Natural disasters
Our research improves risk reduction and resilience against flooding, earthquakes, drought and landslides. We do multi-hazard modelling, rapid structural assessment and real-life rebuilding.
Poor communities are adversely affected by natural disasters. Buildings are less resilient and more likely to be badly damaged by extreme events. People have less resource to rebuild houses, schools, roads and livelihoods.
Researchers at the Faculty of Engineering work directly with vulnerable communities and local and national governments to understand the need and local context. We run interdisciplinary projects with sociologists, hydrologists, historians and geographers to build disaster resilience and response in a way that fits with the wider system. We work with NGOs, charities and companies to make sure that there is the support needed to make things happen immediately and in the long term.
Where we work
Our projects run in the countries most exposed to natural disasters in Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
Faculty of Engineering
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SAFER Nepal
Building schools to withstand earthquakes in Nepal
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PREPARE Africa
Creating earthquake resilient buildings along the East African Rift, starting in Malawi
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MOSSAIC landslide prevention
Reducing urban landslide risk in St Lucia and across the Caribbean
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SAFER PREPARED
Expertise from SAFER and PREPARE projects focussing on seismic safety in Malawi.