Abstract

Natural hazard risk estimations in the international development context
Track: Disaster and Emergency Management
Authors: David Saeger, Keifer Gonzalez

Many domestic and international organizations extrapolate from past losses to estimate risk from natural hazards. Unfortunately, past damage estimates are often a poor measure of future impacts because of changes in the distribution, number, and vulnerability of exposed assets and populations. Alternative solutions based on computer simulations of hazards have been developed but pose challenges to humanitarian organizations operating in data poor environments.

In order to better understand the effectiveness of early warning systems and GIS capacity on effective communication in humanitarian disaster response, this study will compare domestic and international uses of historic data in risk assessments, and explore how capacity building programs in developing countries can reduce the risk of future disasters. Illustrative examples will include how humanitarian response organizations use ArcGIS to synthesize and communicate information derived from these efforts.