Introduction
The UN report that extreme weather and climate events are projected to increase over decades. Scientists warn that the frequency of cyclones and heavy storms, on the one hand, and the intensity of droughts and wildfires, on the other hand, will likely increase globally. Furthermore, the power of weather- and climate-related disasters will also increase economic losses that affect the poor and marginalized communities. Therefore, there is a need to understand the spatial and inter-annual variability of natural disasters and the population’s exposure to disaster risk. For example, information on the spatial extent of an event and the degree of destruction is critical in supporting emergency response, recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
Global and National Guidelines to Disaster Risk Management (DRM)
Currently, African countries face insurmountable disaster and climate risk challenges. These challenges require increased international cooperation and adequate support to vulnerable African countries. The assistance would allow for cost-effective disaster risk management (DRM) systems. These systems can reduce the loss of life and damage to property from disasters through cost-effective mitigation, preparedness, prevention, and early warning activities.
The “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030)” provides global and national disaster risk reduction guidelines. In 2015, the international community signed the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction” in Sendai, Japan. The international community agreed on seven global targets and 38 quantifiable indicators to measure global progress in implementing the Sendai framework. Participatory countries can implement the Sendai framework along with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the New Urban Agenda.
Monitoring the implementation and achievement of a target requires various data and information, which must be consistent and comparable in time and space. However, there is a lack of reliable data such as base maps in most African countries. In some cases, data collection protocols for disaster risk management vary significantly within government ministries and departments. In addition, a lack of financial, technical, and human resources impedes progress in monitoring and achieving the Sendai framework targets. Therefore, countries can use Earth observation (EO) systems and geospatial data to support the progress in fulfilling Sendai framework targets. EO systems provide timely and cost-effective data to monitor the Sendai framework targets consistently and regularly.
EO Data and Cloud Computing
Scientists use EO data to strengthen disaster risk mapping, monitoring, modeling, and developing multi-hazard early warning systems. However, the EO datasets are massive in quantity and come from different sources, making processing complex. Recent advancements in cloud computing and artificial intelligence offer processing capabilities and free access to many EO data. Scientists use cloud computing platforms, including the Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Microsoft’s Planetary Computer, to process and analyze EO data for disaster risk management at the national, regional, or global scale.