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Statement from Chip Groat
International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13, 2004

The United States recognizes today, October 13, 2004, as International Day for Disaster Reduction. Every year, natural disasters in the United States alone result in hundreds of lives lost and cost an estimated $20 billion in the form of disaster aid, disrupted commerce, and destroyed public and private properties. Over the past few months, the United States experienced four devastating hurricanes -- Charley, Jeanne, Frances, and Ivan, and Mount St. Helens, the most active volcano in the United States, awakening from a long slumber, spewing spectacular bursts of steam and ash at various times. Scientists are still closely monitoring Mount St. Helens, because explosions from the lava dome could occur suddenly and without further warning.

At the forefront of each of theses events are the scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey. In each instance, the USGS scientists have been the unsung heroes -- the backbone providing scientific research and analysis that help the public and policy makers make informed decisions on how to react to each hazard and how to safeguard society. This year also marks USGS' 125th anniversary as one of the world's premier science organizations. Our mission -- to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life -- has endured because it has given the nation, and the world, a wealth of long-term data that serves the needs of society.

Major technological advances have enhanced our science capabilities. Instead of a pick ax and pack mule, we now gather data by satellite and deliver this information in real-time data streams. In the past 125 years, our ability to measure, monitor, and model the processes that lead to natural disasters has increased dramatically, as has our ability to communicate information about hazards to those whose lives may be impacted.

Using INSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar), we are able to monitor volcanoes by detecting small changes in the elevation of the Earth's surface from space. By working with weather forecasters, real-time flood inundation modeling can be used to predict the extent of forecasted floods before they begin. And, the Advanced National Seismic System provides accurate and timely information about earthquakes and their effects on buildings and structures, enabling emergency response personnel to target their efforts by providing them with real-time maps showing the location and severity of shaking.

These innovations in tracing and communicating the changes in our dynamic planet, supported by a deeper understanding of earth processes, enable us to expand our predictive capabilities and point the way to a safer future. Our scientists are dedicated to accurate, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us. We are here to provide our leaders, our customers, the nation and the world with science needed to make sound decisions. While we cannot prevent the hazards, by working together, we are finding ways to keep hazards from becoming disasters.

Statement from Chip Groat International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13, 2004

Statement from Chip Groat
International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13, 2004