Page 44 - The Insurance Times January 2025

Insurance Surveyors

Role of Surveyor in

Controlling Wild Risk

– Mud and Debris

Flow Shashi Bhushan

Ex-chairman, IIISLA East Zone
Council Member, IIISLA East Zone

Risk minimization and control of mud flow and debris flow are essential as insurance claims are
rising, and insurance companies are struggling to sustain themselves. Increasing premiums further
is not feasible in a developing country like India.

Introduction: rockslides in the Himalayan region or in areas with soft soil
hills, as well as from forest fires.
Risk minimization and control of mud flow and debris flow
are essential as insurance claims are rising, and insurance Mud flow is hazardous and often leads to disasters during
companies are struggling to sustain themselves. Increasing floods and other extreme weather events.
premiums further is not feasible in a developing country like
India. Therefore, proactive steps must be taken to mitigate What is Debris:
wild risks like mud and debris flow.
Debris formation is common during floods, cyclones, or tsu-
namis. It can include large boulders, bridge structures, riv-
This article aims to provide insight into managing losses
erside trees, buildings, industrial materials, vehicles, and
caused by mud and debris flow. This ensures insurance sur-
veyors across the country can understand the risks and rec- even ships and boats.
ommend control measures in their reports. In doing so, the Due to its high kinetic energy, debris can cause significant
significance of the profession and the Indian Institute of damage to bridge pillars and other constructions.
Insurance Surveyors and Loss Assessors (IIISLA) can be high-
lighted.
How to Control Mud Flow & Wild Risks

What is Mud Flow: Generated by Debris:
Mud flow occurs due to several factors, including the con- To effectively manage risks associated with mud flow and
struction of large dams and barrages that have altered river debris, the following measures should be implemented:
flows during heavy rains caused by monsoons or cyclones.
Accumulated silt reduces the water storage capacity of riv- Pre-Rainy Season Drone Surveys: Governments should use
ers, which is further exacerbated by soil erosion and em- drones to conduct photographic surveys of forests to iden-
bankment degradation. Mud flow can also result from tify debris caused by forest fires or landslides. This debris

The Insurance Times January 2025 39