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Journal articles on the topic 'Disaster Risk Management (DRM)'
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1
Ghawana, Tarun, Lyubka Pashova, and Sisi Zlatanova. "Geospatial Data Utilisation in National Disaster Management Frameworks and the Priorities of Multilateral Disaster Management Frameworks: Case Studies of India and Bulgaria." ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information 10, no. 9 (September 15, 2021): 610. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijgi10090610.
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Facing the increased frequency of disasters and resulting in massive damages, many countries have developed their frameworks for Disaster Risk Management (DRM). However, these frameworks may differ concerning legal, policy, planning and organisational arrangements. We argue that geospatial data is a crucial binding element in each national framework for different stages of the disaster management cycle. The multilateral DRM frameworks, like the Sendai Framework 2015–2030 and the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UNGGIM) Strategic Framework on Geospatial Information and Services for Disasters, provide the strategic direction, but they are too generic to compare geospatial data in national DRM frameworks. This study investigates the two frameworks and suggests criteria for evaluating the utilisation of geospatial data for DRM. The derived criteria are validated for the comparative analysis of India and Bulgaria’s National Disaster Management Frameworks. The validation proves that the criteria can be used for a general comparison across national DRM.
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Shreve, Cheney, Belinda Davis, and Maureen Fordham. "Integrating animal disease epidemics into disaster risk management." Disaster Prevention and Management 25, no. 4 (August 1, 2016): 506–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-10-2015-0241.
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Purpose – Holistic approaches to public health such as “One Health” emphasize the interconnectedness between people, animals, ecosystems, and epidemic risk, and many advocate for this philosophy to be adopted within disaster risk management (DRM). Historically, animal and human diseases have been managed separately from each other, and apart from other hazards considered for DRM. Shifts in DRM, however, may complement a One Health approach. The taxonomy of hazards considered under DRM has expanded to include medical and social crises such as epizootics and terrorism. However, there is a gap in understanding how epidemic risk is integrated into DRM at the community-level. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – TACTIC adopts a participatory case study approach examining preparedness for multiple hazard types (floods, epidemics, earthquakes, and terrorism) at the community-level. This paper reports on findings from the epidemic case study which took as its focus the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in the UK because of the diverse human, social, and environmental impacts of this “animal” disease. Findings – Epizootic preparedness tends to focus on biosecurity and phytosanitary measures, and is geared towards agriculture and farming. Greater engagement with public health and behavioural sciences to manage public health impacts of animal disease epidemics, and activities for citizen engagement to improve preparedness are discussed. The impermeability of boundaries (hazard, institutional, disciplinary, etc.) is a key constraint to integrating One Health into DRM. Originality/value – This work helps to situate the One Health discussion within the community-level DRM context.
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Scott, Zoe, Kelly Wooster, Roger Few, Anne Thomson, and Marcela Tarazona. "Monitoring and evaluating disaster risk management capacity." Disaster Prevention and Management 25, no. 3 (June 6, 2016): 412–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-01-2016-0002.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on improving the monitoring and evaluation of DRM capacity development initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – The paper first explores the complexities and challenges presented in the literature, before using empirical data from a research project in six countries (Ethiopia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Philippines, Haiti and Mozambique) to discuss current approaches to M & E of DRM capacity strengthening interventions. Findings – This is generally an area of technical weakness in the initiatives studied, with poor understanding of terminology, little attention to outcomes or impact and few independent evaluations. The need for greater inclusion of participants in M & E processes is identified and one programme from the fieldwork in Mozambique is presented as a case study example. Originality/value – The paper ends by presenting a unique M & E framework developed for use by DRM programmes to track the outcomes of their interventions and ultimately raise standards in this area.
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Alcántara-Ayala, Irasema, Daniel Rodríguez-Velázquez, Ricardo J. Garnica-Peña, and Alejandra Maldonado-Martínez. "Multi-Sectoral Reflections and Efforts in Strengthening Partnerships to Reduce Disaster Risk in Mexico: The First MuSe-IDRiM Conference." International Journal of Disaster Risk Science 11, no. 5 (September 28, 2020): 686–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13753-020-00302-w.
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Abstract Notwithstanding the high societal impact of disasters in Mexico, there is a lack of integrated efforts to establish a sound policy for reducing disaster risk to counterbalance the existing concentrated endeavors in disaster management. In the face of such segmentation, the science and technology community has advocated for a change of perspective, from civil protection to integrated disaster risk management. The first Multi-Sectoral Conference towards Integrated Disaster Risk Management in Mexico: Building a National Public Policy (MuSe-IDRiM Conference) was held in Mexico City at National Autonomous University of Mexico, 21–24 October 2019. In support of the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the conference aimed at enhancing the dialogue between the science and technology community, citizens, civil society organizations, private and public sectors, and the federal, state, and municipal governments to foster the process of transforming the current National Civil Protection System into a national public policy oriented towards integrated disaster risk management (DRM). Barriers and challenges to the implementation of integrated DRM were identified. Implementation of integrated DRM challenges current socioeconomic structures and encourages all relevant stakeholders to think, decide, and act from a different perspective and within and across spatial, temporal, jurisdictional, and institutional scales. Understanding disaster risk from an integrated approach, learning skills that authorities have not learned or used, and hence, strengthening disaster risk governance are prerequisites to effectively manage disaster risk.
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Kasdan, David Oliver. "Considering socio-cultural factors of disaster risk management." Disaster Prevention and Management 25, no. 4 (August 1, 2016): 464–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-03-2016-0055.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between factors of socio-cultural contexts and disaster risk. Recent efforts by international organizations and research scholarship have emphasized that applying contextual understandings of human behavior can improve the effectiveness of disaster risk management (DRM). Design/methodology/approach – The research employs multiple correlation analysis to find significant relationships between two sources of socio-cultural data and the World Risk Index scores. Findings – There are interesting relationships between various measures of socio-cultural context and disaster risk, such as correlations with levels of individualism, self-expression, and secular-rational values. Research limitations/implications – While using the broadest sample available with the data sources, generalizations about the relationships must be tempered as inherently anecdotal and needing greater depth of study. The national level of analysis is controversial. Practical implications – Emergency managers can extend the knowledge about socio-cultural influences on disaster risk to tailor policy for effective practices. Social implications – Societies may recognize their behaviors as being conducive or obstructive to DRM based on their socio-cultural characteristics; governments may operationalize the findings into policy responses for more nuanced mitigation efforts. Originality/value – This research adds to the momentum for considering non-technical approaches to DRM and expands the potential for social science derived variables in DRM.
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Titko, Michal, and Jozef Ristvej. "Assessing Importance of Disaster Preparedness Factors for Sustainable Disaster Risk Management: The Case of the Slovak Republic." Sustainability 12, no. 21 (November 2, 2020): 9121. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12219121.
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Regarding the prognoses of disasters in the future connected with climate change, disaster risk management (DRM) is becoming one of the decisive elements of sustainable development. The possibility of involving the general public to DRM implementation is, currently, a frequently discussed topic. In particular, population preparedness for the involvement of the public is questionable and, therefore, the understanding of the conditions that facilitate public preparedness for disasters is decisive. This article presents the results of research that investigates the factors affecting (1) the objective preparedness of the population, as well as (2) the subjective perception of our preparedness for disasters. The statistical analysis discovered that both sides of the public’s preparedness depended especially on their experience with disasters, the awareness of the possible risks and appropriate procedures to solve situations, and the economic potential of the households. The results emphasize the need to support the process of increasing the awareness of risks and the possible preventive procedures that can be carried out before disasters by the public, including the more economically vulnerable groups. In this area, the collaboration of the responsible authorities and general public is very desirable. Therefore, our study and its results can serve as a support for creating the DRM policies and sustainable development.
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Ashu, Richard E. A., and Dewald Van Niekerk. "Building national and local capacity for disaster risk management in Cameroon." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 29, no. 4 (October 21, 2019): 457–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-06-2019-0176.
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Purpose A new framework to support the national and local capacity building plan for disaster risk management (DRM) in Cameroon is presented. For the past 30 years, after the general re-organisation of the civil protection department, capacity building programmes for DRM has been solely carried out for and by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and the Department of Civil Protection. The exclusion of businesses, civil society and community participation, among others, has been the main obstacle to capacity building programmes undertaken for DRM. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Based on interviews conducted among 200 informants by means of a process of participatory monitoring and evaluation as well as a duo capacity building workshop for DRM held in August 2017 in Yaoundé, this paper evaluated existing capacity building programmes for DRM in Cameroon. Findings Findings show that the greater portion of government representatives within the public administration lack capacity to address DRM initiatives at the local and national levels of governance. While recommending DRM programmes as a necessity for integration within civil administrative curriculum, this paper proposes six elements to address capacity building gaps for DRM in Cameroon. Originality/value The results demonstrate critical gaps in capacity building aimed at DRM, especially where single ministry or department monopolises DRM. The findings provide the government with a useful tool to review its national strategy for a disaster reduction policy and the drawing up of a national intervention plan.
