Integrated framework for early warning system in UAE

Alhmoudi, A; Aziz, ZUH

Abstract

Purpose - The impacts and costs of natural disasters on people, properties and environment is
often severe when they occur on a large scale and with no warning system in place. The lack
of deployment of early warning system, low risk and
hazard knowledge and impact of natural
hazard experienced in some communities in the UAE h
ave emphasised the need for more
effective early warning systems. This work focuses
on developing an integrated framework
for early warning systems for communities prone to
the impact of natural hazards, in order to
reduce their vulnerability and improve emergency ma
nagement arrangements in the UAE.
Approach - The essential elements of effective Early Warning System (EWS) were identified through literature review to develop an integrated framework for EWS. Semi-
structured interviews and questionnaires were also
used to identify and confirm hindering factors to deployment of effective early warning systems in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah Emirates, while areas that require further development were also identified through this
means.

Findings and value - The outcome of this research revealed that the warning for natural hazards in the UAE lacked the required elements for effective early warning system, while the elements which are present are insufficient to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards. The information in this work emphasises the need to improve two elements, and to develop the other two essential elements of early warning system in the UAE.

Citation

Alhmoudi, A., & Aziz, Z. (2016). Integrated framework for early warning system in UAE. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 7(4), 361-373. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-08-2015-0040

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 10, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Sep 5, 2016
• Publication Date: Sep 5, 2016
• Deposit Date: Apr 4, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 7, 2017
• Journal: International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment
• Print ISSN: 1759-5908
• Publisher: Emerald
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 361-373
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-08-2015-0040
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-08-2015-0040
• Related Public URLs: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/loi/ijdrbe