RAPID DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

AND NEEDS ANALYSIS

(RDANA)
Training Course
MODULE 4:
Methodologies
 Module Objectives
Upon completion of this session,
the participants will be able to:
1. Differentiate primary from secondary
data
2. Explain the methods in gathering and
utilizing data
3. Discuss the guidelines in performing the
different methods of data collection
 Module Objectives
Upon completion of this session,
the participants will be able to:
4. Identify the 7 assessment principles
5. Explain how to analyse data in RDANA
6. Determine the reporting procedures in
RDANA
 Scope

I. Secondary Data
II. Primary Data
III. Seven Assessment Principles
IV. Analysis
V. Reporting
Type of Data
 Type of Data
Secondary and Primary Data

RDANA involves the

collection of secondary and
primary data about disaster
damage that serve as the
bases for deciding
response and relief
activities.

Photo credit: www.clipartpanda.com

Module 4: Methodologies
Assessment Timeline

Module 4: Methodologies
 Type of Data
PRIMARY DATA SECONDARY DATA
Data obtained first hand Existing data which have
by the investigator to been collected by other
help him/her answer people for purposes that
specifically the purpose are not necessarily the
or problem at hand. same with that of the
investigator’s.

Module 4: Methodologies
Type of Data-
Secondary Data
 Secondary Data
What are Secondary Data?

Data collected for a different purpose

(both before and/or after the event)

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Secondary Data
Why use secondary data?
• To form a clearer, more detailed and
up- to-date analysis of the situation at the
local level prior to the crisis
• To support the identification of what and
where the problems might be
• To provide a baseline with which to
compare primary data collection
results.
Reference: ACAPS Summary of Secondary Data
Review and Needs Assessment

Module 4: Methodologies
 Secondary Data
Why use secondary data?
• To identify information gaps and determine
the most appropriate method to access
information
• To design the subsequent primary data
collection phase and identify which sites to
visit

Reference: ACAPS Summary of Secondary Data

Review and Needs Assessment

Module 4: Methodologies
 Secondary Data

What do you
need to know?
Disaster

What are we
looking for?

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
What are the most How many
affected sectors are
and population affected?
groups?
WHAT NEEDS
TO BE DONE?
What is the
Where are the extent of
most disaster- damage and
stricken areas? impact?

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Basic Principles of
Secondary Data Review
1. The more disaggregated the data, the more
useful they are for identifying the most vulnerable
people.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Secondary Data
Basic Principles of
Secondary Data Review
2. Importance of the data vs. the time
needed to find the data
3. Collect only what you know you can use.
4. Provide a clear timeframe for data
collection and identify priorities.
5. Let the data speak to you.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Secondary Data
Secondary Data Sources
• Pre- Disaster
• In- Crisis
• Lessons Learned

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
Pre- Disaster
• Baseline data of the locality
• Information about the vulnerability and
exposure of the locality to hazards
• Sources:
– Government records
– Researches
– DRRM plans, contingency plans and
other development plans

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
In- Crisis
• Gathered in the middle of the actual
emergency situation
• Provide “better coverage” by
reducing “missing” information
• Serve as main source of affected
population figures
• Provide initial indication of problem
areas / sectors / affected groups

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
In- Crisis
Why gather in- crisis secondary data?
• There is limited time and resources to
collect primary data
• To avoid duplication
• To determine the need for primary data
collection
• To provide basis for decision making and
an initial “common operating picture”

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
In- Crisis
Sources:
• Situation Reports
• Media reports (television and radio)
• Minutes of DRRMC meetings
• Phone calls, text messages and emails
• Social media

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
Lessons Learned
Why gather lessons learned?
• To understand risks and opportunities
based on previous similar disaster
experiences
• To provide information on situations and
actions in comparable crises
• To avoid duplication of interventions and
re- inventing the wheel

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
Lessons Learned
Sources:
• Documentation of previous disasters
• Articles about success stories and best
practices
• Government records
• Researches
• Archived DRRM plans, contingency plans,
incident action plans, etc.

