SUMMARY

MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Mitigation strategies will in many cases be incorporated as an element of larger scale development programs; any successful strategy should include a range of measures from the menu of possible actions. The appropriate mix will be different for each location and type of hazard.

The selection of an appropriate strategy should be guided by evaluating and considering the costs and benefits (in terms of future losses saved) of a range of possible measures.

To obtain political acceptability, a mitigation strategy may need to contain a mixture of immediately visible improvements and of less visible but long-term sustainable benefits.

Mitigation strategies are much easier to implement in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or near-disaster; awareness of the impact of similar natural hazards elsewhere can also assist in obtaining public and political support for disaster protection.

Mitigation strategies developed during disaster reconstruction should encompass all the hazards likely to be encontered in the future and promoted as far as possible beyond the reconstruction areas to other areas at risk from similar hazards.

Empower the local community by promoting planning and management of its own defences and obtaining outside assistance only where needed.