Alert and warning frameworks in the context of early warning systems: a comparative review

ISBN/ISSN: 9783939923978
Author(s): Villagrán de León, J. C.; Pruessner, I.; Breedlove, H.
Number of pages: 86 p.

This UNU-EHS InterSections underlines the need to access the topic of early warning from different viewpoints as a way to provide policy relevant advice concerning early warning systems to Member States, and to contribute to the efforts of the United Nations in addressing international cooperation and development of generally applicable standards. This essay complements other UNU-EHS early warning system-related publications and articles. It aims to offer options and suggestions to those involved in the design and routine operation of such systems.

It considers: (i) early warning frameworks for hydro-meteorological hazards, including severe weather in general, tropical cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons, severe thunderstorms, floods, winter storms/extreme cold, extreme heat, tornadoes, droughts and food insecurity; (ii) early warning frameworks in the case of geological hazards and dam failure, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis, landslides and snow avalanches; (iii) early warning frameworks in the case of dam break; (iv) early warning frameworks in the case of biological hazards, with influenza and locust swarms; and (v) early warning frameworks with a multi-hazard approach.