The newly released e-primer “ICT for Disaster Management” examines the use of information and communication technologies in disaster management. A useful resource for policymakers, it features case studies from all over the Asia-Pacific region and includes the use of various media and ICTs during natural disasters.

“ICT for Disaster Management,” a new e-primer jointly released by the Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP) and the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT), examines the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the different phases of the disaster management cycle—from disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness; to disaster response; and disaster recovery.

Featuring case studies from the Asia-Pacific region, “ICT for Disaster Management” explores the channels used for warning communities of impending disasters, including radio and television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet. This e-primer also looks at the importance of geographical information system and remote sensing tools in creating simulation models for preparedness planning, and in mapping recovery efforts.

According to the e-primer, “ICT is only a tool and it should not be treated as a panacea for all issues arising in disaster management. As is the case with any other tool, the effectiveness of ICT in reducing disaster risks depends on how it is used. The use of ICT for disaster management should not be a choice between this medium/technology against that medium/technology...What is required is not a competition between different media and technologies, but instead, using the best combination depending upon the circumstances.”

This publication is part of the APDIP e-Primer Series for the Information Economy, Society and Polity, which details the concepts, issues, and trends in this field. The Series is intended to raise awareness and help policymakers and planners understand the relevance of ICT for development by explaining applications in straightforward terms.

Download the report at <http://www.apdip.net/publications/iespprimers/eprimer-dm.pdf>.

Source:
“APDIP and APCICT Release e-Primer on ICT for Disaster Management” from United Nations Development Programme-Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme, posted on September 20, 2007, <http://www.apdip.net/news/ict4dm>.