Aftermath of Natural Disasters

Figure 1. Impacts of Natural Disasters, 1999-2003

Source: Larson (2004) derived from General Directorate for Disaster Relief & Prevention Database
Note; Data does not include 1999 Armenia earthquake

The highlighted point in figure 1 shows that there is a significant number of water supply systems which are affected as an aftermath of natural disasters. Without a source of uncontaminated water, the victims' likelihood of survival will be greatly reduced.

However, if our product were to be deployed if such an instance were to be brought forth, the victims would not only have potable water to drink before the rescue teams arrive but also electricity to enable them to power appliances in which they can call for help. This will thus increase the survivor rate.

To look in the detail how disaster can affect the water supply system in a region, we can take flood as an example (as it is the kind of disaster that occurs the most in China and India in the last 10 years) and see its impact on the drinking water and sevarage system, as summarized by Pan American Health Organization:

• Total or partial destruction of intakes located in rivers or ravines;
  

• Sedimentation, resulting in silting up of components;
  

• Loss of intakes because of changes in the course of rivers;
  

• Breaks where exposed pipe crosses ravines and/or rivers;
  

• Breaks in distribution pipelines and connections in coastal areas as a result of wave action, and in areas adjacent to water channels;

•  Contamination of the watershed;
  

• Damage to pumping equipment;
  

• Indirect impacts such as the interruption of electricity and communications, and road blockages.

Source:  Natural Disaster Mitigation
in Drinking Water and
Sewerage Systems
Guidelines for Vulnerability Analysis
by Pan American Health Organization