Integration of a Technological Tool in an Early Warning System within its Social Context: A Case Study from Durazno, Uruguay

Sammanfattning: A disaster is not just natural but largely of social and political origin. To be effective, an early warning system must therefore be viewed as a social process with a strong focus on the people at risk. This contrasts with the conventional view on an early warning system that it is a pure engineering and technological solution, following a linear chain from observation to dissemination of warning. Technology is an important enabling factor for successful disaster risk, and rather than neglecting the technological aspect of an EWS, it should be embraced within its social context. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the integration of a technological tool in an EWS within its social context through a case study of a flood EWS in Durazno in Uruguay. The study is approached from the perspective of the authorities and scientific developers of a technological decision-making tool at the center of the EWS. The study finds that the decision-making process regarding emergency planning for floods has improved significantly with the technological tool in terms of time to plan response and increased trust of the people in the authorities. The tool plays a significant role in the decision-making process regarding evacuation, and is always used due to the authorities’ high level of trust in the tool. Although, the term ‘EWS’ generally is perceived to only include the technological aspect of the EWS, the study finds that the technological tool to some degree is embedded in its social context. It is, however, only to a limited degree, and the social aspects of the EWS need to be further developed to make it a true effective EWS.