Information Communication Technology and a Systemic Disaster Management System Model

Introduction

Recent natural disasters have demonstrated the vulnerability of countries to such events. Also, past disasters have shown that their impact can be reduced significantly by taking adequate planning, preparedness and mitigation measures. A great deal of effort has been made, by academe, international organizations, and governments, practitioners, to investigate and develop approaches to address disaster risk (UN/ISDR, 2004; UNDP, 2004; McEntire, 2001; Lindell et al., 2007; Paton & Johnston, 2001; Moe & Pairote, 2006; Kurita et al., 2006; Aldunce & Leon, 2007; Kazusa, 2006; Jayawardane, 2006; Wilson, 2000; Iannella & Henricksen, 2007; Banipal, 2006).

On the other hand, information and communication technology (ICT) may be regarded as a key player in the process of disaster management. A number of studies and research has been conducted on ICT in relation planning, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery (Murai, 2006; Kara-Zaitri, 1996; Mansor et al., 2004; De Silva, 2001; Quarentelli, 1997; Showalter, 2001; Billa et al., 2004; Brunn, 1995; Fedra & Reitisma, 1990; De Silva & Eglese, 2000; Johnson, 2000). For example, Showalter (2001) has examined articles published between 1972 and 1998 on remote sensing in hazard and disaster research. The review has found that the technique has been primarily used to detect, identify, map, survey and monitor existing hazards and/or their effects. Also, the author argues that remote sensing may help to provide damage assessments, improve planning, or provide data for mitigation, preparation, relief, response, and warning efforts (Brunn, 1995; Showalter, 2001). Moreover, remote sensing for a tsunami early warning system has been made possible by the use of existing technologies, such as radar, telemetry, telecommunication satellites, etc (Gonzalez et al., 1998). Other authors have conducted research on GIS and argue that it provides the primary advantage of displaying the critical information related to an incident on maps, satellite images, digital terrains (Billa et al., 2004; Fedra & Reitsma, 1990). Also, ICT technologies (e.g., Multimedia, CD-ROM, DVD, Internet, Web Sites and e-mail) are being applied to demonstrate how emergency planners may more effectively accomplish their mission to educate the larger community on a variety of issues such as the need to adopt proposed mitigation strategies, to respond to disaster warnings and evacuation suggestions (Fischer, 1998). Furthermore, ICT plays a critical role in facilitating the reconstruction process and in coordinating the return of those displaced by disasters to their original homes and communities. Disaster management activities, in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, can be made more effective by the use of appropriate ICT tools. These include tools for resource management and tracking, communication under emergency situations (e.g. use of Internet communications), collecting essential items for the victims, and national and international fundraising (Wattegama, 2007).

Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have taken initiatives to study the current situation of emergency communications in the Asia-Pacific countries (Wattegama, 2007). Moreover, it is believed that assessments have been conducted in countries such as Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka on these emergency communication systems. The ADPC under the Indian Ocean Early-Warning System programme also introduced the Tsunami Alert Rapid Notification System Programme (TARNSP) with emphasis on robust ICT systems to disseminate information and warnings from the national to the community level (Wattegama, 2007).