Dr. Saka M.J
MB;BS,MPH,MBA,FMCPH, Dip. Health Systems (Israel)
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Outline

Brief overview of Disaster emergencies Situation
a)Organization of Medical Services for Emergencies , (b)Legal Status;-NEMA, c) Health Bill C
context of Emergency situation etc Resources, Funding for Emergency
 (PREPAREDNESS)
Enhancing effective Management
(a) Hospital preparedness and drills, (b)Social Services and Support, (c)General Public Health Effects
of a Natural Disaster
DISASTER
Mass Casualty Situation
(i) Evacuation Chain; The Event, Triage, Evacuation, Local Hospital, Trauma Center
(ii) Medical Treatment on site
 AFTERMATH OF DISASTER
 Technology (GIS, GPS and Remote Sensing) and Disaster
 Media and Disaster
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Definations/ Terminology
Hazard :- “Is the potential for a natural or human-caused
event to occur with negative consequences” (key words), A
hazard can become an emergency; when the emergency
moves beyond the control of the population, it becomes a
disaster.
Emergency: “Is a situation generated by the real or
imminent occurrence of an event that requires immediate
attention
Disaster: “Is a natural or human-caused event which
causes intensive negative impacts on people, goods,
services and/or the environment, exceeding the affected
community’s capability to respond” (key words)
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Def. Con’td
A disaster is a situation in which the community is
incapable of coping. It is a natural or human-caused
event which causes intense negative impacts on
people, goods, services and/or the environment,
exceeding the affected community’s capability to
respond; therefore the community seeks the assistance
of government and international agencies.
An emergency is a situation in which the
community is capable of coping. It requires
immediate attention
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Vulnerability Factor for Disaster
 Risk “Is the probability that loss will occur as the result of an
adverse event, given the hazard and the vulnerability”
 Risk (R) can be determined as a product of hazard (H) and
vulnerability (V). i.e. R = H x V
Vulnerability: “Is the extent to which a community’s
structure, services or environment is likely to be damaged or
disrupted by the impact of a hazard” (key words)
 Tangible/Material (easy to see; value easily determined) People - Property –Economy –Environment – water, soil, air,
 Intangible/Abstract (difficult to see; value difficult to determine)
Social structures, Cultural practices, Cohesion, Motivation
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Vulnerability
Contributing Factors
Poverty
People who are already in a depressed state are less able to
recover. Some people are even more vulnerable, pregnant
women, children and the disabled
Population
growth
Population has grown dramatically over the past
Decade
Rapid
Urbanization
Growing concentration around the capital. For
example, two-thirds of the Abuja population lives in AMAC,
Transition in
cultural
practices
Increase in sub-standard housing in more heavily populated
urban areas. Changes in traditional coping mechanisms –
declines in self-reliance, food conservation and preservation,
warning systems etc.
Environmental
degradation
As resources are consumed, vegetation cover removed, water
polluted and air fouled, a country is more vulnerable to a
disaster.
Awareness &
information
When people and government officials are unaware or lack
info.n about disaster management, they fail to take appropriate
actions
Civil Strife and
unrest
Resources are consumed, people are in a stressed situation, and
transportation
is restricted.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
Political
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Changing
government policies, changing personnel in the
CLASSIFICATION OF DISASTERS
 Disasters are often classified according to their: a causes – natural vs. human

