By: Perlyn Pulhin

MANILA, Philippines – The Disaster Risk Estimation and Analysis with Leontief-based Models (Disaster-REALM) will be launched at the 3^rd National Climate Conference: Climate-related Risks and Disasters on25 September 2014 at Traders Hotel, Manila following its soft launch last 12 August 2014.

Disaster-REALM can provide a science-based estimation of the impact of various disaster scenarios on economic productivity in terms of economic losses and sector inoperabilities. This decision support tool was developed by Dr. Krista Yu, Dr. Kathleen Aviso and Dr. Michael Promentilla of De La Salle University (DLSU) and Dr. Joost Santos of The George Washington University, USA. The model development was partially funded by the Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation Inc. (OML Center) through its Research Grant initiative under the project “Development of a Methodology for Calibrating Inoperability Input-Output Models (IIM).”

According to the Project Team Leader and DLSU Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation., Prof. Raymond Tan, the web-based tool can calculate the ripple effects of disasters using the modelling framework developed at the University of Virginia, USA. Disaster-REALM can provide a front-end graphical user interface module that will enable analysts and policy-makers to specify the disaster scenario simulation parameters. Results of the simulations are linked to a visualization module that shows the course of economic losses and inoperability.

These results can provide basis for strategic policy-making on resource allocation and prioritization. Decisions can be guided by the enhanced capability of policy-makers and local government units to evaluate the costs and benefits associated with adaptation and mitigation policies.

To access the tool and contact the project team, visit www.disaster-realm.net