Also, feel free to contribute stuff here:
http://www.appropedia.org/Emergency_permaculture

And here:
http://www.globalswadeshi.net/forum/topics/2097821:Topic:4635

Tomas: PLEASE do make available the rough draft of the “recipe book” that you’re producing for situations like these.

I’d LOVE to get a look at that BTW – what is the collective called and have you got a website?

Also highly recommended: Rhizome Collective handbook (availabkle via Amazon books), plntey of tips for

On the level of people organising themselves to run their affairs, the Trapese Handbook (also via Amazon or permanent Publications) might be useful.

There are a few of permaculturists who have worked in disaster relief situations – you could email office@permaculture.org.uk for details

The true challenge lies ahead – reconstructing a safe and sustainable city. What happened in Greensberg (thank you Linda) is a great example. But the scale, here, is much vaster. Will we successed in turning disaster into opportunity? And how?

Please do not stop sending ideas, they are of great help to us, and of great confort to our group in L’Aquila.

Cristiano
Transition Italia

Credo che sia importante per il gruppo abruzzese e per tutti coloro che vorranno collaborare con loro porsi, specialmente passata l’emergenza, come centro di aggregazione e come interlocutori nei confronti dell’amministrazione locale per proporre soluzioni di ricostruzione alternative, verdi e sicure – basta con il cemento/cartone! Si potrebbe creare una certificazione “di transizione” per le nuove costruzioni, facendo un’analisi dei consumi, dei rifiuti prodotti, del carbon footprint dei materiali e della loro sicurezza in fronte a eventi sismici…. e’ interessantissimo, ad ogni modo leggere come risposta al post di Ellen sul sito UK tante proposte che guardano al futuro. Inspiring!

This is vital for relaying details of the situation to external support teams, communication with in the area. Another important task is to enable those who have survived to communicate to friends and relatives that they are ok or need help.

Télécoms Sans Frontières deploy emergency comms
http://www.tsfi.org/

Save the Children staff expect to establish psychosocial support programs for children as well as establish family tracing systems for children separated from their families. The agency also will provide support so that schools can reopen as soon as possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6vbCC2ZFEU

The documentary on Earth Ship doesnt seem to be working – I’ve had several goes – but couldnt get it to play. Dont know whether its just me? – I dont think so.

I have seen this video anyway – and think its well worth a watch – but am hoping to share it with others.

It has been interesting to read the comments as to how the Transition model may offer a different solution to this dreadful situation.

This issue came up at a recent talk I was at in relation to building momentum around Transition and the consensus in the room was that until comunities are disturbed from their ‘business as usual’ way of being then it will take a long time.

However, events such as this (which may become more and more commn place) may provide the catalyst and opportunity to do things differently.

I think this also raises the issue of what skills are required to deal with the immediate situation and also move forward from the situation – the event will undoubtedly have bought people together so trying to focus on positive, collective action to move forward and support each other through difficult times will be important – and also re-skillin gpeople in order to build resiliance and self-reliance will be a crucial part of this.

Neil

In May of 2007, a tornado destroyed the town of Greensberg, Kansas, USA. While not nearly on the scale of the l’Aquila quake, it was a local disaster all the same. The townsfolk decided to rebuild using newer, greener methods. You can read about their progress at: http://www.greensburgks.org/

When time does come to rebuild, new research has shown straw-bale buildings to be earthquake resistent: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090403104229.htm
And much can be learned from earthship biotecture:
http://www.earthship.net/

All of this is, of course, off in the future. For the victims, now is about survival and grief. For the rest of us, it is a reminder that resilience involves many layers of preparedness.