There have been an increasing number of disasters occurring around the world, as evidenced by recent natural catastrophes. In addition to the tragic loss of so many human lives, the UIA deplores the situation of the thousands of people who have lost their homes and livelihood. The severe damage caused to buildings has left a number of heritage sites in ruins. On Monday 11 September, a powerful storm caused devastating floods in Libya with 2,000 feared dead, over 10,000 believed missing and severe damage in villages and cities in the north-eastern region. On Friday 9 September, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Morocco, killing over 2,600 people and injuring more than 2,500. This seismic event has led to devastation in the rural areas of the Atlas Mountains and considerable damages in the historic city of Marrakesh, which includes several UNESCO heritage sites. Deadly floods occurred in southern Europe last week with many reported dead in Spain, Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria. Villages and cities have experienced catastrophic damages. A similar disaster occurred in southern Brazil with reports of 31 dead and 2,300 displaced. The International Union of Architects (UIA) expresses its concern and support for people in the affected areas and recognises the immediate priority of preservation of human life. As the affected population comes to terms with the significant loss of life, there is also an urgent need for water, food, sanitation and shelter, in addition to planning for recovery and reconstruction. The UIA is in the process of establishing a new Work Programme on ‘Natural and Human Disasters’, to analyse and concretise the professional assistance that architects can provide in the face of such disasters as those experienced in the past days. This new programme will be composed of experts from UIA Member Sections with the collaboration of Emergency Architects, an NGO recognised as an expert in the domain. We urge our Member Sections around the world to encourage their governments to provide disaster relief assistance, support subsequent reconstruction efforts and contribute towards the development of more engaged national policies on resilient architecture. |