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Ghaffarian, Saman, Norman Kerle, and Tatiana Filatova. "Remote Sensing-Based Proxies for Urban Disaster Risk Management and Resilience: A Review." Remote Sensing 10, no. 11 (November 7, 2018): 1760. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/rs10111760.
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Rapid increase in population and growing concentration of capital in urban areas has escalated both the severity and longer-term impact of natural disasters. As a result, Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and reduction have been gaining increasing importance for urban areas. Remote sensing plays a key role in providing information for urban DRM analysis due to its agile data acquisition, synoptic perspective, growing range of data types, and instrument sophistication, as well as low cost. As a consequence numerous methods have been developed to extract information for various phases of DRM analysis. However, given the diverse information needs, only few of the parameters of interest are extracted directly, while the majority have to be elicited indirectly using proxies. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the proxies developed for two risk elements typically associated with pre-disaster situations (vulnerability and resilience), and two post-disaster elements (damage and recovery), while focusing on urban DRM. The proxies were reviewed in the context of four main environments and their corresponding sub-categories: built-up (buildings, transport, and others), economic (macro, regional and urban economics, and logistics), social (services and infrastructures, and socio-economic status), and natural. All environments and the corresponding proxies are discussed and analyzed in terms of their reliability and sufficiency in comprehensively addressing the selected DRM assessments. We highlight strength and identify gaps and limitations in current proxies, including inconsistencies in terminology for indirect measurements. We present a systematic overview for each group of the reviewed proxies that could simplify cross-fertilization across different DRM domains and may assist the further development of methods. While systemizing examples from the wider remote sensing domain and insights from social and economic sciences, we suggest a direction for developing new proxies, also potentially suitable for capturing functional recovery.
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Ahmad Shabudin, Ahmad Firdaus, Sharifah Nurlaili Farhana Syed Azhar, and Theam Foo Ng. "Learning lab on disaster risk management for sustainable development (DRM-SD)." International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management 9, no. 5 (October 2, 2017): 600–625. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijccsm-08-2016-0114.
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Purpose A series of “learning lab” projects on disaster risk management for sustainable development (DRM-SD) have been accomplished from 2014 to 2016 in Malaysia, Vietnam, Lao PDR and Cambodia by the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies. The project is designed for professionals from the disaster risk management field to encourage integration of sustainable development (SD) concerns into the larger planning framework for DRM. As a case study for capacity building (CB) evaluation, the central purpose of this study is to explore the approaches, feedbacks and implications of the DRM-SD CB project that have been developed and carried out. Design/methodology/approach Three methods have been used which are participation observations, surveys and document analysis. The results show that the project had successfully applied seven different tools to enhance analytical skills and professional knowledge of development practitioners in specific areas of DRM-SD. Findings Based on the survey, the project received positive response and valuable information from participants for future project development. Regarding the perspective of outcomes, the result indicates that south–south, ASEAN regional and triangular cooperation and role of higher education in DRM-SD are significant impacts from this project which can bring several benefits and should be promoted as an approach for the DRM-CB project as a whole. Originality/value It is hoped that this study will serve as a transfer learning initiative to provide approach guidelines and innovative mechanisms for DRM practitioners who will have the know-how and potential for leadership in DRM-SD.
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Onencan, Abby Muricho, Lian Ena Liu, and Bartel Van de Walle. "Design for Societal Resilience: The Risk Evaluation Diversity-Aiding Approach (RED-A)." Sustainability 12, no. 13 (July 7, 2020): 5461. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12135461.
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The global impacts of disaster risks are on the rise. Moreover, evidence shows that the severity of damage will increase exponentially. In 2019, there were 395 natural disasters that caused 11,755 deaths. Literature and practice indicate that diversification of disaster risk management (DRM) approaches can make communities more resilient. One notable bottleneck in adopting diverse DRM approaches is the historical dominance of natural and technological sciences with little contribution from social sciences. Thus, a heterogeneous social-technical approach to DRM is rare and risk governance challenges are hardly understood. We conducted a systematic literature and practice review and extracted data to develop and answer five sub-questions. After that, we reviewed relevant information and selected eight risk evaluation approaches. We made comparisons and used the input to design the Risk Evaluation Diversity-aiding Approach (RED-A). The approach consists of 12 criteria and a checklist with 22 items. RED-A provides guidance to DRM researchers and practitioners when conducting socio-technical risk evaluations. It helps identify cognitive biases in the ongoing DRM process that may largely impact the quality of risk evaluation procedures. The goal of the 22-item checklist is to ensure that the 12 RED-A criteria are incorporated as much as possible to support the progressive transition towards a heterogeneous social-technical DRM approach. Finally, the RED-A criteria and checklist are applied in the Solotvyno municipality context (in Ukraine), to illustrate the use of the approach.
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Kessler, Earl. "Building Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia: A Way Forward." Open House International 31, no. 1 (March 1, 2006): 142–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ohi-01-2006-b0017.
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Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) was established in 1986. It was restructured in July 2003 to focus on specific technical areas: climate variability and change management, urban disaster risk management, public health in emergencies, building national and provincial disaster management systems, and community based disaster risk management (CBDRM), promoting regional cooperation, identifying disaster risk management (DRM) needs in the region and developing strategic solutions. The consolidation enables ADPC's teams to work more effectively with stakeholders and build cross-team inputs into their work. Multiple hazards under this new thematic approach are a key concept along with new areas of importance to DRM that include chemical, biological and radio-nuclear risks, heritage and disaster mitigation, and the role of domestic capital markets in financing improvements in the built environment to create a safer, more disaster-resilient world. The terms “risk management”, “risk reduction”, “vulnerability reduction”, “capacity building” and “mitigation” began replacing the reactive term “disaster management”, thus making pro-active DRM in Asia part of the development agenda that must deal with the growing variety and intensity of hazards. It was a shift from short-term, reactive, charity-driven responses to long-term, proactive, development initiatives. Making the right development choices requires coordinated efforts by committed leaders who have the political will and determination to include risk reduction measures in their policies and plans; a corporate sector that will prioritise risk issues and include them into their business plans; scientists who will provide the knowledge and understanding of current and new areas of risk reduction; committed non-government agencies that advocate for risk reduction; educators who are responsible for shaping the awareness of future generations; a mass media that has the power to influence and change behaviour; and informed citizens who make choices about the risks in their lives.
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Petiteville, I., C. Ishida, J. Danzeglocke, A. Eddy, F. Gaetani, S. Frye, B. Kuligowski, S. Zoffoli, M. Poland, and B. Jones. "WCDRR and the CEOS activities on disaters." ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences XL-7/W3 (April 29, 2015): 845–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprsarchives-xl-7-w3-845-2015.
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Agencies from CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites) have traditionally focused their efforts on the response phase. Rapid urbanization and increased severity of weather events has led to growing economic and human losses from disasters, requiring international organisations to act now in all disaster risk management (DRM) phases, especially through improved disaster risk reduction policies and programmes. As part of this effort, CEOS agencies have initiated a series of actions aimed at fostering the use of Earth observation (EO) data to support disaster risk reduction and at raising the awareness of policy and decision-makers and major stakeholders of the benefits of using satellite EO in all phases of DRM. <br><br> CEOS is developing a long-term vision for sustainable application of satellite EO to all phases of DRM. CEOS is collaborating with regional representatives of the DRM user community, on a multi-hazard project involving three thematic pilots (floods, seismic hazards and volcanoes) and a Recovery Observatory that supports resilient recovery from one major disaster. These pilot activities are meant as trail blazers that demonstrate the potential offered by satellite EO for comprehensive DRM. <br><br> In the framework of the 2015 3<sup>rd</sup> World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR), the CEOS space agencies intend to partner with major stakeholders, including UN organizations, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), international relief agencies, leading development banks, and leading regional DRM organisations, to define and implement a 15-year plan of actions (2015- 2030) that responds to high-level Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction priorities. This plan of action will take into account lessons learned from the CEOS pilot activities.
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Surianto, Surianto, Alim Syahirul, Ricvan Dana Nindrea, and Laksono Trisnantoro. "Regional Policy for Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries Within the Sendai Framework: A Systematic Review." Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences 7, no. 13 (July 31, 2019): 2213–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.614.
