Integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into disaster management: a case of Kwazulu-Natal Human Settlements in response to October 2017 storm damage

Abstract

Geographic Information System (GIS) has been used internationally as the support system to better respond to disasters. Since South Africa is not immune to disasters the intention of the study was to establish whether GIS services are integrated into disaster management in KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements (KZN DHS) focusing on response to the October 2017 storm disaster experienced by the province. As the basis of the discussions in the study literature review was used to contextualise the study and to identify trends in the integration of GIS into disaster responses. A combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods was considered for data collection and analysis. The results were presented in a tabular and graphical format to display the frequency of responses. The study revealed the existence of Disaster Management and GIS units in KZN DHS but limited interaction amongst the officials. More participants supported the notion of integration of GIS into disaster management in general in order to respond efficiently to disasters.