Why prevent catastrophes?
Is it useful to prepare for possible disasters around us? Some examples showing what can happen in Switzerland or in nearby countries (continued)
Why prevent catastrophes?
Catastrophes are not only caused by natural elements such as hurricanes, earthquakes or volcanic eruptions - disasters which hardly occur in Switzerland. On the other hand, the latest current events have shown that floods have become a more common risk factor in Switzerland.
But a disaster can be caused by a small incident – a burst water pipe – or by acts committed by man. And the consequences are considerable: financially on one hand and by preventing an institution from performing their immediate operations with their customers. The examples of disaster presented here show the importance of preventing catastrophes and preparing to face them.
We thank these institutions for allowing us to publish their experiences.
Some examples of disasters that have occurred in Switzerland
- March 11-12, 2006: Flooding of Paudex's communal archives: The Paudex archives to be freeze-dried (24 Heures 3/23/2006, PDF file) and Lessons from a disaster (Le Régional April 6-7, 2006, PDF file).
- 2005 : Vandalism and flooding of the University of Lausanne's Earth Sciences Library..
- June 30, 2004: Flooding of the Geneva University's Sciences II Library.
- June 3, 1997: Arson at the Pâquis municipal library in Geneva.
- August 1, 1994: Arson of the foreigners' police pavilion of the Basel-Land district at Liestal ( PDF file 1.5 MB). See also: 500 Laufmeter Akte nach Brandanschlag beschädigt (PDF file).
Libraries and archives destroyed in the 20th century
In 1996, within the framework of their World Memorial program, UNESCO financed a study on the libraries and archives destroyed during the 20th century. This study was realised and published under the title Lost Memory (PDF file) by Hans van der Hoeven and Joan van Albada. The list of libraries that have been completely or partially destroyed is upsetting.
Uptdated: March 11, 2008