area. To understand the missions of different regional organizations in the LAC area. To learn about the evolution of emergency operations centers in LAC. To learn about the evolution of emergency operations centers in LAC.

5. MEXICO 1985 EARTHQUAKE

6. HURRICANE GEORGES

7. Rio Choluteca LandslideDerrumbe NorthNorte MitchLandslides

8. EL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKES

9. VENEZUELA FLOODS

10. HURRICANE GEORGES struck the eastern Caribbean. The most affected countries were: St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda on September 20 and 21, and the Dominican Republic and Haiti on September 22, 1998.

11. HURRICANE GEORGES:Damage Report DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: At least 210 people reported dead, dozens missing. About 100,000 homeless. About 70 % of bridges were damaged; 90% of banana and other plantations were destroyed. Heavy flooding in Santo Domingo. Damages estimated at more than $1 billion. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: At least 210 people reported dead, dozens missing. About 100,000 homeless. About 70 % of bridges were damaged; 90% of banana and other plantations were destroyed. Heavy flooding in Santo Domingo. Damages estimated at more than $1 billion. HAITI: 167 deaths reported. Sixty missing. Flooding in Port-au- Prince, Artibonite Valley, northern coast around Cap-Haitien. Dozens of homes destroyed. HAITI: 167 deaths reported. Sixty missing. Flooding in Port-au- Prince, Artibonite Valley, northern coast around Cap-Haitien. Dozens of homes destroyed. CUBA: Five deaths, thousands of homes destroyed. Nearly 20,000 homes flooded in Holguin province. Damage to coffee, cacao and banana crops. Electricity knocked out in some areas. 200,000 people evacuated. CUBA: Five deaths, thousands of homes destroyed. Nearly 20,000 homes flooded in Holguin province. Damage to coffee, cacao and banana crops. Electricity knocked out in some areas. 200,000 people evacuated. PUERTO RICO: At least three people killed directly by the storm, nine others by heart attacks and other health complications, 28,000 people in shelters. Hundreds of homes lost, near-total blackout, most water service lost. Damages surpass $2 billion. PUERTO RICO: At least three people killed directly by the storm, nine others by heart attacks and other health complications, 28,000 people in shelters. Hundreds of homes lost, near-total blackout, most water service lost. Damages surpass $2 billion.

12. HURRICANE GEORGES:Damage

13. HURRICANE MITCH:Damage

14. VENEZUELA FLOODS Two weeks of unrelenting rain led to flash flooding in northern Venezuela during December, 2000. On December 16, the Government of Venezuela declared a State of Emergency for eight states and the Federal District of Caracas. The states of Miranda and Vargas were particularly hard hit.

15. VENEZUELA FLOODS Schools, banks and government offices were ordered closed, and officials urged residents to stay home.

16. Flashfloods transformed streets into raging rivers and mudslides brought houses crashing down hillsides: Aerial view of Carballeda showing massive deposition of sediment delivered by flash floods

17. VENEZUELA FLOODS Venezuela is one of the most urbanised countries in Latin America, with 85% of its people living in cities and towns. That figure is matched only by Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Venezuela is one of the most urbanised countries in Latin America, with 85% of its people living in cities and towns. That figure is matched only by Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. In several LAC countries the loss of forests has worsened the impact of heavy rains, as the water rushes quickly down to the nearest stream, unimpeded by tree roots and the soil. In several LAC countries the loss of forests has worsened the impact of heavy rains, as the water rushes quickly down to the nearest stream, unimpeded by tree roots and the soil. It has been Venezuela's worst natural disaster in a half- century. It has been Venezuela's worst natural disaster in a half- century. Around 190,000 persons were evacuated and 326 military shelters were set up to house more than 100,000 evacuees. In addition, 63,000 people received assistance in 280 shelters in different parts of the country and numerous families took in family members and friends. Around 190,000 persons were evacuated and 326 military shelters were set up to house more than 100,000 evacuees. In addition, 63,000 people received assistance in 280 shelters in different parts of the country and numerous families took in family members and friends.

