Disaster Risk Management (DRM) is a set of processes to lessen the impacts of disasters on society. This process involves the development of policies, strategies and capacities, among other activities, to assess, prepare for and reduce disaster risks, before a disaster strikes.

This Primer is designed to promote a framework for matching available technology with DRM processes. It provides examples of a range of information and communication technology (ICT) applications already implemented in Asia and the Pacific as well as the rest of the world. These examples will be presented as case studies on how ICTs are being used in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and relief, as well as recovery and reconstruction.