Geohazard Management in the Transport Sector

Geohazards can result in significant
loss of human life as well as cause extensive damage to
infrastructure. The magnitude and frequency of geohazard
events ranges from earthquakes and tsunamis to landslides
and flash floods. In the most severe cases involving the low
frequency but more intense geohazards like earthquakes or
tsunamis, the primary concern, ex ante, is on the
minimization of the potential loss of life and property,
damage to infrastructure, and ensuring continuity in the
functionality of public and private services. In the higher
frequency, lower impact, geohazards, such as landslides,
flash floods, and rock fall, proper planning remains vital,
but is often overlooked in transition and developing
economies. In the transport sector, proper planning for this
category of geohazards can realize significant savings in
construction costs, avoiding cost over-runs, repair costs
and costly delays, and subsequent maintenance costs. This
technical note provides a summary of the typology of
geohazards, prospective mitigation measures, and current
practices in managing geohazards. It also outlines some key
recommendations to facilitate improved management of
geohazards in the transport sector.