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
Reminders
• Not everything is useful or relevant

• Various data may have varying units of

measurements

• Secondary data may be out- dated

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
Assessing Data
• Data integrity / • Plausible according to
usability? local experts?
• Appropriate level? • “Laws of physics”
• Disaggregation? applicable?
• Purpose of the data
• Inconsistencies?
collection?
• Triangulation possible?
• Meta- data available?

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
 Secondary Data
Reliability and Credibility
Reliability–
how much you trust the source

Credibility–
how believable the data are

Module 4: Methodologies
 Reliability of source Credibility of data
A. Completely reliable 1. Confirmed by other sources
B. Usually reliable 2. Probably true
C. Fairly reliable 3. Possibly true
D. Not usually reliable 4. Doubtful
E. Unreliable 5. Improbable
F. Reliability cannot be judged 6. Truth cannot be judged

• Gather all secondary data sources and assign a scale

• Those with scales of C- 3 and above are usually
acceptable as secondary data source.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Secondary Data
Using Secondary Data in RDANA
• Cite the reference of the secondary data
• Classify the data according to:
– Dimensions:
• Geographical area
• Sector
• Date
– Measures:
• Severity ranking
• Reliability and credibility

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
Type of Data-
Primary Data
 Primary Data
What are Primary Data?
Data collected directly from the information
source itself and which have not undergone
analysis before reaching the analytical
phase of the needs assessment.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Why collect Primary Data?
• Gather information not available through
review of secondary data.
• Confirm or refute information provided by
secondary data.
• Provide a qualitative picture of the range of
impacts of the disaster and identify risk
factors.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Why collect Primary Data?
• Identify priority groups and locations
requiring immediate humanitarian
response.
• Ensure that the affected population
participates in identifying priorities.
• Identify key informants and priority sites
for further data collection or monitoring.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Primary Data Collection Methods

• Direct Observation
• Key Informant Interview
• Focus Group Discussions

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Direct Observation
• Used to provide an overall view of the
affected area by observing conditions and
specific features of an affected site from a
range of viewpoints and locations.
• Look, hear, smell

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Direct Observation
Two types:
• Structured Observation
• Unstructured Observation

Module 4: Methodologies
What can you tell from this photo?

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

 Primary Data
Basic Principles of Direct Observation
• Before the actual assessment, data
collectors must be informed of the value of
their observations through pre- field visit
preparation.
• Direct observation starts upon initial entry
into an assessment site, much before an
interview or discussion.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Basic Principles of Direct Observation
• Observe with an open mind.
• Record what was expected and what was
not observed.
• Ask permission when taking photos.
• Cross- check information.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Basic Principles of Direct Observation
• Review the progress of data collection
regularly.
• Discuss observations and initial
conclusions with community leaders at the
end of assessment.
• Debrief team members after the
assessment process.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Key Informant Interview (KII)
An individual with prior
knowledge of the
affected community is
questioned to gather
key information on the
impact of the disaster
and on priority
community needs.
(ACAPS, 2011)

