Enablers for Effective Multi-hazard Early Warning System: A Literature Review

Abstract

The intensity and frequency of natural hazards have increased unprecedentedly, resulting in devastating impacts on lives and economies. The present challenge for practitioners and policymakers is to reduce such impacts and related risks with innovative measures. A multi-hazard early warning system has been recognized as a crucial element in most disaster risk reduction measures. However, recent hazard incidents revealed that existing early warning systems are not completely able to save lives and reduce economic losses due to many reasons. Hence, this paper is conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the enablers to be considered when developing a fully comprehensive multi-hazard early warning system. Further, the study presents the benefits of establishing an effective multi-hazard early warning over single early warning systems. The paper is based on a narrative review applying a systematic basis for selecting research papers for the study. According to study results, three aspects to be considered when developing and operating an effective multi-hazard early warning system. Policy, legislative and institutional arrangements; social and cultural considerations and technological and scientific arrangements are the three categories. Policy, legislative and institutional arrangements contain governance, political recognition, mainstreaming early warning into development planning, stakeholder partnerships, periodic feedback, empowerment of local authorities and provision of resources/infrastructure. Social and cultural consideration includes training and capacity building, awareness and education, planning and preparedness, community engagement and empowerment and consideration of gender perspective and cultural diversity. Finally, integration of technological and scientific knowledge, risk information, hazard warning dissemination and communication, and monitoring and forecasting are the technological and scientific arrangements to be assured for an effective multi-hazard early warning for disaster risk reduction and enhancing resilience.