Extending the Technology-Community-Management model to disaster recovery: Assessing vulnerability in rural Asia

The recent increase in natural disasters has a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of the poor in Asia. The spread of information communication technologies (ICTs) in this regions rural areas suggests the potential of technologies to enhance recovery efforts. While many ICT initiatives have been implemented to aid disaster management, from providing early warning to immediate relief, there exists a gap in the theoretical understanding of the role of technologies in disaster recovery and rehabilitation. We propose a conceptual framework for understanding the implementation of ICTs in recovery operations, drawing attention to vulnerability reducing potential of the initiatives. We review theories on ICT use in disaster management, and propose the Extended Technology-Community-Management model focusing on vulnerability assessment for the design and implementation of ICT programs for development in rural areas. We illustrate this model using case studies from ICT deployments in post-disaster Asia, particularly India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and China, and suggest implications for theory and practice.