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Key Informant Interview (KII)
• KEY INFORMANT A person
with prior knowledge on the affected
locality who can provide information on
behalf of the community.
• Data from key informants can be
combined and analysed to develop an
understanding of how the disaster affected
the population.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DO:
• Introduce the assessment team and ask
permission to carry out the interview. Build trust
with the KIs, give them time to talk about their
priorities or express grief.
• Ask to take notes or use a PDA to record the
interview. Explain what a PDA is and how it
works.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DO:
• Be sensitive to the time needed to complete the
interview. Be aware that the KI may have
pressing obligations or may have no obligations
and just needs to talk.
• Make sure the data collection instrument has
space for capturing direct observation comments
and notes. Keep the data collection instrument
brief.
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DO:
• Avoid/limit open-ended questions in the data
collection instrument for Phase 2.
• Choose your key informant well. Know the
information gap and identify the KI best able to
find the missing information.
• Choose a limited number of critical topics to
discuss with the KI.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DO:
• Be alert to non- verbal signs and behaviors
which indicate how comfortable the KI is with the
interview. If the KI is uncomfortable with the
questions, do not insist that they answer them.
• Be consistent. Use the same methods in each
community visited. Record data consistently to
ease comparisons and highlight obvious
differences that stand out.
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DO:
• Record access routes, time taken and other
logistical tips to help future plans.
• Give voice to all vulnerable groups, specifically
women, children, older persons, persons with
disabilities and religious and ethnic minorities.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DON’T:
• Waste time talking as a team to one KI (apart
from initial introduction to authorities or other
gatekeepers).
• Substitute direct observation for the KI’s answer
or explanation to a question. Where direct
observation differs from a respondent’s answer,
note this and try to determine potential reasons
why this may be the case.
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DON’T:
• Put the KI in a compromising situation by
conducting an individual interview. Explain to
community observers why the specific KI was
chosen and what topic you want to discuss.
• Interrogate respondents as an extractive
process.
• Create expectations about future humanitarian
support.
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DON’T:
• Monopolize the time of individual interviewees.
Especially during times of crisis, people have
their own priorities.
• Limit information to one KI’s response.
Triangulate by asking other KIs until you are
confident that there is consensus on this point.
• Induce particular answers by helping an
interviewee to respond.
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DON’T:
• Ask questions that may stigmatize people or
endanger them.
• Use people’s names when collecting information.
Ensure the anonymity of the data collected, but
if key protection risks are observed, refer them
confidentially to Protection Cluster colleagues for
appropriate and confidential follow- up.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Do’s and Dont’s for KII
DON’T:
• Prevent KIs from asking you questions at the end
of the interview.
• Let a translator answer a question for the
interviewee or dominate the interview process.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Focus Group Discussion
A collection method wherein people from
similar backgrounds or experiences are
gathered to discuss a specific topic of
interest.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Proper Etiquette during Interviews and FGDs
• Introduce the team respectfully and
properly.
• Ask permission to document or record the
interview.
• Adjust to the level of the informants.
• Do not ask complicated questions.
• Make the conversation natural (avoid
making the Q & A too scripted).

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Proper Etiquette during Interviews and FGDs
• Sympathize with the local situation.
• Do not harass the informants if they have
limited information. Your job is to help them,
not to blame them for lack of information.
• Do not ask multiple questions at the same
time.
• Do not give false promises. Instead, say
“Rest assured, we will be forwarding your
concerns to the EOC for appropriate action.”

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Tips in Primary Data Collection
• Divide the tasks during primary data
collection.
• Assign interviewers who are solely
responsible for conducting interviews.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
Data Collection Tool: INAC

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Data Collection Tool: INAC
• Developed by the European Commission –
Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection
(ECHO)
• Used for gathering data through multi-
sectoral approach.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Data Collection Tool: INAC
Provides the following information:
• Activities to be done prior to the
assessment;
• Four collection means (observation, key
informant interviews, visits to physical
facilities and visits to households) through
suggested questions for the five main
sectors
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
Sectors Covered:

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Photo Credits: Google Images

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Data Collection Tool: INAC
Provides the following information:
• Analysis, actions needed, thresholds and
standards
• After the field visit actions

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Primary Data
Reminders
• Never allow the tool to take over. Adapt
according to the situation.
• You may use other tools as necessary.
• Be cautious with complex questionnaires.
• The interviewees should feel comfortable/
confident to share the primary data
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
Other Assessment Methodologies
Gap Analysis

Reference:
http://www.austrac.gov.au/elearning
_amlctf_programcourse/mod5/modu
le_5_implementing_22.html

Module 4: Methodologies
Other Assessment Methodologies
Triangulation
Media Reports

