OM DAYAL GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS

DISASTER MITIGATION
ARCH 804

CA 01

TOPIC: SUNDA STRAIT TSUNAMI 2018

-SANGEETA BANERJEE
8TH SEM, 4 TH YEAR
ROLL NO: 27502320050
• Definition of Disaster
 A Disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread
human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the
affected community or society to cope up using its own resources.
 Disasters are seen as the consequence of inappropriately managed risk. These risks are the product of
combination of both hazard/s and vulnerability.
 Hazard is a situation that poses a level of threat to life, health, property or environment.
 Hazards that strike in areas with low vulnerability will never become Disasters as is the case in
uninhabited regions.
• Hazards are mainly divided into two types:
1. Natural Hazard : Natural Hazard is a natural process or phenomenon that may cause loss of life, injury
or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic
disruption, or environmental damage. Various phenomena like earthquakes, landslides, volcanic
eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, tsunamis, and cyclones are all natural hazards.
2. Human – made Hazard: Human-Instigated disasters are the consequence of technological hazards.
Examples include stampedes, fires, transport accidents, industrial accidents, oil spills, nuclear
explosions/radiation, War, deliberate and terrorism.

"All disasters are hence the result of human failure to introduce appropriate disaster management
measures.”
Goals of Disaster Mitigation:
– Avoid or reduce the potential losses from hazards
– Assure prompt and appropriate assistance to victims of disaster
– Achieve rapid and effective recovery.
• Global Scenario of Disasters:
Here's a chart summarizing some of the major disaster types worldwide and their frequency:

Disaster Type Frequency Impact Area Examples

Earthquakes Frequently, especially in Global, especially Asia, 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake,
seismically active zones like the Americas, and Europe 2011 Japan Earthquake
Pacific Ring of Fire

Common, increasing due to Global, especially in low-lying and 2010 Pakistan Floods, 2005
Floods
climate change coastal areas Hurricane Katrina

Coastal areas globally, especially 2008 Cyclone Nargis, Typhoon

Cyclones/Typhoons Seasonal, varies by region
Asia Haiyan (2013)

Occurs regularly, worsened by Primarily Africa, parts of Asia, and

Droughts 2011 East Africa Drought
climate change USA

Mostly Australia, USA,

Wildfires Increasing frequency in dry regions 2019–2020 Australia Wildfires
Mediterranean

2014 Washington State Landslide,

Landslides Common in mountainous areas Regions with steep terrain
2013 Uttarakhand Landslides

Pandemics Varies, but increasingly common Global COVID-19, 1918 Spanish Flu

Rare but devastating, linked to Coastal regions, especially the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2011
Tsunamis
earthquakes Pacific Ocean Japan Tsunami
 Volcán de Fuego eruption, 2018

LOCATION: Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala, Central America (14°28'34.79" N -90°52'34.79" W)

Geological Characteristics:
The aforesaid active stratovolcano is located in the western region of Guatemala, within the Central American
Volcanic Arc. It forms part of the Sierra Madre mountain range, situated approximately 16 kilometers (10
miles) southwest of Antigua. With an elevation of approximately 3,763 meters (12,346 feet) above sea level,
Volcán de Fuego stands as an imposing volcanic peak. Like other stratovolcanoes, it is constructed of
alternating layers of volcanic material, including lava flows, ash, and pyroclastic debris. This conical shape
results from centuries of volcanic activity and the accumulation of various volcanic products.
Notable Eruptions in the Past:
Volcán de Fuego has had numerous notable eruptions throughout history. Some of the most significant
eruptions include: 1) The Great Eruption of 1581
2) The 1717 Eruption
3) The 2018 Eruption

THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE AND POSITION VOLCAN DE FUEGO THE POSITION OF THE CITIES FROM
OF VOLCAN DE FUEGO VOLCAN DE FUEGO
The 2018 eruption:

