The role of science in physical natural hazard assessment: report to the UK Government by the Natural Hazard Working Group
This report by the UK Natural Hazard Working Group advises on the mechanisms that could and should be established for the detection and early warning of global physical natural hazards. It presents Group’s endorsement of the view expressed at the Kobe World Conference on Disaster Reduction (Jan 2005) that there is a clear need for a sustainable and effective global multi-hazard early warning system building on existing capabilities and frameworks. In this context the Group welcomes the developing Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and recognizes the high level of effectiveness of the World Meteorological Office (WMO) hydro-meteorological warning system.
The report analyses different natural hazards (cyclone, earthquake, volcano, tsunami, flood, storm surge, land slide, mud flow) and the underlying science, and provides recommendations on the global natural hazard frameworks currently in place and their effectiveness in using scientific evidence.
The report also argues that early warning systems must be part of the broader disaster management system incorporating essential elements such as forecasting and prediction, assessment, preparedness, effective means of communication, appropriate technology and maintenance. It states that despite progress made in the field of science, technology and research on natural hazards, it appears that scientific knowledge is often poorly applied to disaster risk management policies and programmes.