Disaster Awareness Research Articles

Climate change, climate disasters and oncology care: a descriptive global survey of oncology healthcare professionals.

Climate disasters and climate change have implications for healthcare globally. As the number and intensity of climate disasters increase, it is important to understand the effects on healthcare. We conducted a global survey of oncology healthcare providers to identify awareness, experiences, and educational needs related to climate change. An existing climate and health survey was adapted to oncology. This IRB- approved, 30-item survey measured demographics, climate disaster awareness, effects on cancer care and educational needs. Healthcare professionals employed in oncology settings (practice, research, or academic) were eligible. The survey was disseminated via social media and professional organizations. Descriptive statistics were computed using SPSS. 154 responses from 26 countries were received from nurses (56%), physicians (19%), and other healthcare professionals (25%). Common climate change-related events impacting oncology care were extreme heat (63.8%) and heavy rains (52.2%). Respondents reported their workplace has a disaster plan for climate-related weather events (50.4%) or has taken steps to prepare for a climate-related weather event (48.5%). Respondents were aware that the planet has warmed significantly (98.7%), that healthcare contributes to greenhouse gas emissions (98.6%) and reported wanting to learn more about how climate change affects cancer care (88.3%). Preferred educational modalities include webinars (69%), e-learning (55%), journal articles (48.3%), conferences (46.3%) and podcasts (38.9%). This global survey is the first to identify the awareness, experiences, and educational needs of oncology healthcare professionals related to climate change and climate disasters. Healthcare providers are positioned to take leadership roles related to climate and health.

A Web Learning Model Integrated with Case Study for College Student Self-Awareness

The low level of disaster self-awareness among college students served as the driving force for this research, which involved developing a web learning model integrated with a case study that has been deemed valid by experts. This study aimed to identify the web learning model that was integrated into a case study on college students' disaster self-awareness. This study used a nonequivalent control group design in a quasi-experimental setting. This study examined 120 college students in total. According to the research findings from the independent sample t-test calculation, the sig value 0 .000 was lower than 0.05. These findings demonstrated that there was a difference between college students who studied using the web-learning model integrated case study and those who studied using conventional learning models in terms of average disaster self-awareness. The average disaster self-awareness score of college students who used the web-learning learning model integrated case study was greater than that of students who studied conventionally which supported this conclusion. This result showed that raising college students' self-awareness of disasters using a web-learning model integrated with a case study was successful. The research's implications may serve as a guide for improving university students' awareness of disasters.

Enhancing Disaster Awareness - SDG 13th Goals Mid-term Review of Disaster Impact Global Natural Disaster Reduction Effectiveness Before and After the 2015 Sendai and Paris Agreement Conferences

The IPCC AR5 WGⅠhighlighted four priority areas for disaster risk reduction, with the first being the understanding of disaster risk. Meanwhile, the Earth is increasingly responding to climate change through natural disasters. This study proposes a Natural Disaster Impact Evaluate Formula （NDIEF）, focusing on six continents and utilizing data from 12 types of natural disasters recorded in the CRED EM-DAT database. The analysis is divided into two periods, before and after 2015, to evaluate changes over time. The findings reveal three key trends: First, the frequency of natural disasters continues to rise. Second, although the number of fatalities has significantly decreased, both exposure levels and economic losses have surged. Lastly, unlike the 2011 Global Assessment Report （GAR）, this study finds that the impact of natural disasters is not only severe in Oceania and island nations but is also increasingly affecting North America, particularly in terms of economic damage. In conclusion, enhancing our understanding of the social and economic impacts of natural disasters and raising awareness of disaster prevention can play a crucial role in effectively mitigating disaster risks.

The impact of educational and training programs on disaster awareness and preparedness among health sciences students: A quasi-experimental study

Disaster preparedness among health sciences students is critical but often insufficient. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a disaster awareness and impact reduction educational intervention in enhancing disaster preparedness. A quasi-experimental single-group pretest-posttest design was employed, with the intervention consisting of 16 h of education delivered over four weeks via a distance learning platform. The study involved 599 students from the faculties of health sciences, who were assessed at baseline and three months post-intervention. Results indicated that students’ baseline disaster preparedness levels were low, with no significant correlations found between demographic characteristics, previous disaster experiences, or prior disaster preparedness training and baseline preparedness levels. Repeated-measures Analysis of Variance confirmed a significant impact of the intervention after controlling for baseline preparedness levels. Significant improvements were observed post-intervention across all preparedness dimensions: disaster physical protection, disaster planning, disaster assistance, disaster warning systems, and total preparedness levels (p < .001). The most substantial gains were noted among students with initially low preparedness levels. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating disaster preparedness education into health sciences curricula to better equip future healthcare professionals for effective disaster response.