Time of the eruption: 3rd June 2018, 3 p.m. – 5th June 2018 ( most devastating eruption) although the volcano has
been erupting since 31st January 2018.
Cause:
To understand the cause of the eruption first we have too take a glimpse on what type of volcano is Mt. Fuego.
What type of volcano is Mt. Fuego: Fuego is a stratovolcano or composite volcano. Its steep, conical shape, which
is typical of this type of volcano. Fuego sits on the Ring of Fire, a horse-shoe-shaped string of volcanoes,
earthquake sites and tectonic plates around the Pacific, which spreads across 40,000km (25,000 miles) from
the southern tip of South America all the way to New Zealand. Stratovolcanoes are usually formed over a
period of tens to hundreds of thousands of years and commonly produce highly explosive eruptions. Fuego
regularly erupts but usually these are smaller events which pose little risk to surrounding villages.
So What Happened this time: Stratovolcanoes are made up of alternating layers of lava, ash and rock. When a
stratovolcano erupts, the rock layer is smashed into tiny dust particles. These particles mix with the hot ash
and gases to form a giant cloud. Volcanologists say the ash plume from Fuego reached a height of 10km
(33,000ft). It could be clearly seen from space, as this image taken by NASA shows. As the eruption
weakened, the ash cloud collapsed under its own weight and cascaded down the side of the volcano as a
pyroclastic flow.
Pyroclastic flows contain a high-density mix of hot lava blocks, pumice, ash and volcanic
gas. They move very quickly down volcanic slopes, typically following valleys. Fuego's pyroclastic flow is the
reason why so many people died in the volcano's most recent eruption compared to the last major eruption
in 1974, when no deaths were officially recorded. They can reach a speed of up to 700km/h (450mph) and are
considered to be the most deadly volcanic event because they are impossible to outrun and can travel for
miles. Temperatures inside pyroclastic flows can range between 200C and 700C (390-1300F) and can ignite
fires. They destroy everything in their path.
Range of Devastation:
• The second major eruptive event of 2018, and the largest and deadliest explosive activity in recent history at
Fuego, began with a strong explosion on the morning of 3 June 2018. Multiple explosions throughout the day
produced an ash plume that was observed in satellite data at 15.2 km altitude, and a strong SO 2 plume that
drifted N and NE. Numerous large pyroclastic flows generated by the explosions throughout the day
descended multiple ravines around the flanks. The most heavily damaged communities were San Miguel Los
Lotes and El Rodeo, 10 km SE of the summit at the base of Las Lajas ravine. Most infrastructure in the
communities was buried in ash; there were 110 reported fatalities, and at least 197 people reported missing
and presumed dead. Additional explosions two days later caused a brief halt in recovery efforts as more
pyroclastic flows covered the same area.
• Abundant rainfall that began on 6 June 2018 led to over 30 lahars throughout the rest of the month,
inundating all of the major ravines and tributaries of the Rio Pantaleón and Rio Gobernador and causing
additional infrastructure damage to bridges and roads. The lahars were often 30-40 m wide, 3 m deep, and
carried volcanic blocks and debris up to 3 m in diameter. Explosive activity declined to background levels by
the middle of June, but daily explosions with ash plumes and incandescent avalanche blocks continued for
the remainder of the month, with continued reports of ashfall in communities within 15 km of the summit.

The city during and after the eruption

Forecasting Fuego:
Eruptions can be predicted weeks, months or even years in advance, thanks to decades of advances in volcanic monitoring.
But According to volcanologist Diana Roman of the Carnegie Institution of Washington two circumstances may have created
blind spots in forecasting Fuego’s eruption on 3rd June 2018. They being:
• Officials had only installed a single seismometer on the volcano. This monitoring system is rudimentary compared to
those on other volcanoes, where scientists may use seismometers — to detect earthquakes — along with gas meters to
measure venting. Modern volcanic monitoring also employs pressure sensors and satellites to detect deformations in
the ground.
• The second blind spot in Fuego forecasting was potentially caused by its constant activity. Fuego typically has several
large explosions per year and many small eruptions, occurring as often as several times a day. It erupted for about 20
hours in January of 2018, and forced a minor evacuation of 100 people in 2015.
It’s also unclear what Fuego will do next. Sometimes volcanoes like Fuego will produce a large
eruption and then become quiet, and other times, they have additional events. Regardless, the
rainfall and the subsequent lahar could continue to cause damage and threaten lives.

Direct Impact:
The 2018 eruption of Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala had devastating direct impacts. Here are some key points:
• Loss of Lives: The eruption resulted in the deaths of approximately 190 to 2,900 people. Most of the fatalities occurred in the
towns of San Miguel Los Lotes and El Rodeo, which were buried under ash and pyroclastic flows.
• Displacement: Around 3,100 people were evacuated from nearby areas, and many lost their homes and belongings.
• Infrastructure Damage: The eruption caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Ash
fall also forced the shutdown of La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala's primary airport.
• Economic Impact: The eruption had a substantial economic impact, affecting agriculture, tourism, and local businesses. The
World Bank estimated the total damage and losses to be around $187 million USD.
• Environmental Impact: The eruption caused widespread environmental damage, including deforestation, contamination of
water sources, and destruction of wildlife habitats.
[The eruption was a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and
resilience in vulnerable communities.]
Indirect Impact:
The indirect impacts of the 2018 Volcán de Fuego eruption were significant and far-reaching. Here are some key points:
• Health Issues: The ash and toxic gases released during the eruption led to respiratory problems and other health issues
among the affected population. Long-term exposure to volcanic ash can cause chronic respiratory diseases.
• Economic Disruption: The eruption disrupted local economies, particularly agriculture and tourism. Crops were destroyed,
livestock were affected, and many businesses had to close temporarily or permanently due to the damage.
• Environmental Degradation: The eruption caused deforestation, soil erosion, and contamination of water sources. The ash
and debris altered the landscape and affected local ecosystems.
• Psychological Impact: The trauma of the eruption and the loss of homes, loved ones, and livelihoods had a profound
psychological impact on survivors. Many people experienced anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Displacement and Migration: Many people were displaced from their homes and had to seek temporary shelter or relocate
to other areas. This led to overcrowded shelters and increased pressure on resources in host communities.
• Social Disruption: The eruption strained social networks and community cohesion. Families were separated, and the social
fabric of affected communities was disrupted.
[These indirect impacts highlight the importance of comprehensive disaster response and recovery efforts that address not
only immediate needs but also long-term recovery and resilience.]
Volcano Triggering Mechanism