NATURAL
* Avalanche
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Disease
Drought
Earthquake
Famine
Fire
Flood
Hailstorm
Windstorm
Hurricane
Impact Event
Limnic Eruption
Landslide
Mudslid
Thunderstorm
Tornado
Tsunami
Volcanic Eruption
Winterstorm
MAN-MADE
* Aviation
* Arson
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Civil Disorder
Power Outage
Public Relation
Radiation
Siltation
Space Disasters
Telecom Outage
Terrorism
War
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
HUMAN-NAT
* Land Deg.
* Desertification
* Technology
* Siltation
B. SPEED OF ONSET
 Sudden onset: little or no warning, minimal time
to prepare. For example, an earthquake, tsunami,
cyclone, volcano, etc.
 Slow onset: adverse event slow to develop; first
the situation develops;
 the second level is an emergency; the third level is a
disaster. For example, drought, civil strife, epidemic,
etc.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Prevalent Hazards In Nigeria
The wide range of hazard in Nigeria includes:
 Frequent oil spills; pipe line vandalisation
 Increasing levels urban industrial pollution and
waste
 Rise in the number and severity of floods,
especially in Jigawa, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara,
Gombe and Southern States
 Threat of desertification & pest infestation as in
quella birds and locusts in Sokoto and the Yobe Borno axis
 The not too long reported outbreak of the dreaded
avian influenza
H5N1 (bird flu) loss of livelihoods
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Prevalent Hazards In Nigeria
 Droughts and general land use degradation
 Gully erosion traditionally in South Eastern states and
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becoming pronounced in Auchi and Bida.
Wind storms in the northern parts of the country
The rampant air crashes of 1992 to 2009
Fire disasters especially market infernos Sokoto, Jos etc
Cases of collapsed buildings in Lagos, Abuja & PH
Ethno-religious conflicts
Threat to oil/gas explorations by militia Niger Delta.
Bomb Blast (Abuja, Maiduguri)
RTA
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
INSTITUTIONAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA
 Institutional response to disaster in Nigeria can be
traced back to 1906 when the Fire Brigade (now
Federal Fire Services) was established, with its
functions going beyond fire fighting to saving of lives
and property and provision of humanitarian services
during emergencies.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
INSTITUTIONAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA
 Between 1972 and 1973 Nigeria was hit by a devastating
drought with socio-economic consequences that
caused the nation loss of lives and property worth
millions of Naira.
 This made it important for the Government to
consider a response body to take care of disaster issues.
Thus, the establishment of National Emergency Relief
Agency (NERA) by Decree 48 of 1976, charged with the
task of collecting and distributing relief materials to
disaster victims.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
National Disaster Cont’d
 NEMA was established in March 1999 via Act 12 of
1999 as amended by Act 50.The Agency was saddled
with the responsibility of coordinating disaster
management activities for the country.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
FUNCTIONS & RESPONSBILITIES OF NEMA
 Disaster preparedness and mitigation;
 Notifying, activating, mobilizing, deploying staff and
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setting up the necessary facilities for response;
Evaluating and assessing disaster damage and
requests;
Managing Disaster Management funds;
Public Information and Enlightment;
Formulating policy/guidelines for Disaster
Management in the country;
Liaising with State Emergency Management
Committees (SEMCs), Regional, International bodies
and NGOs to assess and monitor, and where necessary,
distribute Relief materials to disaster victims.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
NEMA achieves its Disaster
Management
NEMA achieves its Disaster Management objectives by
collaborating with:

State Governments.

Local Governments.

Voluntary Organizations and

The international specialized and donor agencies.

57 Disaster Response Units
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Operational Procedures and Policy Guidelines of the National
Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
 The National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) The
NDRP was approved by the Federal Executive Council
(FEC) of Nigeria to serve as a policy guideline for
managing disasters in Nigeria. The Plan establishes a
process and structure for the systematic, coordinated
and effective delivery of Federal assistance, to address
the consequences of any major disaster or emergency
declared by the President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
 Now we also have Search and Rescue and Epidemic
evacuation plan
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Cospas-Sarsat Mission Control Center
The Cospas-Sarsat is a satellite based distress alert
system with locational facility that provides data to
assist in aviation and maritime Search and Rescue
operations.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Cospas-Sarsat Mission Control Center
 Based on the Unique
Advantage of Nigeria
as central to Africa
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
OTHER FACILITIES ON GROUND FOR PREPAREDNESS AND MITIGATION
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The Geographic Information System (GIS) +
Vulnerability study of Nigeria
Emergency Lines
Rescue Helicopter
Contingency stockpiling
6 Zonal Offices in the 6 Geo-Political Zones of the
Country.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Disaster Response Unit In Nigeria
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
The Physician’s Role in
Disaster Preparedness &
Response
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
General Public Health Effect of
Disaster
Victims of a disaster often
suffer great loss:
• Home
• Family
• Friends
• Pets, Animals
• Possessions etc
An understanding of
family dynamics by the
physician is needed to
deal appropriately with
disaster situations.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
General Public Health Effect of
Disaster
 Unexpected numbers of deaths, injuries, illnesses,
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exceeding local capacity
Destruction of local health infrastructure
Destruction of homes and public buildings
Spontaneous displaced population movements
Interruption of communication
Water supply interruption / contamination
Power outages
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
General Public Health Effect of
Disaster Cont’d
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Food/Water Shortage or Safety
Inadequate / insufficient shelters
Crowding of displaced populations
Inadequate Sanitation
Environmental Effects
Identification and management of the dead
(assistance to police)
 Psycho-Social Reactions
 Abandoned animals
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
What Physicians can Do
Physicians can provide the expertise to address
the needs and special problems of disaster
victims in all three phases of a disaster:
•Before,
•During and immediately after (day 0-2)
•During aftermath and recovery (day 3 on)
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
The diagram below shows the Disaster
Management Cycle
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Disaster Mgt Circle
 Mitigation: Measures put in place to minimize the results
from a disaster. Examples: building codes and zoning;
vulnerability analyses; public education.
 Preparedness: Planning how to respond. Examples:
preparedness plans; emergency exercises/training; warning
systems.
 Response: Initial actions taken as the event takes place. It
involves efforts to minimize the hazards created by a disaster.
Examples: evacuation; search and rescue; emergency relief.
 Recovery: Returning the community to normal. Ideally, the
affected area should be put in a condition equal to or better
than it was before the disaster took place. Examples: temporary
housing; grants; medical care.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Mitigation
 Mitigation refers to all actions taken before a disaster
to reduce its impacts, including preparedness and
long-term risk reduction measures.
 Mitigation activities fall broadly into two categories:
1 Structural mitigation – construction projects
which reduce economic and social impacts
2 Non-structural activities – policies and practices
which raise awareness of hazards or encourage
developments to reduce the impact of disasters.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Preplanning for a
Disaster
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital Preparedness
 Mitigation;- Reducing or minimizing an impact of a
hazard or disaster.
 Basic considerations:
 treatment potential based on manpower, space and
means
 medical care differs from regular procedures
 treatment priorities based on saving salvageable
patients
 stabilization and inter- hospital transfer of patients – as
needed
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital Preparedness
 main hospital deployment areas:
 triage - entrance to (ambulance bay)
 decontamination and triage area
 treatment area for non-urgent cases