The Role of Disaster Memorial Facilities in Disaster Risk Reduction: Experiences from the Tohoku Region in Japan

Disaster memorials have emerged as pivotal approaches for not only commemorating disasters but also imparting lessons to future generations. However, despite discussions on preservation, little involvement has been reflected in the impacts of different memorial patterns in disaster risk reduction (DRR). This study examines the roles of disaster-related memorial facilities in DRR, exploring how distinct memorial patterns transfer disaster experiences to future generations. This research is based on a quantitative strategy, applying an online questionnaire with 538 respondents who visited the three selected sites under the background of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJET) to identify their triggers and purpose for visiting, the impact of facilities on raising disaster awareness, the practical contents, and the important roles of DRR. The findings reveal that while all three facilities contribute to DRR with the same most important role as disseminating the lessons of the GEJET, their impact on visitors’ disaster awareness varies. Sendai Arahama Elementary School particularly raises awareness of disaster threats, while the Higashi-Matsushima Memorial Museums and the 3.11 Memorial Community Center enhance visitors’ disaster-related knowledge. Visually stimulating exhibits in the facilities, such as remains, photos, and videos, underscore the importance of disaster preparedness, while panels and science exhibits offer comprehensive insights into disaster-related knowledge. However, none of the three sites have significant roles in deepening regional exchange.

Empowering urban futures: Key competencies for smart city resilience officers

As cities are developing to smart, new systems are utilized that contain a multitude of critical infrastructures. Although these offer major advantages, they are also exposed to new external and frequently uncontrollable factors increasing their risk exposure and enhancing their vulnerability. Therefore, increasing resilience during city development has become a prerequisite for its survival, but continuous resilience improvement led by workforce will help them to prosper. According to researchers, officers should be able to catalogue and prioritize threats and vulnerabilities, but is this only the case? Discrete studies detail and analyze in-depth risks related to smart cities, however, how these risks are addressed by workforce and how these are related to their competencies have not been thoroughly understood to date. If vulnerabilities are not understood and analyzed appropriately by the city workforce and stakeholders, unanticipated consequences and cascading failures may potential occur, even when crises are expected. The objective of this article is to inquire into responsibilities regarding crisis issues concerning the necessary competencies for resilience officers, by exploring current perceptions, expectations and recommendations as these are acknowledged in experts’ opinions and experiences. To do so, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to experts in the field, across various cities in Greece, to indicate responsibilities, and prioritize competencies that resilient officers in smart cities should possess. The findings highlighted significant responsibilities related to managing smart city risks and identified a distinct set of competencies unique to officers in this area, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to enhance urban resilience through the initiatives led by city officers. This article establishes a clear path for advancing smart city research by highlighting competencies that could be integrated into educational curriculums. These competencies are essential for training a workforce that not only enhances disaster management awareness but also equips cities to handle potential catastrophic events effectively, thereby laying the groundwork for more resilient urban environments.

Strengthening Community Disaster Education for Disaster Mitigation

Indonesia, particularly Java Island, is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, which have frequently resulted in significant loss of life, property damage, and fatalities. Given this high level of risk, it is crucial to enhance community preparedness to mitigate the impacts of such disasters. This paper highlights the critical role of disaster education in effective disaster mitigation efforts. Utilizing a library research methodology, this study involved a comprehensive review of literature, including books, journals, and secondary data related to disaster education. The findings indicate that there is currently no standardized method for delivering disaster education. Instead, various approaches are employed, including disaster training programs, awareness campaigns, seminars, simulations, and exhibitions. These alternative methods aim to improve public knowledge and preparedness, although a unified and systematic approach is still lacking.

Tailoring emergency and disaster preparedness engagement approaches for culturally and linguistically diverse communities

The effects of emergencies and disasters pose greater challenges for people within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Several barriers can prevent people in CALD communities from adequately preparing for such events and this contributes to an increased vulnerability. Queensland experiences heightened natural hazard risks, therefore it is crucial to ensure that preparedness information is accessible and relevant to all communities, including CALD communities. This paper describes a qualitative study that examined the emergency and disaster preparedness information needs of people in CALD communities in Queensland. The aim was to identify better ways of delivering preparedness initiatives through tailored engagement approaches. Three focus groups were conducted with 16 CALD community leaders from the Gold Coast, Logan and Ipswich local government areas. The data gathered showed that CALD communities in these areas possessed low levels of awareness of emergencies and disasters and low levels of preparedness for such events. This study highlights the need for tailored and strengths- based engagement approaches. Disseminating information in suitable formats through preferred communication channels and partnering with trusted sources, including community leaders and places of worship, were found to be effective ways to engaging CALD communities in disaster preparedness.

