Paper Details

[ Downloads: 0 | Abstract Viewed: 93 | Pages: 8 ]

Abstract of the Article

Note: English CIVILICA is in its Trial Period so Full Texts can not be provided! Persian users can download it here

Disaster Waste Management: Lessons Learnt from Borujerd of March 2006 Earthquake, Lorestan Province

Authors:
[ Amirhomayoun Saffarzadeh ] - Natural Disaster Research Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
[ Keyvan Hosseini ] - Earthquake Research Center, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran
[ Mahmoud Fatemi Aghda ] - Natural Disaster Research Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract:

One of the most critical issues that should be addressed in the course of rehabilitation and reconstruction phases is to implement an emergency plan for the sound management of disaster-related wastes (basically rubble and construction debris), which is not usually taken as a serious matter into consideration in Iran and most developing countries. Disorganized handling of disaster waste may seriously lead to poor relief operation and eventually retard reconstruction activities. Furthermore, improper management of waste stream will undoubtedly cause adverse effect on the sanitary and environmental status of the area in long run. In Iran, natural disaster waste management issue was initially launched in the aftermath of Borujerd earthquake by the authors. This earthquake, measuring 6.1 in Richter scale, severely devastated the rural areas of the southern part of Borujerd city in March 31st 2006 and led to the death of 75 inhabitants in the area. In the current plan, the subject of waste management was proposed for various strategies including "collection and transfer", "landfilling" and "recycling". Estimation made by authors indicates that almost 180,000 tons of rubble was generated during this event. Field observations revealed that only insignificant amount of intact rubble (mostly bricks) were reused by the residents and the rest was tipped on the surrounding farmlands and roadsides. Therefore, for the proper management of the wastes, suggestions were submitted to the authorities in order to avoid recollection and landfilling processes.

Keywords:

natural disasters, waste management, recycling, landfilling, environmental issues