In the first hours after an emergency, most lives are saved by locals, and when first responders are able to organise and mobilise themselves quickly, more can be done to help victims.
But many first responders do not have access to basic life-saving tools and information, like early warning systems, mobile phones or access to the internet.
Australian Red Cross Chief Executive Robert Tickner says technology is becoming an increasingly important tool in disaster recovery and crisis management.
"This Report shows that technologies like early warning systems, access to radios and mobile phones, can mean the difference between life and death in disasters around the world," he said.
"Technologies are increasingly and successfully used in developing countries around the world, from Syria to Sierra Leone and the Philippines, to help communities better prepare for and cope with conflicts and disasters."
Last year saw the lowest number of deaths and people affected by disasters in the last 10 years, the report found.
In all, there were 552 disaster events in 2012, affecting 139 million people, and costing nearly $168 billion.
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