Transforming Islamic Education Through Maslahah Mursalah Perspective: Innovation of Islamic Religious Education Books with Disaster Awareness to Enhance Madrasah Resilience

Transforming Islamic Education Through Maslahah Mursalah Perspective: Innovation of Islamic Religious Education Books with Disaster Awareness to Enhance Madrasah Resilience

Education of Disaster Awareness through Disaster Readiness Socialization as an Effort to Increase Community Knowledge around the Nobita Hill Tourism Area on Disaster Mitigation

Nobita Hill, a tourist site in Padang City, is undergoing development as a tourist destination that offers a bird's-eye view of Padang City. Unfortunately, the hilly topography with steep slopes increases the risk of landslides in this area. In order to address the problem, the community service team from the Physics Department of Andalas University has carried out a six-month community service program from July to December 2022. It focused on disaster awareness education and used a qualitative approach. This activity aims to socialize disaster mitigation efforts, especially those related to landslides and earthquakes, considering that Padang City is also prone to earthquakes. The results of this activity showed an increase in the knowledge of the local community after the socialization, but repeated activities are needed to achieve optimal results. This ongoing activity is essential to ensure continuous improvement in the community's understanding of disaster mitigation and to support efforts to make Bukit Nobita a disaster-resilient area. Thus, this activity makes a positive contribution to shaping a safe, sustainable, and disaster-resilient tourism environment.

Exploring Students’ and Teachers’ Insights on School-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Safety: A Case Study of Western Morava Basin, Serbia

Integrated disaster risk reduction in schools represents a key component of safety strategies within the educational sector of every country. The aim of this study is to comprehensively explore the impact of various demographic and socio-economic factors on the perceptions of students and teachers regarding disaster risk reduction and safety in schools. This study is distinguished by its extensive empirical approach, employing a multistage random sampling method to conduct 850 face-to-face interviews (650 with students and 200 with teachers) throughout 2023 in 10 out of the total 18 municipalities in the Western Morava Basin of the Republic of Serbia. Two structured survey instruments were developed, incorporating a mix of qualitative (closed-ended) multiple-choice questions and five-point Likert scales. The research proposes two central hypotheses regarding school-based disaster risk reduction. Firstly, it suggests that gender, age, parent’s employment, academic achievement, living situation, parental education levels, and engagement with social media collectively influence students’ perspectives on this matter (H1–H8). Secondly, it posits that gender, age, marital status, parenthood, and educational background significantly impact teachers’ viewpoints on school-based disaster risk reduction (H1–H5). Multivariate linear regression was used to explore predictors of students’ and teachers’ insights on school-based disaster risk reduction. Various statistical tests, including Chi-square, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation, were employed to investigate the influence of demographic and socioeconomic factors on these insights. The results of multivariate regression analyses indicate that age, gender, and marital status emerge as the primary predictors across various facets of students’ and teachers’ insights on school-based disaster risk reduction, including awareness of disasters, disaster education activities, attitudes toward disaster risk reduction education, and enhancement of disaster information accessibility. The findings of this study provide comprehensive insights into the key factors influencing students’ and teachers’ perceptions of disaster risk reduction in schools. This research not only contributes to the academic discourse on disaster education but also serves as a foundational basis for improving educational programs, developing policies and strategies, refining normative educational frameworks, guiding teacher training, and informing further research in disaster education.

Evaluation of Disaster Perception Levels of University Students: A Sample Application Study

Disasters are important events that are difficult to predict and occur in various ways, often with high destructive power. Earthquakes, floods, droughts, major industrial accidents, famine, technological accidents, epidemics, etc. are only a few of the major types of disas-ters that mankind has been exposed to from past to present. In recent years, natural and unnatural disaster events have been observed both in Turkey (Düzce-earthquake, 1999; Giresun-Dereli-flood-flood, 2020; Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık-earthquake, 2023) and in many other parts of the world (Sumatra-tsunami, 2004; Ecuador-earthquake, 2016; USA-hurricane-storm, 2023). The impact of disasters is often not limited to one region but can spread over a wide area. As a matter of fact, the impact of this destruction can be reduced at some point thanks to various measures that can be taken before the disaster. For exam-ple, identification of regional risks, early warning systems, crisis management, emergency action plans, etc. can be considered within the scope of these measures. Another important issue is to increase the level of disaster awareness of the society. Especially in regions where disaster risk maps have been prepared, such awareness raising activities can be carried out to make the reaction of the society against disasters more controlled and conscious. The aforementioned issues constitute the main objective of this study. This study was conducted to evaluate the disaster awareness levels of Gümüşhane Univer-sity central campus students. The data obtained in the study were analyzed using SPPS 25 statistical program. In the study, a 5-point Likert scale was used to measure disaster risk perception. In the study, frequency analysis test, Kruskal Wallis test and Mann Whitney U test were performed. As a result of the analysis, it was analyzed at 5% level of significance (p&amp;lt;0.05) and it is stated in the tables as arithmetic mean, standard deviation and percent-age of the number of individuals. Accordingly, as a result of the non-parametric Mann Whitney-U test, no significant difference was found between the groups. As a result of the non-parametric Mann Whitney-U test conducted to determine whether the disaster risk perception sub-dimension scores of the students differed significantly according to the gender variable, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups at the p&amp;lt;0.05 level in favor of the group exposed to disaster.

