scholarly journals Recent innovation of geospatial information technology to support disaster risk management and responses

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Une ◽  
Takayuki Nakano

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 2015–2030, 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.

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Une ◽  
Takayuki Nakano

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Geographic location is one of the most fundamental and indispensable information elements for us to work on disasters. For example, in the case of the Tohoku Earthquake in 2011, aerial photos taken immediately after the earthquake greatly improved the information sharing among different government offices and facilitated the rescue and recovery operations, and maps prepared after the disasters have been assisting the rapid reconstruction of the affected local communities. In addition, in the case of the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016, up-to-date geospatial information technologies were well applied to grasp the disaster situation such as UAVs and InSAR. Advancement of web mapping technology allows us to understand the situation by overlaying various location-specific data on base maps on the web and specify the areas which the activities should be focused on. 3D modelling technology enables realistic understandings of the relationship between disaster and topography. Geospatial information technology can support the proper judgement of preparation and emergency response against disaster by the individuals and local communities through such as hazard mapping and information services using mobile devices. Thus, geospatial information technology is now more and more taking vital role for all the stages of disaster risk management and responses. Acknowledging such vital role of geospatial information for disaster reduction, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction repeatedly indicates the importance of use of geospatial information technology for disaster reduction.</p>


Author(s):  
Kevin K. C. Hung ◽  
Sonoe Mashino ◽  
Emily Y. Y. Chan ◽  
Makiko K. MacDermot ◽  
Satchit Balsari ◽  
...  

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 placed human health at the centre of disaster risk reduction, calling for the global community to enhance local and national health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM). The Health EDRM Framework, published in 2019, describes the functions required for comprehensive disaster risk management across prevention, preparedness, readiness, response, and recovery to improve the resilience and health security of communities, countries, and health systems. Evidence-based Health EDRM workforce development is vital. However, there are still significant gaps in the evidence identifying common competencies for training and education programmes, and the clarification of strategies for workforce retention, motivation, deployment, and coordination. Initiated in June 2020, this project includes literature reviews, case studies, and an expert consensus (modified Delphi) study. Literature reviews in English, Japanese, and Chinese aim to identify research gaps and explore core competencies for Health EDRM workforce training. Thirteen Health EDRM related case studies from six WHO regions will illustrate best practices (and pitfalls) and inform the consensus study. Consensus will be sought from global experts in emergency and disaster medicine, nursing, public health and related disciplines. Recommendations for developing effective health workforce strategies for low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries will then be disseminated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonhlanhla A. Zamisa ◽  
Sybert Mutereko

Section 151(2) of the Constitution empowers municipalities in South Africa to pass disaster management-related by-laws. Such by-laws should be specific on the role of traditional leaders, owing to their authority and proximity to the people coupled with their constitutional mandate to preserve customs and traditions. However, their role is often not maximised because of vague and inadequate policies. There has been little or no scholarly attention to the role of traditional leadership and the policy and legal framework that guide their participation in disaster risk management. Employing a comprehensive content analysis of Ugu District Municipality Disaster Management By-law, this article assesses the adequacy of these by-laws on disaster risk governance in the context of collaboration disaster risk reduction. While the Ugu District Municipality Disaster Management By-law provides for the participation of traditional leadership, this study reveals that it is fraught with ambiguities and seemingly vague clauses. For instance, although in Article 5.1.1 the word ‘authorities’ is used, it is not clear whether this refers to traditional leadership or other entities at the local level. In addition, the composition of the Disaster Management Advisory Forum in Ugu does not explicitly include AmaKhosi. While these results add to the rapidly expanding field of disaster risk management, they also suggest several courses of action for policymakers at local government. Such actions might include, but not limited to, a review of the by-laws to address the lack of collaborative essence relative to traditional leaders for optimal disaster risk reduction initiatives targeting traditional communities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-297
Author(s):  
Carlos Germano Ferreira Costa

Disasters and natural hazards increasingly affect people in the most vulnerable communities in coastal cities, and low-lying areas are especially exposed in the context of increased urbanization, where the urban risk continues to rise. This paper endeavors to establish a Roadmap for Disaster Risk Management Planning for coastal cities based on the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Ten Essentials (UNDRR, 2012). We report on local Disaster Risk Management (DRM) practices in a mid-Atlantic capital -the city of Praia, in Cabo Verde. DRM in coastal cities in island states turns out to be an intricate process due to the incorporation of socio-environmental anthropogenic exposure to physical, economic, population, political, and climate vulnerabilities. This paper contributes to the growing knowledge of the institutional framework's role in the facilitation of local adaptation, and design-thinking of urban-development planning processes in coastal cities and low-lying areas, by distinguishing arising opportunities for planned Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and describing a roadmap intended at further advances the discussions for the progress of risk-informed sustainable development pathways in the context of coastal cities. It advocates for the design of adaptative processes understood according to local initiatives, to foresee a possible expression of the growing engagement of different actors in the control and monitoring of risks and vulnerabilities in these areas.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Raju ◽  
Karen da Costa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify how governance and accountability have been addressed in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030. Design/methodology/approach The research is mainly based on the analysis of the SFDRR; scientific literature, particularly recent publications covering the SFDRR. The paper also takes into account grey literature. Findings The SFDRR does address issues of governance and accountability in disasters. However, more needs to be done to translate it into practice – particularly with regard to accountability. Originality/value The paper covers a topic that has not attracted considerable academic attention, despite the fact that the need to address accountability in disaster risk management, notably in DRR, has been generally acknowledged. By addressing governance and accountability in the most recent international DRR framework the paper adds value to the literature.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Intan Adhi Perdana Putri

