Disaster management and geospatial data in Cuba (FIGURES)

Abstract

This chapter aims to locate the research in the appropriate context of Cuba. Two main components where selected: the context of disaster risk reduction and management and the context of available geospatial data in Cuba. As demonstrated in the case study chapters, these are two determinant components for defining landslide risk assessment methods. As practical examples, the disaster database and housing inventory of the Guantánamo province were presented. Despite the well recognized success of the Civil Defence system in Cuba, economic losses continue to affect the whole country. One of the latest developments of the Civil Defence is the implementation of multi-hazard risk assessment for all municipalities in order to improve disaster risk reduction plans. These assessments are carried out progressively by hazard and following specific principles. As explained key factors are involve in the success of civil defence in Cuba. Besides these factors it is demonstrated by its evolution that civil defence system in the country is a long term process continuously improved by adaptations and enhancements. In addition, the vulnerability side of the risk equation has been reduced many years ago by social and infrastructural investments. The context of geospatial data is vital for risk assessment. As data creation is very expensive and sometimes unaffordable, most risk assessment models must be based on existing data – where any existing data providers are crucial. In Cuba, there already is data useful for spatial landslide risk assessment although major problems arise with accessibility, format and quality of the data. However, the situation is gradually improving by two main forces: the improvement of the data infrastructure and the organization from the national level of multi-hazard risk assessment.