N. Nirupama

Prioritization of disaster risk in a community using GIS

Prioritization of disaster risk was carried out for a community in Toronto, Canada. Geographic information systems (GIS) were used for spatial analysis, including spatial overlays and clipping for extracting spatial and attribute information related to people’s vulnerability, critical infrastructure and landuse. In order to determine disaster risk, the overall community vulnerability was evaluated by combining social, economic, physical and environmental vulnerabilities. This paper uses the propane explosion incident as the case in point to demonstrate the methodology and procedure used to evaluate risk using GIS techniques. City of Toronto spatial data have been integrated with the study area to gather landuse information, identify risk zones based on the propane storage facility location and evaluate risks. Statistics Canada 2006 census data have been used for area demographics and people’s social and economic status. Vulnerability indicators were determined based on the GIS-derived spatial and attribute data for the hazard and evacuation zones followed by a quantitative spatial risk estimation and ranking. The methodology of this study, based on the risk evaluation and prioritization conducted, can be applied to future decision making in effective landuse planning and the development of risk management strategies.

Estimating spatial disaster risk in urban environments

Establishment of industries in urban zones increases the risk of technological disasters, thus affecting both population and the infrastructure. Disaster management includes organizational support building, risk assessment and prioritization, and analytical tools to support decision-making. A methodology has been proposed for estimating spatial disaster risk using the case of Toronto propane explosion of 2008, taking into account peoples vulnerability, critical infrastructure, and the spatial impact of the hazard. It integrates the use of GIS spatial analysis and disaster management principles and can be visualized in web-mapping browsers for planning purposes. This approach can be applied in developing strategies for future risk reduction, risk-based land use planning, resilience, and capacity-building.

Energetics of the Tsunami of 26 December 2004 in the Indian Ocean: A Brief Review

The energetics of the most destructive tsunami in historical time, and that of the under ocean earthquake that triggered this tsunami of 26 December 2004 in the Indian Ocean have been briefly reviewed. This latest tsunami has several other unique characteristics besides being one of the worst natural disasters in human history. It is the first truly global tsunami after modern seismographic and sea level monitoring networks have been put in place. It was the first tsunami on record detected by a satellite, even though at present, global satellite coverage of the oceans for real time tsunami detection is not adequate. Finally, the energy associated with the tsunami and the earthquake that triggered it is so large that speculation has been made about the normal modes of oscillation of the earth, that were triggered by the earthquake as well as some suggestions, that some of the earths rotational characteristics may have temporarily changed to a discernible degree. Here, we briefly review the energetics of the tsunami and the earthquake that triggered it.

Risk and vulnerability assessment: a comprehensive approach

Purpose – Disaster risk and vulnerability assessment depends on various factors such as appropriate theoretical concepts and quality and adequacy of information gathered. Accounting for peoples perception and partnering with them in the process leads to deeper understanding of community vulnerability, which in turn provides better assessment of disaster risk. The purpose of this paper is to offer an integrated approach for risk and vulnerability assessment that includes theoretical concept, quantitative risk assessment method, and a component representing peoples perception.Design/methodology/approach – The Pressure and Release (PAR) model framework is used for basic understanding of the progression of vulnerability through identification of root causes such as: limited access to power and resources; dynamic pressures – lack of education, urbanization and demographics; and unsafe conditions such as dangerous locations. To complement PAR, the Access to Resources (ATR) model is used that expands upon the ...

Vulnerability and risk perception in the management of HIV/AIDS: Public priorities in a global pandemic

Understanding the way perception of risk is shaped and constructed is crucial in understanding why it has been so difficult to mitigate the spread of HIV/AIDS. This paper uses the Pressure and Release (PAR) model, used to predict the onset of natural disasters as the conceptual framework. It substitutes vulnerability and risk perception as the trigger factors in the model, in making the case that HIV/AIDS can be characterized as a slow onset disaster. The implications are that vulnerability must be managed and reduced by addressing root causes, dynamic pressures, and unsafe conditions that contribute to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. HIV/AIDS programs must be culturally appropriate and work toward influencing risk perception, while addressing social norms and values that negatively impact vulnerable populations. By impacting cultural and social expectations, individuals will be able to more readily adopt safer sex behaviors. The development of policies and programs addressing the issues in context, as opposed to individual behaviors alone, allows for effective public health intervention. This may have implications for public health measures implemented for combating the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Reducting risk from urban heat island effects in cities

Many urban centers are at risk of heat wave events. These events are exacerbated in urban environments by the urban heat island effect (UHI) which is the built environment’s characteristic to store heat during the day and release it at night time, thus increasing the temperature. This study takes stock of UHI effect and evaluates the integration of mitigation measures with land use planning in two large cities of Canada, namely Montréal and Toronto. The two cities have been chosen because they have put in place active mitigation measures through a hot weather response plan in response to recent events of heat waves. The premise was that because the UHI effect is a built environment’s characteristic, it is possible to modify the built environment in order to reduce heat storage. Usually, local land use plans provide cities with development and redevelopment guidelines, implementation measures, and policies to be considered. The study also discusses most commonly used mitigation strategies and measures and their effectiveness.

Emergency Managers in Ontario: An Exploratory Study of Their Perspectives

Creating effective disaster and emergency management programs can be an enormously challenging task because of the many difficulties and barriers that present themselves to people and institutions working in this field. The present study addresses two main concerns: (1) what barriers exist within Canadian society to effective disaster risk reduction from the perspective of the emergency management community and (2) what barriers exist within the Canadian emergency management community to effective disaster risk reduction, both from a cultural and institutional perspective? We conducted interviews with emergency management professionals from the public and private sectors as well as some NGOs in order to ascertain their opinions and perspectives with respect to these questions. The results have been analyzed and discussed in this paper.

Observations of Tsunami Impact on the Coast of Kerala, India

The tsunami generated by the December 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake had a devastating effect on some parts of Kerala coast, which is a coast located in southwest India. Results of post-tsunami field surveys carried out to understand the changes in coastal morphology and sediment characteristics in the worst affected Kayamkulam region of Kerala coast are documented in this study. Analysis of offshore bathymetric data indicates the shifting of depth contours towards shore, indicating erosion of sediments and deepening of innershelf due to the tsunami. Depth measurement along the backwater (T-S canal) in the hinterland region indicates siltation due to the inundation of the canal.

Institutional perception and support in emergency management in Ontario, Canada

Purpose – The present study seeks to explore the minds and thoughts of emergency management professionals in Ontario in order to better understand the institution, and engage them in a renewed dialogue with communities, academia and other stakeholders. The intention is to strengthen the institution of emergency management, which is the foundation of disaster mitigation.Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on interviews conducted with emergency management professionals from the public, private and non‐governmental organization (NGO) sectors in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The questions were a combination of structured and open‐ended questions to elicit rich details on emergency management professionals’ views. Analysis of interview transcriptions highlighted the attitudes and perceptions of the interviewees with respect to themselves, their own organizations, their role in emergency management, and their jurisdictions. The study also provided an opportunity for respondents to provide exampl...

Tsunami Travel Time Atlas for the Atlantic Ocean

Compared to the Pacific Ocean, tsunamis are rare both in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. However, the December 26, 2004, tsunami demonstrated that, no matter how rare they may be, when a major tsunami occurs, it could be very disastrous. The most basic information in tsunami warning center requires are charts showing tsunami travel times to various locations around the rim of the ocean. With this in mind, a tsunami travel time atlas for the Atlantic Ocean is in preparation. The Caribbean Sea is also included in this Atlas, as it is more or less a part of the Atlantic Basin.