A syncretic approach towards a meta-integrative platform for effective disaster management

Disaster management is widely recognised as a complex task. Despite well-established techniques, each disaster continues to frustrate the government and the community. A number of issues and challenges have been reported in the literature following a disaster. These include: a lack of awareness, authoritative support and direction, preparation and planning; ineffective response, ineffective communications and miscommunications, inadequate recovery and policy vacuum besides many other factors. Developing effective disaster management strategies to combat the known issues should also consider emerging drivers of change such as globalisation, climate change, and technological development, social construct of communities, global finance and education. In addition, fundamental hazard modelling techniques and real time modelling of a disaster cannot be ignored as they are central to the accuracy of information required during pre and post disasters. In recent times spatial information has been considered as the fourth element of decision making. Further the need to develop adaptive capacities and empower communities is also well stated. Despite the recognition of such complex issues, requirements, and increased knowledge, the pace of development seems to be inadequate. This is mainly due to the lack of an approach that can integrate the myriad of issues with the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders such as governments, practitioners and the community. Recognising the need to develop an informed decision making process, this paper reviews the challenges and issues based on current practice. A review of relevant new knowledge that can improve current practice is also undertaken. Based on these reviews it is identified that a spatially enabled platform can be developed to overcome the aforementioned issues related to disaster management. A preliminary roadmap in which the `stakeholder position' is considered as the vital point of integration is presented. It is anticipated that the roadmap will provide governments with the direction needed for future planning, policy development, implementation and control. Future developmental needs of the platform are also presented.