Disaster Experience Research Articles

Associations between community social capital and posttraumatic growth among older survivors 11 years after a natural disaster.

We prospectively examined whether community-level social capital plays a significant role in developing Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) among older survivors of the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The baseline survey was conducted 7 months before the disaster among residents of a city located 80km west of the earthquake epicenter. The survey inquired about participants' health status and social capital (informal socializing and social participation, and social cohesion). Approximately 2.5 years after the disaster, we surveyed older survivors to assess their disaster experiences. A follow-up survey in 2022 inquired about PTG in the 11 years following experiences of the disaster (n = 1,819). Multilevel linear regression analysis showed that pre-disaster community-level informal socializing and social participation was associated with higher PTG scores (coefficient = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.47). In cross-classified multilevel regression, maintenance of higher community-level informal socializing and social participation during the post-disaster period was associated with higher scores of PTG (coefficient = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.37). Pre-disaster community-level informal socializing and social participation was associated with higher PTG scores among older survivors. Interventions encouraging social interactions among neighbors may be effective in promoting PTG of survivors after natural disasters.

Opportunities for Implementation of Disaster Risk Management Strategies among Public Housing Authorities

Renters living in subsidized housing managed by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are vulnerable to disasters. This study aims to describe barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for the implementation of disaster risk management (DRM) strategies at PHAs. Fifteen semi-structured key informant (KI) interviews with federal and state housing officials, PHA leaders, and housing non-profit staff were conducted and thematically analyzed. Interviewees mentioned financial and administrative hindrances, lack of policy, and lack of disaster training among PHA staff as notable barriers to engaging in DRM. Past disaster experience, interagency partnerships, and designated DRM roles at PHAs were introduced as facilitators for implementing DRM strategies.

Experiences of Immigrants During Disasters in the US: A Systematic Literature Review.

As a vulnerable population, immigrants can be disproportionately affected by disasters. Because of their legal and migratory status, immigrants may have different challenges, needs, and possibilities when facing a disaster. Yet, within disaster studies, immigrants are rarely studied alone. Instead, they are often considered part of the large heterogeneous group of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. This racial classification points to a gap in the literature and in our understanding of how disadvantaged groups may cope with disasters. To address this gap, the current study hypothesizes that: (1) Immigrants have unique experiences and disaster impacts compared to the broader aggregated category of racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. and (2) There are variations in disaster experiences and impacts across different types of immigrant subgroups beyond refugees. To explore these hypotheses, a study of the literature across six databases from 2018 to 2023was conducted. The review identified a total of 17 articles discussing immigrant experiences during disasters. Major cross-cutting themes on immigrant disaster experiences include fear of deportation, restrictive immigration status, excessive economic burden and labor exploitation, employment rigidity, adverse health outcomes, limited informational resources and limited social capital, selective disaster relief measures, and infrastructural challenges as regards to housing and transportation. Many of the themes identified are unique to immigrants, such as the fear of deportation, restrictive immigration status and visa policies, and selective disaster relief measures.

How to encourage more public participation in marine disaster risk management: Evidence from a survey experiment in China

Raising public awareness of maritime risk and disseminating information about disaster prevention and reduction are the most frequent ways that the government incorporates citizens in marine disaster risk management (DRM). However, these measures are deemed to be insufficient to drive the participation rate. This study aims to understand the participation trend of citizens in marine DRM. On the basis of the theory of citizen participation’s ladder, public participation within marine DRM is categorized into non-participation, tokenistic participation, and substantive participation. Using organization theory, the government’s strategies for encouraging participation are classified into common approach (raising awareness), structural approach (innovating instruments), and cultural approach (developing citizenship). Considering the vignette experiment of 403 citizens in a coastal city of China that has historically been subject to marine disasters, it was found that effectiveness of the strategies, from highest to lowest, are citizenship development, risk education, and instruments innovation. At the individual level, psychological characteristics such as trust in the government, past disaster experience, and knowledge of marine DRM did not significantly influence citizens’ participation preferences. At the government level, even when citizens are informed about new participatory mechanisms and tools, they still tend to be unwilling to share responsibilities. However, self-efficacy and understanding the beneficial outcomes of their participation in marine (DRM) can positively impact the willingness to participate. The results show that to encourage public participation substantively in the marine DRM, it is important to cultivate a sense of civic duty and enhance citizens’ sense of ownership, fostering a closer and more equitable partnership between the state and society.

Evaluating the impact of rational emotive behavior therapy on post-traumatic stress in farmers with experiences of natural disaster.

