Information systems and disaster risk is the central topic of this scientific publication.

Abstract

Disaster risk management is nowadays hard to imagine without appropriate information systems that facilitate the decision-making process in phases before, during, and after the disaster. In the face of disasters, decision-makers must look at and analyze various information on hazard characteristics such as nature, power, and intensity, while on the other hand, they must take timely measures to achieve a short-term and long-term recovery of the community from the consequences of such events. Certainly, the spatial dimension of disasters has a decisive importance in terms of rapidly addressing the resulting consequences and preventing the further spread of harmful effects of various disasters. In the paper, the authors describe the existing information systems, their characteristics and ways of applying them in the process of disaster risk management. In addition, special attention is paid to the description and the way of using geographic information systems as well as remote detection and satellite recording. Also, the role and significance of social media systems and interactive simulation and visualisation for modern disaster risk management are examined.

Conclusions

Disaster risk management is a very complex process that incorporates a large number of elements and phases directly related to the characteristics of the disaster itself. That is why, with today’s degree of scientific development, its functioning is unimaginable without certain information technologies that help decision-makers collect, analyze, display, and understand specific spatial and temporal information. The lack of absolute prediction, intensity, and destructive power alarmingly emphasize the need for a rapid decision-making process. This decision-making process in risk management, aside from human errors, can be greatly enhanced by the use of fast information systems. The Geographic Information System improves the disaster risk management process in various ways. In the period prior to the occurrence of the disaster itself, this system can be used for planning activities, while during the disaster, it can be used as significant logistical support in the decision-making process. The advantages of using information systems in the disaster risk management process are multiple and include: efficient and timely review of the overall situation on the ground, decision-making based on highly professional operational information, improved coordination of short-term and long-term mitigation activities or elimination of consequences in the area affected by a disaster, improved communication in the field, better allocation of resources and assistance to affected citizens, etc. It is necessary to continue the development of information systems for disaster risk management, as this can greatly mitigate the catastrophic consequences caused by unprofessional and untimely decisions.

How to cite

Reference – Cvetković, V., & Filipović, M. (2017). Information systems and disaster risk management. Paper presented at the International Scientific and professional conference – 40 years of higher education in the field of security – Theory and Practice, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. 1281-1295. challenges of crisis management, At 24, 25 and 26 May 2017.