The Crisis Management Process Harmful Incidents such as Tsunami - Literature review Example

Client Inserts His/her Name Name of School Course Title Module No. and Title Tutor’s Name Assignment Number Assignment Title Due Date Word Count: 2500 Introduction Crisis management involves the position of a state, agency or individual to handle an emergency event to prevent its impacts from endangering people’s lives and property. The crisis management process involves strategies that need resources directed towards handling the event at hand. In the recent past, most agencies have been involved in working towards better prevention strategies harmful incidents such as tsunami that have been harming people and property in specific places recurrently. (Houghton, 2007). According to Lerche & Glaesser (2006), risks are incidents that cannot be avoided or be predicted, however, it is the duty of everybody to be vigilant over events or possible emergency incidents that may arise in their place of residence. This may reduce the deaths that occur due to such incidents and even loss of property. The emergency management systems that have put in place play an important role in carrying out continuous assessment of existing services in the field with the aim of identifying enhancements that may improve aptness, dependability and the precision of those advisories that offer tsunami related services. Some of the factors that are put into consideration include advancement of data networks relating to tsunami management as well as enhancing data sharing among various agencies. Moreover, it is prudent to carry out consistent seismic and sea level monitoring that may lead to early detection of the risk event. In addition, the threat evaluation strategies are also very momentous in sending clear and explicable messages that are appropriate and timely in regards to the risk in question. As indicated in the ESRI White Paper (2006), the term Tsunami is derived from a Japanese word harbor waves which means a natural incident of a chain of waves which come up when water is rapidly displaced in a water body in large scale. Other events that may trigger tsunamis include earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions and impacts generated from terrestrial bodies. The activities of such events lead to severe inundation of the coastlines which causes damage to property, devastating injuries and even leads to massive loss of life. On the other hand, the word ‘run-up’ in relation to tsunami refers to the height if the tsunami as measured above the sea level mean. Since a tsunami is caused by a series of waves, the first wave that reaches the coastline is usually the highest. (Kovach & McGuire, 2003) Tsunami Emergency Management Systems and examples in practice According to Houghton (2007), the tsunami hazards need to be mitigated such that lives and property can be saved and environmental damages reduced. It is prudent to note that hazard mitigation entails various aspects that are physical, technological and social. The physical aspects are applied in the prediction of a disaster as well as the possible outcome of such an occurrence. Technological aspects help in designing structures and all materials that are required in the mitigation of a disaster while the social aspect include scientific predictions, land use planning measures, risk analysis as well as the analysis of cost benefit analysis. The main objective of the emergency management strategies is to limit the intensity of the tsunami disasters by reducing the number of people affected by a certain period of time. (Ten Brink et. al, 2004) Phases in Emergency Management Systems According to ESRI White Paper (2006), Disaster management entails three processes as illustrated below: Pre-disaster: This phase entails the identification of risks, mitigation and the level of preparedness. During this stage, mapping and scenario building occurs which leads to risk identification and eventually mitigation occurs. In that regard, planning land use systems and codes are initiated into communities through which the public is educated and made aware of possible disasters and ways of preventing them. In emergency preparedness, early warning systems and communication systems should be assessed adequately in order to develop efficient linkages between various emergency response groups. Additionally, shelter facility preparation and evacuation plans are put in place. Disaster stage: in this stage, the process of emergency response takes place. The early systems of warning that were put in place are used. Humanitarian assistance is carried out through aids supplied to the affected groups in regards to food and shelter. Clean up exercises are conducted in the site of the disaster and repairs are done where possible. On the other hand, services in the scene are restored while damage assessment is done to ensure that the magnitude of the disaster in known accurately. Post-disaster phase: in this stage, remedy to the disaster at hand takes place as well reconstruction. The critically damaged infrastructure is reconstructed while macroeconomic management issues are discussed. The budget for post disaster operations is also addressed with the aim of invigorating the affected sectors of the economy such s education, agriculture, tourism, trade