Siegfried Streufert. (2005). Emergency decision making and metacomplexity. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 67–73). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: It is important to understand the cognitive processes underlying emergency decision-making. Cognitive/behavioral complexity theory has successfully predicted human decision making characteristics on a number of dimensions and for a variety of settings. Moreover, theory based training technologies have been successful. The advent of meta-complexity theory as well as the increased stressor levels generated by terrorism and other contemporary challenges, however, require that we review and extend theoretical predictions for decision processes. This paper provides a series of meta-complexity based predictions about the impact of stressor events upon nine primary decision making areas that vary from simpler trough highly complex thought and action processes.
|
Tanaporn Panrungsri, & Esther Sangiamkul. (2017). Business Intelligence Model for Disaster Management: A Case Study in Phuket, Thailand. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 727–738). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: This research presents the conceptual Business Intelligence (BI) model for disaster management. BI can provide agility capacity for decision making in dynamic environment among different agencies. This project designs and develop a data warehouse using multi-dimensional model for severity analysis of flood and landslide in risk area using case study from Department of disaster prevention and mitigation (DDMP), Phuket, Thailand. The concept of BI can be applied for extremely heterogeneous data structures and data platform environment to improve data quality and expose to better decision-making for disaster management. In the next stage of this project, we will integrate more data sources from other agencies for example GIS data from Phuket land-use planning and flooding prediction model database. The result of this study will help organization deploy BI more effectively.
|
Mark F. Taylor, & Russell J. Graves. (2005). Adaptive risk-readiness decision support for infrastructure protection. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 161–169). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper presents a system concept for integrating the mass of information critical to infrastructure protection operations. Our main focus and contribution lies in (1) coupling risk assessments into a dynamic decision support process, and (2) providing a collaboration and visualization decision support interface for representing complex and changing infrastructure protection information. The system concept supports adaptive decision making based upon dynamic risk and readiness assessments. Users benefit from having a more comprehensive and up-to-date risk picture on which to base their judgments.
|
Louis-Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu, Carleen Maitland, Andrea H. Tapia, & Kartikeya Bajpai. (2011). Humanitarian organizational collaboration: Information technologies as necessary but not sufficient. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Organizations in the humanitarian relief field increasingly need to look outside their own boundaries and engage in a significant level of inter-organizational collaboration. In studying collaborative processes in the nonprofit context, researchers have used different theoretical approaches to investigate the motivations behind why organizations collaborate. Although these studies have contributed to shed some lights on these collaborative mechanisms, little is still known about the main factors that influence the decision of humanitarian organizations to engage into collaboration especially with regards to the implications of information technologies. In this paper, we explore factors for collaboration among members of the GlobalSympoNet, a network of organizations engaged in humanitarian information management. We analyze data collected through nineteen semi-structured interviews. We identified seven factors that could be grouped into three categories including structural, behavioral and organizational. Our findings also suggest that information technologies alone are not enough to motivate and maintain long lasting collaboration.
|
Sara Tena, Ignacio Aedo, David Díez, & Paloma Díaz. (2014). TIPExtop: An exploratory design tool for emergency planning. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 454–462). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Emergency planning is an ongoing activity in which a multidisciplinary group of experts intermittently collaborate to define the most appropriate response to risks. One of the most important tasks of emergency planning is risk reduction. Such a task compiles the analysis of capabilities to face an emergency, the prioritizing of activities, and the definition of procedures and strategies. It is therefore a reflection process based on exchanging information between planners and exploring alternatives. Despite the exploration of alternatives is an especially relevant activity to design better plans, recent research on computer-mediated collaborative tools for planning do not usually offer support for this activity. Thus, with the purpose of supporting reflection during the development of risk reduction tasks, this paper presents an exploratory design tool that allow planners to assess the space of alternatives and the underlying information related those alternatives. This planning tool will help planners to examine and contextualize information, allowing them to define more suitable response strategies.
