IRDR - Addressing the challenges of natural & human-induced environmental hazards

Forensic Investigations of Disasters around the Globe: Insights and Lessons for a Safer Future

06 January 2025

The presentation given by Irasema Alcántara introduced the Forensic Investigations of Disasters. This content was from plenary session 1 of the IRDR 2024 International Conference.

Analyzing past events to understand the future better, and ensuring the lessons we learnt lead to meaningful changes.

The standard framework for disaster risk reduction is essential for reinforcing our capacity to manage disaster risk and prevent disasters. The framework prioritises gaining a comprehensive understanding of the risks we are involved in, which is a fundamental step towards achieving effective disaster risk management. Therefore, it is extremely relevant to acknowledge that disasters are complex processes. Disasters are not natural, they stem from a complex square of factors, including hazard, vulnerability and exposure. They are not sudden events, they are systemic processes influenced by long-term social, economic and political forces.

One way we can help people understand how disasters occur is Forensic Investigations of Disasters. These investigations aim to contribute to disaster risk management by uncovering the root causes of disasters and the risk drivers and also help to develop practical solutions to address these issues. By connecting research with policy, these investigations help communities become more resilient and prepared.

Forensic Investigations of Disasters started as The FORIN Project within the framework of IRDR.

The GAR Special Report include case studies of disasters to analyze the factors that either increase or decrease their impacts. Recommendation are also provided in the report for improving resilience on thee main areas, including people, planet and prosperity. By integrating these interconnected dimensions, the report offers a comprehensive famework for promoting resilience in our rapidly changing world.

A case study of 2017 Mexico City earthquake from GAR Special Report was also shown in the presentation.