and transport. Media coverage and public perception response to a crisis According to Cho & Gower (2006), media coverage forms powerful mechanisms that help in defining and solving crises that arise by determining public opinion. The media frames in relation to public policies that associate with crisis management. The media is therefore very significant in identifying important messages that create public relations and communication. This offers crisis managers with very useful insights on appropriate crisis response techniques. Through the media, people seek information about a crisis as well as evaluate the causes relating to the occurrence of the event. It is prudent to note that the presentation of an event in the media determines the perceptions of the public and impressions made by the crisis management organizations through the way the crisis event is framed, the identified causes and the actors who are responsible for the event. Various frames of the media trigger multifarious response by the public. Some of the identified frames include; human interest, conflict frame, morality frame, economic frame and attribution of responsibility frame. Therefore, the nature of presentation of a crisis story shapes what people think about it and how they may respond. (Cho & Gower, 2006) Post crisis recovery and continuity strategies Despite the misfortune that has befallen a state or an individual, continuity and recovery plans should be underway to ensure that the most important aspects are maintained, remain accessible, accurate and secure. Recovery processes ensure that the operation of any business or organization continues even after a crisis event. Recovery plans are necessary after a disaster so that strategies and tactics are obtained for post crisis management. It further includes disaster prevention strategies. (Coombs, 2006a) Recovery solutions use methods that entail evaluation, design, validation, planning, implementation and overall management. Continuity can be attained through security maintenance, data networking and advanced IT infrastructure to ensure that an institution practices better recovery in the event of a crisis. Moreover, it is prudent to develop standard operating procedures in order to ensure that disasters do not recur. Coombs (2006a) argues that it is important to have good mechanisms for estimating crisis by recognizing the interdependence that exists between crises since risks are connected to external circumstances. Every individual in the recovery process should acknowledge their weaknesses such that it is easy to mitigate them. Besides, it is important to recognize the degree of impact of the crisis event as well as evaluate the global risks that could help in developing an international strategy. Technology applied in emergency management According to the UN Office of the Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery, after a disaster has been mitigated and response and relief operations have passed, the rehabilitation phase takes a long period of time. The entire world is mostly involved in relief activities especially the international organizations that act quickly in response to disaster management. The technology actions that go hand in hand with the activities conducted in the various phases vary according to the context. Some of the technology applied include a tsunami animation program capturing the event and detailed accounts mapping the damaged area. For instance, in the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, a variety of technological appliances were applied. Relief workers used computers, phones, laptops and the internet in carrying out their activities in the scene of disaster. In addition, the military and government bodies used high technology equipments such as helicopters and airplanes to carry out clean up exercises in the disaster site. They also used them to find trapped people and recognize usable routes in the mitigation of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. Before the disaster occurred, the scientific methods used involved satellites which created images of the damaged site and also offered quality data on the damage done on structures and infrastructure in disaster areas. However, the technology used in the Indian Ocean disaster was highly advanced. For scientific research purposes, high technology was applied in relation to software and hardware. (ESRI White Paper, 2006) Table 1: summary of technology usage in disaster areas in regards to tsunami emergency management systems Hardware Computers, Laptops, Mobile Phones, GPS, Tabular Forms Software Arc View, ArcGIS 9 (Military Analyst and Maplex extensions), MapInfo, ERDAS Data Used Topography, Census, Roads, Utilities, Bathymetry, Elevation, Geology, Land Cover, Landmarks, Hydrology, Administrative Boundaries, Tidal Datum, Orthophoto, GCP, Lands can (population), SRTM, DTED Levels 1 and 2, Quick Bird, IKONOS, SPOT Internet Usage Interactive Maps (ArcIMS, Manifold, DM Solutions), Static Maps, Information Sharing for Coordination, Eroom and Groove Technology (ESRI White Paper 2006, GIS and Emergency Management in Indian Ocean Earthquake/Tsunami Disaster) According to the ESRI White Paper (2006), emergency management system in the Indian Ocean disaster which affected almost 