Community vulnerability in tropical coastal zones: tsunamis and cyclone storm surges David King Centre for Disaster Studies James Cook University
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
Cyclone & Surge Damage Tikopia, Solomon Islands Tsunami Damage Thailand
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
The Setting - numbers of dead and injured only a small fraction of close to one million population on Phuket -variable wave heights & coastal configuration
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
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
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
Type of Building Total Buildings Buildings below 3 ms Percent below 3 metres Accommodation - motels, hotels etc 267 162 61 Private Houses and Flats 30529 6164 20 Number of Timber and Fibro houses 2559 Sub Total Housing 30796 6326 20 Business and commercial premises 1533 1259 82 Industry - factories etc 79 68 86 Sheds and warehouses 76 43 57 Miscellaneous - business related 19 19 100 Sub total Business & Industry 1707 1389 81 Recreational facilities 87 41 47 Community facilities - churches, halls, libraries etc. 210 111 53 Sub total Community Buildings 297 152 51 Emergency services - police, fire, SES, etc. 40 25 62 Logistics - bulk gas, fuel, storage & transport 395 322 82 Health Services 151 98 65 Power Utilities 25 22 88 Water supply 34 11 32 Telecommunications 32 14 44 Educational Facilities 219 113 52 Government Facilities & depots 54 37 69 Sub total Service Facilities 950 642 68 Total All Buildings 33750 8509 25 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.
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
Small structures fared very badly - cottages, shops, restaurants, small hotels -- often total destruction
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
The Brochure After the 9 metre wave Tourism - tourist destination bears impact of disaster -- tourist industry robust -- shifts to new destinations
Phuket & Khao Lak physically damaged in foreshore zone
economy of the destination is devastated problem of loss of tourist confidence negative media portrayal
Exodus December 30 Continuity - January 3 on Phi Phi where hundreds died
Clear up and recovery to re-establish tourist industry and boost the economy main areas on Phuket cleared in 1 week
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 70 63 67 Various responses on being prepared 23 30 26 Cross coast within 24 hours 7 8 7 Total Total Numbers 493 415 908 Understanding of A Cyclone Watch. Townsville and Cairns When Does a Cyclone Watch Begin Cairns percent Townsville percent Total Incorrect Answer 95 94 94.5 Correct Answer- within 48 hours but not within 24 hours 5 6 5.5 Total Numbers 493 415 908
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
targeted warnings & education -- children, families, workplace, tourists
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