Modelling a critical infrastructure-driven spatial database for proactive disaster management: A developing country context.

David O Baloye,Lobina G Palamuleni

doi:10.4102/jamba.v8i1.220

Abstract

The understanding and institutionalisation of the seamless link between urban critical infrastructure and disaster management has greatly helped the developed world to establish effective disaster management processes. However, this link is conspicuously missing in developing countries, where disaster management has been more reactive than proactive. The consequence of this is typified in poor response time and uncoordinated ways in which disasters and emergency situations are handled. As is the case with many Nigerian cities, the challenges of urban development in the city of Abeokuta have limited the effectiveness of disaster and emergency first responders and managers. Using geospatial techniques, the study attempted to design and deploy a spatial database running a web-based information system to track the characteristics and distribution of critical infrastructure for effective use during disaster and emergencies, with the purpose of proactively improving disaster and emergency management processes in Abeokuta.

Highlights

The world’s contemporary urban settlements are undergoing massive and unprecedented change both in their complexity and function (Finka & Kluvánková 2015; Hamilton 2014; Lin et al 2014; Marull et al 2015; Scott & Storper 2015)
Working from the background of a developing country where much committed resources to disaster and emergency situations yield little results, the study attempted to model a critical infrastructure-driven spatial database that could be deployed for proactive management of disaster and emergencies
The study dwelt on technical issues surrounding the development of a repository of geospatial data, to bridge the gaps identified in the disaster management process of urban disaster in the country

Summary

Introduction

The world’s contemporary urban settlements are undergoing massive and unprecedented change both in their complexity and function (Finka & Kluvánková 2015; Hamilton 2014; Lin et al 2014; Marull et al 2015; Scott & Storper 2015). The disruption or breakdown of existing critical infrastructure during disasters is terrible on its own, but the situation is exacerbated by the fact that it is this same set of critical infrastructure that is required to mitigate the impact of disasters This implies that, to manage any incidence of urban disaster successfully, there is usually heavy reliance on critical infrastructure. This class of infrastructure plays a strategic role in the prevention, mitigation and mop-up of consequences resulting from the outbreak of disasters and emergencies, especially in the urban areas (Chang et al 2014; Comes & Van de Walles 2014; Faturechi & Miller-Hooks 2015; Kwasinski 2014; Mittelstadt et al 2015)

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion