From event analysis to global lessons: disaster forensics for building resilience

Abstract

Abstract. With unprecedented growth in disaster risk, there is an urgent need for enhanced learning about and understanding disasters, particularly in relation to the trends in the drivers of increasing risk. Building on the disaster forensics field, we introduce the Post Event Review Capability (PERC) methodology for systematically and holistically analyzing disaster events, and identifying actionable recommendations. PERC responds to a need for learning about the successes and failures in disaster risk management and resilience, and uncovers the underlying drivers of increasing risk. We draw generalizable insights identified from seven applications of the methodology to date, where we find that across the globe policy makers and practitioners in disaster risk management face strikingly similar challenges despite variations in context, indicating encouraging potential for mutual learning. These lessons highlight the importance of integrated risk reduction strategies. We invite others to utilize the freely available PERC approach and contribute to building a repository of learnings on disaster risk management and resilience.

Forensic analysis of flash flood response

“…In the last decade, the recognition of the poor observability of flash floods stimulated the development of focused monitoring methodology, which involves post‐flood surveys of flood peaks and related geomorphic signatures, re‐analyses of weather radar data, hydrological modeling and analysis of hydrogeomorphic processes (Amponsah et al, ; Bouilloud, Delrieu, Boudevillain, Borga, & Zanon, ; Calianno, Ruin, & Gourley, ). Such methodology, which provides information and knowledge for events where no direct systematic hydrometeorological data and observations are available, is termed here “flash flood forensic analysis” (Bronstert et al, ; Keating, Venkateswaran, Szoenyi, MacClune, & Mechler, ). This analysis borrows the term “forensics” from the field of criminal investigation, because it denotes a consistent approach to develop a full analysis of an event and its root causes (Keating et al, ).…”

“…Such methodology, which provides information and knowledge for events where no direct systematic hydrometeorological data and observations are available, is termed here “flash flood forensic analysis” (Bronstert et al, ; Keating, Venkateswaran, Szoenyi, MacClune, & Mechler, ). This analysis borrows the term “forensics” from the field of criminal investigation, because it denotes a consistent approach to develop a full analysis of an event and its root causes (Keating et al, ). While enabling a systematic approach, flash flood forensic analysis provides a consistent approach which facilitates cross‐event learning.…”

“…While enabling a systematic approach, flash flood forensic analysis provides a consistent approach which facilitates cross‐event learning. In recent years, forensic analysis of flash floods has been extended to include analysis of social response (Scolobig, De Marchi, & Borga, , among others), economic impacts (Laudan, Rözer, Sieg, Vogel, & Thieken, and references therein) and disaster risk management (Keating et al, ). In this context, a group of authors (Creutin et al, ; Lutoff, Creutin, Ruin, & Borga, ; Papagiannaki, Kotroni, Lagouvardos, Ruin, & Bezes, ; Ruin et al, ) advanced the integrated post‐flood survey of behavioral response to floods.…”