Children’s voices in disaster recovery: Lessons from the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake

Formal interventions are rationalized to be irreplaceable, especially with marginalized communities that are presumed to lack capacity. It is event centric and differ considerably from the community's experience of disaster risk and recovery within the everyday context. Thus, community engagement with multiple formal institutions that often fail to address recovery needs of the most marginalized, is inevitable. These contradictions lead to varied forms of community assertion towards addressing structural inequalities and injustices. In this paper we explore these contradictions by drawing from the work of scholars who recognize the limits of procedural justice and push for distributive justice, especially by focusing on grassroots processes using the lens of the politics of neo-liberalism and ontology of possibilities. Using a multi-sited instrumental case study approach the paper explores community's lived experiences, factors contributing to the persistence of structural inequality and injustice, and the alternate conception of justice and their assertions, in the disaster recovery context. The two case studies - Vistapit Mukti Vahini and Thayillam, inform an alternate theoretical conception of disaster recovery embedded in structural inequalities and injustices through the following three perspectives: Firstly how disaster risk and recovery emerge from historical and everyday lived reality of marginalized communities, their social relations and resulting material conditions; Secondly how challenging everyday social relations, processes and injustices is central to the community's alternate conception and assertion for disaster recovery; and finally how community assertion and recovery relies on the mobilization of vulnerability, which could mean being exposed and agentic at the same time.

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the effectiveness of the city disaster prevention, mitigation, response, recovery, and rehabilitation practices of the local governments in Metro Manila, Philippines.Design/methodology/approachBased on purposive sampling technique, descriptive-evaluative and comparative research designs were adopted to assess the effectiveness of local governments in implementing the four thematic areas: (1) disaster preparedness, (2) disaster prevention and mitigation, (3) disaster response, and (4) disaster recovery and rehabilitation.FindingsThe findings showed that disaster preparedness had the highest grand mean of 3.47, interpreted as effective, in the effectiveness of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Metro Manila. This was followed by disaster response, and disaster recovery and rehabilitation, both with a grand mean of 3.42. Disaster prevention and mitigation received the lowest grand mean of 3.40. The overall grand mean across the four thematic areas was 3.42, also interpreted as effective.Originality/valueThe paper will be valuable to policymakers, legislators, and scholars in effectively implementing their policies and guidelines in disaster management, risk reduction, rehabilitation, and recovery.

ABSTRACTDeconstructing causal linkages between place attributes and disaster outcomes at coarse scales like zip codes and counties is difficult because heterogeneous socio-economic characteristics operating at finer scales are masked. However, capturing detailed disaster outcomes about individuals and households for large areas can be equally complicated. This dichotomy highlights the need for a more nuanced and empirically-driven approach to understanding financial disaster recovery support. This study assessed how social characteristics influenced federal disaster recovery support following the 2015 South Carolina floods. Ordinary linear and spatial regression models provided a mechanism for pinpointing statistically significant links between individual/compound vulnerabilities and resource distribution from four federal disaster response and recovery programmes. The study makes two unique contributions. First, exploration of how social characteristics influence recovery support is a critical, yet understudied path toward fair and equitable disaster recovery. Second, finer scale inquiry across a large impact area is rare in quantitative case studies of US disasters. While we found flood recovery assistance to be strongly associated with physical damage overall the relationship was more tenuous in places with higher social vulnerability. Results indicate that future disaster recovery programs focusing on both physical damage and social vulnerable would lead to a more equitable disaster recoveries. Findings provide new understanding of equity at the intersection of social vulnerability, impacts, and disaster recovery and showcase both best-practices and areas for programme improvements for future disasters.