Preventing and reducing disaster victims is crucial in the disaster risk reduction context. The government, particularly at the local level, plays a vital role in reducing such risk. Therefore, strengthening the capacity of local governments is needed to reach the goal. This necessity is clearly stated in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDDR) 2015-2030. The capacity of local government in disaster risk management is essential in preventing and minimizing the number of victims. Floods and forest and land fire haze are the most common disasters in Jambi Province. Understanding the local government capacity is imperative in the context of disaster risk reduction as such. This paper aims to explain the current capacity of the Jambi local government in managing flood and forest and land fire haze. Data were collected qualitatively from government officials through focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews. The findings showed that the capacity of Jambi’s local government needs to be improved, and there are issues to be solved. Jambi Province policy capacity tended to focus on forest fires and lacked attention on flood-related policies. On implementation capacity, there exist some issues to be overcome, such as the local government officials’ knowledge and skills related to disaster risk management, redundant disaster preparedness programs at the village level, and the need for more detailed hazard maps. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandra Lal Pandey

Purpose Understanding bottom-up approaches including local coping mechanisms, recognizing them and strengthening community capacities is important in the process of disaster risk reduction. The purpose of this paper is to address the questions: to what extent existing disaster policies in Nepal support and enable community-based disaster resilience? and what challenges and prospects do the communities have in responding to disaster risk for making communities resilient? Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on policy and academic literature reviews complimented by field research in two communities, one in Shankhu, Kathmandu district and another in Satthighare, Kavrepalanchowk district in Nepal. The author conducted in-depth interviews and mapped out key disaster-related policies of Nepal to investigate the role of communities in disaster risk management and post-disaster activities and their recognition in disaster-related policies. Findings The author found that existing literature clearly identifies the importance of the community led initiatives in risks reduction and management. It is evolutionary phenomenon, which has already been piloted in history including in the aftermath of Nepal earthquake 2015 yet existing policies of Nepal do not clearly identify it as an important component by providing details of how communities can be better engaged in the immediate aftermath of disaster occurrence. Research limitations/implications The author conducted this research based on data from two earthquake affected areas only. The author believes that this research can still play an important role as representative study. Practical implications The practical implication of this research is that communities need to understand about risks society for disaster preparedness, mitigation and timely response in the aftermath of disasters. As they are the first responders against the disasters, they also need trainings such as disaster drills such as earthquakes, floods and fire and mock practice of various early warning systems can be conducted by local governments to prepare these communities better to reduce disaster risk and casualties. Social implications The mantra of community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) is community engagement, which means the involvement of local people to understand and prepare against their local hazards and risks associated with disaster and haphazard development. CBDRM approaches motivate people to work together because they feel a sense of belongingness to their communities and recognize the benefits of their involvement in disaster mitigation and preparedness. Clearly, community engagement for disaster risk reduction and management brings great benefits in terms of ownership and direct savings in losses from disasters because the dynamic process allows community to contribute and interchange ideas and activities for inclusive decision making and problem solving. Originality/value This research is based on both primary and secondary data and original in case of its findings and conclusion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 136-142
Author(s):  
Iwan Permana ◽  
Rosliana Dewi ◽  
Johan Budhiana ◽  
Iyam Mariam ◽  
Lia Novianty ◽  
...  

The Sirnaresmi indigenous people are one of the communities that still maintain their traditional culture to this day. In carrying out the rules and customs in the community, Sirnaresmi Village has its own institutional structure. There are several stakeholder institutions that support landslide risk reduction in Sirnaresmi Village. This study aims to determine the socio-cultural life and disaster risk management of the customary community in Sirnaresmi Village, West Java. The result showed that efforts to reduce the risk of landslides in Sirnaresmi Village have been carried out. However, the capacity in Sirnaresmi Village is still insufficient to reduce the risk of landslides. Some possible solutions are disaster risk reduction efforts by community organizing in disaster management through the formation of Disaster Management Community Groups (KMPB) and increasing public knowledge in reducing disaster risk together with experts from the Regional Disaster Management Agency of Sukabumi Regency. The other practical implications were also suggested such as by nurturing local traditions to help reduce disaster risk and involving local leadership roles in disaster risk reduction efforts.


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