95 Copyright © 2010, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Chapter 7 Effcient Deployment of ICT Tools in Disaster Management Process Aysu Sagun Anglia Ruskin University, UK inTroduCTion Millions of people suffer from natural or man- induced disasters around the world. As unex- pected and sudden events, disasters make serious impacts on people, causing death and damage to the built and the natural environment. There is a significant need to focus on mitigation of disasters because the increase in population and built assets make the needs and requirements of the response and relief activities more expen- sive and complex (Oberoi and Thakur, 2005). Mitigation refers to those activities conducted to decrease the vulnerability of society by reducing the residual destructive effects of disasters. This can be achieved by a systematic disaster man- agement approach that uses sufficient resources and technologies at preparedness, response and recovery stages. Disaster management is a cyclic and collaborative process in which the gathering, organization and dissemination of information and data are critical. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a vital role in management and mitigation of disasters by supporting data aBsTraCT This chapter will emphasize that effcient integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in disaster management process can help mitigation of impacts of disasters on people and the environment, minimizing the failures and maximizing the collaboration. It summarizes the nature of information fow and management processes during disasters and the potential of recent ICT at three stages of disaster management. The requirements and problems faced during their deployment at dif- ferent stages of disaster management process are stated. The solutions for common constraints are discussed as well as the critical factors that should be considered in effcient deployment of ICT in the disaster management process. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-987-3.ch007