14 November 2005
An international symposium seeking ways to reduce the effects of disasters like the Boxing Day tsunami is being hosted by Monash University.
Global experts will talk about 'hazard mapping', reducing risk for vulnerable coastal communities, and how to protect key infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.
One of the symposium organisers, Monash University Emeritus Professor Paul Grundy, says Indian Ocean coastal communities are vulnerable to a range of disasters that have killed hundreds of thousands of people over recent decades.
"These include tsunamis, storm surges and rising sea levels as well as other natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides and wind storms," Professor Grundy said.
The symposium will also address Queensland climate change, the state's vulnerability to tropical cyclones, and lessons to be learnt from diasters such as the tsunami.
Keynote speakers include: Dr John F Schneider, group leader, Risk Research, Geoscience Australia; Dr Shigeo Takahashi, director, Port and Airport Research Institute, Japan; Dr Nehal Karim, Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
What:
Disaster Reduction on Coasts - symposium
When: Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 November
Where: Monash University, Clayton campus, Room E7, Building 72
For more information contact Ms Robyn Anns, Media Communications, on +613 9905 9317 or 0417 568 781.
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