Implementation of technology for post-disaster damage and needs assessment for local government in South Africa

Abstract

Rapid damage and needs assessment and dissemination of accurate information play an increasingly significant role in responding to disasters. However, after a disaster or significant event occurs, it is often the case that the activity of assessing damages and needs is not efficient enough to support quick and informed decision-making. South Africa faces a wide range of natural, technological, and environmental hazards, and thus conducting post-disaster assessments of both damage and needs are critical tools for decision-making. Technology is changing the way people live and work however, the use of it is not without its challenges. There is increasing evidence that the use of technology could also hold many benefits in ensuring effective disaster response and recovery, specifically related to rapid post-disaster damage and needs assessment as well as dissemination of accurate information for decision-making. Municipalities in South Africa experience many challenges in terms of timely and effective decision-making in post-disaster situations. This study aims to contribute to the improvement of post-disaster data collection and information dissemination methodologies and approaches in South Africa by analysing existing technology that could assist municipalities to implement and manage initial post-disaster damage and needs assessments effectively. The research was useful in defining and investigating the theoretical grounding and practices of post-disaster damage and needs assessment, as well as information management systems developed and applied for disaster response and recovery and including an analysis of smart tools and processes needed for effective initial post-disaster damage and needs assessment. A survey obtained useful information from disaster management role-players in the different spheres of government regarding the current processes and technology used for initial post-disaster damage and needs assessment. Two case studies of municipalities with existing Disaster Information Management Systems that facilitate post-disaster damage and needs assessments further proved to be valuable in assessing the feasibility of technology and tools that can be implemented within municipalities for this purpose. This contributed to the development of a framework that can be implemented to improve post-disaster information management in municipalities in South Africa, focusing on technology and tools which will enable this, so that municipalities can rapidly access, obtain and share the necessary information for decision-making. The proposed approach offers a means to enable municipalities to collect, collate and share the necessary information for decision-making in post-disaster situations including the facilitation of information required to support the classification and declaration of a state of disaster. It is

envisaged that the concept will contribute to the improved management of disaster relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in South Africa.