|
Adriaan Ter Mors, Xiaoyu Mao, Nicola Roos, Cees Witteveen, & Alfons H. Salden. (2007). Multi-agent system support for scheduling aircraft de-icing. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 467–478). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Results from disaster research suggest that methods for coordination between individual emergency responders and organizations should recognize the independence and autonomy of these actors. These actor features are key factors in effective adaptation and improvisation of response to emergency situations which are inherently uncertain. Autonomy and adaptability are also well-known aspects of a multi-agent system (MAS). In this paper we present two MAS strategies that can effectively handle aircraft deicing incidents. These MAS strategies help improve to prevent and reduce e.g. airplane delays at deicing stations due to changing weather conditions or incidents at the station, where aircraft agents adopting pre-made plans that would act on behalf of aircraft pilots or companies, would only create havoc. Herein each agent using its own decision mechanism deliberates about the uncertainty in the problem domain and the preferences (or priorities) of the agents. Furthermore, taking both these issues into account each proposed MAS strategy outperforms a naive first-come, first-served coordination strategy. The simulation results help pilots and companies taking decisions with respect to the scheduling of the aircraft for deicing when unexpected incidents occur: they provide insights in the impacts and means for robust selection of incident-specific strategies on e.g. deicing station delays of (individual) aircraft.
|
Terje Gjøsæter, Jaziar Radianti, & Weiqin Chen. (2020). Towards Situational Disability-aware Universally Designed Information Support Systems for Enhanced Situational Awareness. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1038–1047). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This paper takes on the challenge of designing situational awareness information systems that take into account not only the prevalence of so-called demons of situational awareness, but also situational disabilities that will typically occur in a disaster situation, both in the control room and in the field among the general public as well as first responders. It further outlines how a situational awareness information system process model can be adapted and used as a basis for designing situational awareness information support systems that address these issues with the help of Universal Design principles.
|
Thomas Huggins, Stephen Hill, Robin Peace, & David Johnston. (2018). Extending Ecological Rationality: Catching the High Balls of Disaster Management. In Kristin Stock, & Deborah Bunker (Eds.), Proceedings of ISCRAM Asia Pacific 2018: Innovating for Resilience – 1st International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Asia Pacific. (pp. 295–309). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: The contemporary world is characterized by several large-scale hazards to human societies and the environments we live in, including the impacts of climate change. This paper outlines theories concerning cognitive psychology and complexity dynamics that help explain the challenges of responding to these hazards and the complex systems which create them. These theories are illustrated with a baseball metaphor, to highlight the need for decision-making strategies which do not rely on comprehensive information where comprehensive information is not available. The importance of tools which can support more efficient uses of limited information is also outlined, as is the way that these tools help combine the computational resources and acquired experience of several minds. Existing research has been used to investigate many of the concepts outlined. However, further research is required to coalesce cognitive theories with complexity theories and the analysis of group-level interactions, towards improving important disaster management decisions.
|
Thomas J. Huggins, Wenbo Zhang, & Eva Yang. (2023). Evaluating Flood-Related Decision-Making and the Role of Information Technologies. In V. L. Thomas J. Huggins (Ed.), Proceedings of the ISCRAM Asia Pacific Conference 2022 (pp. 45–55). Palmerston North, New Zealand: Massey Unversity.
Abstract: The proposed research consists of an innovative research design and piloting to compare traditional and contemporary approaches to loss-related decisions, concerning flooding risk in particular. By developing and implementing the integration of multiple methods, the proposed research aims to provide detailed and compelling evidence of how disaster-related decisions can be evaluated using an out-of-frame (capacity) and out-of-sample (occurrence) criterion, i.e. instead of taking a more reductive approach to real world problems. Together with other research being conducted around the world, the current initiative will address the contemporary scientific problem of whether traditionally axiomatic or ecological rationality should be used for evaluating disaster-related decisions. Where ecological rationality is found to be more effective, the same research will inform how ecologically rational approaches to flood risk can be improved through promoting particular areas of an information display or interface under particular conditions.
