Similarities, Differences, and Improvements for the Conceptualization of Water-related Disasters in South America

Abstract

The occurrence of floods and humid mass movements can cause several disturbances in communities. Such consequences have been accentuated due to the lack of knowledge and organization of society. In South American countries it is registered a high incidence of extreme events related to water with intensified effects due to the characteristics of these countries. In this way, it was identified similarities, differences, and subjects to improve the conceptualization of disasters associated with water through an online capacitation course realized simultaneously in several countries. Floods and debris flows are the extreme events that most affect society in terms of human and economic losses. El Niño and La Niña were identified as natural phenomena that potentialize such disasters. All countries have well-established administrative bodies to collect and manage data for taking decisions on mitigation and risk reduction, although the management between the considered countries has differences among them. Due to South America's debilities concerning its management systems and knowledge on disaster risk reduction, some actions may help to improve the management and risk reduction in the urban and territorial environment: i) the establishment of a network called Latinoamericana de Desastres Relacionados al Agua (LADERA); and ii) the execution of capacitation courses.

Keywords

• capacitación, desastres, riesgo, vulnerabilidad