Module Objectives

Basic objective of the module is comprehension by the students of the processes of natural disasters and their impacts as well as human society responses and ways of coping with losses. The basic queries that the module attempts to give answer to are the following: Which are the root causes of natural disasters and which are the factors triggering chain-like disaster processes and domino effects?

Is it possible that human societies affect catastrophic events and potential losses? Which are the policies, measures and actions that should be undertaken by human societies to prevent disasters, to mitigate losses, or even to recover as rapidly as possible?

The module aims at supplying the students with knowledge, skills and the criteria which are necessary for disaster risk assessment, estimation of losses after manifestation of a disaster event, also for criticizing existing mitigation, preparedness, relief and recovery plans and for carrying out alternative management solutions.

Course Content

The thematic topics included in the module are: Natural disasters and the concepts of hazard, risk and exposure  – Natural and human-induced causes of disasters – The impacts of natural disasters and the concepts of vulnerability and resilience – Building, urban, social and economic vulnerability – Methods of vulnerability assessment – Areas in Greece and Europe which are prone to earthquakes, landslides, floods and forest fires (hotspots) – Vulnerability of the Greek cities to earthquakes and floods – Disaster management policies and plans for mitigation, preparedness, emergency, recovery and reconstruction – Examples from Greece, Turkey, Italy other European countries and USA.

Teaching and Assessment

– Theoretical lectures (26 hours)
– Labs / Supervision of work seminars (13 hours)
– Oral presentation (50%), group work and written paper (50%)

The module is also available through eclass platform (http://eclass.hua.gr/courses/GEO202/).