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The recently concluded World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) in Sendai, Japan and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) have set renewed priorities for disaster risk reduction (DRR) for the next 15 years. This framework is the main guiding instrument for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) within the scope of sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. Disaster management policies and practices should be based on an understanding of risks, not just on an ideological level. Gap and key challenges identified include Still weak coordination, cooperation and linkages among the sectors related to DRR, Lacks of skills in loss assessment and post disaster needs, lack of strategic research agenda, absence of consensus regarding terminology, and limited coordination between stakeholders. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of why disaster risk reduction efforts undertaken by regional policy often fail to improve future disaster responses. These findings can be used to help guide to improve regional policy in disaster risk reduction processes. This research is a systematic review study by collecting articles that are relevant to International Journal of Disaster Risk Science. From the analysis, we found that all four priorities for action in the Sendai Framework are relevant to Disaster Risk Management (DRM) field as follows: 1). Understanding disaster risk; 2). Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk; 3). Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience and 4). Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
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HASSAN, MOHD SAYUTI, MURSHIDAH ABDUL JAFFAR, SHAHAD KHALDOON ABDULAMEER, SITI FAIRUZ MOHD RADZI, and VISHANTHINI KANASAN. "PREPAREDNESS FOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT (DRM), CASE STUDIES: KELANTAN FLOOD, MALAYSIA." Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal 7, no. 5 (May 31, 2020): 382–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.75.8296.
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In accordance to the massive flash floods that hit Eastern part of Malaysia, which is mostly Kelantan state, a conference was held to explore ideas and sustainable solutions for the disaster. This paper describes one output of the five pillars of disaster management cycle that is “Preparedness” in Disaster Risk Management for Sustainable Development (DRM-SD) model, which was developed by Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The purpose is to come out with possible solutions and steps to be taken to mitigate the flood disaster while preparing for any possibilities. The method used for the conference is The Town Hall-World Café concept. Over 225 possible solutions are produced in two days in which the conference is conducted. Included in this paper are the recommendations that were found and the organizations which are responsible for the act.
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Aldunce, Paulina, Ruth Beilin, John Handmer, and Mark Howden. "Framing disaster resilience." Disaster Prevention and Management 23, no. 3 (May 27, 2014): 252–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-07-2013-0130.
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Purpose – To confront the increasingly devastating impacts of disasters and the challenges that climate change is posing to disaster risk management (DRM) there is an imperative to further develop DRM. The resilience approach is emerging as one way to do this, and in the last decade has been strongly introduced into the policy arena, although it is not new for DRM practitioners and researchers. Nevertheless, resilience is a highly contested issue, and there is no agreed definition of it, which has resulted in confusion for stakeholders when applying it to practice. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how resilience is framed by researchers and DRM practitioners. Design/methodology/approach – The analytical framework used was Hajer's “social-interactive discourse theory”, combined with analysis of government documents, in-depth interviews with practitioners and observation of field and practices within the context of the Natural Disaster Resilience Program in Queensland, Australia. Findings – One of the key findings is that the idea of “bouncing back” is central to the resilience discourse but different interpretations of this idea results in real-world implications. Three different ways (storylines) in which practitioners construct the meaning of disaster resilience emerge from this study. Importantly the divergences between these storylines reveal possibilities for reframing to occur and these could lead to different policy options and practices. Originality/value – The results presented in this paper offer empirical evidence on how resilience is understood on the ground, contributing to extending resilience theory and informing DRM and resilience practice.
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Tuladhar, Ramesh Man. "Towards effective and sustainable disaster risk management in Nepal: challenges and gaps." Journal of Nepal Geological Society 59 (July 24, 2019): 39–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jngs.v59i0.24984.
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Geo-hazards, dynamic Himalayan tectonics, high seismicity, predominant soft rock (argillaceous) formations, steep slopes, rugged (high elevation difference) terrain, when mistreated would trigger-disasters. These natural factors exacerbated by unplanned developments together with impacts of global climate change have further scaled-up disasters in Nepal. Common natural disasters in Nepal impacting the livelihoods of the people below poverty are: earthquakes, floods and landslides. The return period of former is longer (+/- 70 years)but catastrophic, e.g. Gorkha-earthquake, while latter ones are recurrent and chaotic.
Substantial efforts have been made on disaster risk reductions (DRR) both by the state and non-state organizations. Contributions from sectoral ministries led by the Ministry of Home Affairs are primarily focused to legal provisions, strategies and policies while the departments are mandated to implement sectoral activities through projects and programs. Post Gorkha-earthquake rescue and relief operations demonstrated an exemplary solidarity among national, bilateral and international organizations. Reconstruction works are rather slow and still being continued. Despite substantial DRR efforts, outcomes are not satisfactory to the desired extent, whether it is earthquake or are floods and landslides across the country as per media and public voices reported.
This paper aims to analyse some key questions towards effective and sustainable disaster risk management in Nepal against existing challenges and gaps in the backdrop of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030. A theory of change that would help improve effectiveness and sustainability of disaster risk management (DRM) in Nepal is envisioned and discussed
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Briones, Fernando, Ryan Vachon, and Michael Glantz. "Local responses to disasters: recent lessons from zero-order responders." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 28, no. 1 (February 4, 2019): 119–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-05-2018-0151.
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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define and discuss the concept of zero-order responders (ZOR). It explores the potential lessons and the additive value that assimilation of responses of disaster-affected people into disaster risk reduction (DRR) and disaster risk management (DRM) programs can provide.Design/methodology/approachIn order to support this concept, the authors review two recent extreme hydrometeorological events, illustrating how local populations cope with disasters during the period before external support arrives. Additionally, the authors address their under-leveraged role in the management of recovery. The empirical evidence was collected by direct observations during the 2017 El Niño Costero-related floods in Peru, and by the review of press following 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria destruction in Puerto Rico.FindingsDuring disasters, there is a window of time before official and/or external support arrives. During this period, citizens must act unsupported by first responders – devising self-coping strategies in order to survive. In the days, weeks and months following a disaster, local populations are still facing recovery with creativity.Research limitations/implicationsCiting references arguing for or against the value of documenting survivor methods to serve as a testimony for the improvement of DRR programming.Practical implicationsDRR and DRM must integrate local populations and knowledge into DRR planning to improve partnerships between communities and organizations.Social implicationsThe actions and experiences of citizens pro-acting to pave fruitful futures is a valuable commentary on improvements for DRR and management.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a citizen-centered contribution to future disaster risk reducing actions. This approach emphasizes the reinterpretation of local responses to disasters. DRRs and DRMs growth as fields would value from heralding ZOR coping and improvisation skills, illustrated under stressful disaster-related conditions, as an additive resource to programming development.
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Rosario Michel, G., S. Muñoz Tapia, V. Guzmán Javier, and J. Crompvoets. "IDENTIFYING USERS’ REQUIREMENTS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION FOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC." ISPRS Annals of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences VI-3/W1-2020 (November 17, 2020): 99–106. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprs-annals-vi-3-w1-2020-99-2020.
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Abstract. In recent years, the growth of public available geographic information and location-based services has been enabling more stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to participate in generating and sharing a comprehensive view of the territory to reduce the impact of severe phenomena in the communities. With the prediction of more disastrous phenomena in the Caribbean region, understanding of what and how to be prepared beforehand to meet users’ needs from different sectors should facilitate to react quickly and take full advantage of geospatial technology and resources to support disaster managers and citizens. This paper is mainly focused on the identification of users’ requirements of geographic information and services for disaster risk management (DRM) in the Dominican Republic. The results are built upon an online survey targeted to expert and non-expert users that intervene in the National System of Prevention, Mitigation and Response (SN-PMR, in Spanish). Our findings revealed seven major users’ requirements for DRM: (1) policy for sharing geo-information; (2) implementing a disaster-oriented SDI; (3) technical standards for real-time data collection; (4) simplified procedures for gathering and accessing of metadata; (5) mobile applications (App) for data collection and alerts visualization; (6) more capacity building programs; and, (7) closer community participation using social networks. This knowledge will contribute to a superior level of readiness to prevent future disasters in Dominican Republic and to support potential studies/practices in the Caribbean region and other Small Island Developing States in the World, which share similar challenges in terms of natural hazards and development issues.
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Habibi Rad, Mahyar, Mohammad Mojtahedi, and Michael J. Ostwald. "Industry 4.0, Disaster Risk Management and Infrastructure Resilience: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis." Buildings 11, no. 9 (September 16, 2021): 411. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/buildings11090411.
