A series of strange noises jolts you out of bed, and when you glance out the window, you realize the zombie apocalypse is in full swing. What do you do? Most people will try to escape, but that raises another question: where to go? Unless you're part of the “prepper” movement and have access to an advanced shelter, you'll likely have to improvise on the fly. Still, a little geography can go a long way.
The Many Faces of the Zombie Threat
The success or failure of a zombie invasion depends on the specific abilities of the infected. Science fiction has depicted them as fast (28 Days Later), acting like ants (World War Z), or moving slowly in groups (The Walking Dead). Under the first two scenarios, humanity would fare much worse, but the goal remains the same: Survive, escape the horde, and find a safe place. It's commonly believed that a zombie outbreak will start in a major city (laboratories and airports play a key role), so a natural reaction would be to head for the countryside, keeping distance from urban areas. The problem is that most basic resources—water, food, medicine, fuel, weapons, and ammunition—are concentrated there, making conflict with zombies and, of course, other humans inevitable.
Islands and Mont Saint-Michel
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a shelter is islands. Many countries have a good chance of resisting if they mount a solid defense, but getting there isn't easy. As an alternative, the video we just shared suggests something similar to the island-fortress of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. It sits at a good distance from the coast, the main bridge is artificial (so it can be destroyed), and even with low tide in your favor, reaching its walls is extremely difficult, as was proven during the Hundred Years' War. The French defenders never lost control of Mont Saint-Michel, and Louis XI made good use of its isolation by turning it into a prison.
Do we agree with the video's conclusion? Not necessarily. The geographic advantages are considerable, but any long-term defense requires sustainability. Mont Saint-Michel has a garden that could serve as farmland to supply a handful of people, but someone must first bring all the essential materials there. There are many people out there convinced that static defense is a mistake, and that it's better to keep moving. I'm afraid there's no definitive answer, and I hope we never have to find out.
