The Yew Disaster Severity Index: A New Tool in Disaster Metrics

Abstract

ObjectivesThe Richter Scale measures the magnitude of a seismic occurrence, but it does not feasibly quantify the magnitude of the “disaster” at the point of impact in real humanitarian needs, based on United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR; Geneva, Switzerland) 2009 Disaster Terminology. A Disaster Severity Index (DSI) similar to the Richter Scale and the Mercalli Scale has been formulated; this will quantify needs, holistically and objectively, in the hands of any stakeholders and even across timelines.BackgroundAn agreed terminology in quantifying “disaster” matters; inconsistency in measuring it by stakeholders posed a challenge globally in formulating legislation and policies responding to it.MethodsA quantitative, mathematical calculation which uses the median score percentage of 100% as a baseline, indicating the ability to cope within the local capacity, was used. Seventeen indicators were selected based on the UNISDR 2009 disaster definition of vulnerability and exposure and holistic approach as a pre-condition. The severity of the disaster is defined as the level of unmet needs. Thirty natural disasters were tested, retrospectively, and non-parametric tests were used to test the correlation of the DSI score against the indicators.ResultsThe findings showed that 20 out of 30 natural disasters tested fulfilled the inability to cope, within local capacity in disaster terminology. Non-parametric tests showed that there was a correlation between the 30 DSI scored and the indicators.ConclusionBy computing a median fit percentage score of 100% as the ability to cope, and the correlation of the 17 indicators, in this DSI Scale, 20 natural disasters fitted into the disaster definition. This DSI will enable humanitarian stakeholders to measure and compare the severity of the disaster objectively, as well as enable future response to be based on needs.YewYY, Castro DelgadoR, HeslopDJ, Arcos GonzálezP. The Yew Disaster Severity Index: a new tool in disaster metrics. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(1):8–19.

Real-Time Impact Analysis and Response using a New Disaster Metrics: 2018 Sulawesi (Indonesia) Earthquake and Tsunami

“…The aim of this report is to analyze the real-time humanitarian impact needs and response to the 2018 earthquake and tsunami at Donggala and Palu, Sulawesi in Indonesia, using the new disaster metrics 12,13 titled the "YEW Disaster Severity Index" (DSI). As a benchmark in disaster response, the index is a comparison to be made with real-time relevant authorities' response and humanitarian impact needs, based on the disaster metrics scoring.…”

“…The new disaster metrics 12,13 tool, YEW DSI, was developed to estimate the humanitarian impact using a quantitative method in forming a full picture by integrating magnitude and intensities of a disaster. It uses a median score of three for 17 vulnerability and exposure indicators, median score percentage 100%, and medium YEW DSI scoring of four to five as baseline, indicating the ability to cope within local capacity.…”

“…Donggala Impact Analysis (Table 1) At Donggala, the earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter Scale [14][15][16] and VII on the Modified Mercalli Intensities, [14][15][16] as well as the tsunami reported at the area. The humanitarian impact calculated within 12 hours of the incident scored a High Index of 7.4 on the YEW DSI, 12,13 based on its scoring criteria from Figure 1. The 11 out of the total 17 vulnerability and exposure indicators that scored more than three, or a median score percentage of 100%, the baseline coping capacity, 12,13 were: topography, radius from the impact site, accessibility to the impact site, main source of economy at the impact site, public infrastructure, communication, type of country, water and sanitation hygiene, governance (corruption perception index), shelter, and health care capacity.…”

Predicting the Unpredictable – Harder than Expected

“…14,18,[23][24][25][26] Many indexes require detailed information on the post-hazard situation, which makes them difficult to use for rapid needs-based funding decisions. [27][28][29] In addition, indexes have rarely been validated against the scale of disaster needs after earthquakes and other sudden-onset events. 11,30 Hence, there is a need for a composite index based on indicators that are available in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake and that have been shown to predict the scale of needs to enable swift needs-based funding decisions.…”

Disaster risk governance in Iran: Document analysis

“…[1] A disaster is an occurrence disrupting the normal conditions and causing a level of suffering of existence that exceeds the capacity of adjustment of the affected community. [12] Disaster risk reduction, the conceptual framework of elements considered with the possibilities to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society. [34]…”