Crisis & Disaster Management in Power sector and associated environment

Natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes, as well as man-made hazards like industrial accidents and acts of terrorism, can knock out power, cause fuel shortages, and disrupt natural water and gas services, putting our lives on hold.

On April 25, 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. The loss of life and destruction were immediate and widespread. This was further exacerbated by a series of aftershocks and, in the subsequent months, monsoon rains and landslides. More than 8,700 people lost their lives and 17,000 sustained injuries. Many of the survivors will require long-term care for the trauma they endured.

After a disaster strikes, government officials and energy companies must first make sure that critical infrastructure facilities like power plants are operating, and those emergency responders, medical professionals, and critical care facilities have the energy supplies they need to operate.

While government and industry groups initially focus on critical facilities, homeowners, business owners, and local leaders may have to take an active role in dealing with energy disruptions on their own. The Department of Energy must have resources and guidelines that can help, when possible, recover power, fuel, natural gas and water etc more quickly, and protect homes, businesses, and communities from future energy disasters.