Return to Index of Disaster Research Newsletters
http://www.mhwwb.org
This is the new Mental Health Workers Without Borders (MHWWB) Web
site. The MHWWB is an international, not-for-profit, nongovernmental
network of activist mental health workers of all types and professions
whose aim is to provide psychosocial assistance following natural and
human-caused disasters and to provide technical assistance to
developing countries so that they can provide treatment and
psychosocial rehabilitation for their citizens. MHWWB encourages
family- and community-based approaches to mental health therapy, while
respecting cultural variation, drawing on local resources and
traditions, and emphasizing community empowerment. The MHWWB Web site
includes sections on "Activities," "Human Rights," "Rehabilitation,"
and "Disasters," with numerous links to sites providing information in
these areas. It also offers a downloadable manual, Coping with
Disaster: A Guide to Psychosocial Responses to Disaster. For more
information about MHWWB, contact Mental Health Workers Without
Borders, c/o Martin Gittelman, 100 West 94th Street, New York, NY
10025; e-mail: mhwwb@mhwwb.org.
http://mceer.buffalo.edu
On September 21, 1999, a devastating earthquake struck the
central region of Taiwan. This earthquake became known as the "921" or
"Ji-Ji" earthquake. Subsequently, researchers from the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) at the
State University of New York at Buffalo and colleagues from the
National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE) in
Taiwan held a workshop in Taipei to identify short-term strategies and
actions for post-earthquake restoration, and research needs including
specific cooperative projects on the 921 earthquake that would involve
researchers from both centers. A report on the disaster, based on
discussion at the meeting and subsequent reconnaissance, MCEER/NCREE
Response: Preliminary Report from MCEER-NCREE Workshop on the 921
Taiwan Earthquake, is available from the MCEER Web site above.
Printed copies are available from the report editor, Jane Stoyle, c/o
MCEER Information Service, State University of New York at Buffalo,
c/o Science and Engineering Library, 304 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY
14260-2200; (716) 645-3391; fax: (716) 645-3399; e-mail:
jestoyle@acsu.buffalo.edu.
In addition, MCEER has published on the Web a preliminary report on the Athens, Greece, earthquake of September 7, 1999. MCEER colleagues at the Institute of Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering (ITSAK) provided the preliminary report, which presents strong motion data and examines structural response for this event.
http://www.trinet.org
TriNet is a five-year collaborative project among the California
Institute of Technology, the California Division of Mines and Geology,
and the U.S. Geological Survey to create an effective real-time
earthquake information system for Southern California. TriNet
incorporates new technologies to provide vital information within
minutes of an earthquake, thus helping to mitigate the impact of large
earthquakes in the region. The system is designed to aid both
scientists and emergency managers. Through continuous monitoring of
seismicity in Southern California TriNet produces rapid estimates of
earthquake times, locations, and magnitudes, enabling direct estimates
of the strength of ground shaking near earthquakes. Its products
include maps (a program known as ShakeMap) showing the distribution of
ground motion and a pilot earthquake early warning system. For more
information about TriNet and ShakeMap, see the TriNet Web site or
contact David Wald, USGS, Pasadena, CA; (626) 583-7238; e-mail:
wald@gps.caltech.edu -or- James Goltz, California Institute of
Technology, Pasadena, CA; (626) 395-3298: e-mail:
jgoltz@gps.caltech.edu.
http://www.iaffhazmat.org
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Hazardous
Materials Training Department, in cooperation with the National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), has developed a
Y2K Web site for fire fighters, paramedics, and other emergency
responders. The site features interactive case studies highlighting
areas of potential concern, as well as links, news releases, and other
information.
http://www.ucsusa.org/
From its Web site, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) now
offers, in downloadable PDF format, the complete text of Confronting
Climate Change in California: Ecological Impacts on the Golden State.
In their press release, the study's sponsors, the UCS and the
Ecological Society of America, state:
The report . . . provides the state's citizens and policymakers with a scientific assessment of the likely impacts of [expected warming] on the state's diverse environments and the goods and services they provide. [The authors] conclude that climate change poses a range of serious challenges for California's environment, economy and quality of life [including]:The report's authors emphasize other consequences to the region's ecology and human population and suggest possible strategies for dealing with this evolving problem.
