Surveys and activities of post earthquake disaster and training of trainers on building back better

Background:
UNESCO launched the International Platform for Reducing Earthquake Disasters (IPRED) programme to identify gaps and priorities through the sharing of scientific knowledge in seismology and earthquake engineering. The other main goal is to bolster political will and public awareness to ensure better preparation against earthquakes and to create a culture of safety worldwide.

Buildings, especially housing, should protect human beings from natural disasters. When buildings are themselves damaged by earthquakes, the impact on the lives of their occupants is enormous. Damage to buildings caused by disasters can also seriously hinder relief efforts.

In January 2005, the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) was held in Kobe, Japan; it adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015: Building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters. At one of the Conference sessions, it was agreed that it was crucial to improve the safety of buildings and housing. It was then proposed that the “Building Disaster Reduction Network” be established. Since the magnitude of the problem is clear, a continuous process must be initiated urgently to involve all citizens. This necessitates the involvement of core people who are trained and well prepared.