|
Tina Comes, & Anouck Adrot. (2016). Power as Driver of Inter-Organizational Information Sharing in Crises. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Research on decision-making and coordination in critical settings has provided important insights on resources and behaviors that improve emergency response. However, literature often assumes that decision-makers can access information when necessary, while empirical reality suggests that information is not always so easily accessed, but more or less shared between emergency actors. This research in progress aims to investigate how a specific organizational variable, power, influences information sharing behaviors? and its impact on emergency management. This research relies on two field studies to highlight in an inductive fashion a set of hypotheses on power in emergency organizations. We propose axes of investigation that map out ways to further explore the issue of power in emergency settings.
|
Tina Comes, Brice Mayag, & Elsa Negre. (2015). Beyond Early: Decision Support for Improved Typhoon Warning Systems. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
Abstract: Warnings can help prevent damage and harm if they are issued timely and provide information that help responders and population to adequately prepare for the disaster to come. Today, there are many indicator and sensor systems that are designed to reduce disaster risks, or issue early warnings. In this paper we analyze the different systems in the light of the initial decisions that need to be made in the response to sudden onset disasters. We outline challenges of current practices and methods, and provide an agenda for future research.
To illustrate our approach, we present a case study of Typhoon Haiyan. Although meteorological services had issued warnings; relief goods were prepositioned; and responders predeployed, the delivery of aid was delayed in some of the worst hit regions. We argue for an integrated consideration of preparedness and response to provide adequate thresholds for early warning systems that focus on decision-makers needs.
|
Tina Mioch, Reinier Sterkenburg, Tatjana Beuker, & Mark A. Neerincx. (2021). Actionable Situation Awareness: Supporting Team Decisions in Hazardous Situations. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 62–70). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Situation Awareness (SA) has been recognized and studied as an important requirement for an effective task performance of first responders. The integration of increasingly advanced sensor, network and artificial intelligence technology into the work processes affects the building, maintenance and sharing of SA. Connecting SA to decision support models provides new possibilities for the development of actionable SA (aSA), entailing information that guides the momentary decision-making processes of the concerning actors. In the European ASSISTANCE project, we are developing an aSA module that displays information about gas distributions, its current and predicted future states (e.g., entailing risks of breathing-in of toxic gases), with references to effective decision-making patterns for this situation. The aSA model is continuously updated based on sensor data. This paper gives an overview of this aSA module for chemical hazard prediction and corresponding display, and presents initial team design patterns that will be integrated into this display to support its actionability.
|
Tobias Andersson Granberg, Sara Erlander, David Fredman, Lovisa Olovsson, & Emma Persson. (2022). Predicting Volunteer Travel Time to Emergencies. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 44–54). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: A model is developed, which can predict the travel time for volunteers that are dispatched as first responders to emergencies. Specifically, the case of lay responders to out of hospital cardiac arrest is studied. Positions from historical responses is used to estimate the real response times, which are used to train and evaluate the new travel time model. The new model considers the road network and the transport mode most likely used by the volunteers. The results for the new model are compared to a model used in an existing volunteer initiative. They show that the new model can make better predictions in 59.7% of the cases. This can be used directly as a base for improving the travel time estimates in existing volunteer initiatives, and to improve the input data to the continuously evolving volunteer resource management systems.
|
Tomasz Opach, Carlo Navarra, Jan Ketil Rød, & Tina - Simone Neset. (2020). Towards a Route Planner Supporting Pedestrian Navigation in Hazard Exposed Urban Areas. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 517–528). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This study aims to design a route planner functionality that includes real-time context information from physical sensors and citizen observations to support pedestrian navigation in urban areas exposed to extreme heat and floods. Urban population is growing and people living in urban areas are especially exposed to heat and urban flooding, which are two of the anticipated effects of climate change. Route planning functionality can be of value to individual citizens, especially those with limited mobility, as well as for healthcare professionals and authorities who are responsible for crisis response and management. Although the route planner functionality is to be experimentally implemented in a specific tool with the use of broadly available web technologies and real time data, a major generic outcome is the framework that can be used to develop the functionality as part of a decision support tool of any kind.