- Survey-based Mapping of Households’ Vulnerability Towards A Comprehensive Evacuation Plan in Karang Kendal, Mt. Merapi

To enhance resilience, a comprehensive evacuation map that considers the residents’ social vulnerability is critical. This paper aims to discuss this concern based on community service at Karang Kendal permanent housing in Mt. Merapi’s hazard zone level II, an area to which the Pelemsari community relocated and resided after the violent eruption in 2010. The planning methods used to create such a map are questionnaire surveys and field observations. The results indicate the highly vulnerable populations of the sub-village where 67% of the total 81 houses are occupied by 2-3 vulnerable residents and 68% of these populations are women. These findings then served as a basis for the making of an evacuation map that was not only integrated with the information on the distribution of vulnerable households but also capable of developing the residents’ awareness of disasters concerning their socio-demographic conditions.

Awareness of disaster preparedness between administrative staff and residents in the vicinity of the Genkai and Ikata nuclear power plants following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster.

When considering disaster preparedness, one challenge is mitigating the health impacts of evacuations. Nuclear disaster preparedness has evolved based on past experiences from numerous disasters, including the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reporting on the awareness of administrative staff, medical personnel, and residents in the areas surrounding nuclear power plants (NPPs). This study reports on a survey aimed at gaining insights into the understanding and current state of disaster preparedness and elucidating the differences in perceptions of nuclear disaster preparedness among the relevant stakeholders surrounding NPPs. Interview surveys were conducted from 14 to 16 September 2022 in the area surrounding Kyushu Electric Power's Genkai NPP in Saga Prefecture and from 11 to 13 January 2023 in the area around Shikoku Electric Power's Ikata NPP. The surveys targeted administrative, medical, and nursing care facilities and residents. Responses from 57 participants indicated a lack of awareness of natural and nuclear disasters, challenges in evacuation planning, and a gap between nuclear disaster training and residents' understanding of evacuation protocols. This study highlights inadequacies in nuclear disaster preparedness and the need for a better understanding among residents regarding evacuation procedures. This study identified three key issues: (1) a lack of awareness about disasters, including nuclear disasters; (2) concerns about complex disasters and the difficulties in creating evacuation plans; and (3) a discrepancy between nuclear disaster training and residents' understanding of evacuation procedures. To bridge this gap, it is important to deepen residents' understanding of nuclear disasters, continuously convey the lessons learned from the FDNPP accident, and regularly reassess and update nuclear disaster preparedness strategies.

Perception and Attitude towards Disaster Preparedness among Library Professionals in University of Kerala and University of Calicut: An Investigative Study

Libraries stand as crucial pillars in moulding the future generations of society, playing a foundational role in the socioeconomic development of nations. Recognizing their significance, it becomes imperative to safeguard libraries for the prosperity of the upcoming generations. Central to this responsibility is the need for libraries to be well-equipped and prepared to face potential disasters. The article delves into the study of the perception and attitude of library professionals towards disaster preparedness at the University of Kerala and the University of Calicut. The objectives encompass assessing librarians’ perception levels, examining current disaster precautions, studying awareness about disaster management authorities, evaluating awareness of rules and laws, and determining the existence of structured training programs. To gather relevant literature, diverse resources such as Google Scholar, Emerald, ProQuest, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, conference proceedings, dissertations and theses in Library and Information Science were consulted. The study utilised a closed-ended structured questionnaire aligned with the defined objectives to collect data. The gathered data underwent tabulation and analysis using Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS version 21. The findings of the study revealed that library professionals possess an awareness of disasters and the necessity for preparedness, yet there seems to be a gap in translating this knowledge into practical implementation. The conclusion drawn is a call to action, emphasising the need for libraries to execute disaster awareness and training programs for both staff and users. In a world where natural calamities and unforeseen events pose a constant threat, understanding how library professionals perceive and approach disaster preparedness becomes paramount. As custodians of academic treasures, their perspectives shape the resilience of these institutions against potential disruptions. The study, therefore, serves as a critical exploration into the preparedness landscape, providing insights that extend beyond the immediate scope of libraries to contribute to the broader discourse on disaster management in academic settings.

