RISK AWARD 2012
The inaugural RISK Award was presented at the 4th International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC Davos 2012 on 26 August to a project aimed at using basic means to reduce the risk of flooding in slum areas of the city of Beira in Mozambique.
Over 900 participants from around the globe discussed various ways of reducing catastrophe risks and building resilience, issues which are becoming increasingly urgent in the face of fast-rising populations and rapid urbanisation. In view of the increasing settlement of exposed areas globally, the first RISK Award focused on early warning in urban areas, which was in keeping with the long-standing UNISDR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) campaign, "Making cities resilient". Out of the 38 submitted proposals, an international jury chose the winning proposal. The €100,000 prize money will go to the project "Making the city of Beira resilient to floods and cyclones”, which will be set up in Mozambique's second largest city. The RISK award is the result of a collaboration between the Munich Re Foundation, the Global Risk Forum GRF Davos and UNISDR.
Risk during heavy rainfall
The population is soaring in Beira's coastal districts, especially in the slum areas of Chipangara and Chota. The infrastructure cannot keep pace with the sprawling development of rudimentary housing. Drainage channels that appear harmless in dry weather rapidly swell and overflow during heavy rainfall. These flash floods are a threat to the city's inhabitants. There is also a risk of storm surges from the sea, because cyclones can force the water into the drainage channels. The situation is especially critical if high waves coincide with torrential rain and becomes dramatic if people are caught by a flash flood in their sleep.
Simple technology
The technology used to warn of the impending danger is deceptively simple. Snorkel-type tubes are installed at strategic points in rivers, streams and drainage channels. Inside the tubes is a ping-pong ball with a conductive coating. If the water level rises, an electrical switch is tripped by means of the snorkel principle. The sirens are sounded and that gives the inhabitants of Chipangara and Chota time to take themselves and their possessions to a place of safety.
Local responsibility
The IP Consult/Ambero Consult project developers and their partners, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Mozambique's National Institute for Disaster Management INGC, have begun setting up flood committees in slum areas. Committee members take real pride in their role and have good community networks. They are told where people can take refuge and they understand the community's risk situation. Practice drills are held so that they can learn the correct evacuation procedures. Regular committee meetings ensure the city's inhabitants are progressively familiarised with the different steps involved.
Why the Beira project was selected
The seven members of the RISK Award jury fully agreed on the winning project. What distinguished the Beira project was its inherent simplicity, and the fact that it is easy to replicate. One of its key features is its inclusion from the outset of the people at risk. In addition, the project is backed by Mozambique's INGC, which can provide useful input based on experience it has gained in cities like the capital Maputo. The project has potential because it is tailored to the community and enjoys the support of the national authorities. The project can be implemented in cities throughout Mozambique and worldwide, to prepare inhabitants better, and promote development.
RISK Award partners Global Risk Forum GRF Davos, UNISDR and the Munich Re Foundation look forward to being part of the project and to its successful implementation.
Call for proposals for the next RISK Award
The request for proposals for the next RISK Award will be issued in May 2013. The focus of that award will be announced at the UNISDR Global Platform for Disaster Reduction in Geneva.