|
Brian M. Tomaszewski, Anthony C. Robinson, Chris E. Weaver, Michael Stryker, & Alan M. MacEachren. (2007). Geovisual analytics and crisis management. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 173–179). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Increasing data heterogeneity, fragmentation and volume, coupled with complex connections among specialists in disaster response, mitigation, and recovery situations demand new approaches for information technology to support crisis management. Advances in visual analytics tools show promise to support time-sensitive collaboration, analytical reasoning, problem solving and decision making for crisis management. Furthermore, as all crises have geospatial components, crisis management tools need to include geospatial data representation and support for geographic contextualization of location-specific decision-making throughout the crisis. This paper provides an introduction to and description of Geovisual Analytics applied to crisis management activity. The goal of Geovisual Analytics in this context is to support situational awareness, problem solving, and decision making using highly interactive, visual environments that integrate multiple data sources that include georeferencing. We use an emergency support function example to discuss how recent progress in Geovisual Analytics can address the issues a crisis can present.
|
Sébastien Tremblay, Daniel Lafond, Jean-François Gagnon, Vincent Rousseau, & Rego Granlund. (2010). Extending the capabilities of the C3Fire microworld as a testing platform for research in emergency response management. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The present paper describes the C3Fire microworld and the testing capabilities it provides for research in emergency response management. We start with a general description of C3Fire and report extensions that add a new subtask (search and rescue) relevant to the context of emergency response and a vocal communication system. We then describe how various organizational structures can be designed using this task environment and several metrics of major interest for research in crisis management, related to task performance, communication, coordination effectiveness, monitoring effectiveness, recovery from interruptions, detection of critical changes, and team adaptation. The microworld constitutes a highly flexible testing platform for research in team cognition, cognitive systems engineering and decision support for crisis management.
|
Elena Tsiporkova, Nicolás González-Deleito, Tom Tourwé, & Anna Hristoskova. (2012). Ontology-driven multimodal interface design for an emergency response application. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose an ontology-driven modelling framework, which allows to capture the domain and expert knowledge available within the interface design community, and to support designers in their daily design tasks by eliciting user and application dependent design recommendations. We illustrate how this framework can be used in practice with a concrete case study devoted to multimodal interface design for the purpose of emergency response applications. © 2012 ISCRAM.
|
Catrinel Turcanu, Benny Carlé, & Philippe Vincke. (2004). Structuring stakeholders' involvement in radiological crisis management: A multicriteria decision aid approach for countermeasure evaluation. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 115–120). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Stakeholders represent a valuable source of knowledge, which should be used in steering the emergency response during a radiological crisis. This can be achieved in a multi-criteria decision aid framework, the potential benefits of which are highlighted in the paper: consideration of all relevant factors, problem structuring, better insight in the decision process, and support for decision-makers to justify the chosen countermeasure strategies. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
|
Murray Turoff, Connie White, Linda Plotnick, & Starr Roxanne Hiltz. (2008). Dynamic emergency response management for large scale decision making in extreme events. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 462–470). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Effective management of a large-scale extreme event requires a system that can quickly adapt to changing needs of the users. There is a critical need for fast decision-making within the time constraints of an ongoing emergency. Extreme events are volatile, change rapidly, and can have unpredictable outcomes. Large, not predetermined groups of experts and decision makers need a system to prepare for a response to a situation never experienced before and to collaborate to respond to the actual event. Extreme events easily require a hundred or more independent agencies and organizations to be involved which usually results in two or more times the number of individuals. To accomplish the above objectives we present a philosophical view of decision support for Emergency Preparedness and Management that has not previously been made explicit in this domain and describe a number of the current research efforts at NJIT that fit into this framework.