area for acute post traumatic stress cases
 treatment area for urgent cases:
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trauma room - resuscitation area
treatment area for stretcher cases
holding - treatment area for transfer cases
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital Preparedness
 treatment areas (cont.):
 operation theatres
 ICUs
 hospitalization wards
 imaging facilities
 laboratory and blood bank services
 public information and social services
 command, control and communication center
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital Preparedness
 activation of emergency hospital plan when:
 casualties appear without warning
 short warning before admission of patients
 immediate response:
 sounding internal alarm - call up staff
 discontinue regular operations (inc. in OTs)
 vacate beds in Emergency Dept.
 distribute equipment to treatment areas
 start emergency registration and recording
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital Preparedness
 treatment level and surgery:
 temporary decline in treatment standards
 priority to life-saving surgical procedures
 about 2/3 of admissions will be discharged within hours
 about 1/10 will require immediate surgery ICU and
hospitalization
 a senior surgeon will decide on priorities for surgery
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital Preparedness
 registration and medical recording:
 shorten registration procedures
 prepare emergency patient charts, forms for imaging,
laboratory and blood bank
 briefly record vital signs, findings, treatment
procedures and disposition
 record surgical procedures
 record external findings and photos of dead
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Social Services and Support
 Establish information desk (near entrance to hospital)
 Provide social counseling to next of kin
 Update information on hospitalized patients
 Collect information on missing persons
 Present pictures or particulars of un-identified persons
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital Preparedness
 medical and general equipment:
 prepare emergency equipment on trolleys
 prepare replenishment of disposables
 prepare drugs and i.v. fluids
 ensure medical gas supplies and uninterrupted power
and water supply

Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital Preparedness
 command and control:
 activate emergency operational center
 request information and update staff aids
 delegate authority to medical directors and
administrative managers
 activate emergency radio communication
 public information:
 activate information center and emergency telephone –
fax and computer inf. lines
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital Preparedness
Volunteers
 Plan for call-up of local, regional and
international volunteers
 Inform volunteers on requirements and
specific and defined tasks
 Screen qualifications
 Educate and train volunteers in hospitals /
possible work places
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital preparedness and drills
 Conduct periodic exercises in General
Hospitals:
 Education and training of hospital
personnel (doctors, nursing staff,
administrators, technical and laboratory
staff)
 Conduct internal drills in classrooms
(table top)
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Hospital preparedness and drills
 Once a year conduct a general drill of all
sectors with simulated casualties
 Conduct debriefing sessions after all real
emergencies and drills
 Conduct external auditing procedure by
NEMA and MOH etc
 Disseminate lessons learned to all
hospitals within the State or in the
country
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Summary of Preparedness
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During the preparedness phase, governments, organizations,
and individuals develop plans to save lives, minimize disaster
damage, and enhance disaster response operations. Preparedness
measures include:
Preparedness plans
Emergency exercises/training
Warning systems
Emergency communications systems
Evacuations plans and training
Resource inventories
Emergency personnel/contact lists
Mutual aid agreements
Public information/education
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
SUMMARY OF PREPAREDNESS MEASURES INCLUDE:

