The Global Rapid post-disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) approach

This technical note describes the utility and outputs of the Global RApid-post-disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) approach for governments and other key stakeholders who are involved in post-disaster damage assessment, relief, and recovery phases.

The GRADE approach (developed by the World Bank GSURR D-RAS KSB and supported by GFDRR) can provide an initial rapid estimation of the physical post-disaster damage incurred by key sectors within two weeks of the disaster. The approach aims to create an independent, credible sectoral quantification of the spatial extent and severity of a disaster’s physical impact, addressing specific damage information needs in the first few weeks after a major disaster, and complementing the more comprehensive post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) process.