12 countries was really challenging. Its magnitude and the scope of impact were severe and it made history as one of the most devastating disasters. It was complex and difficult to apply emergency management strategies that were in place. It needed a multidisciplinary approach in order to effectively respond, offer relief and recovery operations. Some of the challenges that were identified include inadequate data, lack of sharing and interlinkages between management agencies, poor communication strategies and duplication of information by the various agencies. Social problems were also observed which include political mayhem, poor government structure and extensive relocation of people as well as inequity in the entire system. Similar challenges were observed in Indonesia and Sri Lanka where political havoc impaired the disaster management process. Barriers in time and data productivity were observed. More Examples of Areas Where Tsunami Management Systems Are In Practice According to Ten Brink et. al (2004), most disaster management agencies that carry out relief practices consider most services such as support services, education restructuring, food and health provisions, infrastructural rehabilitation, human rights protection, shelter, water and sanitation programs. These areas are covered by numerous local and international non-governmental organizations as well as other workers in the private sector. Some projects start by drafting a strategic plan for reconstruction foe instance the Banda Aceh reconstruction master plan which was presented by the government of Indonesia. It is basically a mapping exercise which is aimed at recovering and rehabilitating the disaster area by UN. In this site, relief workers who were called upon to save the situation applied the GIS technology. (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, 2007) Comment on how governments and local communities can be best prepared for such events Tsunamis are known to be rapid, frequently occurring and unpredictable disasters which do not give a country adequate time to prepare to carry out mitigation. Therefore, all governments as well as local communities should be vigilant and efficient in planning as the key procedure of disaster preparedness. When rescue responses are planned in advance, there are high chances that losses of life and property damage is limited in the event of an emergency. It emphasizes the importance of working together to save life and property by prior planning. Due to the magnitude and intensity of the tsunami disasters, decision makers and rescue agencies as well as civil defense managers have to devise strategic ways in which such impacts can be managed and limited. To overcome challenges, technology may help in various ways where satellite sources and maps could be the main sources of information. Although many developed nations have high technologies and database used in emergency situations, it is apparent that disasters are region based problems whose effects affect and influence the entire world in regards to economy, politics and socially. Social political issues are very fragile and should be looked into carefully. Government relief agencies need to be more sensitive in regards to the region in disaster in regards to culture, religion and political disparities which may hamper effective emergency management. (Ten Brink et. al, 2004) In preparing for such emergency events, it is important for governments to maintain human databases and their economic activities in regards to emergency preparedness and response. Through advanced technology, it is easy to identify and mitigate risks, be prepared adequately to respond to disaster emergencies and recover from them. A state should invest more in technology in order to increase the effectiveness of relief agencies in regards to timeliness and accuracy. It should carefully select and assist rescue agencies and other civil defense groups in their operations of assessing the damage caused by the event and lead them towards efficient response. Proper agency networking and data sharing will facilitate worldwide use of advanced technology to ensure success of mitigation endeavors. (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, 2007) To avoid corruption and disparity ranges in the disaster management process, the government should support greater agency accountability and transparency to those benefiting from funding systems by promoting publishment of evaluation reports as well as internal reports indicating the control systems and quality. The efforts of the agencies should be concentrated and developed to deeper levels such that competence and coordination is achieved in all sectors relating to emergency management. To reduce funding challenges, agencies should be structured in a way such that they have the capacity to invest in own emergency responsibilities within the country or even globally. Finally, agencies should enter the field with the right competence levels as well as collaborate extensively with others with the aim of maintaining quality emergency systems rather that engaging in competitive relationships as argued out in the ESRI White Paper (2006). Tsunami and early warning systems should be structured at all levels in local communities. Disaster management must