The Economic Consequences of a Catastrophic Earthquake

The Economic Consequences of a Catastrophic Earthquake
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 197
Release: 1992-02-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309046394

This book presents the proceedings of an August 1990 forum held at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Topics covered include the current and potential roles of the private sector and the various levels of government before, during, and after an earthquake occurs, and alternative strategies that could be implemented to reduce the economic impacts, with emphasis placed on the role of the insurance industry.

Earthquake Protection

Earthquake Protection
Author: Andrew Coburn
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 436
Release: 2003-02-21
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0470855177

Since the publication of the successful first edition of Earthquake Protection there have been 110 lethal earthquakes, killing 130 000 people; there have also been significant developments in the field of earthquake risk management, particularly in the modelling and analysis of risk for insurance and financial services. Furthermore, major earthquake disasters, such as the 1994 Northridge earthquake in California, the 1995 Kobe earthquake in Japan and the 1999 Kocaeli earthquake in Turkey have occurred. The experience and knowledge gained through these events have improved our understanding of how to manage, mitigate and work towards the prevention of similar catastrophes. The 1990s were in fact the costliest decade on record in terms of disaster management due to such seismic events, placing unprecedented pressure on the insurance industry in particular, and changing its view of earthquake protection. Significantly revised and updated, this second edition continues to provide a comprehensive overview of how to reduce the impact of earthquakes on people and property, and implement best practice in managing the consequences of such disasters. It also includes significant coverage of the techniques of modelling earthquake catastrophe. Each chapter deals with a separate aspect of protection, and covers a wide range of economic and social conditions, drawing on the authors' considerable personal experience and with reference to real life examples. Key features include: Recent event coverage Modern developments in the theory and practice of planning and engineering loss estimation techniques, along with new engineering techniques such as microzonation and hazard-mapping Historic buildings experience An entirely new chapter on 'Earthquakes and Finance' This valuable book provides essential reading for earthquake and structural engineers and geoscientists, as well as insurers and loss prevention specialists, risk managers and assessors involved in managing earthquake risk, urban and regional planners, and emergency management agencies.

Facing Hazards and Disasters

Facing Hazards and Disasters
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 408
Release: 2006-08-10
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0309164621

Social science research conducted since the late 1970's has contributed greatly to society's ability to mitigate and adapt to natural, technological, and willful disasters. However, as evidenced by Hurricane Katrina, the Indian Ocean tsunami, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, and other recent events, hazards and disaster research and its application could be improved greatly. In particular, more studies should be pursued that compare how the characteristics of different types of events-including predictability, forewarning, magnitude, and duration of impact-affect societal vulnerability and response. This book includes more than thirty recommendations for the hazards and disaster community.