Disaster loss data: Raising the standard

This white paper describes standard framework and protocols for loss data collection systems that offer enhanced and accurate risk assessments. The paper also discusses identification of indicators in disaster loss estimation, outlining standards, and designing data collection and assessment procedures. This white paper uses New Zealand as an example of the development of standardised loss data collection systems.

The UN Sendai Framework has four goals and seven targets covering global, national and local level disaster risk reduction. The UN General Assembly (Resolution A/71/644, 2 February, 2017) defined 38 indicators for monitoring the targets of the Sendai framework, on which participating countries are required to report. Risk knowledge is vital in developing robust, effective policies and practices for disaster risk management. Consequently the Sendai Framework adopted ‘Understanding disaster risk’ as its first priority for action. Disaster loss data is fundamental for accurate risk assessments and can be critical in providing a baseline for the calibration and validation of results using verifiable information. The UN endorsement of the Sendai framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 reinforces the amassing of disaster loss data in a useable format as increasingly vital.

National disaster loss databases are also crucial to producing and acting upon risk information that, in turn, advances appropriate policy making and risk governance. They also serve as basic mechanisms for reporting on the Sendai Framework targets. Data collection is pivotal to the comprehensive assessment of disaster impacts. Risk interpretation, with standardized loss data, can also provide loss.