18. Flash flood damage to Universidad Bolivar campus. One-story buildings in foreground are buried to rooftops with sediment

19. VENEZUELA FLOODS About 80,000 troops were mobilized to help in the rescue operation by air, sea and road.

20. Aerial view of Carballeda showing newly opened channels in foreground and center right of photograph Today, it is estimated that the death toll stands at some 30,000 people and that 81,000 houses were affected, of which 30,000 were totally destroyed. In addition, the country suffered major economic losses and incurred significant environmental damage since massive mud slides swept away vegetation, leaving huge bare spaces on the mountain slopes

21. EL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKES

22. The largest earthquake occurred 13 January, 2001 with a magnitude of 7.6. More than 800 deaths and thousands of injured people were reported. More than 1 000 000 people were affected and there was about 1 billion USD in material losses. The largest earthquake occurred 13 January, 2001 with a magnitude of 7.6. More than 800 deaths and thousands of injured people were reported. More than 1 000 000 people were affected and there was about 1 billion USD in material losses. The second earthquake of 13 February (M=6.5) caused approximately 305 deaths, more than 3000 injured, 36 674 houses destroyed and large material losses. The second earthquake of 13 February (M=6.5) caused approximately 305 deaths, more than 3000 injured, 36 674 houses destroyed and large material losses.

23. EL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKES: DAMAGE Economical losses equivalent to 13% GNP. Economical losses equivalent to 13% GNP. Approximately 20% of houses were destroyed or damaged. Approximately 20% of houses were destroyed or damaged. Ample destruction of the road network (landslides). Ample destruction of the road network (landslides). Great impact to the health and education sectors. Great impact to the health and education sectors. About 20% of losses to the coffee sector. About 20% of losses to the coffee sector. Great damage to the small and medium industry. Great damage to the small and medium industry.

24. STRONG SUPPORT FROM NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MILITARY FORCES

25. SOME PROBLEMS DURING THE EMERGENCY Need for better national coordination. Need for better national coordination. Lack of rapid and reliable scientific information. Lack of rapid and reliable scientific information. Need of seismic monitoring and analysis. Need of seismic monitoring and analysis. Need of professionals (sociologists, earth scientists, etc.) Need of professionals (sociologists, earth scientists, etc.) Strong pressure from society to be informed (considering right to information and education for prevention and response) Strong pressure from society to be informed (considering right to information and education for prevention and response)

26. IMPORTANT CONSEQUENCES FROM EL SALVADOR EARTHQUAKE Creation of a new governmental institution for disaster reduction, prevention and mitigation. Creation of a new governmental institution for disaster reduction, prevention and mitigation. Greater regional integration for risk management. Greater regional integration for risk management. More participation of Civil Society. More participation of Civil Society. Proposal to consider risk reduction as a national and regional priority for sustainable development. Proposal to consider risk reduction as a national and regional priority for sustainable development.

27. Comparation of economical losses caused by recent natural disasters (USD) Mexican 1985 Earthquake US$ 6,197 millions Hurricane Andrew, 1992 United States of America US$ 29,500 millions “El Niño 1997-1998” Andean Community US$ 7,545 millions Hurricane Mitch Central America US$ 6,018 millions

28. Economical Effects in these Countries

29. DIFFERENT KIND OF VULNERABILITIES IN LAC Physical: Physical: –Environmental –Geological –Technical Social: –Economical –Social –Political –Ideological –Cultural –Educational –Institutional Fragility of human settings

30. EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE C.A. REGION THAT CAN BE DAMAGED DURING A DISASTER Transnationals Roads - Pacífico (1700 Kms) - Panamericano (1400 kms) - Atlántico (1 400 Kms) - Conexiones (1100 Kms) Airports Ports

31. REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS COORDINATION CENTER FOR DISASTER PREVENTION IN C.A. (CEPREDENAC) COORDINATION CENTER FOR DISASTER PREVENTION IN C.A. (CEPREDENAC) CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE (CDERA).

32. PREANDINO: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela Andean Regional Program for Risk Prevention and Mitigation: Creation of CAPRADE Andean Regional Program for Risk Prevention and Mitigation: Creation of CAPRADE GENERAL OBJECTIVE: GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To promote and support the formulation of national and sectorial policies for risk prevention and mitigation and the development of programs oriented to incorporate the concept of prevention in institutional organizations.

33. CERESIS: Centro Regional de Sismología para América del Sur (Regional Center for Seismology in South America) International Organism created in 1966 by agreement between the government of Peru and the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO). PURPOSE: To facilitate all kind of seismological studies and activities in the South American region as well as to act as a link between seismological institutions from the region and the international seismic centers. HEADQUARTERS: Lima, Peru.

34. CERESIS: COUNTRY MEMBERS At present, 11 countries are members: Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Perú, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela. At present, 11 countries are members: Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Perú, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela. The agreement is open for the incorporation of other countries with a real interest in the South American Seismology. The agreement is open for the incorporation of other countries with a real interest in the South American Seismology.

