Decision Support for Disaster Risk Management: Integrating Vulnerabilities into Early-Warning Systems

2014 ◽  
pp. 178-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Comes ◽  
Brice Mayag ◽  
Elsa Negre
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Warning Systems

scholarly journals Dynamics of configuring and interpreting the disaster risk script: Experiences from Zimbabwe

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pathias P. Bongo ◽  
Paul Chipangura ◽  
Mkhokheli Sithole ◽  
Funa Moyo
Keyword(s):  
Early Warning ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
External Influence ◽  
Warning Systems ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Cultural Processes ◽  
Different Response ◽  
Past Experiences

People in Zimbabwe have been faced with disasters in different forms and at various levels. When people experience hazard events and disasters, they perceive these phenomena through lenses that are largely shaped by their local day-to-day experiences and some external influence. As they do this, they develop their own local conception of hazards and disasters, and they tend to model their response or preparedness through this. This article argues that on the basis of this premise, each society therefore develops its own unique and localised way of interpreting the disaster, which comes in the form of a ‘script’, that needs to be deciphered, read, analysed and understood within local priorities and knowledge systems. The hazard may be the same, say, fire, but as it occurs in different communities, they configure and read the fire script differently, hence spawning different response and prevention strategies. The way people anticipate, prepare for, and respond to a particular disaster stems from their perception of it, based on their own local conceptions of reality. The article argues that effective disaster risk reduction must focus on people’s holistic understanding of the unfolding scenario, thereby feeding into disaster risk early warning systems. For effective understanding of the utility of early warning systems, the socio-cultural processes involved in the ideation of the disaster cannot be ignored. It is also critical to examine people’s past experiences with external early warning systems, and how much faith they put in them.

Risk Governance of Limited-Notice or No-Notice Natural Hazards

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Papathoma-Köhle ◽  
Dale Dominey-Howes
Keyword(s):  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Natural Hazard ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Global South ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Tsunami Warning ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Warning Systems ◽  
Global North

The second priority of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 stresses that, to efficiently manage risk posed by natural hazards, disaster risk governance should be strengthened for all phases of the disaster cycle. Disaster management should be based on adequate strategies and plans, guidance, and inter-sector coordination and communication, as well as the participation and inclusion of all relevant stakeholders—including the general public. Natural hazards that occur with limited-notice or no-notice (LNN) challenge these efforts. Different types of natural hazards present different challenges to societies in the Global North and the Global South in terms of detection, monitoring, and early warning (and then response and recovery). For example, some natural hazards occur suddenly with little or no warning (e.g., earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, snow avalanches, flash floods, etc.) whereas others are slow onset (e.g., drought and desertification). Natural hazards such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and floods may unfold at a pace that affords decision-makers and emergency managers enough time to affect warnings and to undertake preparedness and mitigative activities. Others do not. Detection and monitoring technologies (e.g., seismometers, stream gauges, meteorological forecasting equipment) and early warning systems (e.g., The Australian Tsunami Warning System) have been developed for a number of natural hazard types. However, their reliability and effectiveness vary with the phenomenon and its location. For example, tsunamis generated by submarine landslides occur without notice, generally rendering tsunami-warning systems inadequate. Where warnings are unreliable or mis-timed, there are serious implications for risk governance processes and practices. To assist in the management of LNN events, we suggest emphasis should be given to the preparedness and mitigation phases of the disaster cycle, and in particular, to efforts to engage and educate the public. Risk and vulnerability assessment is also of paramount importance. The identification of especially vulnerable groups, appropriate land use planning, and the introduction and enforcement of building codes and reinforcement regulations, can all help to reduce casualties and damage to the built environment caused by unexpected events. Moreover, emergency plans have to adapt accordingly as they may differ from the evacuation plans for events with a longer lead-time. Risk transfer mechanisms, such as insurance, and public-private partnerships should be strengthened, and redevelopment should consider relocation and reinforcement of new buildings. Finally, participation by relevant stakeholders is a key concept for the management of LNN events as it is also a central component for efficient risk governance. All relevant stakeholders should be identified and included in decisions and their implementation, supported by good communication before, during, and after natural hazard events. The implications for risk governance of a number of natural hazards are presented and illustrated with examples from different countries from the Global North and the Global South.

scholarly journals The December 2004-January 2005 floods in the Garden Route region of the Southern Cape, South Africa

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Tempelhoff ◽  
Dewald Van Niekerk ◽  
Elize Van Eeden ◽  
Ina Gouws ◽  
Karin Botha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Risk Management Strategies ◽  
Infrastructure Maintenance