Interviews Focus Group Discussions

Module 4: Methodologies64
Other Assessment Methodologies
Geospatial Data
• Primary and secondary
data can be supported
by using geospatial
data– captured earth
imagery.
• Geospatial data can be
gathered using drones,
GIS, satellite imagery
and other tools.
Photo credit: www.geospatial-research.com

Module 4: Methodologies
 Module Objectives
Upon completion of this session,
the participants will be able to:
1. Differentiate primary from secondary
data
2. Explain the methods in gathering and
utilizing data
3. Discuss the guidelines in performing the
different methods of data collection
 MODULE 4:
Methodologies- Part 2
 Module Objectives
Upon completion of this session,
the participants will be able to:
4. Identify the 7 assessment principles;
5. Explain how to analyse data in RDANA
6. Determine the reporting procedures in
RDANA
 Scope

I. Secondary Data
II. Primary Data
III. Seven Assessment Principles
IV. Analysis
V. Reporting
Seven Assessment Principles

References:
Hisham Khogali (2013)
ACAPS
ASEAN- ERAT Induction Course
Seven Assessment Principles
1. Purpose changes
2. Inform decision making
3. Flexibility
4. Be prepared
5. Assessment is a process
6. Increasing focus over time
7. Coordinate

Module 4: Methodologies
 Seven Assessment Principles
1. Purpose changes
What do you need to know now?
ss
Assessment
ne

Saving and sustaining lives Restoring

red

livelihoods
pa
focus
Pre

Re establishing essential
services

Phase 0 Phase I Phase II Phase III Phase IV

Time
Module 4: Methodologies
 Seven Assessment Principles
2. Inform decision making
~Day 3 ~Day 15 ~Day 30

Phase I
Disaster Phase II Phase III

Sector
Sector
72hrs 10 days 15 days Sector
Sector /
Sector
reports
reports
reports
cluster
D reports
reports

Priority Rehabilitation
Response and Recovery
Operations Programs

Module 4: Methodologies
 Seven Assessment Principles
3. Flexibility
• Not all disasters are the same
• Type of assessment depends on nature
and scale of disaster
• Flexibility is the key in RDANA
Large- scale disaster
Phase I Phase II Continuing Phase III

Small- scale disaster

Phase I Continuing Phase II, forgotten or back to normality

Module 4: Methodologies
 Seven Assessment Principles
100%
4. Be Prepared!
Primary data
Type of data available

Secondary
data pre-disaster
Phase I Phase II Phase III
Time

A lot of secondary data already exists.

Gather primary data and triangulate.
5. Assessment is a process

Secondary Primary data

data review collection

es ns
i oriti d atio
Pr en
mm
Reco
Gaps

Module 4: Methodologies
 Seven Assessment Principles
6. Increasing focus over time
Depth of information

Community
level Individual
level

Household
level

Phase I Phase II Phase III

Time and Cost
“Generalizability”
Sampling
Representative sampling

Purposive sampling

Reference: 3rd ASEAN

ERAT Induction Course
Convenience sampling

Phase I Phase II Phase III

Time and Cost
Module 4: Methodologies
Participatory focused tools Data Gathering Methods

Individuals Survey

Households Survey

Focus Groups discussions

Key Informants interviews

Direct observations
Secondary data review
Phase I Phase II Phase III
Time and Cost
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course
Seven Assessment Principles
7. Coordinate
Uncoordinated
 Multiple assessments
 Multiple methodology – datasets not ‘interoperable’
 Multiple reports
Increasing Coordination

Harmonised
 Multiple assessments + common key indicators
 Single methodology – data comparable
 Single or multiple reports from joint/shared analysis

Joint (common)
 Single assessment form / data collection process
 Single methodology and analysis process
 Single report

Module 4: Methodologies
Seven Assessment Principles
Remember:
Assessment is a process
that starts with Preparedness.

Secondary data are useful.

