their computer centre. The computer centre was literally washed away twice within
14 months. The resulting damage was estimated to be several hundred thousand euros
and was not covered by insurance.
• An IT system is located at a site where the geographical location is known for its
volcanic activity (intermittent phenomenon for which the emission phases alternate
with sometimes long non-emission phases).
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Natural disasters refer to natural changes which have devastating consequences for people and
infrastructures. Causes for a natural catastrophe can be seismic, climatic or volcanic
phenomena, such as earthquakes, flooding, landslides, tsunamis, avalanches and volcanic
eruptions. Examples of extreme meteorological phenomena include thunderstorms,
hurricanes, or cyclones. Depending on the site of the organisation, it is exposed to the risks
from the various types of natural disasters to different degrees.
Examples:
• For computer centres in flood-prone regions, there is often the particular risk of water
entering the building in an uncontrolled manner (flooding or rise in groundwater
level).
• The frequency of earthquakes and thus also the associated risk depends to a large
extent on the geographical location.
Regardless of the type of natural disaster, there is also a danger in regions which are not
directly affected that supply systems, communication links or IT components are damaged or
put completely out of operation. Especially if central building supply system equipment (main
distributors for the electrical, telephone, or data systems) fails, this can cause major damage.
Operating and service personnel may be denied access to the infrastructure due to extensive
restricted areas.
Examples:
• Many businesses, even large companies, do not take the danger of flooding seriously
enough. For example, one company was "surprised" several times by flood damage to
their computer centre. The computer centre was literally washed away twice within
14 months. The resulting damage was estimated to be several hundred thousand euros
and was not covered by insurance.
• An IT system is located at a site where the geographical location is known for its
volcanic activity (intermittent phenomenon for which the emission phases alternate
with sometimes long non-emission phases).