Modelling the spatial distribution of five natural hazards in the context of the WHO/EMRO Atlas of Disaster Risk as a step towards the reduction of the health impact related to disasters
2007

Mapping Natural Hazards in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): El Morjani Zine El Abidine, Ebener Steeve, Boos John, Abdel Ghaffar Eman, Musani Altaf

Primary Institution: World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean

Hypothesis

Can Geographic Information System (GIS) methods effectively model the spatial distribution of natural hazards to improve disaster management?

Conclusion

The study provides valuable maps that help decision makers enhance their disaster management capacity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Supporting Evidence

  • The Atlas aims to improve disaster preparedness and response in the health sector.
  • It provides a basis for understanding populations' vulnerability to natural hazards.
  • The models developed can be used to refine analytical capabilities for disaster management.

Takeaway

This study created maps showing where natural hazards like floods and earthquakes are likely to happen, helping people prepare better for disasters.

Methodology

The study used Geographic Information System (GIS) methods to analyze and map the spatial distribution of five natural hazards: floods, landslides, wind speed, heat, and seismic hazards.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the reliance on available global datasets, which may not accurately represent local conditions.

Limitations

The study faced limitations due to gaps in data quality and completeness, particularly in historical meteorological data for some countries.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-072X-6-8

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