Assessments should:
inform decision making ,
be coordinated ,
involve joint analysis, and
contribute to a shared understanding of
the operational picture

Module 4: Methodologies
Phases I and II assessments are tugs of war:
Hurry up! We
No! Wait! need to produce
We need more a report...
information...

WHAT
NEXT?

Module 4: Methodologies
Analysis
 Analysis

“The process and skill of

interpreting ‘raw‘ data to Data
identify significant facts, Data

trends and anomalies in Data

order to inform decision
making.”

Trends, Patterns,
Facts

Module 4: Methodologies
 Analysis
Capacity and Vulnerability Flowchart

Module 4: Methodologies
 Analysis
Remember:
• Data have to be analyzed and
interpreted quickly and
thoroughly.
• Cross- check and compare
reports against actual baseline
data for validity.
• Differentiate and classify the
needs according to sectors.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Analysis
Remember:
• Avoid interpretation that does not
prescribe concrete actions.
• Detect and recognize trends
and indicators of problems.
• Estimate how the situation
might develop in the future.

Module 4: Methodologies
 Analysis
Analysis Methods- Deduction

Reference: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/dedind.php

Module 4: Methodologies
 Analysis
Analysis Methods- Induction

Module 4: Methodologies
Reference: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/dedind.php
 Analysis
Analysis Methods- Problem Tree

Reference: http://www.brac.net/beyond-boundaries/content/activity-building-problem-tree

Module 4: Methodologies
Reporting
 Reporting

• Consolidate and analyse the data

gathered by the team.
• Prepare the final RDANA report
incorporating all findings of the members.
• Report back to the EOC with your filled
RDANA form.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Reporting
RDANA Form

Module 4: Methodologies
 Reporting
What to report to the EOC
1. Summary of activities (sites visited with
photos)
2. Damage assessment findings
3. Needs analysis finding
4. Recommendations
- Priorities for response
- Need for conduct of another RDANA
- Need for detailed cluster/sectoral
assessment
5. Other Matters
Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Reporting
Documents to turn over
1. Accomplished RDANA form
2. Site photos
3. Other data / references / materials
gathered at the ground
4. Administrative documents, e.g.
summary of expenses by the team,
receipts, etc.

Reference: 3rd ASEAN ERAT Induction Course

Module 4: Methodologies
 Reporting
Tips in Writing the Assessment Report
• Think about what is needed — what will
make your assessment most useful to
them
• Give a brief over- all picture first, followed
by the details
• Use accepted terms and standards
(refer to Sphere standards);

Module 4: Methodologies
 Reporting
Tips in Writing the Assessment Report
• Identify the most reliable/accessible
information sources (in footnotes);
• Think about the affected population—
what are their priority needs
• Highlight the constraints on the response;
• Be clear about assumptions

Module 4: Methodologies
 Module Objectives
Upon completion of this session,
the participants will be able to:
4. Identify the 7 assessment principles;
5. Explain how to analyse data in RDANA
6. Determine the reporting procedures in
RDANA
Questions?
“When crisis, strife and misery are at
their worst, we need to know what is
needed to start saving lives and help
people help themselves.”

- Jan Egeland
Secretary General
Norwegian Refugee Council
References:
• ACAPS. (2011, June). Summary: Secondary data review and
needs assessment. Rugby, UK: The Assessment Capacities
Project (ACAPS).

• ACAPS. (2011, October). Technical Brief: Direct Observation

and Key Informant Interview Techniques for Primary Data
Collection During Rapid Assessments. Rugby: The
Assessment Capacities Project (ACAPS).

• ACAPS. (2014). Humanitarian Needs Assessment: The Good

Enough Guide. Rugby, UK: The Assessment Capacities
Project (ACAPS), Emergency Capacity Building Project (ECB)
and Practical Action Publishing.
References:
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (2008).
Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis
Manual. The Association of Southeast Asian
Nations.

• International Federation of the Red Cross and Red

Crescent Societies. (2000). Disaster Emergency
Needs Assessment: Disaster Preparedness Training
Programme. International Federation of the Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies.