Crisis & Disaster Topics: Introduction To Disaster Risk Management 

The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) defines disaster as “a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources”.2 In other words, when the impact of disruption goes beyond the control of human beings, that particular situation can be defined as disaster. Disaster impacts may include loss of life, injury, disease and other negative effects on human physical, mental and social well-being, together with damage to property, destruction of assets, loss of services, social and economic disruption, and environmental degradation.

Crisis & Disaster Topics: The Need For Information In Disaster Risk Management

In general, it is recognized that different DRM measures have different information needs for different audiences. Section 1 introduced how the effectiveness of disaster reduction and response rely greatly on the  effectiveness of managing relevant information. Activities for prevention, mitigation, preparedness planning and recovery planning require baseline data about the country and its major risks for conducting risk assessment and analysis. Activities for disaster response, rehabilitation and reconstruction need real-time information about the impact of a disaster and the resources available to combat it. Information needs to be readily collected, processed, analyzed, and shared in order for stakeholders to respond effectively.

ICT For Disaster Mitigation

The principal objectives of mitigation are to save lives, minimize economic loss and disruption, reduce vulnerabilities, and lower the level of conflicts. It involves long-term measures to lessen the effects of disaster-causing phenomena, and should be part of the development efforts as depicted in the DRM cycle.
Mitigation is fundamental to reducing vulnerabilities. The following are some examples of the
value of mitigation:
• Mitigation creates safer communities by reducing loss of life and property damage. For example, the rigorous building standards adopted by 20,000 communities across the United States are saving the country       more than USD 1.1 billion a year in prevented flood damages.

• Mitigation allows individuals to minimize post-flood disaster disruptions and recover more rapidly. For example, in the United Sates, homes built to the standards of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program incur less damage from floods. And when floods do cause damages, flood insurance protects the homeowner’s investment, as it did for more than 200,000 Gulf Coast residents who received over USD 23 billion in payments following the 2005 hurricanes.

• Mitigation lessens the financial impact on individuals, communities and society as a whole. For example, a recent study by the Multi-hazard Mitigation Council (a council of the National Institute of Building Sciences, USA) shows that each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of four dollars.

ICT For Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness refers to the readiness of governments, organizations, and communities to respond constructively against the threats from hazards, in order to minimize the negative consequences for lives and properties.37 It is a set of pre-disaster activities that are undertaken in anticipation of a disaster to ensure appropriate and effective actions in the aftermath. Activities result from a process of hazard risk analysis and capacity/vulnerability assessment. Preparedness is an important part of the DRM cycle because it is not always possible to eliminate disaster risk. However, the extensive experience and practice in the past few decades have demonstrated that the damage caused by any disaster can be minimized largely by appropriate preparedness and prompt action. The disaster preparedness measures can be described as logistical readiness, and the technical and managerial capacity of governments, organizations, and communities to deal with disasters. Preparedness measures include:

• Preparedness plans
• Evacuation plans and training
• Mutual aid agreements
• Emergency simulation exercises
• Warning systems
• Emergency communication systems
• Emergency personnel/contact lists
• Resource inventories
• Public information/education

ICT For Disaster Response 

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is critical in disaster response, offering tools and systems that enhance the effectiveness, speed, and coordination of efforts to manage and mitigate the impact of disasters. Here’s an overview of how ICT is applied in disaster response:

Key Applications of ICT in Disaster Response

1. Early Warning Systems

• Alerts and Notifications

  Automated systems use ICT to disseminate warnings and updates through SMS, email, social media, and other communication channels, ensuring timely dissemination of critical information.

2. Communication Systems

• Emergency Communication Networks: Satellite phones, radio communication, and mobile networks are used to maintain communication among responders and between responders and affected communities.

• Public Information Dissemination: ICT tools such as social media platforms, official websites, and mobile apps provide real-time updates and information to the public.

3. Data Collection and Management

• Real-Time Monitoring: ICT enables the collection of real-time data from sensors, drones, and satellites to monitor disaster situations and assess damage.

• Big Data Analytics: Data analysis tools process large volumes of data to identify patterns and predict future occurrences, helping in decision-making and resource allocation.

4. Resource Management

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management: ICT systems track and manage the distribution of resources like food, medical supplies, and shelter materials to ensure they reach those in need efficiently.

• Asset Tracking: GPS and RFID technologies monitor the location and status of assets and personnel.

5. Coordination and Collaboration

• Incident Management Systems: Platforms like Web EOC and E-Team facilitate coordination among various agencies and organizations, allowing for a unified response effort.

• Virtual Coordination Centers: ICT tools enable virtual meetings and collaboration, helping responders and agencies coordinate efforts remotely.

6. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Mapping and Analysis: GIS tools create detailed maps showing affected areas, infrastructure damage, and resource locations, aiding in planning and response efforts.

• Damage Assessment: GIS helps in assessing the extent of damage and identifying priority areas for response.

7. Public Participation and Crowdsourcing

• Crowdsourced Data: ICT platforms allow the public to report incidents and provide real-time information, enhancing situational awareness.

• Community Engagement: Social media and mobile apps engage the community in response efforts, providing information on how they can help and stay safe.

Examples of ICT Tools in Disaster Response

• Ushahidi: A platform that uses crowdsourced data to map crisis information in real-time.

• Sahana Eden: An open-source disaster management system that supports various disaster management tasks.

• Google Crisis Response: Tools like Google Person Finder help locate missing persons during disasters.

Challenges and Considerations

• Infrastructure Resilience: Ensuring communication networks and power supplies remain operational during and after a disaster.

• Interoperability: Ensuring different ICT systems and tools used by various organizations can work together seamlessly.

• Data Security and Privacy: Protecting sensitive information collected and shared during disaster response efforts.

• Digital Divide: Addressing disparities in access to ICT tools and information, particularly in underserved or remote communities.

Conclusion

ICT significantly enhances disaster response by improving communication, coordination, data management, and public engagement. By leveraging advanced technologies, responders can save lives, reduce the impact of disasters, and facilitate quicker recovery.