Deconstructing causal linkages between place attributes and disaster outcomes at coarse scales like zip codes and counties is difficult because heterogeneous socio-economic characteristics operating at finer scales are masked. However, capturing detailed disaster outcomes about individuals and households for large areas can be equally complicated. This dichotomy highlights the need for a more nuanced and empirically-driven approach to understanding financial disaster recovery support. This study assessed how social characteristics influenced federal disaster recovery support following the 2015 South Carolina floods. Ordinary linear and spatial regression models provided a mechanism for pinpointing statistically significant links between individual/compound vulnerabilities and resource distribution from four federal disaster response and recovery programmes. The study makes two unique contributions. First, exploration of how social characteristics influence recovery support is a critical, yet understudied path toward fair and equitable disaster recovery. Second, finer scale inquiry across a large impact area is rare in quantitative case studies of US disasters. While we found flood recovery assistance to be strongly associated with physical damage overall the relationship was more tenuous in places with higher social vulnerability. Results indicate that future disaster recovery programs focusing on both physical damage and social vulnerable would lead to a more equitable disaster recoveries. Findings provide new understanding of equity at the intersection of social vulnerability, impacts, and disaster recovery and showcase both best-practices and areas for programme improvements for future disasters.

Postpandemic Psychological Recovery and Emergency Nursing: Creating a Narrative for Change

Long-term Recovery from Recent Disasters in Japan and the United States

People’s susceptibility and capacity to respond to disasters is not homogenous. Women, in a generalized sense, tend to bear the brunt of disasters, but they are also often at the frontlines of disaster response and recovery. Women’s experiences and capabilities, however, remain ill-recognized or poorly integrated into policies and projects. This paper draws on a study that documents and listens to the stories of women market vendors in Vanuatu who experienced Cyclone Pam and the severe drought that followed. From this, we issue a call to those working in the disaster and development fields to: (1) acknowledge and utilize women’s knowledge and skills in disaster response and recovery, and (2) support women to further develop their capabilities and address underlying vulnerabilities. While we put forward that women should be more central in disaster recovery and resilience-building processes, we issue a warning that wider inequitable power structures must also be proactively tackled in order to improve women’s overall wellbeing and relieve their burdens.

Aim/Purpose: This study explores the challenges encountered and coping strategies employed by women survivors of Super Typhoon Rai in Cebu, Philippines, aiming to shed light on their lived experiences and resilience. Introduction/Background: Disasters, influenced by both regional and global factors, cause widespread destruction, economic disruption, and profound psychological and social impacts, particularly among women. Although disasters do not choose their victims, women are often more vulnerable during these events, yet their experiences and roles are frequently overlooked. Given the growing number of typhoons in the Philippines, more studies are needed to examine how individuals cope with their lives following each storm. In particular, exploring the experiences of women after disasters is essential, as it can provide valuable insights into their unique vulnerabilities and resilience. These factors have led to this study, which explored the lives of the victims of Typhoon Rai. Additionally, how participants managed to rebuild their lives after the typhoon was investigated. Methodology: A qualitative approach–specifically hermeneutic phenomenology–was adopted in this study to explore the lived experiences among women when facing disaster, particularly typhoons, and their efforts to rebuild after the disaster. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with ten women, five from a rural area and five from an urban area, all of whom had experienced this disaster. Purposive sampling was used to select them based on specific criteria related to their experiences. Semi-structured interviews were the primary method of data collection. Thematic analysis was then applied to identify key themes and produce a coherent report. The focus of the study was participants' perspectives, highlighting the emotional, psychological, and practical aspects of their recovery. To ensure validity of the findings, the data was reviewed by a content analyst, and the participants were invited to validate the results. Findings: The challenges and coping strategies of Typhoon Rai survivors were examined, focusing on the disaster's aftermath and recovery. Key challenges included social chain disruptions of basic services such as food, water, and shelter, as well as psychological distress, and social fragmentation. Ineffective government disaster response exacerbated logistical challenges, while mental health struggles such as trauma and anxiety were widespread. Social fragmentation hindered recovery, as feelings of isolation and lack of community support prolonged the rebuilding process. In this regard, women survivors reported various coping strategies, with faith-based coping being central to emotional stability and hope. Cultivating an optimistic mindset, emotional catharsis through sharing struggles, and social support networks also played crucial roles in recovery. The study highlights the need for better disaster response systems, equitable resource distribution, and mental health support. Strengthening community bonds and promoting coping strategies like spirituality, optimism, and social support are essential for comprehensive recovery and disaster preparedness. Contribution/Impact on Society: This study provides new insights into the importance of comprehensive disaster management that addresses not only physical needs, but also psychological well-being, as well as gender-sensitive disaster management and recovery initiatives. This work addresses gaps in the existing literature and offers innovative perspectives that can stimulate further inquiry and discussion. This research may serve as a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners alike, and spark meaningful dialogue within the academic community. Recommendations: A multi-pronged approach is essential to support recovery efforts, starting with immediate interventions such as stress debriefing sessions and the mobilization of mental health professionals to provide psychological aid. Local government units must streamline disaster response systems to ensure the timely delivery of resources and financial assistance, with training for government workers to address the psychological needs of survivors for a compassionate response. Faith-based practices, such as prayer, meditation, and religious community involvement, can offer survivors emotional stability and resilience during difficult times. Cultivating an optimistic mindset is also crucial, as focusing on hope and small victories can foster perseverance. Emotional catharsis, allowing individuals to express their emotions, is important for relieving stress and promoting healing. Lastly, social support from family, friends, and the community plays a pivotal role, providing a sense of belonging and encouragement. By integrating these strategies, communities can build resilience and a stronger foundation for recovery. Research Limitation: The study's use of phenomenology, while effective for capturing personal experiences, limited the ability to make broad generalizations, as the findings were subjective and context-specific. With a small sample size of ten women, the study may not fully represent the broader population of Typhoon Rai survivors, and overlooks the experiences of men or other marginalized groups. Moreover, it was conducted in two areas of Cebu; thus, the findings may not reflect the diverse perspectives of other regions or countries affected by similar disasters. External factors, such as the ongoing recovery process and government responses, may have also influenced the findings, and participants’ emotional states during their interviews may have impacted their responses. Future Research: Future research could employ a broader focus to include men or LGBTQ+ individuals, as these groups may encounter distinct challenges during disaster recovery. While the study highlights women's experiences, it's crucial to explore how gender and sexual orientation affect coping strategies and recovery for other marginalized groups. Men may struggle with cultural expectations around masculinity, hindering their ability to express vulnerability or seek help. LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination, social stigma, or exclusion from support networks, potentially leading to heightened psychological distress during recovery.

