PLS 308 Damage, Loss and Needs Assessment (DaLA): Self-paced Course

Welcome to PLS 308: Damage, Loss and Needs Assessment (DaLA): Self-paced Course.  

The course is developed for professionals interested in post-disaster damage, loss, and reconstruction needs assessment using DaLA methodology. The eight modules course reviews the conceptual framework of DaLA as well as the practical aspects of conducting an assessment.   Following the introduction part, the course reviews the generic assessment process, identifies criteria for defining affected population, and describes how to quantify the damages and losses for various sectors.  Each module is followed by a brief quiz with multiple choice questions.   The course also includes case studies to illustrate the DaLA process in action.  And finally, the course incorporates a page with links to references and resources.   

Once participants have completed the course, they will be able to:

  • Describe the characteristics of disaster-related damages and losses, and how these effects can be  addressed during the post-disaster recovery program;   
  • Explain the post-disaster damage, loss and needs assessment process and the typical issues to be reflected on during an assessment; and  
  • Consider the general and specific issues related to damage, loss, and needs assessment within specific sectors. 

This course presents the DaLa methodology through the following modules:

Module 1: Overview of the DaLa Methodology – defines the types of damages and losses, the ways to quantify them, and the scope of the assessment in terms of affected population and economic sectors.     This topic will take about 15 minutes to complete.        

Module 2: Damage, Loss and Needs Assessment Process – describes each stage of a typical DaLA including impact analysis and identification of recovery and reconstruction needs.  This topic will take about 18 minutes to complete.       

Module 3: DaLA for the Infrastructure Sectors – describes the issues and approach for assessing damages and losses for Electricity, Water and Sanitation, Transport and Communication sectors.  This topic will take about 45 minutes to complete.     

Module 4: DaLA for the Productive Sectors – describes the issues and approach for assessing damages and losses for Agriculture, livestock and fishery, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism sectors.  This topic will take about 45 minutes to complete.     

Module 5: DaLA for the Social Sectors – describes the issues and approach for assessing damages and losses for Housing, Education and Health Sectors.  This topic will take about 45 minutes to complete. 

Module 6: Examples of Recent DaLA Assessments – presents examples from completed assessments of recent disasters.  This topic will take about 12 minutes to complete.       

Course References - Resources and Tools – provides links to information and tools for conducting Damage, Loss and Needs Assessment (DaLA) activities.