Abstract

LOPEZ, José Luis. A critical vision on the Vargas disaster: ¿What has been done? ¿What must be done?. Rev. Fac. Ing. UCV [online]. 2011, vol.26, n.3, pp.63-81. ISSN 0798-4065.

The extraordinary storm and debris flows that took place along the state of Vargas in December 1999 caused the worst meteorological disaster that has been recorded in Venezuela. In this paper a critical and constructive assessment on the debris-flow mitigation measures implemented between 2000 and 2010 in Vargas is presented. Initially a retrospective vision is offered by summarizing the causes and effects of the 1999 debris flows. Then, a critical but constructive vision is shown by discussing the success and failures of the mitigation measures and actions carried out in the state of Vargas. Finally, a look to the future is endorsed by a set of recommendations to improve the current situation and reduce the risk of a new disaster. In spite of the fact that debris-flow mitigation measures implemented in the state of Vargas have reduced the vulnerability of the population, is clear that more efforts are needed to guarantee an adequate degree of safety in the urban areas. The reoccupation of sectors affected by the 1999 and 2005 floods, the potential effects of global warming and climate change, and the rapid pace that control dams have filled up with sediment, suggest that a new disaster could be triggered in the region.

Keywords : Extreme storm; Disaster; Vargas; Debris flows; Lessons learned.