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The fourth industrial era, known as ‘Industry 4.0’ (I4.0), aided and abetted by the digital revolution, has attracted increasing attention among scholars and practitioners in the last decade. The adoption of I4.0 principles in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) research and associated industry practices is particularly notable, although its origins, impacts and potential are not well understood. In response to this knowledge gap, this paper conducts a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of the application and contribution of I4.0 in DRM. The systematic literature review identified 144 relevant articles and then employed descriptive and content analysis of a focused set of 70 articles published between 2011 and 2021. The results of this review trace the growing trend for adoption of I4.0 tools and techniques in disaster management, and in parallel their influence in resilient infrastructure and digital construction fields. The results are used to identify six dominant clusters of research activity: big data analytics, Internet of Things, prefabrication and modularization, robotics and cyber-physical systems. The research in each cluster is then mapped to the priorities of the Sendai framework for DRR, highlighting the ways it can support this international agenda. Finally, this paper identifies gaps within the literature and discusses possible future research directions for the combination of I4.0 and DRM.
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Sandoval, Vicente, and Martin Voss. "Disaster Governance and Vulnerability: The Case of Chile." Politics and Governance 4, no. 4 (December 28, 2016): 107–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.17645/pag.v4i4.743.
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This exploratory work seeks to shed light on disaster governance by looking into potential linkages between the production of vulnerability and disaster governance in Chile. Our point of investigation is the case of post-disaster Chaitén and the Chilean model of Disaster Risk Management. The work begins by situating disaster governance and the production of vulnerability in a broader context of existing governance system that includes a multiplicity of actors and socio-economic, socio-ecological, and political processes. Coming from a multi-scalar perspective, we use the disaster Pressure and Release (PAR) model to enable a differentiated analysis of the multiplicity of actors, rules, and processes related to DRM that participate in the production of disaster vulnerability in the current Chaitén. With this we address the questions as to ‘why’ the Chilean model of DRM is prominently centralised and ‘what’ are the effects on the production of disaster vulnerability for the case of post-disaster Chaitén.
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Agapiou, Athos, Vasiliki Lysandrou, and Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis. "Earth Observation Contribution to Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management: Case Study of Eastern Mediterranean Open Air Archaeological Monuments and Sites." Remote Sensing 12, no. 8 (April 22, 2020): 1330. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/rs12081330.
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Disaster risk management (DRM) for cultural heritage is a complex task that requires multidisciplinary cooperation. This short communication underlines the critical role of satellite remote sensing (also known as earth observation) in DRM in dealing with various hazards for cultural heritage sites and monuments. Here, satellite observation potential is linked with the different methodological steps of the DRM cycle. This is achieved through a short presentation of recent paradigms retrieved from research studies and the Scopus scientific repository. The communication focuses on the Eastern Mediterranean region, an area with an indisputable wealth of archaeological sites. Regarding the cultural heritage type, this article considers relevant satellite observation studies implemented in open-air archaeological monuments and sites. The necessity of this communication article emerged while trying to bring together earth observation means, cultural heritage needs, and DRM procedures.
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Tsukahara, Kenichi, and Toshimitsu Komatsu. "Special Issue on the International Symposium on River Technologies for Innovations and Social Systems at the WECC2015 and the Special Session on Disaster Risk Management at the 11th I3R2." Journal of Disaster Research 11, no. 6 (December 1, 2016): 1211. http://dx.doi.org/10.20965/jdr.2016.p1211.
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The Standing Technical Committees on Disaster Risk Management (CDRM) of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) play an important role in collecting and disseminating DRM-related information and knowledge that will conceivably help engineering society members take effective disaster mitigation measures. As part of achieving this mission, the CDRM conducted two important 2015 events – the WFEO-CDRM Special Session on Disaster Risk Management at the 11th International Conference of the International Institute for Infrastructure Resilience and Reconstruction (I3R2) (I3R2 session) held in Seoul, Korea, and the 9th Joint International Symposium on Disaster Risk Management conducted in conjunction with the International Symposium on River Technologies for Innovations and Social Systems held in the 2015 World Engineering Conference and Convention (WECC2015) in Kyoto, Japan (WECC2015 symposium). The I3R2 session featured seven presentations. During the first half, disaster-cause papers covered high typhoon tides, earthquakes, and rain-induced soil erosion. The second half focused on mitigation-measure presentations such as recovery/reconstruction and regional support for mothers and children in the event of disasters. The WECC2015 symposium featured ten presentations by ten speakers with widely varied backgrounds in disaster mitigation, river engineering, international cooperation, UNESCO regional centers, NPO management, science and technology sections at embassies, and ferry and resort complex management. These informative, meaningful presentations close with active and informative Q&A sessions. In this special issue, five presentations that were revised as a form of academic paper were selected and published. I hope that these papers will be utilized for further advancement of disaster mitigation measures.
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Scheele, Finn, Titimanu Simi, Johnie Tarry Nimau, Shaun Williams, Ryan Paulik, ShengLin Lin, Juliana Ungaro, Paula Holland, and Richard Woods. "Applying New Zealand’s risk tools internationally: Case studies from Samoa and Vanuatu." MATEC Web of Conferences 331 (2020): 01003. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202033101003.
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Decision makers require disaster risk management (DRM) tools to better prepare for and respond to emergencies, and for making sound land- use planning decisions. Risk tools need to incorporate multiple hazard and asset types, and have the versatility to adapt to local contexts. RiskScape is a natural hazards impact and loss modelling tool developed to support DRM related decision making in New Zealand. The RiskScape software has benefitted from over 10 years of research and development, and has been used for a diverse range of applications both in New Zealand and internationally. Experience and challenges in applying RiskScape beyond New Zealand are highlighted in this study through the tailoring of RiskScape for Pacific Island countries, as part of the Pacific Risk Tool for Resilience (PARTneR) project. PARTneR is a collaborative project between the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), GNS Science, the disaster management offices of Samoa and Vanuatu, and the Geoscience Division of the Pacific Community. RiskScape is applied through three demonstration case studies for each country, focused on prominent natural hazards.
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Murnane, Richard, Alanna Simpson, and Brenden Jongman. "Understanding risk: what makes a risk assessment successful?" International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment 7, no. 2 (April 11, 2016): 186–200. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijdrbe-06-2015-0033.
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Purpose Understanding risk is more than just modeling risk; it requires an understanding of the development and social processes that underlie and drive the generation of disaster risk. Here, in addition to a review of more technical factors, this paper aims to discuss a variety of institutional, social and political considerations that must be managed for the results of a risk assessment to influence actions that lead to reductions in natural hazard risk. Design/methodology/approach The technical approaches and the institutional, social and political considerations covered in this paper are based on a wide range of experiences gleaned from case studies that touch on a variety of activities related to assessing the risks and impacts of natural hazards, and from the activities of the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. Findings Risk information provides a critical foundation for managing disaster risk across a wide range of sectors. Appropriate communication of robust risk information at the right time can raise awareness and trigger action to reduce risk. Communicating this information in a way that triggers action requires an understanding of the developments and social processes that underlie and drive the generation of risk, as well as of the wider Disaster Risk Management (DRM) decision-making context. Practical implications Prior to the initiation of a quantitative risk assessment one should clearly define why an assessment is needed and wanted, the information gaps that currently prevent effective DRM actions and the end-users of the risk information. This requires developing trust through communication among the scientists and engineers performing the risk assessment and the decision-makers, authorities, communities and other intended users of the information developed through the assessment. Originality/value This paper summarizes the technical components of a risk assessment as well as the institutional, social and political considerations that should be considered to maximize the probability of successfully reducing the risk defined by a risk assessment.
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MacAskill, Kristen, and Peter Guthrie. "Disaster risk reduction and empowering local government – a case comparison between Sri Lanka and New Zealand." International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment 7, no. 4 (September 12, 2016): 318–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijdrbe-05-2015-0030.
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Purpose This paper examines the role of government in New Zealand in facilitating the development of resilience in the built environment, with reference to the post-earthquake recovery of Christchurch. A cross-case comparison of the institutional structures and arrangements for disaster risk management (DRM) between Sri Lanka and New Zealand provides a useful basis to consider the broader implications of the findings from both countries. Particular consideration is given to the role of community participation in DRM decisions. Design/methodology/approach Malalgoda and Amaratunga (2015) recently published an article on empowering local governments to develop resilience in the built environment in Sri Lanka. This paper provides a response to their discussion in conjunction with a New Zealand case study. Findings Despite being one of the most advanced countries in the world with regards to DRM, New Zealand faces significant challenges in implementation, chief amongst which is that local governments have yet to truly prioritize DRM in urban development. While community consultation is embedded in the legislative framework, requirements for consultation were somewhat misjudged by the local government in Christchurch’s recovery. A lesson to be learnt from Christchurch’s experience is that even if the Sri Lankan authorities follow Malalgoda and Amaratunga’s recommendations for greater devolution of powers to local government, there will be tensions if community expectations over consultation are not met. Originality/value The cross-case analysis offers a helpful lens through which it is possible to examine DRM. It is useful for informing governments and other stakeholders, helping them to understand the challenges their institutions may face in facilitating DRM and building resilience.