35. CFAC:La Conferencia de Fuerzas Armadas Centroamericanas (Conference of Armed Forces for Central America) Country Members The Presidents of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras y Nicaragua, as Generals of the Central American Armed Forces, created on November 12, 1997, the Conference of Armed Forces for Central America “CFAC”

36. RIO GROUP The Governments of Argentina, Brasil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela adopted the Rio de Janeiro Declaration on 18 December 1986, to create a Permanent Mechanism for Political Consulting and Concertation - Grupo de Río. The Governments of Argentina, Brasil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela adopted the Rio de Janeiro Declaration on 18 December 1986, to create a Permanent Mechanism for Political Consulting and Concertation - Grupo de Río.

37. RIO GROUP: New Members In the framework of the IV Summit of the Rio Group, held in Caracas, Venezuela, October, 1990, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay were incorporated, as well as a representative from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Central America. Since 2000, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic were integrated as full members. In the framework of the IV Summit of the Rio Group, held in Caracas, Venezuela, October, 1990, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay were incorporated, as well as a representative from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Central America. Since 2000, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic were integrated as full members.

38. RIO GROUP: AD-HOC WORKING GROUP FOR TECHNICAL COOPERATION IN NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION AND RESPONSE Created during the XIII Assembly held in Mexico, 28-29 May, 1999. Created during the XIII Assembly held in Mexico, 28-29 May, 1999. Proposed Actions Proposed Actions 1. Designing and adopting public national politics on disaster prevention, early warning, emergency, mitigation, re-habilitation and re-construction, by strengthtening or re-structuring national systems. 1. Designing and adopting public national politics on disaster prevention, early warning, emergency, mitigation, re-habilitation and re-construction, by strengthtening or re-structuring national systems. 2. Implementation of policies, actions and projects on natural disaster prevention in a perspective that takes in consideration the national strategies for development such that the results must have social, economical and cultural benefits to country members. 2. Implementation of policies, actions and projects on natural disaster prevention in a perspective that takes in consideration the national strategies for development such that the results must have social, economical and cultural benefits to country members. 3. Preparation of a regional directory of especialized national organisms and institutions responsible for regional cooperation as well as an inventory of national capacities, including civil society, for prevention, early warning, emergency, mitigation, re-habilitation and re-construction. 3. Preparation of a regional directory of especialized national organisms and institutions responsible for regional cooperation as well as an inventory of national capacities, including civil society, for prevention, early warning, emergency, mitigation, re-habilitation and re-construction.

39. ASSOCIATION OF CARIBBEAN STATES The ACS has a membership that includes all the independent island states and all mainland countries bordering the Caribbean Sea, from Mexico in the northwest to French Guiana in the southeast. The Dutch speaking islands and the French Caribbean departments are also Associate Members. There are 25 full Member States and 15 Observer Countries.

40. ACS: Special Committe on Natural Disasters Preparedness and Response. The ACS has a regional agreement for co- operation in the management of natural disasters. Countries are working to develop co- operation projects in natural disaster preparedness and response. The ACS has a regional agreement for co- operation in the management of natural disasters. Countries are working to develop co- operation projects in natural disaster preparedness and response. This Special Committees meet at least once a year to make recommendations to the Ministerial Council. This Special Committees meet at least once a year to make recommendations to the Ministerial Council.

41. GRUPO DE LOS TRES (GROUP OF THREE: COLOMBIA, MEXICO, VENEZUELA) Their combined population is about 32% of the total in Latin America and the Caribbean. Their combined population is about 32% of the total in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Agreement was signed January, 1995. The Agreement was signed January, 1995.

42. GRUPO DE ALTO NIVEL (GROUP OF HIGH LEVEL; GAN): Disaster Prevention and Response This GAN was proposed in Caracas, Venezuela, 7-8 April 2001, with the purpose of exchanging information and experiences and establishing a coordination with national authorities and a regional mechanism to attend emergency situations in country members. The GAN was installed January, 2002. This GAN was proposed in Caracas, Venezuela, 7-8 April 2001, with the purpose of exchanging information and experiences and establishing a coordination with national authorities and a regional mechanism to attend emergency situations in country members. The GAN was installed January, 2002.

43. ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS): UNIT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT Since 1983 the Unit, through its Natural Hazards project, has been providing technical support to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and thus avoid disasters or mitigate their effects. Its activities include assistance with policy formulation, hazard and vulnerability assessments, training in disaster mitigation techniques, and formulation of mitigation measures for development of investment projects. Since 1983 the Unit, through its Natural Hazards project, has been providing technical support to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and thus avoid disasters or mitigate their effects. Its activities include assistance with policy formulation, hazard and vulnerability assessments, training in disaster mitigation techniques, and formulation of mitigation measures for development of investment projects.