- Increased winter precipitation will fall mostly as rain rather than snow. Thus, less water will be stored in the snow pack while more water will runoff immediately, adding to winter flooding and landslide problems. Changes in the water cycle will likely lead to water shortages during the late spring and summer, worsening drought conditions, irrigation needs and water use conflicts. Crops that require large amounts of irrigated water, such as grapes, cotton and alfalfa, will be among the hardest hit.
- Warmer summers will tend to intensify the summer drought, potentially leading to hotter, harder-to-control wildfires, especially if Santa Ana winds also increase. Higher temperatures will warm the ocean and likely raise the sea level by 8 to 12 inches over the next century, amplifying current problems with storm surge, beach erosion and flooding during major winter storms. El Nino events, with their dramatic impacts on California's weather and economy, may become more frequent and/or more intense as the climate changes.
This compilation is an historical art collection and a scientific record of earthquake occurrence and hazard. Many images provide "macroseismic" details of occurrence, location, intensity, and damage that can be compared with historical earthquake catalogs. The artistic treatment of cultural themes associated with sudden natural forces touch on folkloric, scientific, and religious interpretations of seismic events.
The project to digitize and make the images available on the Internet was made possible by the Czech-American Joint Commission for Cooperation in Science and Technology. The collection, which is indexed both spatially and chronologically, can be explored and at the NISEE Web site: http://www.eerc.berkeley.edu. A preface to the collection written by Professor Bruce Bolt and an historical bibliography of sources accompany the collection.
Research must be conducted at an accredited U.S. college or university. The research can be conducted in such areas as land-use and comprehensive planning, engineering, design and construction, materials testing, public policy, public education, public administration, sociology, architecture, law, geography, or other relevant disciplines. The recipient is expected to submit a research project draft and final report to the ASFPM Graduate Fellowship Advisory Committee (GFAC), prepare an article for the ASFPM newsletter News & Views, and make a presentation at the ASFPM national conference.
Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. The fellowship covers tuition, fees, research expenses, travel costs, and stipend. Applications must be received by March 1, 2000. Applicants should provide an academic transcript, statement of educational and career goals, professional resume, and letter of nomination from the faculty host at the cooperating educational institution. For more information, contact ASFPM, 2809 Fish Hatchery Road, Suite 204, Madison, WI 53713; (608) 274-0123; fax: (608) 274- 0696; e-mail: diane@floods.org; WWW: http://www.floods.org.
Under the section on "Coastal Technical Services - Coastal Technology Demonstration and Verification" the announcement states that "NOAA's Coastal Services Center seeks proposals from state or local resource management agencies, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private sector companies for [pilot] projects . . . under which a cooperator(s) and the Center will scope out or design and apply prototype decision making tools and information products for coastal resource management. Emphasis will be placed on projects that address coastal habitat management and coastal hazards mitigation."
Additional information is available from the Web site above, or by contacting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA Coastal Services Center, 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405-2413; (843) 740-1222; e-mail: csc@csc.noaa.gov. The staff member in charge of the "Coastal Technical Services" proposals is Jeff Payne, (843) 740-1207.
The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction has been established through a partnership between the University of Western Ontario and the Insurance Bureau of Canada and is dedicated to reducing the impact of natural disasters. This appointment is one of two new research chairs who will head different aspects of the institute's activities. (The second chair is in the field of severe weather and earthquakes.) Funding for the new institute and the two chairs has been provided by the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, and the University of Western Ontario.
The position requires a Ph.D. It should attract strong leaders and mid-career individuals with an established and international reputation, together with a proven research record, including publications in refereed journals, and the ability to lead and collaborate with research teams, as well as demonstrated evidence of interest, ability, and enthusiasm to teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The ideal candidate will be a senior social scientist with expertise in the field of natural hazards and hazard mapping, as well as expertise in policy analysis in areas related to natural hazard anticipation and disaster mitigation.
