Disaster-affected Communities Research Articles

Tohoku resilient schools and youth engagement in memory after 2011 tsunami

PurposeIn 2011, a disaster devastated the Tohoku region in Japan and left more than 15,000 victims. However, there could have been more. School buildings became a center of response and evacuation during the emergency, playing a central role in each disaster phase. How did the schools manage the situation in small Japanese communities and what lessons can be drawn? Disaster prevention education and training, rapid evacuation, survival in shelters and transmission of experiences to future generations are the key to disaster management in Japan. In the Tohoku area, these lessons are also connected with the history and memory of previous tsunamis.Design/methodology/approachFrom a local approach and socio-historical methodology, research is based on ethnographic fieldwork in disaster-affected communities, archival data collection and oral testimonies. Between November 2020 and March 2023, in-depth interviews were conducted with tsunami survivors, children and community leaders involved in disaster response during the months and years following the tsunami. The analysis focuses on disaster response in schools, survival and building capacities of youth during reconstruction through six case studies.FindingsThis research determines the importance of local history in tsunami management in Tohoku. It offers practical examples from each disaster phase for individuals and communities to face disasters and foster resilience. It reveals, on the other hand, how during the reconstruction process, a young generation embraced memory to reinforce disaster prevention for the future of the region.Originality/valueHighlighting the importance of including children and youth in disaster response, reconstruction and memory through applicable cases, this study provides a guide of school experiences in Japan that can become global lessons for disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Emergency Response in War and Natural Disasters: A Look at the IRC

This research is of utmost importance in studying the application of immediate emergency response programs and interventions by the esteemed International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC is instrumental in rescuing affected individuals or communities from wars and natural disasters. The project's interest lies in examining strategies and criteria for distributing and allocating limited resources during crises and after restoring the situation. It identifies the primary objectives sought to evaluate the access to basic needs to support the livelihood of communities, including health, education, financial inclusions, local capacity, and infrastructure. The research aims to analyze the scope of emergency response programs and interventions and the effectiveness of the applications where the IRC team directs emergency response programs and interventions. The research methodology incorporates a robust mixed-method, quantitative and qualitative research design based on affected populations by war and natural disasters. The collected data was obtained from individuals under the programs and interventions. The answers reveal the effectiveness of the emergency response programs and interventions and how they correspond to the hypothesis of implementing a mindfulness-based intervention that significantly reduces the stress levels from war and natural disaster-affected communities. The collected data from questions or digital search engines shows that the IRC's emergency response programs and interventions provide robust impact and effectiveness for affected individuals by wars and natural disasters. The recommendation is that this research study be expanded to explore and collect more data to determine the depth of effectiveness of emergency response programs and intervention outcomes.

A Literature Study of Emergency Material Dispatch Models and Optimisation in the Context of Natural Disasters

The recurrent occurrence of natural disasters has brought into sharp focus the urgent need for the expedient distribution of emergency materials. In the aftermath of a disaster, the swift and precise distribution of essential emergency supplies is of the utmost importance in ensuring the basic survival needs of the affected population are met, minimising the impact of the disaster and maintaining social stability. In order to provide a comprehensive overview of the research progress in the field of emergency supplies dispatching after natural disasters, we employ the knowledge graph analysis software VOSviewer to investigate the optimisation issues pertaining to the emergency supplies dispatching model, taking into account the inherent uncertainty, from a multi-objective standpoint and across a range of algorithms. A total of 375 literature sources were included in the China Knowledge Network database for review. The research objectives, methods and conclusions of the representative literature on hot spots at home and abroad were subjected to analysis. The review examines the research objectives, methodologies and conclusions of the most prominent literature on the subject, both domestic and international, and analyses the current status of research on the scheduling of emergency materials in the context of natural disasters. By synthesising these findings, we aim to identify gaps in existing research and suggest directions for future endeavours to promote a more resilient and effective emergency management system that can respond rapidly to the ever-changing needs of disaster-affected communities.

Navigating the Terrain: Opportunities and Challenges of Implementing Psychological First Aid in Disaster Response

Psychological First Aid (PFA) has become crucial in disaster response due to its impact on the mental health of affected individuals. This study explores the implementation of PFA, using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design to deeply understand the experiences and perceptions of those involved. The phenomenological approach, provides insight into the lived experiences of PFA practitioners and recipients, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. Findings reveal that while PFA can enhance awareness, service access, and community resilience, challenges such as limited resources, a shortage of trained personnel, and cultural differences persist. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts, improved training, and cultural sensitivity to optimize PFA's effectiveness. Future research should focus on developing better implementation strategies and monitoring PFA's impact on mental well-being in disaster-affected communities.

