Technology's Role in Disaster Response and Management

Introduction

David Robson (2010) defines disaster management and response to disaster as the decisions and measures taken to prevent and minimize casualties in a disaster situation by providing early warning, restoring order, offering immediate relief, and facilitating rehabilitation after the disaster occurs. This initial response typically happens after a disaster strikes. However, researchers like D.A. McEntire (2007) argue that disaster response need not be limited to post-disaster action. Instead, it can begin before a disaster occurs through the provision of early information and warnings to potential victims (McEntire, 2007).

The concept of disaster response encompasses numerous activities, including warning and evacuation attempts, search and rescue efforts, provisions for immediate assistance, damage assessment, and rapid restoration of vital infrastructure (Pampel, 2008). According to J.S. Halpern (2005), the primary aim of disaster response is to recognize danger and develop plans, strategies, and efforts to provide immediate relief to save lives and property (Halpern, 2005).

In modern society, technological innovation has influenced virtually every aspect of life, and disaster response is no exception. S.O. Southern (2011) notes that technological advancement has helped improve public safety and disaster relief efforts. Natural disasters threaten countries worldwide, and there is also a growing threat from terrorist activities in many regions (Southern 2011). Technologies such as advanced mobile devices and tablets enable authorities and citizens to reduce public safety concerns in the wake of disasters. According to Kanno, Shimizu, and Furuta (2006), technological advancement in geographic information systems, early warning systems, the internet, social media, and other mass communication forms have the potential to deliver warning messages about impending disaster dangers to vast communities of people (Kanno, Shimizu & Furuta, 2006).

Mobile Technology Use in Disaster Response

In their article on technology use in disaster response, Darrell M. West and Elizabeth Valentini (2013) of the Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation emphasize the importance of communication lines during and after disasters (West & Valentini, 2013). Communication channels are crucial not only for warnings but also for relief and rescue operations. They advocated for innovation in communication technology for these purposes. Experts such as Oosterom, Zlatanova, and Fendel (2005) note that the social and business sectors are responding to this challenge by creating new communication and collaboration technologies designed to enable speedy and efficient disaster response (Oosterom, Zlatanova & Fendel, 2005).

Using examples from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the massive earthquake and tsunamis in Japan in 2011, and the Oklahoma tornadoes of 2013, West and Valentini (2013) claim that mobile technology use in disaster response has "skyrocketed." The need for accurate and instant information has grown significantly with developments in mobile technology. In an Australian example, communication experts describe how software combining voice-over IP technology and Wi-Fi enabled people to communicate in areas with no reception. As West and Valentini note, "Such a feature is of critical importance in cases where traditional communications networks are knocked offline for extended periods of time during or after a major crisis" (West & Valentini, 2013). In another technological development for disaster response, Aerial 3D was created by Japanese developers to enable rescuers to create text in local spaces, allowing mobile devices to accurately identify victim locations. This technology was deployed during the 2011 Thailand tsunami.

In their research paper, Roy, Kumar, Sarkar, Aberg, and Kovordanyi (2015) explain that mobile technology is not limited to rescue operations but also serves as a disaster preparedness and prevention tool. The government of Bangladesh implemented a program notifying mobile phone users in flood-prone areas about the possibility of impending floods or cyclones. Unlike general messages, these alerts flash directly on mobile phone screens, alerting users to take immediate action. Messages are typically sent in advance so that users and nearby residents can prepare or evacuate to safer locations. In 2014, a large number of coastal residents on India's eastern coast reached safety due to the early warning system for Cyclone Phailin. Beyond traditional public address systems, mobile phones were extensively used by authorities to warn people ('Cyclone Phailin in India: Early warning and timely actions saved lives', 2014).

Increasing numbers of people rely on mobile applications for information about disaster preparation and emergency response, driven by rapid smartphone growth. Cutter, Schumann, and Emrich (2014) note that new applications are being created by both private companies and citizens for first responders and affected people. Following Hurricane Katrina, they documented the development of a natural disaster warning system using information gathered by MEMS accelerometers and vibration sensors. Verizon Wireless provided wireless technology including XORA, live casts, and live video streaming applications, along with a video-propelled drone called Blue Force and FuzeBox, a video conferencing application. These tools together create fast disaster response signals and alerts (Cutter, Schumann & Emrich, 2014).

