Constructing the Assessment Framework for Local Disaster Management Capability

Due to the increased magnitude and frequency of extreme climate events, increased population density and land-use intensity, disaster impact that humans need to face in the future can be foreseen as more severe and complicated.  Disaster risk is typically conceptualized as a composite function influenced by numerous natural and socio-economic factors.  Coping capability is a key factor that influences not only the society’s acceptance to disaster risk but also its potential to take related measures.  It is important for a society (especially those vulnerable communities at local levels) to prepare itself so it is capable of responding these natural, technological, and emergent threats more effectively.  While there have been numerous studies and practices on assessing social vulnerability, few studies are emphasized on assessing a system’s ability to manage disastrous incidents.  Hence, one worthwhile inquiry is to explore the characterization and measurement of disaster management capability at local levels.

     The ultimate goal of this study is to develop an assessment framework that is both comprehensive and feasible in the area of disaster management.  The paper first reviews and analyzes the capability assessment systems carried out in the United States, New Zealand, and Japan.  We then modify the US national preparedness system (e.g., core preparedness capability) and develop a framework based on Taiwan’s experiences in disaster management.  The resultant assessment framework is constructed with a matrix of 19 disaster tasks (e.g., risk assessment, evacuation, and housing) and 11 capability elements (e.g., planning, science and technology, and social capital).  It assesses whether a local society has the required institutional mechanisms and resources to execute these tasks in three disaster management missions (i.e., prevention and mitigation, response, and recovery).  The result of this capability assessment framework is expected to be applied further in disaster risk assessment and capacity building program.