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Espia, Juhn Chris, and Alma Maria Salvador. "Of stories that matter." Disaster Prevention and Management 27, no. 1 (February 5, 2018): 87–101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-09-2016-0199.
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Purpose The recent shift in the Philippine Government’s emphasis from response to a more proactive approach came with the recognition that different stakeholders play important roles in the governance of disaster risk. The purpose of this paper is to look beyond the question as to whether all stakeholders are involved in disaster risk management planning and examines the extent by which the narratives of risk of actors at the margins shape how risk is framed in municipal DRM planning in Antique, Philippines. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a field study carried out in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique Province, Philippines. Data were gathered through key informant interviews and focus group discussions as well as a review of archival records and documents. Findings The narratives of CSOs and communities, which revolve around livelihoods and community life are conspicuously absent from the plans whereas that of government actors occupy a central position in the risk discourse. The study highlights the power-saturated process of defining and addressing risk to disasters, where knowledge is intimately linked to power as some voices shape plans and policies, whereas, others are excluded because their knowledge is socially constructed as less reliable and therefore irrelevant. Originality/value There is a dearth of studies that examine disaster risk as social constructions in the context of planning in the Philippines and in other disaster-prone countries.
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Pandey, Chandra Lal. "Making communities disaster resilient." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 28, no. 1 (February 4, 2019): 106–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-05-2018-0156.
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Purpose Understanding bottom-up approaches including local coping mechanisms, recognizing them and strengthening community capacities is important in the process of disaster risk reduction. The purpose of this paper is to address the questions: to what extent existing disaster policies in Nepal support and enable community-based disaster resilience? and what challenges and prospects do the communities have in responding to disaster risk for making communities resilient? Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on policy and academic literature reviews complimented by field research in two communities, one in Shankhu, Kathmandu district and another in Satthighare, Kavrepalanchowk district in Nepal. The author conducted in-depth interviews and mapped out key disaster-related policies of Nepal to investigate the role of communities in disaster risk management and post-disaster activities and their recognition in disaster-related policies. Findings The author found that existing literature clearly identifies the importance of the community led initiatives in risks reduction and management. It is evolutionary phenomenon, which has already been piloted in history including in the aftermath of Nepal earthquake 2015 yet existing policies of Nepal do not clearly identify it as an important component by providing details of how communities can be better engaged in the immediate aftermath of disaster occurrence. Research limitations/implications The author conducted this research based on data from two earthquake affected areas only. The author believes that this research can still play an important role as representative study. Practical implications The practical implication of this research is that communities need to understand about risks society for disaster preparedness, mitigation and timely response in the aftermath of disasters. As they are the first responders against the disasters, they also need trainings such as disaster drills such as earthquakes, floods and fire and mock practice of various early warning systems can be conducted by local governments to prepare these communities better to reduce disaster risk and casualties. Social implications The mantra of community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) is community engagement, which means the involvement of local people to understand and prepare against their local hazards and risks associated with disaster and haphazard development. CBDRM approaches motivate people to work together because they feel a sense of belongingness to their communities and recognize the benefits of their involvement in disaster mitigation and preparedness. Clearly, community engagement for disaster risk reduction and management brings great benefits in terms of ownership and direct savings in losses from disasters because the dynamic process allows community to contribute and interchange ideas and activities for inclusive decision making and problem solving. Originality/value This research is based on both primary and secondary data and original in case of its findings and conclusion.
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Tomita, Hiroaki, and Robert J. Ursano. "Breakout Session 3 Summary: Psychosocial/Mental Health Concerns and Building Community Resilience." Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 8, no. 4 (August 2014): 363–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2014.68.
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Cross-cutting Principle∙Mental health working group supports the “proposed Key messages – People’s health” of the WHO. Proposed key messages are fundamental principles in support of health including mental health. Our work group’s statement builds on these principles to emphasize the importance of attending to mental health across all phases of Disaster Risk Management (DRM): prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.∙Changing behaviors can affect a large outcome from disasters∙Strategic and tactical approaches to include mental health in the curriculum∙Strong emphasis on using WHO language to maintain the same universal terminology
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Jimee, Ganesh Kumar, Kimiro Meguro, and Amod Mani Dixit. "Nepal, a multi-hazard risk country: Spatio-temporal analysis." Journal of Nepal Geological Society 58 (June 25, 2019): 145–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jngs.v58i0.24599.
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Nepal, though covers small area of the earth, exposes complex geology with active tectonic processes, high peaks, sloppy terrain and climatic variation. Combination of such geo-physical and climatic conditions with existing poor socio-economic conditions, unplanned settlements, rapidly increasing population and low level of awareness has put the country in highest risk to multi-hazard events. Fires, floods, landslides and epidemics are the most frequent hazard events, which have cumulatively caused a significant loss of lives and property every year. However, due to diversity in physiographic, climatic and socio-economic conditions within the country, the type, frequency and degree of the impact of such events differs in different places. During the period of 46 years (1971-2016), an average of 2 events have been occurred causing 3 deaths/missing every day. Disaster events occurred most frequently during the months of April, July and August, while relatively lesser number of events have been reported during January, November and December. However, earthquakes have been reported in different months, regardless with the season.
This paper is an effort to analyse the spatial distribution and temporal variation of disaster events in Nepal. Further it has drawn a trend of disasters occurrence in Nepal, which will help the decision makers and other stakeholders for formulating Disaster Risk Management (DRM) plan and policies on one hand and heighten citizens’ awareness of against disasters on the other.
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Rakotondrasoa, Faramalala. "Implementation of Disaster and Risk Management Policy in the East-Cost of Madagascar." JKAP (Jurnal Kebijakan dan Administrasi Publik) 20, no. 1 (May 19, 2016): 84. http://dx.doi.org/10.22146/jkap.10606.
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The implementation of Disaster and Risk Management (DRM) policy in Madagascar was a great success and an evolution from its birth until today thanks to these different stakeholders. This implementation that has helped a lot the improvement of living standards of the local population in eastern of Madagascar before, during and after the passage of an aleas. Yet blocking factors even been known because the implementation is not fully satisfactory. This study aims to analyze the problems of implementation. Despite unceasing improvement, the local population still has a very low impact strength and after each cyclone crossing ,the same situation returns. To improve this implementation, I will also suggest few solutions that could solve these problems, so that each level actors can improve their own policy and work method. Note that these solutions were made after long lived with the community.
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Kemper, H., and G. Kemper. "SENSOR FUSION, GIS AND AI TECHNOLOGIES FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT." ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences XLIII-B3-2020 (August 22, 2020): 1677–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xliii-b3-2020-1677-2020.
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Abstract. Modern Disaster Management Systems are based on several columns that combine theory and practice, software, and hardware being under technological advance. In all parts, spatial data is key in order to analyze existing structure, assist in risk assessment and update the information after a disaster incident. This paper focus on technological advances in several fields of spatial analysis putting together the advantages, limitations and technological aspects from well-known or even innovative methods, highlighting the huge potential of nowadays technologies for the field of Disaster Risk Management (DRM).A focus then is lying on GIS and Remote Sensing technologies that are showing the potential of high-quality sensors and image products that are getting easier to access and captured with recent technology. Secondly, several relevant sensors being thermal or laser-based are introduced pointing out the application possibilities, their limits, and potential fusion of them. Emphasis is further driven to Machine Learning techniques adopted from Artificial Intelligence that improve algorithms for auto-detection and represent an important step forwards to an integrated system of spatial data use in the Disaster Management Cycle. The combination of Multi-Sensor Systems, new Platform technologies, and Machine Learning indeed creates a very important benefit for the future.
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Saldana-Zorrilla, Sergio O. "Assessment of disaster risk management in Mexico." Disaster Prevention and Management 24, no. 2 (April 7, 2015): 230–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-11-2013-0201.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a set of policy suggestions for integrating risk management and increasing risk reduction measures and planning. Design/methodology/approach – It bases on a brief description of the disaster risk management programs in Mexico, a review of their recent available assessments as well as it makes a brief economic analysis of their performance to conclude with some policy suggestions. Findings – Despite its novel design, the still low penetration of governmental instruments for disaster risk reduction in Mexico has led to high society’s reliance on post-disaster measures. It has encouraged moral risk among potential victims. Even when crop insurance has increased coverage over the past decade, disaster prevention instruments are still underused. Accessing to prevention funding requires project proposals from national and sub-national governments based on concrete risk assessments. However, the prevailing lack of institutional capacity to elaborate proposals from sub-national governments seems to explain it at a large extent. The paper provides a set of suggestions on this regard. Originality/value – There is no recent integral assessment of disaster risk in Mexico. Although there is a recent OECD review of the National Civil Protection System, its analysis leaves out the catastrophic agricultural insurance, critical part of comprehensive risk management of a country. On the other hand, there are recent evaluations of programs public for disaster risk management, but these consist of only individual program evaluations, lacking integrative and comparative analysis. Thus, this paper provides a comprehensive view of government risk management and concludes with a series of policy recommendations.