Penerapan Hipnosis Lima Jari untuk Mengatasi Gejala Psikologis pada Masyarakat setelah Bencana Banjir di Kota Surakarta

Introduction: The impact of floods on communities included both physical and psychological effects. The psychological impact on individuals contributed to anxiety, encompassing various environmental and health issues, such as acute stress. Floods led to psychological manifestations, including anxiety, stress, and clinical depression. Objective: The goal of this community service project was to provide five-finger hypnosis therapy to reduce the anxiety levels of flood-affected communities. Method: The three types of activity approaches included planning, carrying out, and reviewing. Twenty community members participated in this activity, which involved a lecture and Q&A session. Result: The results of the activity concluded that providing five-finger hypnosis therapy to communities affected by natural disasters effectively reduced psychological symptoms, specifically anxiety. The instructional training was conducted without any difficulties. Conclusion: Five-finger hypnosis therapy effectively reduced anxiety in disaster-affected communities. This technique is flexible and can be performed anytime and anywhere.

Rural Natural Disaster Stress: A Survey of Community Resource Use and Effect

ABSTRACT Objective This study identified rural community experiences and preferences related to available resources and their effects on stress following tornadoes and floods. Methods The Rural Natural Disaster Stress and Recovery survey was distributed from December 2021 to February 2022 in rural disaster-affected communities. Within the analysis sample (N = 159) of self-selected participants representing both agricultural and non-agricultural occupations, 125 responded to the Resource Use and Effect survey component that evaluated the effects of 22 resources on post-disaster stress. Additional qualitative questions provided further data. Results The most frequently used resources post-disaster were found to be talking about the event (98.3%), friends and neighbors (97.6%) and family (97.6%). Using a derived Impact per Use score, groups from the neighboring community and personal faith activities most often reduced stress. Resources that increased stress were identified as FEMA or other government organizations; repairing, replacing, or rebuilding property; and following news or social media. Participants reported help from their community (35.8%) or things they did for themselves (31.2%) most effectively decreased disaster stress. Family, friends, faith, neighbors, and community were top choices to decrease stress in a future disaster. Conclusion Rural residents identified available resources for reducing disaster stress, but some common post-disaster activities were found to increase stress. Rural emergency management should adapt response and recovery plans and activities to leverage readily accessible people, groups, and activities to mitigate negative mental and emotional health effects.

Atuação de uma secretaria municipal de saúde diante do desastre-crime do petróleo em Pernambuco

ABSTRACT The 2019 oil disaster-crime is considered the largest disaster on the Brazilian coast. Given the frontline in disaster response, the municipal health secretariat is crucial in the disaster risk management process. This study aimed to analyze the performance of a municipal health secretariat in the metropolitan region of Recife, Pernambuco, regarding the 2019 oil spill, adopting a descriptive, qualitative case study. We performed content Analysis with the IRaMuTeQ software on interviews with health managers, and the results revealed four categories: municipal management in marine care; disaster risk governance and its absence; the COVID-19 syndemic and its impacts on the rehabilitation and recovery of oil disaster-affected communities; what to do if a disaster strikes again. In the municipality under study, we noted early organization of response actions, the lack of governance in the disaster-crime, and health management focus on COVID-19 syndemic, which were identified as difficulties and vulnerabilities in their actions, while continuing education and coordination with fishermen and shellfish gatherers were among the lessons learned.

Context-Driven Creative Workshop: Celebrating Locality in Disaster-Affected Communities

Context-Driven Creative Workshop: Celebrating Locality in Disaster-Affected Communities

Exploring Resilience: A Virtual Tour of Disaster-Affected Communities through Digital Photo Stories

This study analyzes and explores disaster village tourism and life situation communication, clarifies the form and virtual scenarios, determines building blocks, and suggests sufficient functional requirements to develop virtual tourism scenarios. The questionnaire survey method is direct and effective for identifying questions; the case analysis method surveys the situation of the disaster village tourist attraction; and the theoretical analysis method discusses theories related to Digital Photo Book. The results indicate that tourists are interested in using Digital Photo Book as an information guide. Digital Photo Book's contribution to tourist information is more significant than conventional information, with 77% of tourists believing that the information provided greatly influenced their interest in the future. 70% of respondents stated that the impact of the information provided reached a satisfactory level. Digital Photo Book is more easily accepted and appreciated by tourists and is more suitable to be applied globally in the aspect of tourism, especially in areas with limited access.

