4.2.1. Vulnerability and Dependency on Built Environment

Ideally our dependency on the built environment itself enhances vulnerability because we depend more on the built environment, we depend more on the shelters, earlier when man was a nomad when man was hiding in caves.

This chunk discusses how modern humans are significantly more dependent on the built environment than early humans were. In the past, when humans were nomadic, they relied less on constructed shelters and were more adaptable to their surroundings. Today, however, our lives revolve around buildings and infrastructures, which can increase our vulnerability during disasters.

Think of a smartphone: many people rely on their phones for communication, navigation, and even emergency situations. If someone lost their phone, they might feel lost and vulnerable. Similarly, our dependency on buildings and infrastructure makes us more susceptible to disruptions, especially during disasters.

For instance, in Cappadocia, an example in the Central Anatolia. Where lot of peasants live and you can see these tufa rock pinnacles... because of the fault line passes through Turkey and it has been one of the earthquake-prone area.

This chunk uses Cappadocia as a case study to illustrate how specific communities are vulnerable due to their dependence on the built environment. The natural formations in Cappadocia, made of tufa rock, are used for homes. However, because this area is situated on an earthquake fault line, these homes are at risk of collapse, illustrating the dangers of relying heavily on a vulnerable built environment.

Consider living in a house built on a floodplain. Much like how residents in Cappadocia rely on their rock homes, people in floodplains depend on those houses. If a flood occurs, the houses could be destroyed, leaving residents in a vulnerable position with loss of their shelter.

Despite of these people [in Cappadocia] given an opportunity to go back and settled somewhere else, they came back and they settled because of various other reasons; because tourism is one of the important components, people come so that is where their livelihood is based on.

This part highlights that people often return to rebuilt or vulnerable areas due to socio-economic factors. In Cappadocia, tourism is a significant aspect of the local economy, prompting residents to return to their homes despite the risks associated with living there. The connection between livelihood and location is strong, which can sometimes lead to dangerous situations.

Imagine someone who sells handcrafted goods in a market. Even if the market is in a dangerous area, they might choose to stay there because most of their customers come to that location. This dependency on economic opportunity can outweigh the perceived risks of being in a vulnerable spot.

This is in Gibellina in Sicily when 1968 a violent earthquake have destroyed almost 1 lakh people became homeless.

The case of Gibellina illustrates the aftermath of a disaster and the complexities involved in rebuilding a community. After a severe earthquake in 1968 left many homeless, the city was reconstructed with grand plans and projects that aimed to accommodate many more residents than before. This demonstrates how rebuilding efforts can transform urban spaces.

Think about a school that was damaged in a storm. Instead of just repairing the old building, the school decides to build a much larger one with modern amenities, similar to how Gibellina was transformed. However, if no one comes back to use the new facilities, they could be left unused, just like in Gibellina.

The housing where you can see earlier it was more of an informal way of interactions with the neighbours... which is detaching the house from the street.

This portion discusses the failures of modern urban design in Gibellina, where the new layout has distanced people from their neighbors. The new designs include front gardens that isolate homes instead of fostering community interaction, which can lead to social disconnection and a lack of community support in disaster situations.

Consider a suburban neighborhood where every house has a big fence. While it may provide privacy, it can also prevent neighbors from interacting, much like the front gardens in Gibellina that separate individuals from one another. This disconnection can make it harder for people to come together during emergencies.

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