Applications of civil engineering in disaster risk reduction

Abstract

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) observes that "disaster risk reduction (DRR) is aimed at preventing new and reducing existing disaster risk and managing residual risk, all of which contribute to strengthening resilience and therefore to the achievement of sustainable development". It further clarifies that "DRR is the policy objective of disaster risk management, and its goals and objectives are defined in disaster risk reduction strategies and plans". The compliance with multi-hazard resilient building codes, town planning bylaws, regulations against construction of buildings and structures in flood-prone areas and unstable slopes, etc. by practitioners of civil engineering, structural engineering and geo-technical engineering is essential for the structural integrity of the building stock to withstand disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, landslides, etc. The multi-hazard resilient construction of critical infrastructure such as dams, airports, flyovers, highways, power supply, water supply, telecommunications, etc. will strengthen the resilience of local communities which depend on uninterrupted service delivery of these facilities even when disasters strike neighbourhoods. Hospitals, schools, government offices, malls, etc. must function effectively to continue to deliver their services even during disasters without facing damage, destruction or collapse. The good practices of civil engineering as demonstrated by disaster-resilient structures in recent earthquakes must be studied to disseminate such lessons widely. Disaster risk reduction must also be introduced in the curriculum of institutions imparting education in civil engineering, structural engineering, geo-technical engineering, architecture, urban planning, etc. We need to ensure compliance with the National Building Code (NBC) and other codes for all new construction and critical infrastructure being built. We must also identify weak structures which are life threatening and carry out seismic strengthening and retrofitting to save lives in high-risk zones. The vulnerability of weak structures which collapse in earthquakes, landslides and cyclones make it necessary to undertake a structural safety audit of weak structures and socio-economic assessment as a follow-up to changes in a multi-hazard risk map. The implications need to be communicated to urban administrators rather than just mere incorporation into standard codes of practice. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Sreevalsa Kolathayar, N Vinod Chandra Menon and Sreekeshava K S. All rights reserved.