Coupled seismic and socio-political crises: the case of Puerto Aysen in 2007

摘要

In 2007, a seismic crisis developed in the Chilean 11th region, punctuated by a devastating tsunami wave. This paper aims at explaining the parallel genesis of a socio-political crisis within the most populated city of the area: Puerto Aysen. During four months, uncertainty about the ongoing phenomenon generated debates within the scientific community, as well as anxiety among the population. Simultaneously, controversies popped out as to the best suited measures to prevent a potential disaster. Through a description of the decision making process, we intend to provide a detailed insight of the difficulties encountered, in order to eventually question the relevance of the overall risk management procedure at work. A process, rather than event-centred approach to the crisis was prioritized, grounded in a sociological and organizational perspective. Carried on in a qualitative way, this case study combined documentary analysis and semi-directive interviews. Basic results provide a quite complete picture of the combined root causes of this socio-political crisis: changing diagnoses and contradictory scientists' reports; phenomenon novelty and lack of seismic culture; limited experience of coordinated emergency management; long lasting political dissensions; fanciful and alarmist media coverage; etc. Globally, local dissatisfaction was generated by the information and decision making processes. In the paper's discussion, it is interpreted as a sentiment of being deprived of any hold on the situation. It also betrays unsatisfied participation expectations. Such findings must be connected to a broader tendency to reject technocratic and centralized risk management.