44. PLAN PUEBLA-PANAMA (PPP) Supported by an Inter Institutional Group: Central American Bank for Economical Integration (BCIE); Inter American Development Bank (IDB); Economical Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL). Supported by an Inter Institutional Group: Central American Bank for Economical Integration (BCIE); Inter American Development Bank (IDB); Economical Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL). The objetive is to maximize the human and ecological richness of the Mesoamerican region, within a framework of sustainable development that considers the cultural and ethnic diversity. For these reasons, an integral strategy for the region with a package of mesoamerican initiatives and projects are considered. The objetive is to maximize the human and ecological richness of the Mesoamerican region, within a framework of sustainable development that considers the cultural and ethnic diversity. For these reasons, an integral strategy for the region with a package of mesoamerican initiatives and projects are considered.

45. PPP: MESOAMERICAN INITIATIVE FOR DISASTER PREVENTION AND MITIGATION: TWO ACTIONS 1. Adoption of disaster risk reduction as an element of the strategy for regional development which should be incorporated in all sectorial projects. Specifically, it is recommended that the formulation of projects should consider the vulnerability and impact of such projects to incorporate actions and resources to reduce present and to avoid future risks. 1. Adoption of disaster risk reduction as an element of the strategy for regional development which should be incorporated in all sectorial projects. Specifically, it is recommended that the formulation of projects should consider the vulnerability and impact of such projects to incorporate actions and resources to reduce present and to avoid future risks. 2. Implementación of three projects: 2. Implementación of three projects: –Development of the insurance market for disasters. –Public conscienciation for disaster prevention. –Hidrometeorologic information for competitivity.

46. Risk Management in Latin America and the Caribbean: Characteristics

47. *Weak Planning. *Regulation Framework generally obsolete. *Responsible Institution not coordinated as System. Lack of adequate national mechanisms for disaster prevention and response Risk Management in Latin America and the Caribbean: Some Characteristics

48. Present Conditions increase Vulnerability Meteorological and Geological Hazards INADEQUATE LAND USE Changes of Economical Processes Population increase INCREASE OF RISK AND VULNERABILITY

49. Institutionality in Latin América and the Caribbean Created (most of them) after a great disaster with the purpose of improving the response in future disasters. Created (most of them) after a great disaster with the purpose of improving the response in future disasters. Most of them created under the concept of “response” with a low impact in Mitigation and Prevention. Most of them created under the concept of “response” with a low impact in Mitigation and Prevention. Recent developments have allowed to include prevention and mitigation as part of their Agenda but without important changes in their structures. In some cases, this situation is the cause of low efficiency in both, prevention and response. Recent developments have allowed to include prevention and mitigation as part of their Agenda but without important changes in their structures. In some cases, this situation is the cause of low efficiency in both, prevention and response.

50. Other Problems Highly centralized institutions. Highly centralized institutions. Low distribution of responsabilities within the Government´s structure. Low distribution of responsabilities within the Government´s structure. In most cases prevention is considered as a problem for technical and scientific institutions. In most cases prevention is considered as a problem for technical and scientific institutions. Organisms with low budget for operation and low technical capacity. Organisms with low budget for operation and low technical capacity. Null participation of the private, financial and insurance sectors. Null participation of the private, financial and insurance sectors.

51. POSSIBLE AREAS OF COOPERATION FOR DISASTER PREVENTION AND RESPONSE Strenghtening of Emergency Operation Centers. Strenghtening of Emergency Operation Centers. Promotion and/ or strenghtening of Mechanisms for Regional Integration. Promotion and/ or strenghtening of Mechanisms for Regional Integration. Development of Programs for regional monitoring of meteorological and geological phenomena of potential great impact. Development of Programs for regional monitoring of meteorological and geological phenomena of potential great impact. Strenghtening the regional institutionality. Strenghtening the regional institutionality. Promotion to incorporate risk reduction as a national priority in sustainable development programs. Promotion to incorporate risk reduction as a national priority in sustainable development programs. Promotion of greater participation of Civil Society. Promotion of greater participation of Civil Society. Promotion of Programs for social participation (from community level). Promotion of Programs for social participation (from community level). Development of a Regional Information System for decision-making. Development of a Regional Information System for decision-making. Development of Communications during Emergencies. Development of Communications during Emergencies. Training in Search and Rescue. Training in Search and Rescue. Strenghtening Programs for Public Health and Medical Assistance. Strenghtening Programs for Public Health and Medical Assistance. Logistic. Logistic. Programs for Food Security. Programs for Food Security. Support to Public Work and Engineering. Support to Public Work and Engineering.

52. GRACIAS!