Community vulnerability in tropical coastal zones: tsunamis and cyclone storm surges. David King Centre for Disaster Studies James Cook University

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1 Community vulnerability in tropical coastal zones: tsunamis and cyclone storm surges David King Centre for Disaster Studies James Cook University

2 Tsunami risk -- low probability. Storm surges -- high probability Four issues in Phuket of direct relevance to coastal Queensland 1. Critical infrastructure & lifelines for response and recovery 2. Land use and coastal built structures 3. Tourists and the tourism industry 4. Hazard education

3 Cyclone & Surge Damage Tikopia, Solomon Islands Tsunami Damage Thailand

4 cyclones are gradual onset warnings enable evacuation and protection cyclone tsunami Surge also gradual and much slower than tsunami -- but surge lasts hours high erosion potential -- debris

5 The Setting - numbers of dead and injured only a small fraction of close to one million population on Phuket -variable wave heights & coastal configuration

6 most buildings of the same materials and construction technology as Queensland - tourism development had competed for beach access tourist businesses took the full force of the impact

7 Critical infrastructure & lifelines - Phuket a well developed tourist destination - Most tourist facilities on Phuket away from immediate beachfront -- Administrative, commercial and industrial settlements further from coast -- remained functional after the tsunami especially Phuket city recovery & coordination came from intact and functioning society -- large workforce, heavy machinery, local government & private sector

8 Not in Queensland -- critical infrastructure and lifelines are concentrated in city centres adjacent to coast e.g. Cairns and Townsville - relocation of critical infrastructure essential -- a long process of strategic planning Cairns

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11 Type of Building Total Buildings Buildings below 3 ms Percent below 3 metres Accommodation - motels, hotels etc Private Houses and Flats Number of Timber and Fibro houses 2559 Sub Total Housing Business and commercial premises Industry - factories etc Sheds and warehouses Miscellaneous - business related Sub total Business & Industry Recreational facilities Community facilities - churches, halls, libraries etc Sub total Community Buildings Emergency services - police, fire, SES, etc Logistics - bulk gas, fuel, storage & transport Health Services Power Utilities Water supply Telecommunications Educational Facilities Government Facilities & depots Sub total Service Facilities Total All Buildings Cairns: Impact Scenario of Storm Surge Vulnerability of Buildings Below 3 Metres above AHD Source: Queensland Department of Emergency Services/ Cairns City Council; 1995 survey by Granger et al.

12 Land-use planning - problem of foreshore development process of evolution from small undercapitalised family operations to larger resorts -- tsunami will probably speed up the process

13 Small structures fared very badly - cottages, shops, restaurants, small hotels -- often total destruction

14 Thai government response to require accommodation structures to be 100 ms. inland - significant land-use planning issue -- no small or residential buildings close to foreshore

15 The Brochure After the 9 metre wave Tourism - tourist destination bears impact of disaster -- tourist industry robust -- shifts to new destinations

16 Phuket & Khao Lak physically damaged in foreshore zone

17 economy of the destination is devastated problem of loss of tourist confidence negative media portrayal

18 Exodus December 30 Continuity - January 3 on Phi Phi where hundreds died

19 Clear up and recovery to re-establish tourist industry and boost the economy main areas on Phuket cleared in 1 week

20 Warnings, Awareness and Lack of Understanding Understanding Meaning of Cyclone Warning. Townsville & Cairns What does a Cyclone Warning Mean Cairns percent Townsville percent Various incorrect answers Various responses on being prepared Cross coast within 24 hours Total Total Numbers Understanding of A Cyclone Watch. Townsville and Cairns When Does a Cyclone Watch Begin Cairns percent Townsville percent Total Incorrect Answer Correct Answer- within 48 hours but not within 24 hours Total Numbers

21 Education - warnings, knowledge, awareness - warning system is a chain of connections that requires the public or community to understand the message Tsunami warning on beach - North West USA

22 targeted warnings & education -- children, families, workplace, tourists

23 LGC responsibility for local warnings, information, local education and locale specific plans & strategies LGC ultimately responsible for 1. critical infrastructure 2. land use planning 3. local tourist industry resilience 4. community education State Planning Policy Thuringowa Hazard Map