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GDACS Data

Overview

The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) is a cooperation framework between the United Nations and the European Commission that provides real-time alerts about natural disasters and tools to facilitate response coordination. It serves as a comprehensive multi-hazard disaster monitoring and alert system.

Data Specifications

  • Provider: Copernicus Emergency Management Service in partnership with UN OCHA
  • Frequency: Event-based, near real-time updates
  • Data Latency: Real-time to 2-4 days post-event (depending on event type)
  • Data Type: Multi-hazard event data and impact assessments
  • Temporal Coverage: 2003 to present
  • Data Format: XML, GeoJSON, KML, CAP (Common Alerting Protocol)
  • Coverage: Global

Variables

Onboarded Variables

The following multi-hazard event parameters are currently implemented in Riskwolf's data processing pipeline:

Variable Units Description
Tropical storm events events Real-time tropical cyclone detection and tracking
Earthquake events events Earthquake occurrence and basic impact assessment
Flood events events Flood detection and extent monitoring
Wildfire events events Active wildfire detection and perimeter tracking
Drought events events Drought condition monitoring and alerts
Volcanic eruption events events Volcanic activity detection and alerts

Available Variables

Additional multi-hazard parameters that can be onboarded from GDACS:

  • Tropical cyclone intensity measurements (wind speed, central pressure)
  • Earthquake magnitude, depth, and detailed impact estimates
  • Flood extent mapping with severity classification
  • Tsunami wave height modeling and arrival time predictions
  • Population exposure analysis for all hazard types
  • Economic impact assessments and loss estimates
  • Event risk scores and alert levels (green, orange, red classification)
  • Infrastructure exposure and vulnerability analysis
  • Multi-hazard interaction and cascading risk assessments
  • Historical event databases and statistical analysis

Key Features

  • Automated impact analysis based on hazard data and population/infrastructure exposure
  • Multi-hazard monitoring system with standardized alerting protocols
  • Integration with satellite-based emergency mapping
  • Virtual OSOCC (On-Site Operations Coordination Centre) for information exchange
  • Near real-time event detection and continuous monitoring

Use in Parametric Insurance

GDACS data is valuable for:

  • Multi-peril parametric insurance products
  • Early warning triggers for contingent payouts
  • Rapid assessment of disaster impacts
  • Validation of other event data sources
  • Event definition and classification standards
  • Population exposure analysis for portfolio management

Data Access

The data is freely accessible through the GDACS website, API services, and RSS feeds for real-time alerting.

Official Source: GDACS Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Link verified: ✅ Active (HTTP 200) - Last checked: 2025-09-24