Better data to face natural disasters

By: Cristina Gallardo

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<h1>Better data to face natural disasters</h1>
<h4>By: Cristina Gallardo</h4>
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<p>Collecting more accurate and comprehensive <a href="https://www.scidev.net/enterprise/data/">data</a> on <a href="https://www.scidev.net/environment/disasters/">disaster</a> risk can improve countries’ readiness for natural hazards, a panel of experts agreed in a debate held this month (14 February) at the Royal Society in London, United Kingdom.<br />
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The scientists discussed the importance of building strong national databases in <a href="https://www.scidev.net/governance/vulnerability/">vulnerable countries</a>, starting from research on the ground. This may include surveying local communities and introducing satellite-positioning <a href="https://www.scidev.net/enterprise/technology/">technologies</a>. Experts also called for better training for NGO practitioners, to enable more systematic and scientifically robust data collection.</p>

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<p>This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.scidev.net" target="_blank">SciDev.Net</a>. Read the <a href="https://www.scidev.net/global/multimedia/better-data-to-face-natural-disasters/" target="_blank">original article</a>.</p>
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Collecting more accurate and comprehensive data on disaster risk can improve countries’ readiness for natural hazards, a panel of experts agreed in a debate held this month (14 February) at the Royal Society in London, United Kingdom.

The scientists discussed the importance of building strong national databases in vulnerable countries, starting from research on the ground. This may include surveying local communities and introducing satellite-positioning technologies. Experts also called for better training for NGO practitioners, to enable more systematic and scientifically robust data collection.