Islamic faith-based organisations and their role in building social capital for post-disaster recovery in Indonesia.

This paper investigates the role of Islamic faith-based organisations (FBOs) in Indonesia and examines the way in which their disaster recovery aid can be successful or less successful depending on social capital formation in communities affected by a disaster. The paper argues that Islamic FBOs play a prominent role in disaster-affected communities by building new social capital or strengthening existing social capital. Failure to do so may affect a community's recovery and its long-term resilience. Applying a framework that considers three types of social capital-bonding, bridging, and linking-from a comparative perspective, the paper discusses two cases of disaster recovery: one following the earthquake that struck Aceh in 2013; and the other after the Mount Kelud volcanic eruptions in East Java in 2014. In both instances, the findings highlight the importance of the village facilitator, cultural sensitivity, and understanding of local indigenous and religious practices for successful disaster recovery.

A Community Mental Health Integrated Disaster Preparedness Intervention for Bushfire Recovery in Rural Australian Communities: Protocol for a Multimethods Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study.

Natural hazards are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change. Many of these natural disasters cannot be prevented; what may be reduced is the extent of the risk and negative impact on people and property. Research indicates that the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia (also known as the "Black Summer Bushfires") resulted in significant psychological distress among Australians both directly and indirectly exposed to the fires. Previous intervention research suggests that communities impacted by natural hazards (eg, earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods) can benefit from interventions that integrate mental health and social support components within disaster preparedness frameworks. Research suggests that disaster-affected communities often prefer the support of community leaders, local services, and preexisting relationships over external supports, highlighting that community-based interventions, where knowledge stays within the local community, are highly beneficial. The Community-Based Disaster Mental Health Intervention (CBDMHI) is an evidence-based approach that aims to increase disaster preparedness, resilience, social cohesion, and social support (disaster-related help-seeking), and decrease mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. This research aims to gain insight into rural Australian's recovery needs post natural hazards, and to enhance community resilience in advance of future fires. Specifically, this research aims to adapt the CBDMHI for the rural Australian context and for bushfires and second, to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the adapted CBDMHI in a rural Australian community. Phase 1 consists of qualitative interviews (individual or dyads) with members of the target bushfire-affected rural community. Analysis of these data will include identifying themes related to disaster preparedness, social cohesion, and mental health, which will inform the adaptation. An initial consultation phase is a key component of the adaptation process and, therefore, phase 2 will involve additional discussion with key stakeholders and members of the community to further guide adaptation of the CBDMHI to specific community needs, building on phase 1 inputs. Phase 3 includes identifying and training local community leaders in the adapted intervention. Following this, leaders will co-deliver the intervention. The acceptability and feasibility of the adapted CBDMHI within the community will be evaluated by questionnaires and semistructured interviews. Effectiveness will be evaluated by quantifying psychological distress, resilience, community cohesion, psychological preparedness, and help-seeking intentions. This study has received institutional review board approval and commenced phase 1 recruitment in October 2022. The study will identify if the adapted CBDMHI is viable and acceptable within a village in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. These findings will inform future scale-up in the broader rural Australian context. If this intervention is well received, the CBDMHI may be valuable for future disaster recovery and preparedness efforts in rural Australia. These findings may inform future scale-up in the broader rural Australian context. DERR1-10.2196/53454.

Natural disaster resilience and the creative arts: A case study from rural Australia

Given the increased frequency and severity of extreme climate events such as bushfires, innovative approaches to support community resilience are urgently needed. Amongst the variety of ways that communities and service providers are responding to natural disasters, creative arts interventions represent an inclusive and effective approach to supporting community resilience. Analysing a case study from rural Queensland, Australia, this article delineates the features of arts and creativity that support resilience-building in communities. It identifies three transferrable principles and arts-based processes which may be embedded into future projects to support disaster-affected communities to creatively nurture and articulate resilience.

Social capital of disaster-affected communities in post-disaster conditions: A case study of the Cianjur Earthquake, West Java, Indonesia, 2022

This study explores the conditions of social capital on the survivors of the 2022 earthquake in Cianjur, Indonesia. Cibulakan Village, Cugenang Sub-district, Cianjur was chosen for this study because it was one of the most severely affected villages by the earthquake with the highest number of fatalities in Cianjur Regency. This study discusses three forms of social capital: bonding, bridging and linking and their conditions in Cibulakan Village after the earthquake. The research used a qualitative approach and method. The data analysis process uses an interactive analysis model by Miles which divides the steps of data analysis into several parts: data collection, data condensation through open coding, axial coding and selective coding, data display and conclusion. The results showed that the earthquake triggered changes in bonding, bridging and linking social capital in both positive and negative directions. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the condition and role of social capital in post-disaster communities, given that some forms of social capital lead to positive post-disaster and can be utilized after a disaster. The government and other stakeholders should consider the role of social capital in disaster-affected communities during the emergency response and recovery process to support more sustainable recovery in communities.

