This Primer is designed to promote a framework for matching available technology with DRM processes. It provides examples of a range of information and communication technology (ICT) applications already implemented in Asia and the Pacific as well as the rest of the world.
Lecturer: Gabrielle Iglesias
Length: 1 hour / 7 sessions
- Overview
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Disaster risk management (DRM) is a set of processes to lessen the impacts of disasters on society. This process involves the development of policies, strategies and capacities, among other activities, to assess, prepare for and reduce disaster risks, before disaster strikes. This Primer is designed to promote a framework for matching available technology with DRM processes. It provides examples of a range of information and communication technology (ICT) applications already implemented in Asia and the Pacific as well as the rest of the world. These examples will be presented as case studies on how ICTs are being used in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and relief, as well as recovery and reconstruction.
For the purpose of this Primer, ICT is defined as information-handling tools—a varied set of goods, applications and services that are used to produce, store, process, distribute and exchange information. ICTs have the potential to reduce the possibility of death and economic disruption by improving access to the information that can help make better choices; this is true for all individuals, organizations, localities, countries, and economic sectors, no matter what hazard is faced. For example, volcanoes can be monitored for emissions of various materials or changes in their shapes that could indicate imminent eruptions.
Rivers are measured for water volume and speed as part of flood modelling. Measurements can be relayed to far-off computing centres or published on the web in real-time hazard monitoring systems, to be analysed using software tools. This can lead to the early detection of the occurrence of hazards, as well to the improved prediction or estimation of the frequency and severity of hazards.
- Learning Objectives
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The primer aims to:
- Introduce the basic concepts of ICT and their role and application in DRM;
- Introduce the process and components of DRM;
- Foster a better understanding of how ICTs can be applied effectively in DRM; and
- Provide case studies of ICT applications in all components of DRM.
- Learning Outcomes
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After reading this Primer, students will be equipped with a good understanding of different components in DRM, and exposed to the role of ICT and its wide-ranging potential application in DRM. Students will be able to utilize this as a context and potential in whatever field or profession they decide to pursue.
Specifically, this Primer provides students with:
- A framework to understand the processes and the components of DRM.
- A better understanding of the advantages as well as challenges and issues of using ICT for DRM; and
- Broad knowledge and skills to help in the effective planning, development and implementation of relevant ICT applications.
- About the Author
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Gabrielle Iglesias joined ADPC in March 2006 as the Information and Networking Coordinator. She is actively involved in the implementation of the Program for Hydro-meteorological Disaster Mitigation in Secondary Cities in Asia (PROMISE). Before joining ADPC, Gabrielle was for many years an Assistant Professor at the National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), University of the Philippines.
Gabrielle has served as a consultant in the area of GIS Design. She was also the consultant for e-government to the League of Cities of the Philippines Liaison Officers Association. She earned the following degrees: (1) a Masters with distinction in Geoinformation Management and Earth Observations from the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), specializing in Urban Land Administration (2000); (2) a Masters in Public Administration from UP-NCPAG (1995), specializing in public policy analysis; and (3) a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology cum laude from the University of the Philippines (1991).