Indigenous-informed disaster recovery: Addressing collective trauma using a healing framework

Abundant studies have researched the economic and social shifts associated with demographic transitions. There have also been many studies on the essentials of disaster preparedness and recovery. However, few studies have investigated these factors in combination. Therefore, this study explored how demographic shifts such as a decreasing and aging population impact disaster recovery and efforts to build a sustainable society. It examined coastal communities in Japan’s Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures that were affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJET) from the perspective of two disaster-recovery theories: (1) Bates and Peacock argued that disaster recovery continues or accelerates a community’s pre-disaster trends [1, 2]; and (2) Hirose argued that disaster-recovery efficacy depends on the disaster scale, outside aid, and community strength [3]. This study’s analyses support the first theory while stating that a community’s pre-disaster demographic and social trends have a more significant effect on disaster recovery success than the disaster scale and outside aid considering the second theory. The study reiterates that disaster recovery begins before a disaster, and demographic variables should affect plans to build a sustainable society. Finally, this note shows how the lessons learned from the 2011 GEJET disaster can provide the insights to improve disaster risk management in societies with declining and aging populations.

Lay Health Workers can play a pivotal role in improving disaster response and recovery because of their potential effectiveness in enhancing the overall health of their communities, increasing disaster preparedness, supplementing the efforts of disaster responders, and building relationships of trust among all interested parties. Such activities build social capital and significantly enhance community resiliency in anticipation of future disasters. Although there are a number of different types of lay health workers, the version with the greatest potential in this area is the Community Health Worker (CHW). Recent research findings confirm that CHWs serving in the communities where they live have been beneficial in emergency management planning and disaster recovery, following both natural and technological disasters. When properly trained, they constitute a proven strategy for timely interventions aimed at reducing long-term collective trauma and building social capital. In this paper, we elaborate the characteristics and roles of CHWs as a specific type of lay health worker; review research on the utility of CHWs in health care generally, as well as in the area of emergency management; describe their potential for building social capital and enhancing community resilience; and provide an overview of essential training needed to prepare them to participate in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. We conclude with some suggestions for future research.

