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Megacities – megarisks

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Abstract

We review the definitions, population trends, and characteristics of megacities. Characteristics of megacities are, apart from their size, their complexity in terms of administration, infrastructure, traffic, etc., and at the same time the speed of change. Vulnerabilities and risk potential are discussed using the examples of Mexico City and Mumbai. We present the experience accumulated in the 6 years work of the Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (EMI, http://www-megacities.physik.uni-karlsruhe.de/) with more than 20 large cities around the world, mostly located in the developing world. On this background we analyze obstacles that keep megacities from developing an efficient approach towards disaster mitigation and define a strategy that might overcome these problems. The key element of this strategy is the development of a Disaster Risk Management Master Plan (DRMMP) for cities. Currently the Istanbul Earthquake Master Plan (IEMP) serves as best example for an appropriate strategy for disaster reduction in megacities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geophysical Institute, Karlsruhe University, Hertzstr. 16, 76187, Karlsruhe, Germany

    Friedemann Wenzel

  2. Risk Management Solutions, Inc., 7015 Gateway Blvd., Newark, CA, 94560-1011, USA

    Fouad Bendimerad

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, IIT, Powai, Mumbai, 400 076, India

    Ravi Sinha

Authors
  1. Friedemann Wenzel
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  2. Fouad Bendimerad
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  3. Ravi Sinha
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Correspondence to Friedemann Wenzel.

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Wenzel, F., Bendimerad, F. & Sinha, R. Megacities – megarisks. Nat Hazards 42, 481–491 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-006-9073-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-006-9073-2

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