2021 marks the 16th anniversary of Gudrun, a powerful storm that passed over northern Europe causing severe wind damage, power outages, and flooding in 2005.

Each year, natural disasters cause similar chaos around the world, with forest-related damage to infrastructure often risking more lives. Analyzing past disasters is key to preparing better for the future.

A new FAO publication Forest-related disasters – three case studies and lessons for management of extreme events aims to contribute to the development of effective responses.

The publication examines three major disasters that affected forests – the Gudrun storm in Sweden in 2005, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011 and a firestorm in Chile in 2017. The study makes key recommendations on how to prepare for similar disasters and deal with their aftermath.

More information on this topic:

• Link to the publication: Forest-related disasters – three case studies and lessons for management of extreme events
• Environmental Emergencies Centre
• Connecting Environment and Humanitarian Action

Massive Open Online Course on Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience – PEDRR