HYDRA: A Board Game for Disaster Risk Knowledge, Awareness and Preparedness on Hydrometeorological Hazards

The inclusion of DRR education in the curriculum has been part of the response of the government to the increasing threats of disasters in the Philippines. Yet it was found out that students are still mostly uncertain when a disaster occurs, more specifically on evacuation plans, hazards and disaster-prone areas . This study aimed to develop an instructional material to increase the knowledge, preparedness, and awareness towards hydrometeorological hazards of Grade 11 students in Caloocan City Science High School. The Hydrometeorological Disaster Risk Awareness board game (HYDRA), was first evaluated by seven DRRR experts and Science teachers using the DepEd LRMDS evaluation tool, before it was implemented to the Grade 11 students. Data were collected from 20 participants using a 20-item test questionnaire and a 16-item survey form. The results of the pretests and posttests have shown significant differences with large effect sizes, which implies that the game has significantly increased the students’ disaster risk knowledge (p 0.001; d = 1.5), preparedness (p 0.001; d = 1.92), and awareness (p 0.001; d = 1.96). The game also received an overall evaluation rating of 3.99 out of 4, which means that it met the criteria for an appropriate instructional material. These findings suggest that HYDRA can be used as an alternative educational tool in teaching DRRR.

지하차도 침수 피해 예방 및 대피 훈련 교육 개선 방안에 관한 연구

On July 15, 2023, a heavy rain flooded the Osong Gungpyeong2 underground roadway near Osong Station, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, killing 14 people and rescuing nine casualties. The purpose of this study is to study and improve the prevention of flooding damage in underground roadways and effective evacuation training education for the life and safety of the people as a part of social education. In order to minimize flooding damage to underground roadways, education on risk awareness of disasters should be strengthened to government officials based on the causes and consequences of flooding in underground roadways in the past so that they should be supported so as not to miss the golden time in the initial rapid response. In addition, The government should install additional automatic control systems and CCTV equipment at the entrance of the underground roadway to deliver real situations to the public in live. Going forward, In everyday life, should support actively encourage and social education policies so that inundation evacuation training in method like a real situation.

The Effect of Disaster Training on Teachers Candidates' Perception of Disaster Awareness

Turkiye frequently experiences disasters that negatively affect human life in terms of various aspects. Therefore, teacher candidates who will teach future generations should be educated about raising disaster awareness. In this study, the effect of the disaster awareness training given by AFAD on the disaster perceptions, and awareness levels of teacher candidates were studied. In the research convenience sampling method was adopted. 58 teacher candidates, 44 females and 14 males, participated in the study which was designed in the “Single Group Pre-Test - Post-Test” model. Teacher candidates took disaster training for 12 hours in two courses. After the training, there was a partial increase in disaster awareness levels. However, the results showed that having received disaster training before or having experienced a disaster did not make a significant difference in disaster awareness. A disaster education course, including practice, can be integrated into undergraduate programs of education faculties.

Cumulative Exposure to Natural Hazards and Mental Health in China: Are Older People More Vulnerable or More Resilient Than Younger and Middle-Aged Adults?

AbstractDespite the well-documented impacts of single natural hazards like earthquakes, less is known about the psychological adaptation to multiple natural hazards, particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the associations of multiple natural hazards with depression among Chinese adults. Data were retrieved from the China Family Panel Studies conducted during 2010–2018. With a sample of 11,633 Chinese adults, multilevel logistic regression was employed to examine the relationships between natural hazard exposure and depression in the total sample and different age groups. Overall, experiencing four or more natural hazards was associated with a higher risk of being depressed. Regarding hazard type, the number of hydrometeorological and biological hazards was associated with a higher likelihood of depression, whereas the number of geologic and other hazards was related to a lower risk of depression. Middle-aged adults from villages were more likely to be affected by natural hazard exposure than older and younger adults. The findings of this study show that cumulative exposure to natural hazards can generate lasting effects on depressive symptoms, particularly in middle adulthood. The findings also suggest that older adults from rural areas may have accumulated more resilience to mitigate the adverse well-being effects of hazard events. Policies and interventions should enhance disaster awareness and preparation for aging residents from multi-hazard communities.

Instilling Environmental and Disaster Awareness Through Jeneberang River School

Instilling Environmental and Disaster Awareness Through Jeneberang River School