Examining the link between marginality and differential climate resilience among disaster-affected communities in southwestern Bangladesh

ABSTRACT This article uses a case study of one of Bangladesh’s most disaster-prone subdistricts to examine the role of marginality in determining differential climate resilience. It used a quantitative research design and a household questionnaire survey to acquire data. In order to determine the contributing factors and quantify the magnitude of the influence, ordinal logistic regression is utilized in conjunction with principal component analysis (PCA). The AHP-based indexing approach was used to quantify the degree of resilience and marginality. Results revealed a complex link between marginality and resilience in disaster-affected areas of Southwest Bangladesh. They exhibit four distinct connections, which is impressive because it demonstrates how resilient marginalized households can be and how the opposite is true. It also identifies a lack of access to the formal institutional network and support, restricted access to social support networks, exclusion from housing and public services, restricted freedom of choice networks, and lack of access to financial assets) that have a significant impact on differential resilience. Local governments or policymakers can implement several recommendations by emphasizing the factors that affect various levels of resilience, such as boosting institutional and monetary support, fortifying social networks, improving essential services, and creating livelihood opportunities.

The publicness of voluntary action during crisis: From resilience mechanisms to resistance tactics

ABSTRACT Although the volunteerism approach is regarded as a helpful strategy, critical concerns arise regarding the dynamics of vulnerability and the publicness of disaster-affected communities’ collective action. This study aims to examine the publicness meaning of public interest and its function in enhancing resilience capacity through voluntary action. Using a hermeneutic approach, this study investigates the collective action of “Canthelan” food sharing within the environmental structure of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, during the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings indicate that voluntary action in the context of “Canthelan” is a response to crises accumulated by the pandemic’s socioeconomic threat, the emergence of societal vulnerabilities, and the failure of social protection policies. Voluntary action functions as an alternative resilience mechanism for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities by providing access to and control over food resources in an egalitarian interaction space. Simultaneously, the constructed mechanisms become structurally aggregated knowledge narratives and manifestations of contestation concerning the development of resilience. Voluntary action mechanisms contribute to the development of social resilience through the mediation process, which is a process of mutual support and interaction to face and adapt to threats. However, the deterministic view of power authority hinders the transformative capacity of voluntary action.

Significance of critical infrastructure development in post-disaster resettlement in Sri Lanka

Post-Disaster Resettlement (PDR) is one of the most important, time and cost-consuming disaster management activity following a catastrophic event. Restoration of human lifestyle while safeguarding the victims by providing permanent houses and integrating them with critical infrastructures are essential in the PDR context. The better accessibility to critical infrastructures enhances the living conditions of disaster-affected community and influences the success of PDR projects. However, the success of PDR projects in Sri Lanka, is not at a sufficient level due to lack of concentration provided on the critical infrastructure needs of the resettled community. Thus, the study is focused on emphasizing the significance of critical infrastructure to enhance the success of PDR projects in Sri Lanka. The need of developing critical infrastructure was broadly investigated through the literature review. Subsequently, survey and case study research strategies were adopted to proceed with the research following the qualitative research approach. Empirical evidence was gathered in two phases. Preliminary expert interviews under Phase I and key-informant interviews under Phase II (case studies) were used as the data collection methods. Interviews in both phases were conducted in a semi-structured format. The data analysis was carried out through manual content analysis. The outcomes of the study revealed that provision of both physical and social critical infrastructure have an equal importance for the physical function and mental well-being of the disaster-affected community, respectively. However, to achieve the success in PDR projects, critical infrastructure development must be carried out considering the factors such as proper site selection criteria, previous livelihood of the people and their requirements, resilient features, and threshold levels.

