Planning for disasters
Seth Sicroff
While hazard monitoring and alleviation are clearly needed in many remote mountainous regions, perhaps we could take certain simpler measures in the short term. Although I have not witnessed a GLOF or its immediate aftermath, many complications are reasonably predictable, and solutions are not so difficult to imagine.
- Low-lying communities would be severely damaged if not wiped out entirely. Local search and rescue efforts would be hampered by the lack of equipment (ropes, crow-bars, shovels, lanterns, medical equipment). Solution: stockpile rescue equipment in several secure locations.
- Escape routes would be cut off as bridges and low-lying trails are eliminated. Solution: develop alternate routes. Replace low-clearance bridges with higher structures. Stockpile repair materials.
- Outside help would be stymied by broken trails, landslides, and lack of landing spots for helicopters. Lack of communications would make it difficult to convey needs and coordinate efforts. Solution : Build and maintain emergency landing spots at secure locations. Distribute a few cell-phones or satellite-based technology.
In the intermediate term, we need specific plans for disaster scenarios. Who are the first responders and how are they to be contacted? How will food, water, blankets, and medicine be delivered? Who will take charge of trail and bridge reconstruction?
Broader efforts should include a Mountain Hazard and Disaster Watch organization, which would be a clearinghouse for scientific assessments, a reliable guide to relative dangers, and a coordinator of rescue efforts. Another useful organization would be a national Rescue Dog Association. This should be coordinated with an international association, with plans in place for immediate deployment of teams when and where needed.
Relief and recovery would be facilitated by a targeted fundraising organization, ready to appeal to "friends of the mountains," particularly to past visitors of affected areas.
Authoritative updates on conditions at the affected areas should be generated and made available at a certain Web site so as to maintain relief efforts as needed and also to let prospective tourists know that they are welcome once again.
- What agencies are currently supposed to be responsible for any or all of the above measures?
- If there is a vacuum, who should fill it?