Disaster management is crucial for human security and is typically divided into different stages such as disaster response or preparedness. Preparedness contains different measures that can be undertaken to reduce the effects of a disaster, which then results in less loss of human life or goods (IFRC). A lack of preparedness is addressed as one of the major factors that have an impact on the human security, especially in developing countries. Similarly, preventive measures are seen as a key for general enhancement (c.f. Cees J. Van Westen). Focusing often on disaster response, the use of Earth observation data in risk assessments, contingency planning and disaster preparedness is often not highlighted. Since there is a big potential for the usage of EO data for disaster preparedness (c.f. Bala, Tom & Shinde) and the use of volunteered geographic information from, for example, OpenStreetMap (Pasi et. al), further developments have been created.
Taking now action for better tools and methods during this phase of the disaster management cycle is broadly encouraged as the effectiveness of preventive actions has been proven. Using QGIS and open extensions for contingency planning creates freely accessible outcomes for both national and local communities, supporting their disaster preparedness. The InaSAFE plug-in for QGIS, which has been developed by the World Bank and the Australian and Indonesian Governments, provides assistance to stakeholders in conducting disaster risk reduction processes by creating impact mitigation scenario maps (Akrimullah et.al.). Combining different datasets, a reliable scenario is created, which can then be used as a basis for further measures such as contingency planning for shelter and food, as it provided estimates of the amount of displaced people in certain administrative areas and of the potential need for relief goods.
Figure 1: Identification of infrastructure at risk using the InaSAFE plug-in for QGIS.
