Information Technology Based on Qualitative Methods in Cyber-Physical Systems of Situational Disaster Risk Management

Geographic location is one of the most fundamental and indispensable information elements in the field of disaster response and prevention. For example, in the case of the Tohoku Earthquake in 2011, aerial photos taken immediately after the earthquake greatly improved information sharing among different government offices and facilitated rescue and recovery operations, and maps prepared after the disaster assisted in the rapid reconstruction of affected local communities. Thanks to the recent development of geospatial information technology, this information has become more essential for disaster response activities. Advancements in web mapping technology allows us to better understand the situation by overlaying various location-specific data on base maps on the web and specifying the areas on which activities should be focused. Through 3-D modelling technology, we can have a more realistic understanding of the relationship between disaster and topography. Geospatial information technology can sup-port proper preparation and emergency responses against disasters by individuals and local communities through hazard mapping and other information services using mobile devices. Thus, geospatial information technology is playing a more vital role on all stages of disaster risk management and responses. In acknowledging geospatial information’s vital role in disaster risk reduction, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015&ndash;2030, adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, repeatedly reveals the importance of utilizing geospatial information technology for disaster risk reduction. This presentation aims to report the recent practical applications of geospatial information technology for disaster risk management and responses.

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Application of Information Technology in Disaster and Emergency Management

International Journal of Cyber Warfare and Terrorism ◽

10.4018/ijcwt.2012100101 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Jishnu Subedi

Keyword(s):

Information Technology ◽

Risk Management ◽

Mobile Phone ◽

Cellular Phone ◽

Disaster Risk ◽

Disaster Risk Management ◽

Full Potential ◽

Mobile Cellular ◽

Future Direction ◽

Use Of Internet

This paper discusses application of information technology in disaster risk management and reducing impact of disasters in the community. Internet and mobile-cellular phone are the two ultimate manifestations, so far, of information technology. The number of subscription of mobile-cellular phone per 100 inhabitants increased from just below 23 to nearly 85 in the span of 8 years from 2005-12. Although the number jumped from 82 to 124 in the same period in the developed world, the increase in the rest of the world is also phenomenal. Increase in numbers individuals using internet has been, however, lower in developing world which increased from just below 8 users to about 28 users per 100 inhabitants in the duration of 2005-12. Use of internet in mobile phone is now merging to such an extent that access to mobile phone may ultimately mean access to internet in the future. Despite of the advancement, sophistication and widespread proliferation of the technology, its application in disaster risk management has not still been fully capitalized. One of the reasons for this is that information available doesn't necessarily mean reception of the information by the person in need and translation of the information to action that can reduce impact of disaster. Further groundwork is necessary for translating information into action and the next meet of stakeholders in 2015 in Japan to chart future direction of global effort in disaster risk reduction should focus on utilizing full potential of information technology for disaster risk management.

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