Die Hochwasserereignisse der letzten Jahre haben Mängel bei der schnellen Verfügbarkeit des klassischen Darstellungs-, Entscheidungs- und Analyseinstruments Karte offenbart. Die Erfahrungen von 1997 und 2002 verdeutlichen, dass eine homogene digitale Datengrundlage, die neben rein topographischen zusätzlich auch fachspezifische Informationen des Hochwasserschutzes enthält, für eine effektive Bekämpfung solcher Ereignisse notwendig ist. <br><br> Mit den Daten des ,Amtlichen Topographisch-Kartographischen Informationssystems&rsquo; (ATKIS) liegen topographische Basisdaten in graphikfreier Form als digitales Landschaftsmodell (DLM) flächendeckend für die Bundesrepublik vor. Anhand der exemplarischen Ableitung von nutzerorientierten Kartenmodellen aus diesen graphikfreien Daten wurde deren Eignung für den besonderen Verwendungszweck im Rahmen eines Hochwasserschutz-Informationssystems überprüft. Als Anwendungsbeispiel wurde das Gebiet der Ziltendorfer Niederung, die während des Oder-Hochwassers 1997 überflutet wurde, gewählt. <br><br> In Expertengesprächen wurden zunächst Inhalte identifiziert, die für einen wirksamen Hochwasserschutz Relevanz besitzen; diese Inhalte wurden anschließend analog zum ATKIS-Systemdesign strukturiert und als Objekte eines separaten Objektbereichs im digitalen Fachmodell (DFM) erfasst. <br><br> Bei der Ableitung von (Bildschirm-) Karten aus den graphikfreien Daten wurden jeweils unterschiedliche Kriterien für die Basiskarte und die Fachinhalte berücksichtigt. Dabei wurden verschiedene kartographische Regeln und Gesetze mit dem Ziel der prägnanten Visualisierung und damit der eindeutigen Lesbarkeit der Karten angewendet. Beispielhaft sei hier die Schaffung einer visuellen Hierarchie zwischen Basiskarte und Fachinhalten genannt. Die besonderen Nutzungsbedingungen von Karten im Einsatzfall erfordern u.a., dass die Karten auch von Personen, die nur über geringe oder keine Erfahrung im Umgang mit Karten verfügen, schnell und einfach zu lesen sind, um so eine sichere Informationsvermittlung zu gewährleisten. Voraussetzung dafür ist einerseits die Beschränkung auf die Darstellung der wesentlichen Inhalte, andererseits die Verwendung leicht lesbarer Kartenzeichen. Aus diesem Grund wurden einheitliche Kartenzeichen zur Darstellung der Fachinhalte entwickelt, die entweder aus allgemein bekannten Symbolen, aus den im Katastrophenschutz üblicherweise verwendeten sog. taktischen Zeichen oder aus Fachzeichen des Hochwasserschutzes abgeleitet wurden. <br><br> Die entwickelten Kartenmodelle wurden abschließend in qualitativen Experteninterviews in Bezug auf ihre Qualität und Verwendbarkeit im Hochwasserschutz geprüft. Die Auswertung der Interviews ergab eine insgesamt positive Beurteilung der Karten für den Einsatz in Hochwasserschutz-Informationssystemen. Damit leistet die vorliegende Arbeit einen Beitrag zur Entwicklung von (Bildschirm-) Karten zur Unterstützung bei der Entscheidungsfindung im Katastrophenmanagement. / The flooding events of recent years have revealed shortcomings concerning the speedy availability of traditional presentation, decision-making and analysis instrument maps. The experiences of 1997 and 2002 show that a homogenous digital dataset comprising relevant information on flood control measures as well as purely topographical information is essential to effectively combat such events. <br><br> Data from the official cartographic and topographic information system (Amtliches Topographisch-Kartographisches Informationssystem - ATKIS) provide basic non-graphic topographic data as digital landscape models (DLM) for the whole of the Federal Republic of Germany. By means of the exemplary derivation of user-oriented map models from these non-graphic data, their suitability for deployment in the context of a flood protection information system was verified. The Ziltendorfer Niederung area, which was flooded by the Oder in 1997, was chosen as an example. <br><br> First of all, in expert interviews subject matter that was relevant for effective flood control was identified. This subject matter was than structured analogous to the ATKIS system design and recorded in the digital thematic model (DFM). <br><br> Different respective criteria for the basis map and specialist content were taken into account with the derivation of (screen) maps from the non-graphic data. Thereby the different cartographic rules and guidelines were used with the aim of succinct visualisation and thus clear readability of the maps. The creation of a visual hierarchy between the components basis map and specialist content is cited as exemplary here. <br><br> Maps also sometimes need to be read quickly and easily by persons who have little or no knowledge of how to do this in order to assure reliable communication of information. This is conditional on the one hand on the presentation of the intrinsic content, and on the other the use of easily readable conventional map signs. For this reason standard conventional signs for the presentation of specialist content were developed that were either derived from commonly known symbols, from so-called tactical signs commonly used in disaster control, or from specialist signs from flood control. <br><br> The developed map model was finally verified with respect to its quality and usability in flood control. Evaluation of the interviews showed an overall positive assessment of the maps for use in flood protection information systems. This paper thus contributes to the development of (screen) maps to support the decision-making processes of disaster management.

