Multi-hazard Early Warning System Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS)

This report presents the updates and describes the Multi-Hazard and Early Warning System component (MHEWS) of the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS). GDACS is made of three major components, of which the EC Joint Research Centre is the main contributor for the MHEWS component. This report focusses on the methodology underpinning the GDACS score employed across the seven hazards covered by the MHEWS.

For all of them, the potential for triggering international humanitarian assistance is the key criteria upon which all events are evaluated. To do so, the magnitude/intensity of the natural phenomenon are combined and evaluated against the number of exposed people and the coping capacity or vulnerability of the country/region affected. The MHEWS interface and functionalities are presented concisely, as website components are under constant development.