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DAS, SAUDAMINI, and STEPHEN C. SMITH. "AWARENESS AS AN ADAPTATION STRATEGY FOR REDUCING MORTALITY FROM HEAT WAVES: EVIDENCE FROM A DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN INDIA." Climate Change Economics 03, no. 02 (May 2012): 1250010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s2010007812500108.
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Heat waves, defined as an interval of abnormally hot and humid weather, have become a prominent killer in recent years. With heat waves worsening with climate change, adaptation is essential; one strategy has been to issue heat wave warnings and undertake awareness campaigns to bring about behavioral changes to reduce heat stroke. Since 2002, the Indian state of Odisha has been undertaking a grassroots awareness campaign on "dos and don'ts" during heat wave conditions through the disaster risk management (DRM) program. The selection criteria for DRM districts were earthquake, flood and cyclone incidence; but subsequently, heat wave awareness also received intensive attention in these districts. We present quasi-experimental evidence on the impact of the program, taking DRM districts and periods as treatment units and the rest as controls, analyzing the impact on the death toll from heat stroke for the 1998 to 2010 period, using difference-in-difference (DID) regressions with a district level panel data set and a set of control variables. We find indications of program effectiveness with initial DID specifications, but results are not always robust. We then take into account a statewide heat wave advertising program, to which the poor have limited exposure but which may also provide spillover benefits, using a triple differencing approach; results suggest the heat wave awareness programs may have complementary impacts. We examine research strategies for further improvement in the precision of impact evaluation results for innovative programs of this type.
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de Ruiter, Marleen Carolijn, Anaïs Couasnon, and Philip James Ward. "<i>Breaking the Silos</i>: an online serious game for multi-risk disaster risk reduction (DRR) management." Geoscience Communication 4, no. 3 (August 17, 2021): 383–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/gc-4-383-2021.
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Abstract. The increased complexity of disaster risk, due to climate change, expected population growth and the increasing interconnectedness of disaster impacts across communities and economic sectors, requires disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures that are better able to address these growing complexities. Especially disaster risk management (DRM) practitioners need to be able to oversee these complexities. Nonetheless, in the traditional risk paradigm, there is a strong focus on single hazards and the risk faced by individual communities and economic sectors. The development of the game and how it aims to support a shift from a single-risk to a multi-risk paradigm are discussed in detail. Breaking the Silos is a serious game designed to support various stakeholders (including policy makers, risk managers, researchers) in understanding and managing the complexities of DRR measures in a multi-risk (multi-hazard) setting, thereby moving away from hazard-silo thinking. What sets Breaking the Silos apart from other disaster risk games is its explicit focus on multi-risk challenges. The game includes different hazard types and intensities (and their interactions), different impact indicators, and (a)synergies between DRR measures. Moreover, the spread of expert knowledge between different participants and the high levels of freedom and randomness in the game design contribute to a realistic game. The game was launched during the World Bank GFDRR's Understanding Risk 2020 Forum and later played again with the same settings with researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich. Feedback from the pre- and post-game surveys indicates that Breaking the Silos was found useful by the participants in increasing awareness of the complexities of risk.
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Schweizer, Pia-Johanna, and Ortwin Renn. "Governance of systemic risks for disaster prevention and mitigation." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 28, no. 6 (November 4, 2019): 862–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-09-2019-0282.
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Purpose Systemic risks originate in tightly coupled systems. They are characterised by complexity, transboundary cascading effects, non-linear stochastic developments, tipping points, and lag in perception and regulation. Disasters need to be analysed in the context of vulnerabilities of infrastructure, industrial activities, structural developments and behavioural patterns which amplify or attenuate the impact of hazards. In particular, disasters are triggered by chains of events that often amplify and also multiply damages. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The paper applies the concept of systemic risks to disasters more precisely to the combination of natural and human-induced disasters. The paper refers to the International Risk Governance Council’s Risk Governance Framework and applies this framework to the systemic aspects of disaster risks. Findings The paper maps out strategies for inclusive governance of systemic risks for disaster prevention and mitigation. Furthermore, the paper highlights policy implications of these strategies and calls out for an integrated, inclusive and adaptive management approach for the systemic aspects of disaster risks. Originality/value The paper fulfils the identified need to analyse disaster risks in the context of vulnerabilities of infrastructure, industrial activities, structural developments and behavioural patterns which amplify or attenuate the impact of hazards.
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Chipangura, Paul, Dewald Van Niekerk, and Gerrit Van Der Waldt. "An exploration of objectivism and social constructivism within the context of disaster risk." Disaster Prevention and Management 25, no. 2 (April 4, 2016): 261–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-09-2015-0210.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the meaning of social constructivism and objectivism within the context of disaster risk from which disaster risk policy can be analysed. In particular, the paper attempts to explore the implications of social constructivism and objectivism in disaster risk which is essential in explaining why disaster risk has different nuances and consequently policy responses. Design/methodology/approach – A literature survey was used to explore social constructivism and objectivism within the context of disaster risk. The survey involved documentary searches from academic books, journal articles and disaster risk reports to serve as primary research data. Findings – The analysis revealed that viewing and managing disasters through the lens of objectivism might not yield the desired results of minimising risk as it conceals the vulnerabilities to disaster risk. The objectivist perspective is therefore in itself considered inadequate for the study of disaster risk and that social constructivist assumptions are required in order to analyse disaster risk. Towards this end, social constructivism offers a discursive approach to disaster risk policy science; one that more optimally illuminates competing local perspectives. Originality/value – An epistemological and ontological assessment of social constructivism and objectivism in disaster risk can assist greatly in understanding the discursive dimension of disaster risk through explanations of how and why disasters are framed the way they are framed and the implications of this on policy formulation and implementation.
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Saulnier, Dell D., Helen K. Green, Rohaida Ismail, Chhea Chhorvann, Norlen Bin Mohamed, Thomas D. Waite, and Virginia Murray. "Disaster risk reduction." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 28, no. 6 (November 4, 2019): 846–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-09-2019-0296.
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Purpose The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 calls for a reduction in disaster mortality, yet measuring mortality remains a challenge due to varying definitions of disaster mortality, the quality, availability and diversity of data sources, generating mortality estimates, and how mortality data are interpreted. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses five case studies to provide details around some of the complexities involved with measuring disaster mortality and to demonstrate the clear need for accurate disaster mortality data. Findings The findings highlight the benefits of combining multiple data sources for accurate mortality estimates, access to interoperable and readily available global, national, regional and local data sets, and creating standardized definitions for direct and indirect mortality for easier attribution of causes of death. Originality/value Countries should find a method of measuring mortality that works for them and their resources, and for the hazards they face. Combining accurate mortality data and estimates and leadership at all levels can inform policy and actions to reduce disaster mortality, and ultimately strengthen disaster risk reduction in countries for all citizens.
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Staupe-Delgado, Reidar, and Bjørn Ivar Kruke. "El Niño-induced droughts in the Colombian Andes: towards a critique of contingency thinking." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 26, no. 4 (August 7, 2017): 382–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-12-2016-0248.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the contingency approach to disaster preparedness inhibits proactive management of slow-onset disasters, such as El Niño, with the purpose of advancing disaster risk theory. Design/methodology/approach This study draws on fieldwork data from Nariño, Colombia, combined with secondary data and a review of the literature on El Niño and disaster preparedness. Findings Disaster managers in Nariño do have contingency plans for El Niño events at their disposal. Yet, these plans do not come into play before impacts reach a certain severity. This “contingency approach” to disaster preparedness appears to stem from the assumption that disaster must come before response, effectively inhibiting proactive responses to El Niño impacts. Research limitations/implications Attributing observed cases of droughts and oral accounts of impacts to the El Niño phenomenon is methodologically challenging. To overcome this, the aim of this study is not the documentation of subjective attributions. Instead, the focus is on bringing to the fore key dilemmas that preparedness professionals may face when they prepare for disasters with a slow onset. Practical implications Developing prevention and preparedness conceptualisations that focus on preemptive measures should ensure a more proactive response to slow-onset disasters. Originality/value Whether slow-onset disasters lend themselves to the same types of risk reduction strategies applied to rapid-onset disasters is a theoretical and practical issue that has not been explored sufficiently in the disaster risk literature.