This study was necessary due to the increasing number of cases of natural disasters such as flood, air pollution, erosion, etc in Nigeria, particularly in the Abia state, as well as the accompanying psychological and health issues affecting individuals within families and society as a whole. The study aimed to examine the impact of rational emotive behavior therapy on farmers' post-traumatic stress (PTS) in Abia State, Nigeria. A randomized control trial was conducted in Abia state, with a sample size of 118 farmers with experiences of natural disasters. Two assessments were conducted before the treatment, immediately after the treatment, and 2 months later to evaluate PTS and irrational beliefs among the farmers. The treatment involved a self-developed PTS-focused rational emotive behavior therapy manual, consisting of 12 sessions lasting 60 minutes each, delivered by counseling psychologists trained in rational emotive behavior and family therapies. Data from the pretest, posttest, and follow-up test were analyzed using chi-square, percentage, partial eta squared, and analysis of covariance statistical tools. The results showed no significant gender differences in the socioeconomic status, employment, and debt status of the participants. The rational emotive behavior therapy was effective in reducing PTS caused by the flood among farmers. Gender did not have a significant moderating effect on farmers' experiences with PTS. The study suggested that family health specialists and rational-emotive therapists collaborate with local authorities to provide career counseling services to farmers and establish community-based rational emotive institutes in each state of Nigeria.

A tale of two disasters: Unpacking how social learning from the Ebola epidemic shaped COVID‐19 response in informal settlements in Freetown

AbstractPrior disaster experiences often provide lessons for communities to respond to new disasters. In informal communities prone to disasters but conditioned within reactive disaster management regimes, residents and Community‐Based Organizations (CBOs) play immense roles in disaster risk reduction and response. In Freetown, Sierra Leone, limited government disaster capacities during health disasters like Ebola and the COVID‐19 pandemic occasioned community action led by residents and CBOs. This paper, utilizing qualitative data, draws on the social learning theory to unpack how residents’ and CBOs’ experiences with the Ebola epidemic provided profound lessons that contributed to the COVID‐19 pandemic response in two informal communities. Findings highlight how prior disaster experiences consolidate memory and generate attention, retention, motivation, and reproduction of lessons for future disasters. The paper also fronts how lessons from peoples’ lived experiences with disasters can offer pluralistic ways of knowing about disasters and responding to future risks through co‐productive and equitable strategies.

Экология техносферы человеческого сообщества

In the 19th century, the sphere of interest of the science of “ecology” was formulated. Over the course of a century and a half, the semantics of its tasks has undergone significant changes. However, the original definition of ecology given by E.G. Haeckel, as a science about the interaction of living and inanimate nature, has again become relevant with the technological development of mankind. This development led to the emergence of an alternative habitat - the technosphere. The technosphere, within the framework of environmental ideas, is considered as a formation deeply hostile to nature in its essence. Nature is considered as a certain ideal that creates favorable conditions for the existence of living organisms in it. The experience of natural disasters and cataclysms, accompanied by the mass death of living organisms, indicates that this is an idealized idea. The existence of modern man outside the technosphere is practically impossible. The techno-sphere takes on the task of providing humanity with protection from pathogens. An example of such control is the use of DDT against vectors of malaria and other diseases. The technosphere solves problems in relation to humanity that are similar to providing the body with food, solving the problems of energy supply and movement over various distances – both people and cargo. The technosphere is evolving, using the achievements of developing sciences and technologies, reducing the specific impact on the natural environment while meeting the needs of the individual. For the further development of human ecology at the intersection of natural and artificial, the solution of traditional management problems is required: strict control of raw materials, technologies and products used, and their rational distribution. This is important since the human population is steadily growing and a significant part of the planet’s population finds itself in conditions of food and energy shortages, while the other part has an abundance of resources.

Design process of ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Nakahama Elementary School

PurposeThis study clarifies the design process for preserving and opening Nakahama Elementary School, damaged in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, to the public in 2020 as a museum facility that allows visitors to view the interior and learn about what was experienced here on March 11, 2011.Design/methodology/approachThere are several unique aspects of the processes for preserving Nakahama Elementary School and the design for reopening it as a disaster ruins and museum facility. This paper explains the significances of the processes and results and provides detailed insights from involvement in the design process and includes a detailed chronology of the process. It also deals with important questions raised regarding the preservation of disaster remains and what lessons should be conveyed to visitors based on the reality of the disaster experience on this site.FindingsOver 10 years, storytelling, committee recommendations, a master plan, regulations and renovation design were developed through a layered, step-by-step process to determine the meaning of the ruins. Rather than emphasizing earthquake threats or reconstruction achievements, it was important to understand the latent meaning of the site through stakeholder discussions, capture details of the disaster experience for visitors to relive and express the region’s unique disaster culture.Originality/valueThis original case study comprehensively describes administrative procedures and community relationships in preserving and utilizing disaster remains. As the author served on the initial study committee and continued to be responsible for the basic planning, architectural renovation design, exhibition planning and actual production of the guidebooks, the paper presents rare insights from the real experience of practical involvement in the planning and design process of the preservation of this heritage site.

