Resilience in the face of and after disaster
Resilience in the face of disaster
(l-r) Visiting Professor Ian Davis of Cranfield University
Lois Blumenthal of the National Trust and
Franklin McDonald, geologist and senior technical
advisor to the Government. Professor Davis spoke on
resilience and challenges of recovery for the Cayman
Islands and Government at a conference this week. .
Friday, August 5, 2005
Visiting Professor Ian Davis from UK spoke on resilience and the challenges
of recovery after a disaster as part of the Cayman Islands National Trust’s
ongoing program for visiting scientists.
Coordinator of the Visiting Scientist Programme Lois Blumenthal said that
this topic is relevant to every citizen and resident of this country.
“We don’t go through a day here without referring to Hurricane Ivan,” said
Ms Blumenthal. “The impact on all facets of our lives has been enormous.”
Professor Davis stated the early warning system contributed to saving lives
for Hurricane Ivan. “We can accept high levels of damage, but we can’t accept
someone who is killed,” said Professor Davis.
He stated that Cayman is an extraordinary example of how quickly an economy
can recover.
“It not only helps the profits of businesses, but it also helps the
livelihood of employees.”
Professor Davis explained that to build a resilient disaster and risk
management system, it must include: reducing the probability of failure,
reducing the consequences of failure, rapid recovery and reducing
vulnerability.
He stated that public awareness and preparedness and comprehensive disaster
plans are necessary features to building and maintaining resilience.
“People are naturally resilient. Resilience is part of the way society
adjusts to disaster,” he said.
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