PROACTIVE APPROACH IN DEALING WITH NATURAL HAZARDS AND THE LIABILITY ISSUE

Historically we have dealt with natural hazards after it strikes–in a reactive way. However, to effectively minimize the impacts from natural hazards we need to take a proactive approach. The need for adopting this approach becomes all the more important as we begin to deal with global warming problems exacerbated by increasing human population, and the debatable issue of science and societal values. With the anticipated increase in the frequency and magnitude of natural hazards, it is imperative that we quickly move toward implementing this idea. Three major disasters–Hurricane Katrina, Pakistan Earthquake, and the Indian Ocean Tsunami–devastated countries and regions within an 11-month period during 2004-2005. Collectively an estimated 327,000 people were killed with economic loss of $96.2 billion. Rehabilitation and reconstruction that started immediately after the disasters struck have not yet been completed, highlighting the challenge that underlies mitigation efforts and the need to develop better approaches in dealing with natural hazards. It is in consideration of these realities that I am proposing to adopt a proactive approach in dealing with natural hazards. What I envision is the creation of an independent entity that will be charged with evaluating risks from natural hazards, monitoring the conditions before the disaster strikes, and issuing warnings aimed at saving lives and minimizing property loss. Recognizing that some natural hazards cannot be predicted on a short-term basis, it will still be the charge of this entity to issue warnings based on best available scientific information and if the predicted hazardous event does not occur, it should not be held legally responsible to pay for downtime and/or lost production. As a developed society we need to take bold steps to inform people of the possibilities of any impending disaster as a valuable public service. Only after scientific organizations are indemnified from liability that may arise because of occasional false warnings, scientists cannot fully serve people to ensure their safety and well being.