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Vink, Karina, Kuniyoshi Takeuchi, and Kelly M. Kibler. "A Quantitative Estimate of Vulnerable People and Evaluation of Flood Evacuation Policy." Journal of Disaster Research 9, no. 5 (October 1, 2014): 887–900. http://dx.doi.org/10.20965/jdr.2014.p0887.
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Disaster Risk Management (DRM) laws and policies ideally contain measures to reduce disaster risk to all exposed people equally, even the most vulnerable people. To investigate this, we estimate the number of potentially vulnerable people in areas exposed to flood hazard, and evaluate the laws and policies which aim to reduce vulnerability. We proposed a theoretical framework based on four recognized characteristics of vulnerability (less physically or mentally capable; fewer material and/or financial resources; less access to information, and restricted by commitments) and created indicators for six groups of potentially vulnerable people: children, older adults, minorities, people with disabilities, people living in poverty, and women. We applied the framework to the populations of Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States, and proposed a new DRM policy evaluation method; and found that measures in DRM laws and policies are not in proportion to the number of potentially vulnerable people. The most numerous indicators included children aged 0-14, women with no car, and people with pets. The top ten indicators account for 80% of all potentially vulnerable people. When addressing the needs of vulnerable people from a policy perspective, these top ten indicators may serve as a starting point in order to increase the resilience of the vulnerable population. Seven of these ten are identical across the three case study countries, meaning the countries can learn from each other’s measures and possibly apply them in their own area. Policy evaluation showed that while many laws and policies do recognize various groups of potentially vulnerable people, they lack detailed support measures. Much remains to be amended in policies on all scale levels if the policies are to realize an equal disaster risk for all exposed people.
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Alexander, David E. "The game changes: “Disaster Prevention and Management” after a quarter of a century." Disaster Prevention and Management 25, no. 1 (February 1, 2016): 2–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-11-2015-0262.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of Disaster Prevention and Management. It reviews the modern-day challenges facing researchers, scholars and practitioners who work in the field of disaster risk reduction (DRR). Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews key issues in DRR, including the relationship between capital and labour and its influence on vulnerability, the role of human mobility and migration in disaster vulnerability and the definition of welfare. Findings – There is a need for a major revision in the body of disaster theory so that it can take account dynamic changes in the modern world. In the future, climate change and migration may radically alter the bases of vulnerability, risk and impact. The ways in which this will occur are not yet clear, but indications can be gained from current trends and the state of foment in which the world presently exists. Research limitations/implications – Prediction of future developments is always subject to the caveat that unexpected influences may change the expected course of events. However, the authors need to anticipate developments in order to produce theory, policies and practical solutions that are well-thought-out and viable. Practical implications – Disaster theory must adapt to new conditions if it is to remain the “road-map” that clarifies complex realities and enables disasters to be managed and abated. Social implications – Huge changes in the stability, expectations and vulnerabilities of populations are underway. These need to be understood much more fully in terms of their ability to influence disaster risks and impacts. Originality/value – Presently, few analyses of the dynamism of global society are able to present a clear picture of the future needs of theory generation, scholarship and research.
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Marchezini, Victor, Allan Yu Iwama, Danilo Celso Pereira, Rodrigo Silva da Conceição, Rachel Trajber, and Débora Olivato. "Designing a Cultural Heritage Articulated Warning System (CHAWS) strategy to improve disaster risk preparedness in Brazil." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 29, no. 1 (May 7, 2019): 65–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-07-2018-0227.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study an articulated warning system that provides information about the heritage at risk and encourages a dialogue between the heritage sector, civil defense agencies and local communities. Design/methodology/approach The databases from the National Heritage Institute, National Civil Defense, National Geological Service and National Early Warning System were investigated and the local community provided input which helped form a participatory risk mapping strategy for a warning system in the heritage sector. Findings There is little knowledge of the Brazilian heritage that is at risk and a lack of coordination between the cultural heritage and DRR sectors. This means that there is a need to organize the geo-referenced databases so that information can be shared and the public provided with broader access. As a result, there can be a greater production, dissemination and application of knowledge to help protect the cultural heritage. Practical implications The findings can be included in the debate about the importance of framing disaster risk management (DRM) policies in the Brazilian heritage sector. Social implications The findings and maps of the case study in the town of São Luiz do Paraitinga involve the heritage sector, civil defense agencies and local people and can be used for disaster risk preparedness. Originality/value A DRM program is being formulated in Brazil. However, the kind of strategy needed to incorporate the heritage sector in this program stills needs to be planned, and the knowledge of the cultural heritage at risk is a key factor when faced with this new social and scientific challenge.
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Bergeron, Caroline D., and Daniela B. Friedman. "Developing an evaluation tool for disaster risk messages." Disaster Prevention and Management 24, no. 5 (November 2, 2015): 570–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-11-2014-0224.
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Purpose – Risk communication is a critical component of individual health decision making and behavior. In disaster situations, it is crucial that risk-related messages are communicated accurately and that they reach and inform target audiences about the steps they can take to protect their health. Despite a global recognition of the importance of risk communication in responding to disasters, there remains a dearth of evidence on how to evaluate the effectiveness of risk communication messages. The purpose of this paper is to develop and assess a pilot tool to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster risk messages. Design/methodology/approach – A pilot evaluation tool was developed using the existing risk communication literature. An expert assessment of the tool was conducted using an open-ended survey and a focus group discussion with 18 experts at the Public Health Agency of Canada in February 2013. Findings – The tool measures content, reach, and comprehension of the message. It is intended to be a quick, internal evaluation tool for use during a disaster or emergency. The experts acknowledged the practicality of the tool, while also recognizing evaluation challenges. Research limitations/implications – This pilot exploratory tool was assessed using a relatively small sample of experts. Practical implications – This tool offers public health and disaster preparedness practitioners a promising approach for evaluating and improving the communication and management of future public health emergencies. Originality/value – This is the first practical tool developed to evaluate risk communication messages in disaster situations.
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Van Niekerk, Dewald. "Disaster risk governance in Africa." Disaster Prevention and Management 24, no. 3 (June 1, 2015): 397–416. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-08-2014-0168.
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Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to provide a retrospective assessment of progress in disaster risk governance in Africa against the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) since 2000. This assessment of progress achieved in disaster risk governance in Africa aims to identify achievements, good practices, gaps and challenges against selected HFA indicators (in particular Priority 1). Design/methodology/approach – This study mainly followed a qualitative methodology although quantitative data were interpreted to achieve the research objectives. Available literature (scientific articles, research and technical reports) on disaster risk governance was used as primary research data. This research used a selected number of African countries as its basis for analysis (Burundi, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Swaziland and South Africa). By investigating literature on disaster risk governance an analytical framework was developed which guided the assessment of the achievements, good practices, gaps and challenges in implementing disaster risk governance on the African continent since the inception of the HFA in 2005. Findings – The research found that African countries have been making steady progress in implementing disaster risk governance against theoretical indicators. The continent contains a few international best practices which other nations can learn from. Certain gaps and challenges are, however, still hampering better progress in the reduction of disaster risks. There is the need for multi-layered ownership and understanding of disaster risks and their cross-sectoral nature, with strong community engagement. Originality/value – An assessment of progress in disaster risk governance in Africa can assist greatly in shaping future international and national policy, legislation and implementation. The research provided input to the Global Assessment Report for 2015 and identified opportunities in disaster risk governance beyond 2015.
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Edmonds, Christopher, and Ilan Noy. "The economics of disaster risks and impacts in the Pacific." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 27, no. 5 (November 5, 2018): 478–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-02-2018-0057.
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Purpose The Pacific islands face the highest disaster risk globally in per capita terms. Countries in the region have been affected by several recent catastrophic events, as well as by frequent natural hazards of smaller magnitude. The purpose of this paper is to quantify total disaster risk faced by Pacific island countries (PICs). Design/methodology/approach The paper evaluates the three main sources of data for quantifying risk in the region—the International Emergency Database (EMDAT), DesInventar and the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative, evaluating the information available on indirect disaster impacts and their likely impacts on poverty and well-being. Findings The analysis suggests that the three available data sets contain inconsistencies and underestimate disaster risk, especially for atoll nations. It also identifies four trends with respect to changes in natural hazards that result from climate change and are likely to have the greatest long-term impact on Pacific islands. Focusing on Tuvalu, the paper also quantifies the likely consequence of some of the possible interventions that aim to reduce those impacts. Practical implications The paper’s main conclusion is that improving the systematic collection of quantitative data on disaster events should be a basic first step in improving future policy decisions concerning resource allocation and efforts to insure losses from future disasters and climate change. Originality/value While a lot of research explored disaster risk in PICs, comparative analysis of quantitative information on disasters across the diverse countries of the region is limited.