The December 2004-January 2005 floods in the Garden Route region of the Southern Cape in South Africa have had a significant impact on local development and economic activities, tourism products andlocal institutions. This article aims to capture the dynamism between a number of related fields within the context of transdisciplinary research. Qualitative research methods were used to target a representative sample of the affected population. This article considers the history of the flooding events of December 2004/January 2005 along the Garden Route, as well as the manner in which emergency/disaster management personnel responded to the crisis. The effect of the floods on the tourism sector along the Garden Route was researched in general and the effects of the floods on tourists, local residents, and particularly communities in disadvantaged areas were specifically determined. The research reflects on the disaster risk management strategies that were in place at the time of the floods to determine what local authorities could have done to cope with the potential conditions of crisis. The research found that although some tourism products were severely affected, the 2004/2005 floods did not have a significant impact on the number of tourists frequenting the area. In terms of disaster risk management, concerns remain regarding the lack of the following factors: capacity, adequate early warning systems, proper infrastructure maintenance, local institutions, and an in-depth understanding of the disaster risk profile of the area.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of global and national systems for observing, monitoring and forecasting natural disasters and hazards with а view to reducing risk

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2(62)) ◽  
pp. 41-47
Author(s):  
Yaryna Tuzyak
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
National Level ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Warning Systems ◽  
Organizational System ◽  
Monitoring And Forecasting

The object of research is modern systems for observing, monitoring and forecasting natural disasters and hazards. Although early warning systems are often used to predict the magnitude, location and time of potentially hazardous events, these systems rarely provide impact estimates, such as the expected amount and distribution of material damage, human consequences, service disruption or financial losses. Supplementing early warning systems with predictions of impact has the dual advantage of providing better information to governing bodies for informed emergency decisions and focusing the attention of various branches of science on the goal of mitigating or preventing negative effects. The publication analyses current trends in the growth of natural risks, taking into account the risks associated with global climate change. The issues related to the growing risks of natural disasters and catastrophes at the present stage of societal development and directions of activities at the international and national levels for their reduction are considered. Disaster risk prevention and mitigation measures are described and areas of work in this area are highlighted. The decision-making sequence model is given, global and regional systems of observation, analysis, detection, forecasting, preliminary warning and exchange of information on natural hazards related to weather, climate and water are described. The factors that «unbalance» the global economy in terms of intensity, magnitude, magnitude of losses due to catastrophic events are analyzed. Addressing disaster prevention requires a structure at the national level in each country that includes policy, institutional, legal, strategic and operational frameworks, as well as at the regional and societal levels. This structure will organize and implement disaster risk reduction activities and establish an organizational system that will understand disaster risk and ensure that it is reduced through public participation.

scholarly journals Challenges and Technical Advances in Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWSs)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duminda Perera ◽  
Ousmane Seidou ◽  
Jetal Agnihotri ◽  
Hamid Mehmood ◽  
Mohamed Rasmy
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Mitigation ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Warning Systems

Flood early warning systems (FEWSs)—one of the most common flood-impact mitigation measures—are currently in operation globally. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) strongly advocates for an increase in their availability to reach the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comprehensive FEWS consists of four components, which includes (1) risk knowledge, (2) monitoring and forecasting, (3) warning, dissemination, and communication, and (4) response capabilities. Operational FEWSs have varying levels of complexity, depending on available data, adopted technology, and know-how. There are apparent differences in sophistication between FEWSs in developed countries that have the financial capabilities, technological infrastructure, and human resources and developing countries where FEWSs tend to be less advanced. Fortunately, recent advances in remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), information technologies, and social media are leading to significant changes in the mechanisms of FEWSs and provide the opportunity for all FEWSs to gain additional capability. These technologies are an opportunity for developing countries to overcome the technical limitations that FEWSs have faced so far. This chapter aims to discuss the challenges in FEWSs in brief and exposes technological advances and their benefits in flood forecasting and disaster mitigation.

scholarly journals Validating a Tailored Disaster Risk Assessment Methodology: Drought Risk Assessment in Local PNG Regions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Aitkenhead ◽  
Yuriy Kuleshov ◽  
Jessica Bhardwaj ◽  
Zhi-Weng Chua ◽  
Chayn Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Drought Risk ◽  
Assessment Methodology ◽  
Knowledge Component ◽  
Risk Assessment Methodology ◽  
Risk Knowledge

Abstract. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of natural hazards, causing adverse impacts on vulnerable communities. Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are of particular concern, requiring resilient disaster risk management consisting of two key elements: proactivity and suitability. User-centred Integrated Early Warning Systems (I-EWSs) can inform resilient risk management. However, an EWS is only effectively integrated when all components are functioning adequately. In Pacific SIDS, the risk knowledge component of an I-EWS is underexplored. Risk knowledge is improved through efficient risk assessment. A case study assessing drought risk in PNG provinces was conducted to demonstrate the development and validate the application of a tailored risk assessment methodology. Hazard, vulnerability, and exposure indicators appropriate for monitoring drought in PNG provinces were selected. Risk indices for past years (2014–2020) were calculated and mapped in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Risk assessment results were validated with a literature investigation of sources presenting information on previous droughts in PNG. The risk assessment indicated a strong drought event in 2015–2016, and a moderate event in 2019–2020. The literature corroborated this, confirming the validity of the risk assessment methodology. The methodology and results can be used to inform improved disaster risk management in PNG, by advising decision-makers of their risk and policymakers on which provinces are of priority for resource allocation. The methodology can also be used to enhance the risk knowledge component of a user-centred I-EWS and guide the implementation of such a system for drought in PNG and other Pacific SIDS.

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