In addition to research and teaching, a major role of the successful candidate will be to establish and coordinate a network of academic experts in Ontario, nationally, and eventually worldwide, with a focus on natural hazard mapping and public policy relating to natural hazards. This individual will also help in implementing the larger vision of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, and in mentoring emerging researchers. The successful candidate will be expected to teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in the field of natural hazards and will be responsible also for some graduate supervision.
The position is subject to budget approval. Applicants should submit a current curriculum vitae, a statement of research and teaching interests, copies of recent significant papers, and the names and addresses of three referees, together with their e-mail, fax, and telephone numbers to either Dr. R.H. King, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Science, Social Science Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C2, Canada; tel: (519) 661-3653; fax: (519) 661-3750; e-mail: king@julian.uwo.ca; -or- Dr. R.A. Young, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Science, Social Science Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C2, Canada; tel: (519) 661-4185; fax: (519) 661-3904, e-mail: young@julian.uwo.ca. Information about the departments may be accessed at: http://www.uwo.ca/geog and http://www.sscl.uwo.ca/polysci.
Consideration of applications will begin December 1 and continue until March 1, 2000. Starting date is negotiable but will be as soon as possible. In accordance with the Canadian Immigration requirement, this advertisement is directed to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. The University of Western Ontario is committed to employment equity, welcomes diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of visible minorities, aboriginal persons, and persons with disabilities.
Governor's Flood and Drought Preparedness Conference: "What Can Colorado Do to Reduce Its Vulnerability to Flood and Drought Disasters?" Denver, Colorado: December 2-3, 1999. Contact: Kathy Kanda, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 718, Denver, CO 80203; (303) 866-5887; e-mail: kathy.kanda@state.co.us.
Critical Incident Stress Management Workshops. Offered by: International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). San Diego, California: December 2-5, 1999. Contact: ICISF, 10176 Baltimore National Pike, Unit 201, Ellicott City, MD 21042; (410) 750-9600; fax: (410) 750-9601; WWW: http://www.icisf.org.
Seismic Repair and Rehabilitation of Structures. Fullerton,
California: March 21-22, 2000. Contact: Mrs. Kumari Chowbey,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, California State
University, Fullerton, 800 North State College, Fullerton, CA 92834;
(714) 278-3012; fax: (714) 278-3916; e-mail: schowbey@fullerton.edu;
or
SRRS2, c/o ATD, 111 East Avenida San Gabriel, San Clemente, CA
92672; (949) 366-6073 or (949) 366-1056; fax: (949) 366-1057; e-mail:
info@srrs2.com; WWW: http://www.srrs2.com.
Firewise Communities Workshop Series on Wildland Fire Mitigation.
Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, USDA Forest
Service, U.S. Fire Administration, and many other organizations.
Stevenson, Washington: March 29-31, 2000
Durham, New Hampshire: June 2000
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota: September 25-27, 2000
Atlanta, Georgia: October 18-20, 2000
Santa Cruz, California: February 2001
Austin, Texas: April 2001
Denver, Colorado: June 2001
Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania: September 2001
St. Louis, Missouri: October 2001
For more information, see: http://www.firewise.org/communities;
or contact: Jim Smalley, (617) 984-7483; e-mail: jsmalley@nfpa.org;
or Dan Bailey, (406) 329-3933; e-mail: danbailey@earthlink.net.
Twentieth Annual American Geophysical Union Hydrology Days. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado: April 3-6, 2000. Abstracts are due January 21, 2000 and should be sent to: Professor Jorge A. Ramirez, Civil Engineering Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1372; (970) 491-8650; fax: (970) 491-7727; e-mail: hydrologydays@engr.colostate.edu. For more information, contact: e-mail: hydrologydays@engr.colostate.edu; WWW: http://hydrologydays.colostate.edu.
Risk 2000 International Conference: Space Techniques for the Management of Major Risks and their Consequences. Sponsors: UNESCO, Ecole des Mines de Paris, and others. Paris, France: April 5-7, 2000. Contact: Risk 2000 Secretariat, Prospective 2100, 48 rue de la Procession, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France; tel: 33 1 44 49 60 04; fax: 33 1 44 49 60 44; e-mail: deschamps@2100.org; WWW: http://2100.org/w_risk.html.
