Urban, industrial and technological risks. Synthesis of the elements of vulnerability of the city of Hassi-Messaoud

Riscos urbanos, industriais e tecnológicos. Síntese dos elementos de vulnerabilidade da cidade de Hassi-Messaoud

Abstract

Today, Algeria is one of the developing countries that are engaging seriously into a new approach consisting of all kinds of combined risk assessments for better prevention them. Note that, this is a fairly important parameter, that is, the safety of people and property. However, the magnitude of the risk, of whatever nature, affects a variety of diversified aspects (Human, economic, technical and environmental). This study presented a case study, which is sometimes paradoxical, seeing that it is the result of the combination of all risk factors and specific factors related to them connected to a fragile urban environment: Hassi-Messaoud. It is well known that Hassi-Messaoud is one of the most important city for Algeria's economy; in which the demographic development is mainly known by incessant flows of immigrants, motivated essentially by job search. This arbitrary of population distribution exposes this city to a certain danger; especially as Hassi-Messaoud is in a zone subject to a probable risk expressed here by being characteristic of an oil zone. Thus, this article aimed to provide elements of risk assessment related to oil activity. This approach could conclude that, through a schematic scale, the different types and levels of exposure and vulnerability could be identified, that is, characteristics of the urban space in question.

Keywords:
Risk. Hazard; Vulnerability; Stakes; Disorder; Impact; Assessment; Oil zone