Information and Communication Technology in Disaster Response

Different phases of disaster management and response utilize information and communication technology. Significant advances in ICT development have the potential to protect people from the destructive forces of disasters. According to Mobaraki, Mansourian, and Mohammadi (n.d.), several tools are employed in ICT-based disaster response, including geographic information systems, remote sensing satellites, the internet, radio, television, ham radio, mobile phones, fax, and email. Large volumes of data are required for proper assessment of disaster potential and risk evaluation. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) manage such data (Mobaraki, Mansourian & Mohammadi, n.d.). GIS is used for various purposes, primarily for selecting and planning evacuation routes. In combination with GPS, GIS can identify the locations of stranded victims during or after a disaster and aid in search and rescue operations.

Remote sensing technology is primarily used for risk modeling of tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, and diseases and epidemics. This technology can also prepare for extreme oceanic, land, and atmospheric phenomena and establish early warning systems for natural disasters (except earthquakes). Remote sensing technology also monitors and facilitates information exchange.

While advocating for ICT use in disaster response, Asimakopoulou and Bessis (2010) enumerate essential requirements for successful ICT disaster response. ICT systems require good data management, understanding, and participation from relief and response organization personnel. The system must also identify information needs (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2010). C. Mungo (2013) lists advantages of ICT in disaster response and management, noting that the process is fast, accurate, economical, and flexible. The system offers configuration choices and promotes change and development (Mungo, 2013).

Social Media in Disaster Response and Management

Emergency and disaster response often require joint functioning of entire communities affected by disaster. L. Potts (n.d.) argues that because a large section of the population in every community uses social media as a communication tool, it assumes great importance in disaster response (Potts, n.d.). Consequently, the approach to disaster response is rapidly shifting from traditional methods to technology-based approaches grounded in understanding how people communicate using their daily tools. According to G.D. Haddow and K. Haddow (2014), social media is used by billions of people worldwide to inquire about friends and family, learn about current events, and share experiences. This has become habitual for billions, making it crucial for emergency and disaster response (Haddow & Haddow, 2014). Social media enables rapid communication with vast numbers of people in the event of a disaster. This fast, direct communication enables early warnings to be delivered to potential victims, identifies locations of stranded victims, and communicates relief and rescue efforts to affected people.

Shyne Adamski, Senior Manager of Digital Engagement at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2013), emphasizes the importance of social media in disaster response, stating that a message can reach thousands of people with a single click or smartphone swipe, with very tangible effects (Adamski, 2013).

In the United Kingdom, the London Fire Brigade was the first in the world to launch a Twitter feed in December 2012. Text-based communication among British adults exceeded phone calls in 2012, forming the basis for the fire brigade's decision to establish a Twitter account where residents could report emergency calls during disasters.

Conclusion

The advancement of technology has greatly impacted everyday life. Technology has not only made lives easier but often serves as a lifesaver. This is equally true for disaster response and management. Communication is paramount in cases of impending or actual disasters. Effective disaster response requires maintaining maximum communication throughout the crisis. Mobile phone technology development has made staying in touch before, during, and after disasters straightforward. Technological advancements even enable communication in areas without mobile network coverage, tools that disaster response personnel use to save lives.

Early warning systems represent another critical tool for disaster response. The past decade has witnessed numerous large-scale natural disasters, prompting development of user-friendly early warning systems for public use. These systems enable people to learn about impending disasters and take necessary precautions. Research demonstrates that early warning systems have dramatically reduced loss of life during disasters. These systems prove invaluable for disaster response teams, providing time to plan, strategize, and implement evacuation and relief efforts. However, while early warning systems effectively save human lives, they cannot effectively reduce financial losses during disasters except for slow-developing disasters.