The high concentration of the population in urban areas has resulted in reduced distances between agglomerations and industrial areas. According to Mandart et al. (2019), 2.5 million French live less than 1 km from a Seveso classified site. In this context of proximity to industrial areas, including Seveso, response to accidents and industrial disasters has become more complex and remains a major problem. Despite the progress and efforts made (classification of these areas, risk assessment, crisis management centres in cities, sirens, predefined protocols, Technology Risk Prevention Plan (PPRT), Special Intervention Plan (PPI), etc.), the difficulties associated with each intervention remain very important, as well as taking into account the issues related to risk management (AMARIS White Paper, 2019). This also contributes to public distrust. In France, two fires occurred in 2019, that of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and one at the Lubrizol factory site in Rouen (see Figure 1-(a) and (b)). In the first case, 450 tons of Lead flew and contaminated schools and roads, among others. In the second case, approximately 10,000 tonnes of chemicals burned and generated soot spills. In the world, we have witnessed the impotence of the authorities in responding to industrial disasters. Examples include the collapse of the mining dam at Brumadinho in Minas Gerais, Brazil, where a buoy tide launched at 80 km/h, containing water and mining residues, including heavy metals, descended the valley, killing and trapping several people and animals (see photos 1-(c) and (d)). This mud has also threatened the Rio São Francisco Valley, which is vital to agriculture in northeast Brazil. The balance has been very heavy, rising to 136 deaths and 200 missing, not to mention the ecosystems around which have been severely affected. In the above-mentioned accidents and disasters, there are a number of weaknesses in response. They are at the level of treatment and cleaning of residues after these events, but also at the level of the search for survivors (and victims), especially in the second case.
