VGU Urban Development Planning Overview over Modules and ...

Technical University Darmstadt www.urban-studies.de
International
Co-operation
and Urban
Development
Course description
1 Course identification
2.4.4
2 Module 2.4.
Sustainable urban
infrastructure &
technology
3 Name of course Disaster mitigation in human settlements
4 Course instructor Prof. Dr. Detlev Kammeier, AIT Bangkok, BTU
5 Contents /syllabus The preventive action against hazard threats is the
prime instrument to reduce impacts. Knowledge of the
nature of those threats – caused by conflicts, natural
hazards or technological risks - forms the basis for
response action. Adequate response capacities and
the availability of logistic and supply resources are
elementary. Coordination between security, rescue
and logistic services, public initiatives
and responses are to be placed in an agreed decision
making process. Crisis management is therefore
accepted as an important the technique to maximise
the effect of the allocated resources and to bring order
into potentially chaotic conditions after the outbreak of
disaster. The role of relief is analysed, with particular
attention to its disruptive effects on the regular
development process. The differences between local
and international relief are studied and mechanisms to
reduce the negative effects are discussed.
Topics to be covered include:
• Disasters causes and effects: natural, technological
hazards and displacement.
• Vulnerabilities and mitigation options.
• Simple mitigation rules for building construction
• Emergencies: preparedness, warning and
response.
• Preparedness,
• Response planning: predictable tasks, victim
prediction, resource planning.
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