Landslides and Urban Risk Reduction
Conveners : Domenico Calcaterra ; C.F. Lee
Session description :
The risk formula consists of the hazard element and the consequence element. In an urban setting, the consequence element becomes a subject of public concern. Rapid urbanization has led to the construction of numerous buildings and other infrastructures on slopes in hilly terrains of the urban and suburban environment. As a result, a major landslide in such an urban setting could led to fatalities, casualties and significant property damages. This could in turn led to public anxiety and outcry, adding considerable political pressure on those public agencies in charge of landslide hazard mitigation. This is exactly the story in some major cities such as Hong Kong over the past forty years or so.
It is the purpose of this specific session on “Landslides and Urban Risk Reduction” to learn from successful experiences and good practices around the world, specifically in landslide risk reduction in the urban environment. Hopefully, such issues as those outlined above could also be examined, for the well being of our growing urban population. Papers on this important subject are therefore cordially invited from experts of all countries subject to landslide hazard, such that an in-depth discussion could be held at the WFL2 in Rome, October, 2011, and useful insights and recommendations could be put forward for the benefit of all. (993 words)
