Information needs in disaster
Answers
Early warning: Information in support to early warning or disaster preparedness. Prior to the outbreak of a humanitarian disaster, remote sensing can provide the necessary synoptic viewpoint that is strategically critical to better understand the severity, geographical focus, and characteristics of an emergency situation, thereby improving preparedness for a disaster (e.g. drought). Likewise the dynamics and directions of conflict-related destabilizing trends (e.g. a negative trend in vegetation cover may signalize increasing pressure on the local food production that may cause migration or conflicts) can be identified to support planning of appropriate countermeasures. Situational awareness also includes the maintenance and cohesion of geospatial data layers for ensuring an adequate preparedness level.
2) Crisis monitoring: Information about the current situation in support to crisis monitoring and humanitarian action. In the course of a conflict or during the peak of a disastrous event, remote sensing can be used to direct humanitarian response activities, including indications (and verifications) of the affected population and settlements, destroyed infrastructure and other assets, or large-scale displacements and potential secondary crises-scenarios due to emergence of spontaneous settlements and pressure on local resources.Mid-to long-term impact: Information on the mid- and long-term effects of humanitarian disasters in support to potential integration and rehabilitation. Remote sensing data and image analysis help understand the effects of displacements and the impact on environmental conditions and resources, livelihoods and land-use practices, as well as resettlement and repatriation scenarios with (potentially) recursive consequences.