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Preparedness plans
Emergency exercises/training
Warning systems
Emergency communications
systems
Evacuations plans and
training
Resource inventories
Emergency
personnel/contact lists
Mutual aid agreements
Public
information/education
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Emergency Operations Plan
 Physicians should
participate, individually
or collectively as part of
the community or
hospital in the
development of a
community disaster
response plan
Emergency Operations
Plan
• Communication
• Resources and Assets
• Safety and Security
• Staff Responsibilities
• Utilities
• Patient/Clinical
Support Activities
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Governance for Disaster Mgt.
 NEMA Regional offices in Nigeria
 Terrorism Preparedness Committee
 Hospital Disaster Preparedness Committee
 Hospital Committee
 UITH Emergency Management Committee
Contact – Safety Officer Phone -------
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Operation of pre-hospital medical services
in mass casualty situations (terrorism)
 Volunteers
* by-standers, first-aiders
(Red cross ), nurses,
doctors, medics - army
 EMS
* standard (white) and MICU
ambulance teams
* MDA volunteers with
“mobile first aid station” on
motorbikes
* MDA command post on site
 Home Front Command
* army mobile medical posts,
command and control
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Organization of incident Site
Objectives
* To organize the confusion on site, prevent un-authorized
*
*
*
*
*
access and possible additional injuries by second bombing
(body protection of medical teams)
Priority access for police bomb squads, fire fighters, EMS and
rescue teams
Rescue and removal of victims from immediate danger (fire,
Hazardous Materials Management (HAZMAT), explosion)
Primary survey and assessment of the scene (numbers and
location of victims, types of injuries)
Initial report to EMS dispatch center and to hospitals
Organization of site (allocation of teams) and treatment of
patients
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Medical Treatment on Site
 establish casualty collecting area
 transfer casualties to collecting area
 assign responsibilities to medical staff
 establish medical triage point(s)
 provide ATLS to casualties, according to priorities:
 Airway control & cervical spine splinting
 Breathing - ventilation - O2
 Circulation - bleeding control - i.v. fluids
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
First Aid Treatment
 Assume command-be
visible!
 Triage and Tagling
* primary assessment
and performing lifesaving procedures
* prioritization of
victims for immediate
evacuation in urban
areas (scoop and run)
* pronouncing of death
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
First Aid Treatment Cont’d
 establish casualty collecting area
 transfer casualties to collecting area
 assign responsibilities to medical staff
 establish medical triage point(s)
 provide ATLS to casualties, according to priorities:
 Airway control & cervical spine splinting
 Breathing - ventilation - O2
 Circulation - bleeding control - i.v. fluids
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Medical Evacuation
 Transport salvageable
casualties first (airway!)
 “Scoop and Run”-and
treat during
transportation (airway,
i.v. line)
 Decide on hospital
according to:
 type of injury
 level of trauma care
 distance to facility
 Report to hospital
through dispatch center
 Provide continuous care
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Refugees Hospital wards in open tents working in shifts
daily rounds (5-6 hrs)
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Following a disaster, the hospital
and the community will need to
recover. The length of the
recovery period depends on the
nature of the disaster and the
extent of the damage.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
The healthcare community,
including physicians should be
prepared to deal with
continued disruption of
services that will affect their
ability to care for patients.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Develop plans to provide on-site emergency and primary health
care at emergency shelters:
 In-Patient & Out-Patient treatment
 Infectious Disease Control
 Logistics and lost supplies
 Physical and Mental Rehabilitation
 Critical Incident Stress Debriefing for victims
and
 Healthcare providers.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
The Role of Technology in Disaster
Management
 Emergency management systems (EMS). EMS are merely
technological tools that are expertly used to improve and
enhance the Emergency Disaster management (EDM)
process.
We will examine specifically the role that
 Geographical Information Systems (GIS), GIS;- tool for
display of geographically-referenced information.
 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and
 Remote Sensing Technologies play in disaster
management.
 While these subjects are presented individually, it is
important to note that in reality these technologies are
usually deployed in an integrated manner.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Usefulness of GIS in Disaster Mgt.
1 To create hazard inventory maps: At this level GIS can be used
for the pre-feasibility study of developmental projects, at all
inter-municipal or district level.
2 Locate critical facilities: Proves information on the physical
location of shelters, drains and other physical facilities. for