<p>A disaster always means a huge death toll, displacement and inconceivable destruction for a poor country such as Bangladesh. Recently, Bangladesh has taken a holistic approach to prioritising interrelated activities and the involvement of various organisations in disaster management. A number of disaster management committees (DMCs) have been formed to coordinate and implement risk reduction measures. But the levels of success of these organisations have varied in different regions. Improper consideration of local knowledge, corruption of actors, lack of coordination and capacity of actors, etc., are perceived as major causes of this. Primarily, this mini-thesis aims to measure the impact of self-organisation in disaster risk management.</p>

Governments are responsible for administrative arrangements dealing with disasters. Effective policies play a vital role in mitigating the impact of disasters and reducing likely losses of life and property. Yet, it had been noted that such losses were increasing, raising questions about efficacy of government policies and the factors that made them effective. This study adopted a comparative method, responding to a long-standing demand of disaster research, for examining the record in India. There were noticeable differences among its states, with some having undertaken comprehensive reform in an all-hazards approach, while others continued with old policies. This research studied four states with the objective of identifying variables that were critical in undertaking policy reform for building capacities. The roles of economic resources, democratically decentralized institutions, political party systems and focusing events were examined. Findings revealed that these factors had varying impact on state capabilities. Economic resources were an inevitable part of disaster management, but did not necessarily translate into policy reform. Panchayati Raj Institutions, which were democratically decentralized bodies, displayed tremendous potential. However, their role was limited mostly to the response phase, with states severely circumscribing their involvement. The nature of political party systems was able to explain policy reform to an extent. Cohesive systems in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Orissa correlated with administrative capacities, unlike in fragmented Bihar. However, anti-incumbency sentiments and strong community mobilization impacted contestation more than electoral salience of public goods. The most nuanced and significant explanation was provided by experience of focusing events. States that suffered major disasters revealed unmistakable evidence of double-loop learning, leading to comprehensive policy reform and capacity building. This research provides empirical support to theory about the role of focusing events and organizational learning in policy reform. Methodologically, it underscores the importance of the comparative approach, and its successful application in a federal framework. The significance of this research is most for policy makers and practitioners, as it serves to alert them on the need for reform without waiting for the next big disaster to catch them unprepared.