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Harte, Wendy, Merle Sowman, Peter Hastings, and Iraphne Childs. "Barriers to risk reduction: Dontse Yakhe, South Africa." Disaster Prevention and Management 24, no. 5 (November 2, 2015): 651–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-03-2015-0056.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify hazard risks and factors impeding the implementation of disaster risk management policies and strategies in Dontse Yakhe in Hout Bay, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach was selected for this research. Interviews were conducted with community leaders and other relevant government and civil society stakeholders. Insights and perceptions of Dontse Yakhe residents were obtained from a focus group interview. Secondary data sources were reviewed and field observations made. Findings – The findings reveal a number of key risks and a complex web of geographical, political, social and environmental factors, and stakeholder interactions, prioritisations and decision making that has created barriers to the implementation of the aims and objectives of disaster risk management policies and strategies in Dontse Yakhe. Originality/value – The contribution of the research is that it provides insight into the complex factors that are stalling development and infrastructure provision, and implementation of risk reduction strategies, in Dontse Yakhe as outlined in disaster risk management policies and strategies, demonstrating a gap between policy rhetoric and practice.
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Mohammad H. Mojtahedi, S., and Bee Lan Oo. "Stakeholders’ approaches to disaster risk reduction in built environment." Disaster Prevention and Management 23, no. 4 (July 29, 2014): 356–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-11-2013-0209.
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Purpose – In disaster risk reduction (DRR), it is important to realise stakeholders’ approaches against disasters in the built environment. The purpose of this paper is to explore why stakeholders take proactive and/or reactive approaches in DRR. Design/methodology/approach – Using a review of existent literature, this work scrutinises disaster theories and their applications in the built environment to develop a theoretical framework for perceiving stakeholders’ proactive and/or reactive approaches in DRR. Findings – Stakeholders’ organisational attributes – power, legitimacy and urgency – and decision-making paradigms – value maximisation and intuitive reasoning – are fundamental factors affecting stakeholders’ approaches against disasters. Power and legitimacy of stakeholders result in a proactive approach if stakeholders consider value maximisation paradigm in their decision-making process. Powerful and legitimate stakeholders may take reactive approaches because of intuitive reasoning paradigm. Stakeholders may shift from a reactive to proactive approach and vice versa based on the combination of urgency attribute and decision-making paradigms. Research limitations/implications – It is essential to consider the classification of respective stakeholders in applying the idea of this paper. Furthermore, this paper does not attempt to validate the proposed theoretical framework empirically, but it combines stakeholder and decision-making theories by which this could be undertaken. Originality/value – Little attention has been paid to systematic theorising in managing stakeholders’ approaches against disasters. Furthermore, many researchers have focused on similar underlying theories and heuristics in the context of DRR. Thus, this paper introduces a theoretical framework to examine stakeholders’ proactive and/or reactive approaches in the built environment, by synthesising stakeholder and decision-making theories.
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Sun, Lei, and A. J. Faas. "Social production of disasters and disaster social constructs." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 27, no. 5 (November 5, 2018): 623–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-05-2018-0135.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine whether it is useful to tease apart the intimately related propositions of social production and social construction to guide thinking in the multidisciplinary study of disasters. Design/methodology/approach The authors address our question by reviewing literature on disasters in the social sciences to disambiguate the concepts of social production and social construction. Findings The authors have found that entertaining the distinction between social production and social construct can inform both thinking and action on disasters by facilitating critical exercises in reframing that facilitate dialog across difference. The authors present a series of arguments on the social production and construction of disaster and advocate putting these constructs in dialog with vulnerability frameworks of the social production of disasters. Originality/value This commentary contributes to disambiguating important theoretical and practical concepts in disaster studies. The reframing approach can inform both research and more inclusive disaster management and risk reduction efforts.
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Finnigan, Gerard A. "The natural environment as a disaster hazard." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 28, no. 6 (November 4, 2019): 724–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-09-2019-0294.
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Purpose The rapid deterioration of the earth’s natural ecosystems are increasing the risk of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hydrometeorological hazards are concentrating contaminants from the damaged environment and exposing large vulnerable populations to life threating illnesses and death. This study performed a retrospective health risk assessment on two recent events where such impacts unfolded, namely, the 2015 south east Equatorial Asia smoke haze disaster and the 2016 Melbourne thunderstorm asthma epidemic. The purpose of this paper is to test if the characterisation of health risk warranted earlier and more effective risk reduction activities prior to the disasters occurring. Design/methodology/approach A retrospective health risk characterisation assessment was performed combing United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Risk Health Aspect in Disaster Risk Assessment (2017) framework with a thematic and targeted word literature review to identify the level of risk knowledge prior to each event. A risk characterisation matrix was then created to characterise the health risk of each hazard event. Findings The 2015 south east Equatorial Asia smoke haze disaster risk assessment was characterised as “extreme” health risk and the 2016 Melbourne thunderstorm asthma epidemic was characterised as “high” health risk. Practical implications Reaching the goals of the Sendai Framework require strategies and plans which urgently address the catastrophic level of mortality risk posed by exposure to environmental contaminants. Originality/value Innovative approaches and partnerships are necessary to mitigate the risk from the deteriorating health of the environment and natural ecosystems, along with disaster response initiatives that reduce exposure of vulnerable people on a large scale.
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Bera, Mohan Kumar. "Collective efforts of people to reduce disasters in the Indian Sundarban islands." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 28, no. 5 (October 7, 2019): 691–705. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-02-2018-0058.
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Purpose People from chronic flood-affected areas in the Sundarban islands understand that individual efforts are not sufficient to deal with the floods of increasing magnitude caused by tidal waves in coastal areas and take proactive measures to minimise the impact of floods before turning to the government for support. Their perception of disaster risk influences them to engage in collective activities and develop strategies to mitigate flood disasters. However, many villagers do not participate in collective disaster management activities. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors of homogeneity that motivate people to work together to reduce the impact of natural hazards. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research has been conducted in Sibpur and Gobordhanpur villages of Indian Sundarban islands. Participant observation and in-depth interview have been applied to explore the collective activities of disaster reduction. Affected, non-affected villagers, representatives of the local government and government administrative officers have been interviewed to understand the disaster management efforts of the government and local people. Findings The research has found that drivers of homogeneity and leadership are important for collective activities in disaster management. Threat of disasters, potential loss of livelihood and damages of properties, emotional attachment with the village and ties with extended family members influence villagers to engage in collective activity. Collective activities of villagers help to address the local needs of disaster reduction to the government in a better way. Originality/value The study has revealed that strong leadership is required in effective collective activities to manage disaster in the Indian Sundarban islands.
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Ray-Bennett, Nibedita S., and Hideyuki Shiroshita. "Disasters, deaths and the Sendai Framework’s target one." Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal 28, no. 6 (November 4, 2019): 764–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dpm-09-2019-0302.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to theoretically propose a complex perspective as the third way to understand disasters which is used to describe the Hiroshima landslide disaster 2014 in Japan. In the first half of the paper the complex perspective is explained in detail with comparison to two conventional perspectives on disasters, i.e. hazard approach and vulnerability approach. According to the complex perspective, deaths in disasters are avoidable. In the second half of the paper, Hiroshima landslide disaster is analyzed in line with the complex perspective. Also, how will Hiroshima not repeat such landslide disaster is suggested. Design/methodology/approach To develop the case study for Hiroshima, a desk-based literature review, a field site visit and five key informant interviews were conducted by the authors in 2016. The authors’ initial analysis based on newspaper reports indicated a failure in the early warning system, evacuation and severity of the hazard. Based on this, the broader literature on traditional perspectives on risk, vulnerability and complexity were mined to understand and theorize the failure in Hiroshima. Then the interviews were conducted in the city of Hiroshima to analyze the disaster from complex perspective. Findings The authors demonstrated that the Hiroshima Landslide disaster 2014 and its deaths could be explained by complex perspective. Complex perspective brings us the following suggestions not to repeat landslide disaster in Hiroshima. Political leaders at national and local levels must take up responsibilities to set a “goal” for the disaster management system to “reduce deaths.” Also, governmental and non-governmental organizations should make efforts to engage proactively with community through disaster education or through community awareness program to shift the mind set from hito-goto to jibun-no-koto (their story to our story). Originality/value Reducing deaths by disasters is essential for the world thus it is UN’s Sendai Goal One. As most contemporary sciences are based on reductionism, disasters have been described as a combination of the related components such as hazards, vulnerability. Although the great contributions from the reductionism to disaster studies, it has been said that integrated disaster management is needed since the reductionism usually give the partially optimized solution to disaster reduction. This study proposes complex approach to find comparatively total optimized solution to disaster reduction, in particular reducing deaths. Although it is based on merely one case study, this paper describes the possibility of different way to reduce deaths by disasters.