Fifth Conference on Tall Buildings in Seismic Regions. Los Angeles, California: May 5-6, 2000. Abstracts due December 10, 1999. Contact: Marshall Lew, Proceedings Chair, Los Angeles Tall Buildings Structural Design Council, c/o Law/Crandall, 200 Citadel Drive, Los Angels, CA 90040; (323) 889-5300; fax: (323) 889-5398; e-mail: mlew@lawco.com.
Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) Annual Conference.
Charlotte, North Carolina: June 4-7, 2000. Contact: PRIMA, 1815 North
Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1020, Arlington, VA 22209; (703) 528-7701; fax:
(703) 528-7966; e-mail: primahq@aol.com; WWW:
http://www.primacentral.org.
** Note: Scholarships to aid risk managers and other professional
staff from smaller organizations to attend the above-mentioned PRIMA
meeting are available from the Public Entity Risk Institute (PERI).
For details, contact Audre Hoffman, PERI, 11350 Random Hills Road,
Suite 800, Fairfax, VA 22030; (703) 934-6046; fax: (703) 352-7085;
e-mail: ahoffman@riskinstitute.org. The deadline for applications is
February 15, 2000.**
International Conference on Catastrophic Events and Mass Extinctions: Impacts and Beyond. Sponsors: University of Vienna, European Science Foundation, and others. Vienna, Austria: July 9-12, 2000. Contact: E. Wagganer, Impact 2000 Conference, Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77059-1113; (281) 486-2177; fax: (281) 486-2162; e-mail: wagganer@ipi.jsc.nasa.gov; WWW: http://cass.jsc.nasa.gov/meetings/impact2000.
United States Committee on Large Dams (USCOLD) 20th Annual Meeting: "Dam O&M Issues - The Challenge of the 21st Century." Seattle, Washington: July 10-14, 2000. Contact: Larry Stephens, USCOLD, 1616 Seventeenth Street, Suite 483, Denver, CO 80202; (303) 628-5430; fax: (303) 628-5431; e-mail: stephens@uscold.org; WWW: http://www.uscold.org/~uscold.
University Council on Water Resources Annual Meeting: "Living Downstream in the Next Millennium: Reconciling Watershed Concerns with Basin Management." New Orleans, Louisiana: July 31-August 4, 2000. See: http://www.uwin.siu.edu/ucowr; or contact: UCOWR Headquarters, 4543 Faner Hall, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-4526; (618) 536-7571; fax: (618) 453-2671; e-mail: ucowr@uwin.siu.edu.
20th International Committee on Large Dams (ICOLD) Congress and Annual Meeting. Beijing, China: September 14-22, 2000. Contact: United States Committee on Large Dams (USCOLD), 1616 Seventeenth Street, Suite 483, Denver, CO 80202; (303) 628-5430; fax: (303) 628-5431; e-mail: stephens@uscold.org; WWW: http://www.uscold.org/~uscold.
National Earthquake Hazards Conference. Sponsors: Western States Seismic Policy Council (WWSPC) and others. Seattle, Washington: September 17-22, 2000. Contact: WSSPC, 121 Second Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105; (415) 974-6435; e-mail: wsspc@wsspc.org; WWW: http://www.wsspc.org/currenteq/events/nec2000.htm.
International Conference on Prevention of Hazards in Storage Areas (protecting archived cultural property). Sponsors: International Council of Archives, International Council of Museums, and others. Draguignan, France: November 6-10, 2000. Contact: Laboratoire de Conservation, Restauration et Recherches (CNRS-CRA/CAV), Congres 2000, 19, rue Frederic Mireur, 83300 Draguignan, France; e-mail: wmourey@cav-researches.org.
International Symposium on Integrated Decision-making for Watershed Management. Sponsors: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Virginia Tech University, and others. Chevy Chase, Maryland: January 7-9, 2001. Abstracts due December 15, 1999. Contact: D. Bosch, Agricultural and Applied Economics Department (0401), Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA 24061; (540) 231-5265; fax: (540) 231-7417; e-mail: bosch@vt.edu; WWW: http://www.conted.vt.edu/watershed.htm.
Return to Index of Disaster Research Newsletters
Return to Hazards Center Home Page
hazctr@colorado.edu