To a large extent, natural phenomenon like earthquakes, floods, lanslides and etc may seem &ldquo / natural events&rdquo / which are out of human control. In fact, the sociopolitical structure is the main cause of earth tremors which turn into disasters. What is notable and striking is that, because of institutional and social vulnerabilities and little or misguided efforts for disaster loss mitigation, natural events may turn into disasters resulting negative and devastating consequences. Institutional vulnerabilities connote a lack of local administrations&rsquo / capacity for disaster mitigation planning, furthermore awareness for accreting local stakeholders for disaster loss reduction. Social vulnerabilities, refers to miss-knowledge and lack of awareness for disasters in the society. In Turkey, it is hard to say that there has never been efforts for disaster loss reduction, whereas / the main focus of the state agencies has been on post-disaster emergency relief, literally wound healing for decades. Generally speaking, localities which experience a disaster may encounter significant losses in development, hence a significant decrease in local capacities which takes enormous resources to restore. The housing stock and urban fabric, which inherit an historical background weaved by missguided disaster policy that only focus on post-disaster emergency relief phase, pictures the extent of the problem in Turkey. In addition, both &ldquo / institutional errors which lead to underachievement in disaster policy and practice&rdquo / and &ldquo / opportunities for building robust and resilient forms of institutions&rdquo / come into local agenda. Errors, which might have been altered by long term and comprehensive modes of local planning for disasters, may lead to underachievement by local agents. To achieve such a model, we are in need to carry out qualitative and quantitative data collecting and analyzing techniques in different phases. The two analysis techniques are in-depth interviews (IDI) and drawing Concept Maps that will be conducted in the analyses process with local respondents selected by snowball technique.

Disasters are always local in their impact, and therefore approaches towards their alleviation need to be designed and implemented based on this certainty. Since the 1960s there has been a constant evolution in the common understanding of international disaster management. Various measures and structures were created to plan for emergency relief and the management of a disastrous event. Despite international efforts which aimed to reduce the impact of natural and anthropogenic hazards on humankind, very little progress was made. Loss of life, property, infrastructure and economic livelihoods are on the increase without any indication of improvement. Developmental activities can in most instances be blamed for the high level of disaster risk present in communities. On the other hand, very little has been done in the international arena (through a multi-disciplinary approach) to ensure a developmental focus on disaster risk. This study investigates the current state of disaster management practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by benchmarking its activities against established frameworks applied in the developed world for disaster management. The aim of this thesis was primarily to provide a comprehensive framework for disaster risk management in KSA. Such a framework will serve as a guideline for all spheres of government on a strategic level in order to implement disaster risk management. Conclusions to the research demonstrate the importance of linking government policy and practice on disaster risk management across different stakeholders involved in managing disaster risk. This study proposed an integrated model for disaster management by introducing the dual paradigm of disaster management (proactive mindset and reactive mindset). In a nutshell, this thesis aimed to develop a comprehensive multi-disciplinary disaster risk management framework that would be tailor-made for the strategic management arena in Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior (Directorate of Civil Defence). The research provides the reader with a background study on the international development of the concept of disaster risk management and its components. It focuses on disaster risk management within the Saudi Arabian context. Four international disaster risk management frameworks are analytically compared and aligned with international best practices. Subsequently, the proposed Framework for Disaster in Saudi Arabia is analysed.

The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is a program that provides medical countermeasures during a public health emergency. A public health emergency can be a natural or man-made disaster, an act of terrorism, or a pandemic. The Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) was created to help the nation’s largest metropolitan regions develop the ability to provide SNS life-saving medications in the event of a large-scale bioterrorist attack or naturally occurring disease outbreak. To address the risks associated with a public health emergency the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires a comprehensive emergency response plan for distributing SNS/CRI materials quickly and efficiently. The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness (FCDHW) is tasked with responsibility for distributing and dispensing of SNS/CRI medical assets delivered during a public health emergency. FCDHW is also tasked with the development of a comprehensive response plan. Past TAR scores revealed that passing SNS/CRI audits has been a challenge for FCDHW. A case study was conducted to note if the development of an information management system could facilitate successful future SNS/CRI audits. A needs assessment revealed that an information management system for emergency preparedness and response compliance was needed. Microsoft SharePoint 2007 was used to develop the information management system. SharePoint contains a secure document repository that linked the work products of all relevant internal and external stakeholders and revealed compliance deficiencies early enough to allow for corrective actions. The result was a passing TAR score that was a 59 point increase from the last published score.