Emergency Architecture Towards Temporary Educational Facilities for Children of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Northern Syria

Internal displacement, often triggered by conflict or natural disasters, has left millions worldwide seeking refuge in temporary settlements. These camps, while providing essential necessities, face design challenges in balancing longevity and the freedom of movement for displaced individuals. Prolonged displacement, particularly for children, raises concerns about educational continuity and social cohesion. This paper explores the concept of fast-deployable shelters for IDPs using recycled maritime containers. The research stems from the observation of a large number of refugee children in all age groups requiring adequate spaces for learning, working, and social interaction. Inspired by the work of the Molham volunteer team, which aids disaster-affected communities, the study aims to propose an affordable and sustainable solution for IDP housing and social spaces. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining analysis of case studies and qualitative feedback from IDPs in northern Syria. This approach enables comprehensive insights into the design requirements and social needs of IDPs. The paper proposes a prototype boarding school unit constructed from recycled shipping containers. This design offers several advantages: Fast deployment allows for rapid construction, minimizing disruption to education. Provide an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. The modular design allows for flexibility in layout and expansion, catering to varying needs and site conditions. The design incorporates communal spaces to foster social cohesion and promote a sense of normalcy among IDPs. The proposed prototype demonstrates the potential of recycled maritime containers to provide fast-deployable, sustainable, and socially inclusive shelters for IDPs, particularly children.

Pandemic impacts and experiences after disaster in Australia: qualitative study of compound impacts following the Black Summer bushfires.

The first cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia were recorded in January 2020, which was during the 'Black Summer' bushfires of 2019-20 and prior to additional disasters in some regions. Few studies have considered the compound impact of disasters and the pandemic. To improve understanding of the impact on mental health and well-being of the pandemic in disaster-affected communities. We conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 18) with community members and online focus groups (n = 31) with help providers from three regions of rural Australia affected by bushfires and the pandemic. Six themes were produced: (a) 'Pulling together, pulling apart', describing experiences after bushfires and prior to impacts of the pandemic; (b) 'Disruption of the 'normal response', encompassing changes to post-disaster recovery processes attributed to the pandemic; (c) 'Escalating tensions and division in the community', describing impacts on relationships; (d) 'Everywhere you turn you get a slap in the face', acknowledging impacts of bureaucratic 'red tape'; (e) 'There are layers of trauma', highlighting intersecting traumas and pre-existing vulnerabilities; and (f) 'Where does the help come from when we can't do it?', encompassing difficulties accessing services and impacts on the helping workforce. This study furthers our understanding of compound disasters and situates pandemic impacts in relation to processes of adjustment and recovery from bushfires. It highlights the need for long-term approaches to resilience and recovery, investment in social infrastructure, multi-component approaches to workforce issues, and strategies to increase mental health support and pathways across services.

From Challenges to Solutions: Stakeholder Roles in Disaster Relief Operations

Disaster relief operations (DROs) in Malaysia require the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders to mitigate impacts and enhance community resilience. However, communication barriers, lack of coordination, and shortage of resources often present challenges that can hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of relief efforts. Thus, this study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how key stakeholders in Malaysia navigate inter-organizational difficulties during DROs. Specifically, the objective was to identify the key challenges faced and explore initiatives implemented by stakeholders to navigate these challenges to strengthen relief operations. To address these objectives, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven experienced DRO stakeholders across three disaster-prone states in Malaysia: Pahang, Selangor, and Kelantan. Data collection involved using notebooks, video recorders, and voice recorders, and the transcribed data was analyzed using Atlas.ti software for thematic analysis. The analysis revealed four main themes: communication, coordination, manpower, and equipment. The stakeholders proactively strengthened relief operations by creating training programs for disaster response teams, providing comprehensive disaster-related information to the community, developing a sensor-based early warning system, and launching a community engagement program called Kampung Siaga 221 to raise disaster awareness. These initiatives reflect a strategic approach aimed at building more resilient communities, ultimately reducing challenges faced during DROs. The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature on stakeholder involvement in disaster management and offer valuable insights that can inform the development of more coordinated and holistic strategies for DROs in Malaysia. Future research could examine the long-term impact and scalability of these initiatives to other regions, as well as investigate the perspectives of disaster-affected communities to further improve DROs.

Boosting Entrepreneurial Motivation Through Community Service Programs for Disaster-Affected Communities In Pasigala

Disasters only bring impacts, particularly on the economic aspects of communities. All aspects, both directly and indirectly, ultimately lead to the loss of income potential for the community as a livelihood. Therefore, one of the efforts to address these issues, especially for household economies, is to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit through community engagement activities in the form of Islamic entrepreneurship education. This activity aims to increase entrepreneurial interest among disaster-affected communities. The activity was carried out at Huntap Duyu with 50 participants in an offline session at the Huntap Duyu Mosque. The method used was through presentations and discussions with the participants. The activity's outcome is the community's increased interest in entrepreneurship to enhance household economic self-reliance.