Figure 1. The four components of people-centred EWS

Figure 1. The four components of people-centred EWS (Source: WMO, 2018)

Section A of the survey evaluated the state of disaster risk knowledge in terms of the: (1) identification of key hazards and related threats; (2) identification of exposure, vulnerability, capacities and risks; (3) identification of roles and responsibilities of stakeholders; (4) consolidation of risk information and (5) incorporation of risk information into EWS. Essentially, this section investigated whether a systematic collection, analysis and revision of data regarding hazards, vulnerabilities and exposure was in place and whether the capacity to cope was evaluated.

Section B of the survey appraised the monitoring and forecasting capabilities in terms of the: (1) availability of monitoring systems; (2) forecasting and warning services; (3) institutional mechanisms. This section examined the availability of warning services with a sound scientific basis, reliable technology, qualified personnel and continued operability.

Section C of the survey assessed the warning dissemination and communication in terms of its: (1) roles, functions, organization and decision making processes; (2) communication systems and equipment and (3) impact-based EW4. This section analysed the existence of operating procedures to coordinate different levels (e.g. national to local), verify, maintain and ensure the redundancy of equipment and trigger appropriate reactions to the warnings.

Section D evaluated preparedness and response capabilities in terms of (1) existence and effectiveness of disaster response plans and (2) public awareness and education campaigns. This section investigated how the warnings reach last-mile operators and citizens and if awareness campaigns target different sectors of civil society.

A score from 0 to 3 was assigned by the assessor to each response, according to the information collected through the survey. The following scoring was applied:

4 WMO, 2015.