<p>A disaster always means a huge death toll, displacement and inconceivable destruction for a poor country such as Bangladesh. Recently, Bangladesh has taken a holistic approach to prioritising interrelated activities and the involvement of various organisations in disaster management. A number of disaster management committees (DMCs) have been formed to coordinate and implement risk reduction measures. But the levels of success of these organisations have varied in different regions. Improper consideration of local knowledge, corruption of actors, lack of coordination and capacity of actors, etc., are perceived as major causes of this. Primarily, this mini-thesis aims to measure the impact of self-organisation in disaster risk management.</p>

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This essays main focus will be on emergency shelters in disasters, and their understanding in gender awareness, by focusing on the way gender is constructed and seen. This dissertation will examine documents from Australian Red Cross and IASC (Inter Agency Standing Committee) in order to explore how they work with gender and shelter related issues. The objective is to examine and with help from these documents see how gender is constructed. The method and theory is based on Carol Bacchis; What’s the problem represented to be approach? (WPR-approach). This means that the essay have a discourse analysis basis, which the essay is built on. This was chosen because Bacchis approach interrogates the documents and therefore it is easier to get different views of how gender is constructed. Which way it is constructed and what is not constructed as a problem. The main research question is: How is the construction of gender perspective in the documents that are intended to steer the planning of the emergency shelters?   The questions will be; What or which problems seem to represent these documents, regarding gender understanding in emergency shelters? Are there any assumptions behind these formulated problems? If so, what are they? During the review of the documents, is there anything left that is seen as a non-problem, not problematized? Are there any gap or invisibility or can the problem be seen as something else? This essay will show how gender is constructed based on power imbalance. The way gender is constructed is complex and difficult. One thing is clear and that is that the way gender is constructed and how gender is represented, matters in emergency shelters. Gender is still also a topic for crisis management to integrate.

[pt] O aumento da ocorrência de desastres naturais no Brasil e a carência de ferramentas de gerenciamentos logísticos eficazes têm demonstrado a necessidade de estruturação e a importância no aprofundamento dos estudos na Logística Humanitária, área ainda recente e com muito a aprimorar. Este trabalho objetiva maximizar o atendimento de ajuda humanitária, minimizando os desperdícios de tempo e recursos na movimentação, entrega e demais atividades de planejamento e resposta ao desastre. Para atingir esse objetivo, foi elaborada uma metodologia de mensuração de desastres a partir da avaliação do cenário afetado na fase inicial de resposta ao desastre e, assim, estabelecida ações padronizadas para permitir a diminuição do improviso e uma maior eficiência na utilização de recursos e proposição de atividades. Neste sentido, esta dissertação procura relacionar as similaridades entre a logística empresarial e a logística humanitária, abordando os aspectos relevantes da primeira que podem ser utilizados para desenvolvimento de ferramentas da segunda. Por fim, exemplifica-se o método proposto através de sua aplicação no município de Bom Jardim, local afetado pelas enxurradas bruscas e inundações em janeiro de 2011 na região serrana do estado do Rio de Janeiro. A metodologia proposta sugere, para os afetados, ações de resposta delineadas através da análise de indicadores que refletem o cenário local e suas necessidades prioritárias. Desta forma, foram percebidas as vantagens reais na utilização da metodologia como ferramenta de gerenciamento de processos para mensuração, proposição de ações de resposta e atendimento de ajuda humanitária. / [en] The increase on occurrence of natural disasters in Brazil and the lack of effective logistics management tools have demonstrated the need for structure and importance in deepening the studies in Humanitarian Logistics, a very recent area which has a lot to be improved. This paper aims to maximize the service in the humanitarian relief, minimizing waste of time and resources in handling, delivery, and other activities on planning and responding to a disaster. To achieve this goal, it was developed a disaster measure methodology that associate the information collected in the initial phase of the disaster response and established standard actions to reduce the improvisation and to allow a more efficient use of resources and proposed activities. Thus, this paper seeks to relate the similarities between the business logistics and humanitarian logistics, addressing the relevant aspects of the first one that can be used to develop tools on the second one. Finally, the proposed method is exemplified through its application in Bom Jardim, a city in the highlands of the state of Rio de Janeiro, affected by sudden floods in January 2011. The proposed methodology suggests, as disaster response, standard actions, by analyzing indicators that reflect the local scene and their priority needs. Finally, the application shows the benefits in the use of this methodology as a process management tool to measure, propose response actions, and provide humanitarian aid.