be greatly integrated into all government levels such as national, provincial, district up to grass root levels. This is important because it strengthens the capacity of the local community to respond aptly to tsunami warnings and deal with disaster management. A community should establish multidisciplinary strategies that control and guide multi agency emergency plans. Ten Brink et. al (2004) argue that Initiative measures can be put in place by local communities to create awareness to its community members such that people in vulnerable communities may be aware of an impending tsunami danger. Moreover, intergovernmental coordination groups should be set and be directed towards employing better technological strategies in analyzing the extent of disaster preparedness and mitigation processes. Standard operating procedures are in order to prevent the kind of competition that arises between various groups. On the other hand, capacity building and technical assistance should be done. In order for governments and local communities to be adequately prepared for disaster events, tsunami warning and emergency responses should be strengthened within the countries that expect emergencies to occur through proper forecasting systems. The aim should be to develop the timeliness and accuracy of tsunami advisories in planning and implementing disaster preparedness systems within a nation. Moreover, a nation should be responsible and carry out adequate disaster research so as to collect adequate information regarding an event that may cause severe damage. This may enable them to put security and health measures in place such that losses are limited when an event eventually occurs. (UN Office of the Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery) It is prudent for disaster management organizations to be transformed to preparedness and pre disaster mitigation bodies which may lead to adequate provision of guidance to local communities on the disaster development significances so as they can understand and embrace the entire process. Conclusion According to Lerche & Glaesser (2006), there are various tsunami emergency systems that have been put in place and many governments as well as local communities have taken initiative with the aim of curbing the dangers caused by the tsunami disaster. Despite the huge amounts of funds that been made available for this practice for many years, tsunami response agencies suffer from common challenges. Some of the problems include lack of proper consultation systems and stiff competition between multifarious emergency agencies. Some receive inapt aid hence making their operations impossible. Since tsunami incidents are devastating every stake holder in the mitigation process should try to put strategies in place such that awareness is created worldwide. It is prudent to understand how tsunamis act when they have the capacity to come ashore and also comprehend the numerous tsunami warning signals. Immediate relevant actions should be done when tsunami warnings are issued to limit the impact or damages caused when the event finally occurs. People should vacate the place and any property that is movable be moved to safer locations. Local and national information is very important in regards to tsunami awareness such that everyone is prepared. Ways of sensing a tsunami may be invaluable in analyzing impending danger and carry out any possible preparedness strategies as well as apply tsunami safety rules. (Kovach & McGuire, 2003) Conclusively, all nations that are prone to tsunami disasters should have strong disaster management systems in place. Besides, they should continuously improve and enhance their procedures immediately after any disaster occurrence such that mistakes or weaknesses are identified. Improvements can then be made especially in the technological aspect such that efficient disaster management systems are established. Tsunami management operations should be strengthened always. References Cho, S. & Gower, K. 2006. Framing effect on the public’s response to crisis: Human Interest frame and crisis type influencing responsibility and blame. Public Relations Review, 32(4), 420–422. Coombs, W. 2006a, The protective powers of crisis response strategies: Managing Reputational assets during a crisis. Journal of Promotion Management, 12(3), 241–260. ESRI White Paper, 2006, GIS and Emergency Management in Indian Ocean Earthquake/Tsunami Disaster Houghton, R. 2007, The Tsunami Evaluation Coalition: implications for practice, Tsunami Evaluation Coalition, Humanitarian Exchange Magazine, Issue 37 Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (Of UNESCO) 2007, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Lerche, I. & Glaesser, W. 2006, Environmental Risk Assessment: Quantitative Measures, Anthropogenic Influences, Human Impact. Berlin: Springer Kovach, R. & McGuire, B. 2003, Guide to Global Hazards. Ten Brink, U., Danforth, W., Polloni, C., Andrews, B., Llanes, P., Smith, S., Parker, E., and Uozumi, T. 2004, "New Seafloor Map of the Puerto Rico Trench Helps Assess Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards." Eos, Vol. 85, No. 37, pp 349–354. UN Office of the Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery retrieved on 10th May, 2012 from www.tsunamispecialenvoy.org). Read More