How does your country prepare for and respond to natural disasters?
On May 28, a massive glacier collapse in the Swiss Alps triggered a devastating landslide, burying much of the mountain village of Blatten in canton Valais. Thanks to early warnings from scientists and quick action by authorities, residents were evacuated in time.
Have you experienced natural disasters—such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or landslides—in your country of residence? How are these events predicted, managed, and responded to where you live? Share your experiences and perspectives.
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Why do Swiss mountains collapse? It’s complicated
I live in Lombok, Indonesia. In 2018 a massive earthquake devastated a large part of the island. Our house was severally damaged. The roof and the top floor needed to be reconstructed. Government? No warnings (as usual in earthquakes really). Government help? Our repairs cost over 30'000 Sfr, Government aid was less than 500 Sfr/ But friends and relatives and Facebook contacts enabled us to collect a good amount of funds, which permitted us to help less fortunate neighbors.
Dear Rafiq, thank you for responding and explaining how you coped with the devastating earthquake in Indonesia. No warning from the authorities, you testify. Is there no seismic alarm in Indonesia either, and do you think that international pressure should be exerted to establish a mechanism for risk control and earthquake warning in countries that do not have such preventive measures? The United Nations is trying to make the authorities in all countries of the world assume their responsibilities. It seems that this effort is still insufficient.
Estimado Rafiq, gracias por responder y explicar cómo fue que enfrentó el devastador terremoto en Indonesia. Ninguna advertencia por parte de las autoridades, testifica. ¿No existe tampoco una alarma sísmica en Indonesia? ¿Considera que se debe ejercer presión internacional para establecer un mecanismo de control de riesgos y advertencia de temblores en los países que no tienen este tipo de medidas de prevención? Naciones Unidas intenta que las autoridades de todos los países del mundo asuman sus responsabilidades. Al parecer, este esfuerzo es todavía insuficiente.
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