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Assessment of the adequacy of mobile applications for disaster reduction

Author

Listed:
  • Lucía Navarro de Corcuera

    (Arcoíris NGO, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid)

  • María del Mar Barbero-Barrera

    (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid)

  • Ana Campos Hidalgo

    (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid)

  • Jorge Recio Martínez

    (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain))

Abstract

Natural events continue to take a heavy toll on human lives. Added to this are the challenge of dynamic at-risk settings, uncertainty, and increasing threats, which demand holistic, flexible, and quickly adaptable solutions. In this context, mobile applications are strongly emerging as communication tools that can assist in disaster reduction. Yet, these have not been sufficiently evaluated. In view of this, the aim of this research is to evaluate the adequacy of mobile applications in disaster risk reduction in reference to some of the deadliest natural events. To this purpose, a two-part methodology is developed. Firstly, a random sample of applications is evaluated and contrasted with the literature. Secondly, the viability of mobile applications is determined based on the Digital Application Potential Index proposed by the authors, cross-referenced in Geographical Information Systems with the WorldRiskIndex. The results show that most mobile applications limit their coverage range to only one stage of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and one type of hazard event, failing to address systemic risk and hampering the scale-up of humanitarian response. For these to become adequate and wide-reaching, strong policies to promote reliability, transparency, and citizen empowerment would be required. The policies establishing the use of mobile applications as a viable tool for DRM must consider reducing the prices of internet connectivity while increasing educational levels, on top of language translation. At this point, the adoption of mobile applications is unable to ensure DRM communication, especially in countries with higher-risk levels, requiring these to be complemented with auxiliary tools. Graphic abstract

Suggested Citation

  • Lucía Navarro de Corcuera & María del Mar Barbero-Barrera & Ana Campos Hidalgo & Jorge Recio Martínez, 2022. "Assessment of the adequacy of mobile applications for disaster reduction," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(5), pages 6197-6223, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:24:y:2022:i:5:d:10.1007_s10668-021-01697-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01697-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Bank & United Nations, 2010. "Natural Hazards, UnNatural Disasters : The Economics of Effective Prevention," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 2512.
    2. Enrica Verrucci & Gabriela Perez-Fuentes & Tiziana Rossetto & Luke Bisby & Muki Haklay & David Rush & Patrick Rickles & Gretchen Fagg & Helene Joffe, 2016. "Digital engagement methods for earthquake and fire preparedness: a review," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 83(3), pages 1583-1604, September.
    3. Makrina Karagkiozidou & Christos Ziakis & Maro Vlachopoulou & Theodosios Kyrkoudis, 2019. "App Store Optimization Factors for Effective Mobile App Ranking," Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, in: Androniki Kavoura & Efstathios Kefallonitis & Apostolos Giovanis (ed.), Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism, pages 479-486, Springer.
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