|
Chris J. Van Aart, & Stijn Oomes. (2008). Real-time organigraphs for collaboration awareness. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 651–659). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Collaboration awareness, as extension to organization awareness, is knowing how organizations do work and achieve their goals. This knowledge moves on a scale from stated prescribed ways of acting (such as procedures and protocols) to informal channels of communication, teamwork and decision-making. Based on available static and dynamic data, standardized insights can be given about collaboration in emergency situations in the form of organigraphs. We argue that for gaining practical collaboration awareness, both the formal structure of an organization as well as informal interactions should be inspected. Informal interaction includes informal communication channels, actual decision making on the spot and multi-disciplinary joint activities. We have implemented our system in the form of a web-based visualization tool. This tool would have been useful in the Hercules disaster, giving insights in informal information exchange, possibly preventing fatal decisions.
|
Marcel Van Berlo, Richelle Van Rijk, & Eric F. T. Buiël. (2005). A PC-based virtual environment for training team decision-making in high-risk situations. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 195–200). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Live team training of firefighters has several disadvantages. Firstly, it is costly because many team members and training staff are involved. Secondly, not all team members have the same competency level, and some individuals may just not be ready to train in a team context. Thirdly, live training in high-risk situations is difficult and dangerous. Consequently, critical situations can not be trained adequately. Following a scenario-based and a rapid prototyping approach, we are designing and developing a pc-based virtual training environment to train individual firefighters in making decisions in a team context operating in high-risk situations. This individual training program can better prepare the firefighters for live training, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of these team-training exercises. In this paper we describe the training-method, we outline how this is technologically implemented and discuss how we are planning to test the prototype.
|
Josine Van De Ven, & Martijn Neef. (2006). A critical thinking environment for crisis response. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 223–229). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Building up a proper understanding of a large-scale incident is an important and difficult process. We envision a working environment for decision makers in crisis management situations that allows them to work with information in various ways. That will stimulate them to think critically in processing the information they receive-All in support of rapid sensemaking and decision making. To realize this ambition, we combine various technologies into an integrated support concept called the Critical Thinking Environment (CTE), aimed at tackling critical issues in sensemaking.
|
Gerd Van Den Eede, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2005). Operational risk in incident management: A cross-fertilisation between ISCRAM and IT governance. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 53–60). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The objectives of the research reported by the authors in this paper are threefold. First, the authors want to fine-tune the rresearch methodology on risk identification based on cognitive mapping techniques and group decision support systems (GDSS) developed earlier (Rutkowski et al., 2005). Second, the authors want to determine how High Reliability Theory (HRT) – through the characteristics of High Reliability Organisations (HROs) – can be applied in the particular organisational context of an important economic sector like banking. Third, the authors want to inquire into how Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management can benefit from experiences gained in a mainstream context. More specifically, the use of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) methodology will be explored from the perspective of Incident Management as a sub-process of ICT management.
|
Willem Van Santen, Catholijn M. Jonker, & Niek Wijngaards. (2009). Crisis decision making through a shared integrative negotiation mental model. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Decision making during crises takes place in (multi-agency) teams, in a bureaucratic political context. As a result, the common notion that during crises decision making should be done in line with a Command & Control structure is invalid. This paper shows that the best way for crisis decision making teams in a bureaucratic political context is to follow an integrative negotiation approach as the shared mental model of decision making. This conclusion is based on an analysis of crisis decision making by teams in a bureaucratic political context. First of all this explains why in a bureaucratic political context the Command & Control adage does not hold. Secondly, this paper motivates why crisis decision making in such context can be seen as a negotiation process. Further analysis of the given context shows that an assertive and cooperative approach suits crisis decision making best.
|
T.L. Van Zyl, C. Parbhoo, Moodley, Cwela, D. Umuhoza, P. Shabangu, et al. (2009). IT infrastructure enabling open access for flood risk preparedness in South Africa. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The paper focuses on the information technology infrastructure required for the evaluation and monitoring of risk relating to floods in South Africa. It may be argued that in the context of developing countries, flood preparedness is more valuable than the actual response to a flood disaster. The paper looks at this flood preparedness in the context of informal and semi-formal settlements. An information technology infrastructure is proposed that will allow decision makers to be alerted to possible flood high risk areas, and in so doing maximise preparedness.
|
