In this article, Sakurai and Murayama (2019) present examples of the application of information technology in various stages of disaster management, including preparedness, recovery, response, and risk reduction. In the introduction, the authors acknowledge the importance of information in guaranteeing effective disaster management. They also note that social media are emerging sources of information for disaster relief agencies. These sources present new information technologies that have enhanced how relief agencies collect situational data. Reconstruction watcher, virtual reality training systems, and sensor network systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles comprise some of the technologies identified in this article.
Technologies such as sensor network systems collect information that can enhance community-based disaster preparedness. The collected data can allow individuals to learn about vulnerable regions. Information technologies are essential because they can facilitate living-lab-style scenario simulation and support field exercises before the occurrence of real disasters. Notably, virtual reality (VR) training systems are excellent examples of technologies that can facilitate effective disaster preparedness. Disaster management agencies and teams can utilize the systems to educate people about strategies for surviving disasters. Individuals using the VR system can know how disaster situations look like and strategies they can use to evacuate from buildings. Additionally, the systems can help people know how challenging it is to avoid smoke during evacuation and the way disastrous situations cause panic. Sakurai and Murayama (2019) indicate that most hospitals adopt VR technology in supporting emergency medical training. Pimpale et al. (2018) support this article by indicating that VR technology is not only an excellent opportunity for immersive entertainment but also a chance to provide better training regarding strategies for managing disasters.
Other technologies used in disaster preparedness are online dashboards and messenger applications that help people report their situations. These technologies have specific algorithms with the capability of detecting and categorizing predefined critical information into given topics and areas. The systems can utilize past catastrophe experiences to generate a knowledge source to facilitate effective disaster preparedness. This article confirms the findings of Shaw et al. (2016), that technology is instrumental in developing disaster preparedness and reconstruction guidance.
This article also discusses technologies used in other aspects of disaster management such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for risk reduction and reconstruction watcher for recovery. For example, UAVs report a real-time situation of rivers, buildings, and land to the disaster management agencies and governments, showing risks as well as vulnerability. Sakurai and Murayama (2019) conclude that information technologies are vital tools for disaster preparedness and response. They also recommend collaboration between disaster management agencies with information technology professionals and external institutions for improved and effective disaster preparedness.
References
Pimpale, R., Prabakaran, N., & Kannadasan, R. (2018). Application of virtual reality in disaster response training. International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics, 119(7), 303-307.
Sakurai, M., & Murayama, Y. (2019). Information technologies and disaster management – Benefits and issues -. Progress in Disaster Science, 2, 100012. Web.
Shaw, R., Izumi, T., & Shi, P. (2016). Perspectives of science and technology in disaster risk reduction of Asia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 7(4), 329-342. Web.