The U.S. government has debated eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and redirecting its funds to state immigration enforcement efforts, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite FEMA’s ongoing support for states in building resilience and speeding up disaster recovery, technically and financially. This study examines how FEMA assists states through three disaster phases: before (mitigation), during (response), and after (recovery), using a qualitative approach that highlights intergenerational environmental justice and equity, including vulnerable groups, environmental protection, and climate change. The study’s findings show FEMA’s effectiveness in reducing losses and the need for recovery funding, which not only lowers current disaster risks but also helps create a safer and more sustainable environment for future generations. The findings demonstrate FEMA's ongoing efforts to enhance its policies, promoting equity and inclusivity, and ensuring that minority and low-income communities receive equal assistance in disaster recovery. The analysis also reveals that FEMA helps protect local ecosystems and preserve wildlife habitats through its buyout program, which converts disaster-prone land into open space. This research contributes to the ongoing debate about integrating climate change considerations into disaster mitigation plans, thereby helping to safeguard future generations from the increasingly severe effects of disasters. Recommendations include passing new laws, dividing duties and funding between FEMA and ICE, creating an alternative funding source for ICE, and improving oversight and transparency in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is essential to maintain FEMA because disaster funding continues to be a joint effort between FEMA and the states

Changing environmental conditions are creating conditions that are leading to an increasing number of disasters. University libraries are at risk of impact from these disasters. The nature of library collections and services is highly intertwined with the physical spaces within the institutions. Thus, the consequences of these disasters have a significant effect on the knowledge ecosystem. Epistemological theories have rarely been explored and yet are important theoretical foundations to frame disaster recovery activities. Traditionally disaster management and recovery have lacked theoretical frameworks and been operationally focused. Approaches have been based on a rationalist framing of the problem and a presumption that there is a justified truth belief that the previous state is the ideal state. In this article, the nature of knowledge through three epistemological approaches is explored and tested on two case studies. Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) and the Australian National University (Australia) are used to assess the operational and epistemological issues of disaster recovery. The paper reflects on challenges to the role of the library and the application of epistemological theories to learn lessons for future approaches to disaster recovery. It poses questions about how libraries can take the opportunity to rethink in the digital environment.

Disasters are unpredictable and destructive events that can severely impact information technology services. This study develops a disaster recovery plan focusing on leveraging cloud computing to enhance disaster mitigation and recovery for network infrastructure. Specifically, it examines critical information system services and network infrastructure at STIKI Malang. Utilizing Google Cloud Platform, the study proposes a novel network topology and disaster recovery procedures, excluding budgetary and insurance considerations. The research outputs include a cloud-based network topology model and a comprehensive disaster recovery procedure. These are designed to minimize service disruptions and incorporate an alert system for responding disturbances on information system applications. Additionally, the study provides a risk analysis and preventive measures, offering operational guidelines to mitigate disaster impacts effectively. The findings aim to enhance resilience and ensure continuity of critical services, providing a valuable framework for institutions facing similar challenges. This research underscores the transformative potential of cloud computing in disaster management, offering strategic insights into integrating cloud solutions for robust network infrastructure resilience.

Purpose Disasters are inevitable, and their increasing frequency and intensity due to climate change necessitate stronger community disaster resilience (CDR) strategies. The ability to reduce recovery time can be achieved through an agile approach. However, existing research lacks a systematic approach. The purpose of this study is to integrating CDR characteristics with an agile approach to enhance adaptability and efficiency in disaster recovery. Design/methodology/approach This study uses systematic literature review and meta-analysis to categorise CDR characteristics and analyse their influence on recovery time. The population, intervention, comparison and outcome framework was used to develop a structured search strategy, leading to the selection and analysis of 960 research articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, using tools such as MS Excel, RAW Graphs 2.0, Lucid Chart and VISIO Professional 2021 to visualise findings. Findings The research identifies seven key CDR dimensions; human, economic, environmental, social, infrastructural, governance and technological resilience. Findings highlight that applying agile principles such as adaptability, stakeholder engagement, continuous improvement and resource optimisation can significantly enhance recovery efficiency. The study provides a novel methodological contribution by integrating agile approaches into CDR, offering a structured framework for disaster management strategies. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first to systematically examine the role of agile approach in minimising disaster recovery time. It recommends further empirical validation through case studies and field research, particularly in underrepresented regions like Asia. In addition, leveraging AI-driven data analytics and emerging technologies can enhance real-time resilience strategies, ensuring faster and more effective disaster response and recovery.