Volcanic Hotspots
Response to the Disaster:
The response to the 2018 Volcán de Fuego eruption involved multiple efforts from local and international
organizations. Here are some key aspects:
• Evacuations and Immediate Relief: Approximately 3,100 people were evacuated from the affected areas.
Emergency shelters were set up to provide immediate relief to those displaced by the eruption.
• Medical Assistance: Medical teams were deployed to provide urgent care to those injured by the eruption.
Hospitals and clinics in the region were overwhelmed with patients suffering from burns, respiratory issues,
and other injuries.
• International Aid: International organizations, such as Global Medic, provided humanitarian aid, including
water purification kits and emergency supplies. They also mapped out evacuation routes and areas affected
by the eruption to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.
• Disaster Management: The National Coordination for Disaster Reduction of Guatemala (CONRED) played a
crucial role in managing the disaster response. They issued warnings and coordinated evacuation efforts,
although there were criticisms about the timeliness and effectiveness of these measures.
• Long-term Recovery: Efforts were made to support long-term recovery, including rebuilding infrastructure,
providing psychological support to survivors, and addressing environmental damage.
The response highlighted both the strengths and challenges of disaster management in the region. While there
were significant efforts to provide immediate relief and support recovery, there were also areas where
improvements could be made, particularly in terms of early warning systems and community preparedness.
Recovery from the Disaster:
The recovery efforts following the 2018 Volcán de Fuego eruption were extensive and multifaceted. Here are
some key aspects:
• Immediate Relief and Evacuations: Emergency shelters were set up to accommodate those displaced by the
eruption, and international aid organizations provided essential supplies such as food, water, and medical
assistance.
• Damage Assessment and Reconstruction: Rapid assessments were conducted to estimate the damage and
inform recovery efforts. Reconstruction efforts focused on rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and public
facilities that were destroyed or damaged.
• Economic Support: Programs were implemented to support affected businesses and farmers, including
financial assistance and resources to help them recover and rebuild their livelihoods.
• Health and Psychological Support: Medical teams provided ongoing care for those injured, and psychological
support was offered to help survivors cope with the trauma and loss they experienced.
• Environmental Rehabilitation: Efforts were made to address environmental damage, including reforestation,
soil stabilization, and water source protection.
• Community Engagement and Capacity Building: Training programs were conducted to enhance the resilience
of local communities and improve disaster preparedness. This included educating residents on volcanic risks
and developing evacuation plans.
• Policy and Planning: The government of Guatemala, with support from international organizations,
developed a national road map for volcanic resilience. This plan outlined actions for land use planning,
strengthening disaster management institutions, and improving risk communication with local communities.
These efforts aimed to not only address the immediate needs of the affected population but also to build long-
term resilience and preparedness for future disasters.
Lessons Learned as an Architect:
The eruption of Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala has provided several valuable lessons for architects and disaster
mitigation experts. Here are some key takeaways:
• Importance of Community Involvement: Engaging with local communities and understanding their
experiences and needs is crucial. Participatory methods can help architects design buildings and
infrastructure that are better suited to the local context and more resilient to disasters.
• Rapid Response and Evacuation Planning: The eruption highlighted the need for effective evacuation plans
and rapid response mechanisms. Architects can contribute by designing buildings and urban layouts that
facilitate quick and safe evacuations.
• Building Resilience: Structures need to be designed to withstand volcanic hazards such as ash fall, pyroclastic
flows, and lahars. Using materials and construction techniques that enhance resilience can significantly
reduce damage and save lives.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Disaster scenarios are unpredictable, and architects must design flexible and
adaptable structures that can be quickly modified or repurposed in response to changing conditions.
• Ethical Considerations: Working with communities affected by disasters requires sensitivity and ethical
considerations. Architects must ensure that their designs respect the cultural and social fabric of the affected
areas.
These lessons emphasize the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction into architectural practices to
create safer and more resilient communities.
References:
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]