Community vulnerability in tropical coastal zones: tsunamis and cyclone storm surges

David King

Centre for Disaster Studies

James Cook University

Tsunami risk -- low probability. Storm surges -- high probabilityFour issues in Phuket – of direct relevance to coastal Queensland1. Critical infrastructure & lifelines for response and recovery2. Land use and coastal built structures3. Tourists and the tourism industry4. Hazard education

Tsunami Damage

Thailand

Cyclone & Surge Damage –Tikopia, Solomon Islands

cyclones are gradual onset

warnings enable evacuation and protection

cyclone

tsunamiSurge also gradual and much slower than tsunami -- but surge lasts hourshigh erosion potential -- debris

The Setting - numbers of dead and injured only a small fraction of close to one million population on Phuket -variable wave heights & coastal configuration

most buildings of the same materials and construction technologyas Queensland - tourism development had competed for beach access – tourist businesses took the full force of the impact

Critical infrastructure & lifelines - Phuket a well developed tourist destination - Most tourist facilities on Phuket away from immediate beachfront -- Administrative, commercial and industrial settlements further from coast -- remained functional after the tsunami especially Phuket city recovery & coordination came from intact and functioning society -- large workforce, heavy machinery, local government & private sector

Not in Queensland -- critical infrastructure and lifelines are concentrated in city centres adjacent to coast e.g. Cairns and Townsville - relocation of critical infrastructure essential -- a long process of strategic planning

Cairns

Type of BuildingTotal

BuildingsBuildings

below 3 msPercent below

3 metres

Accommodation - motels, hotels etc 267 162 61

Private Houses and Flats 30529 6164 20

Number of Timber and Fibro houses 2559

Sub Total Housing 30796 6326 20Business and commercial premises 1533 1259 82

Industry - factories etc 79 68 86

Sheds and warehouses 76 43 57

Miscellaneous - business related 19 19 100

Sub total Business & Industry 1707 1389 81Recreational facilities 87 41 47

Community facilities - churches, halls, libraries etc.

210 111 53

Sub total Community Buildings 297 152 51Emergency services - police, fire, SES, etc. 40 25 62

Logistics - bulk gas, fuel, storage & transport 395 322 82

Health Services 151 98 65

Power Utilities 25 22 88

Water supply 34 11 32

Telecommunications 32 14 44

Educational Facilities 219 113 52

Government Facilities & depots 54 37 69

Sub total Service Facilities 950 642 68Total All Buildings 33750 8509 25

Cairns: Impact Scenario of Storm SurgeVulnerability ofBuildings Below 3 Metres above AHD

Source: QueenslandDepartment of Emergency Services/ Cairns City Council; 1995 survey by Granger et al.

Land-use planning - problem of foreshore developmentprocess of evolution from small undercapitalised family operations to larger resorts -- tsunami will probably speed up the process

Small structures fared very badly - cottages, shops, restaurants, small hotels -- often total destruction

Thai government response to require accommodation structures to be 100 ms. inland - significant land-use planning issue -- no small or residential buildings close to foreshore

Tourism - tourist destination bears impact of disaster -- tourist industry robust -- shifts to new destinations

The Brochure After the 9 metre wave

Phuket & Khao Lak physically damaged in foreshore zone

economy of the destination is devastated – problem of loss of tourist confidence – negative media portrayal

Exodus –

December 30

Continuity -January 3 on Phi Phi where hundreds died

Clear up and recovery to re-establish tourist industry and boost the economy – main areas on Phuket cleared in 1 week

Warnings, Awareness and Lack of Understanding

Understanding Meaning of Cyclone Warning. Townsville & Cairns

What does a Cyclone Warning MeanCairns percent

Townsville percent

Total

Various incorrect answers 70 63 67Various responses on being prepared 23 30 26Cross coast “within 24 hours” 7 8 7Total Numbers 493 415 908

Understanding of A Cyclone Watch. Townsville and Cairns

When Does a Cyclone Watch BeginCairns percent

Townsville percent

Total

Incorrect Answer 95 94 94.5Correct Answer- “within 48 hours but not within 24 hours”

5 6 5.5

Total Numbers 493 415 908

Education - warnings, knowledge, awareness -warning system is a chain of connections that requires the public or community to understand the message

Tsunami warning on beach -North West USA

targeted warnings & education -- children, families, workplace, tourists

State Planning Policy –Thuringowa Hazard Map

LGC ultimately responsible for 1. critical infrastructure2. land use planning3. local tourist industry resilience 4. community education

LGC responsibility for local warnings, information, local education and locale specific plans & strategies