Policy & Planning
Every year, disasters destroy lives and hard-won progress in underserved communities. Tragedy strikes people who live in vulnerable buildings, in dangerously exposed coastal areas, or in regions not equipped to manage growth. It may take years to recover from disasters, but good policy and planning can prevent losses in the first place.
That’s why we connect governments with scientific, engineering, and policy expertise. Our collaboration bridges gaps in experience, which is even more critical as communities face new impacts from climate change. We also bring insights from social science and engage diverse local voices, to spotlight how disasters will affect people in different ways.
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“In Aizawl, Mizoram everyone knows a person who died in a landslide. We helped create new hazard maps and regulations to control building on slopes. Now Mizoram needs more local experts who understand landslide triggers.”
Lalrinpuii Tlau
GeoHazards International Mitigation Specialist, Mizoram
Projects
Supporting Thimphu’s Path to Safer Buildings
Bhutan
Using models to identify and quantify building damage from two likely earthquakes affecting the capital city, the scenarios will inform land use planning and building codes to reduce risk.
Increasing Resilience to Earthquakes and Landslides in Shaanxi Province
China
Created a disaster scenario that vividly depicts likely casualties, damages, and actions to reduce risk. Chinese partners learned to develop this tool for public awareness and risk-informed planning.
Safety Measures for Landsliding in Kerala
India
Investigations of still dangerous slopes in Idukki, where 2018 landslides damaged thousands of homes. Partnered with Kerala University, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), local officials.
Kathmandu Valley Earthquake Risk Management
Nepal
One objective was to quantify and plan how to mitigate the high vulnerability of public schools. This led to hands-on training and seismic retrofit of many schools.
OECD School Earthquake Safety Policy
OECD Countries
Guidance for nations to develop an effective school earthquake safety program, approved by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
“Unlike most I have observed, the vast majority of project funds was spent here, in Nepal. GeoHazards International not only brought technical expertise, but perhaps more important, introduced processes where decisions are made in the open, on the basis of merit and by consensus.”
Shiva B. Pradhanang
former President, National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET) Nepal
Blog
“In far west Nepal, not everyone knows we expect a very big earthquake. Districts are rushing to build roads, homes and schools. But poor planning sets the stage for disaster. Now is our chance to push for safe growth instead.”
former GeoHazards International Nepal Field Officer
