ENHANCING DISASTER RESILIENCE OF PACIFIC ISLANDS THROUGH INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)

Abstract

Recent disaster management (DM) practices have demonstrated that the impacts of disasters can be minimized by purposeful planning, integrating and utilizing Information Communication Technologies (ICT) at all phases of the DM cycle (ITU, 2003; UNISDR, 2015). The use of ICT can help to collect accurate data, produce information to support operations and make better decisions for an overall effective disaster management system (DMS). It has long been recognized by Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICT) that ICT is a tool for regional development to support economic growth, education, health and disaster management, but they also recognize the need for ICT to have a complete life cycle designed for sustainability within the Pacific Region (ASTBS, 2021). Regional and territorial investments in ICT for disaster management (ICT4DM) have had varying results in sustainable implementation, integration and effectiveness (UNESCAP, 2020). This research explored successes and challenges in integrating ICT for disaster management (ICT4DM) in PICT focusing on: (1) institutional, (2) cultural (3) technical, and (4) political capacity gaps based on two case studies, the 2009 Tsunami in American Samoa (2009 TAS) and the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Eruption and Tsunami (2022 HTHH). This research study is organized in three parts: Part 1: Where we've been – Case Studies – 2009 TAS and 2022 HTHH; Part 2: Where we are: US Deployed ICT4DM in the Pacific via the Pacific through Radio and Internet for the dissemination of hydro-meteorological and hydrological information (RANET Network) and; Part 3: Where we're heading: Capacity Gaps, Elements of Resilience and Lessons Learned. The objectives of this research are: (1) To inventory US deployed ICT4DM in the Pacific through the RANET Network 2006-2022; (2) To identify cultural, institutional, political and technical factors influence the use and implementation of ICT in disaster management; and (3) To establish what challenges and opportunities for the planning and ICT4DM.