Abstract
Disaster forensic investigation analyses the unfolding of a disaster and attempts to identify its multiple causes of damage which can lead to (i) improved disaster prevention and management from lessons learnt, and (ii) more effective mitigation measures in the aftermath of a disaster. The way in which damage data are collected after a flood event as well as the types of collected data influences their usability within forensic investigations. In order to explore whether or not existing data can be used for disaster forensic analysis, the European Project IDEA (Improving Damage assessments to Enhance cost-benefit Analyses) is investigating existing gaps in damage information so as to identify possible paths towards improving data quality. This paper focuses in detail on a forensic analysis of the interlinked damage to economic activities and infrastructure in the Severn floods of 2007 in the UK. Besides investigating the usability of existing data, this research investigated: (i) the relative weight of direct and indirect costs to business and infrastructure companies; (ii) to what extent damage to infrastructure has impacted on indirect damage to businesses. Finally recommendations for improving the data for use in forensic investigation are offered.
Highlights
Despite the increased understanding of the science of μQDWXUDO¶ GLVDVWHUV DQG LPproved technology, the costs associated with these events are increasing at a rapid rate in both developed countries, where stronger technology and science have failed to stabilise losses, and in developing countries, where the increase in losses are growing much faster than wealth highlighting deficiencies in current research on disasters[1].Many approaches to understanding disasters tend to be conducted within the frame of a narrow specialist field such as geological science, meteorology, technology, politics, economics or social sciences
In an attempt to address some of the deficiencies in current disaster research methodologies and improve the long-term recovery and prevention needed to reduce the impacts of such events, forensic investigation has been purposed as an alternative approach that offers a multidisciplinary framework
The results from the forensic analysis were assessed for their accuracy and applicability which led to a judgement of the quality of the data used to carry out the forensic analysis
Summary
Despite the increased understanding of the science of μQDWXUDO¶ GLVDVWHUV DQG LPproved technology, the costs associated with these events are increasing at a rapid rate in both developed countries, where stronger technology and science have failed to stabilise losses, and in developing countries, where the increase in losses are growing much faster than wealth highlighting deficiencies in current research on disasters[1]. Forensic investigation aims to identify the physical vulnerabilities such as poor building standards and planning policies and the major policy decisions and smaller incremental social and cultural decisions that lead to accumulated vulnerabilities.[1] Another trait of forensic investigation is that the research must be carried out independently and free from influence from any external bodies while still maintaining the authority and support of all public and private bodies involved and affected. Particular care is taken to analyse indirect damage due to direct damage, as well as damage to infrastructure, as it is often the case that business activities suffer because of disruption of essential services It is through this process that the research aimed to understand the requirements for damage data in order to carry out a successful forensic analysis. A selected number of recovery interventions for the business sector and utilities were analysed to assess to what extent the forensic investigation has been used or may be used to guarantee effective investments
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