planners in the early phase of regional development projects or
large engineering projects. It is used to investigate where hazards
can be a constraint on the development of rural, urban or
infrastructural projects.
3 Create and manage associated database;- GIS is intended for
planners to formulate projects at feasibility levels, but it is also
used to generate hazard and risk maps for existing settlements
and cities.
4 Vulnerability assessment: GIS can provide useful
information to boost disaster awareness with government and
the public, so that (on a national level) decisions can be taken to
establish or expand disaster management organizations
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
GPS and Disaster Mgt
 The term global positioning system (GPS) is used to
refer to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
developed by the US Dept. of Defence.
 GPS is particularly useful during disasters because it
operates in any weather, anywhere and at all times.
 While it functions simply to give the location of the
receiver, the level of precision of GPS makes it quite
useful in disaster management.
 In many instances GPS data is integrated with GIS
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Remote Sensing and Disaster Mgt.
 Remote sensing is the use of electromagnetic (EM) wave
radiation to acquire information about an object or
phenomenon, by a recording device that is not in physical
or intimate contact with the object.
 As you read this material you are actually engaging in
remote sensing; we do this so naturally that we seldom
realize it. We could take this a step further - we use
telescopes to view distant planets. We are definitely sensing
objects remotely.
 In both cases the sensor is our eyes and the EM wave is
light
 IS EM new to us (Yes/No)
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Remote Sensing (EM)
 If the term EM waves seems new to you it shouldn’t.
Everyday
light, radio waves and microwaves and x-rays are examples of EM waves. EM waves transport energy
and information from one place to another. They are used in cellular networks, microwave ovens,
portable radios, x-ray machines and satellites systems
 Remote sensing in the context of disaster management
usually refers to the technology that includes man-made
sensors that are attached to aircrafts, or satellites.
 Instead of viewing a far away planet from earth, the sensing
equipment is usually high above looking down at our
‘distant’ planet - earth. Distant in this context can mean
just a few hundred feet overhead or miles above the earth’s
surface (See Next Slide).
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Diagram showing how Remote
Sensing is operated and utilized
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Comparison of Active and Passive Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing
 Remote sensing can also be categorized into two broad
categories: passive or active.
 Passive remote sensing makes use of sensors that
detect the reflected or emitted EM radiation from
natural sources (usually sunlight).
 Active remote sensing makes use of sensors that detect
reflected responses from objects that are irradiated
from artificially-generated energy sources,
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Comparison of Active and Passive
Remote Sensing and Disaster
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Advantages of Remote Sensing
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Saves time
Users of the technology do not have to be in direct contact with danger
zones.
Shows image of very large areas of land or space.
Detect features at wavelengths not visible to the human eye.
Data can be regularly and routinely acquired and archived.
The most cost-effective dataset for monitoring change over large areas.
Can assist with damage assessment monitoring.
The imagery obtained, using remote sensing, can be useful for forward
planning and reconstruction of an affected area.
 Helps to prevent the recurrence of the same disaster in the future.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Challenges faced using Remote Sensing
 It can be costly to build and operate a remote sensing
system
 Small size activities cannot be delineated on remote
sensing imagery or through aerial photography
 Data can be difficult to interpret and may require
expert skills.
 Resolution is often coarse.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Disaster Epidemiology Activities
Rapid Community Health and Needs Assessments
 Determine critical needs and health status
 Systematic sampling
 Strengthen response
 Improve prevention and mitigation
strategies for future disasters
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Disaster Epidemiology Activities
Surveillance
 Specific illnesses and injuries?
 Clusters and outbreaks?
 Geographic differences?
 Dispel rumors
 Systematic and factual information
 Reporting to local/ National health
Authorities
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Recommendation
 Hospital Disaster Mgt. Committee/Unit
 Hospital Epidemic Committee/Unit
 Rapid response Unit
 Drilling Systems
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Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
Being Prepared to effectively
respond to a disaster in our
community involves a team
effort. By working together, we
can be ready.
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com
For you Attention
Presented on 7th July 2011 by Dr Saka M.J Dept.of
EPID UITH sakamj1@yahoo.com