Elucidations of Present Situation of Preparedness for Natural Disasters at Home in Japan and its Effective Factors

This study elaborates on the measures to improve preparedness for natural disasters by elucidating the present situation of preparedness for natural disasters at home in Japan as well as the effective factors to promote such preparedness. An Internet monitoring survey was conducted throughout Japan, and valid responses (n=1,599) were obtained. To measure preparedness for natural disasters at home, we used 31 items, including the ones in the “public opinion poll on disaster management” conducted by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. The Internet monitoring survey revealed that approximately 30% of the respondents arranged for articles they may require in the event of a disaster and had contemplated their evacuation actions immediately after a disaster. The Internet monitoring survey results were compared with the results of the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan’s public opinion poll. It revealed that the internet monitoring survey results better represent the tendency of the Japanese people as a whole. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine six independent variables—age, marital status, prior disaster experience, awareness of hazard maps, disaster imminence, and communal exchanges—statistically significant as effective factors to improve preparedness for natural disasters at home. Particularly, considering a large standardizing coefficient (β) for awareness of hazard maps, it is proposed that the most effective measure to improve preparedness for natural disasters at home to comprehend the risks posed to one’s community and own house is by using the opportunities of disaster prevention education and drill rather than simply viewing the hazard maps aimlessly.

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.

Disaster Risk Perception and Sustainable Earthquake Awareness Among Public and Private University Nursing Students.

This research was conducted in descriptive type to determine the disaster risk perception and sustainable earthquake awareness of nursing students studying at public and private universities. The study sample consisted of 400 nursing students studying at one public and one private university. The research was conducted between April and May 2023. The data were collected using a Sociodemographic Form, University Students Disaster Risk Perception Scale (USDRPS), and Sustainable Earthquake Awareness Scale (SEAS). Data were collected online using a questionnaire created on Google Forms. Analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation values, independent groups t-test, post-hoc Tukey test, LSD, and ANOVA test. Of the students, 61.8% had a disaster experience, 17.4% had lost a relative in the disaster, and 76.8% did not consider themselves prepared for a possible disaster. In the study, the exposure sub-dimension score of the disaster risk perception scale was found to be higher in students who had disaster experience than in those who did not (p=0.032). Nursing students from the private university had higher sustainable earthquake awareness scores than those studying at the state university (p=0.001). The mean scores of female students on the earthquake preparedness and preparation application sub-dimensions showed a significant difference compared to the scores of male students (p=0.016). In the study, sustainable earthquake awareness total and earthquake preparedness sub-dimension scores were higher in second-year nursing students than in students of other years (p=0.042; 0.015). Those who had received disaster training had low scores on the uncontrollable sub-dimension of the disaster risk perception scale, and high scores on the total SEAS and earthquake-structure relationship, earthquake preparedness, and earthquake preparation application sub-dimensions (p<0.05). In the study, three out of four students did not find themselves prepared for disasters. Those who had disaster experience had higher disaster risk perceptions. Students who had received disaster-related training had more positive earthquake preparedness, earthquake-structure relationship, and earthquake preparation applications than those who had not. Students who were female and were in the second year had higher earthquake awareness. Studies can be carried out to inform people about the pre-disaster and preparation stages to raise awareness about disasters at universities. Education on disaster management can be integrated into courses from the first years of university.

After the storm: Environmental tragedy and sustainable mobility

Due to mounting environmental challenges, communities are increasingly prioritising resilience and sustainability. Environmental disasters can be seen as windows of opportunity for collective action, influencing pro-environmental attitudes and engagement. While personal experiences of catastrophe can increase environmental awareness, they can also affect social capital, impacting relationships with peers and institutions. Within this context, a post-disaster community might be encouraged to put more efforts in the local urban sustainable transformation to reduce the impact of climate-change related event. To this end, individuals' daily micro-mobility choices may offer insight into community engagement with sustainability initiatives, given the link between modes of transportation and long-term urban pollution. Through a survey of Italian citizens, we explored how disaster experiences shaped attitudes towards sustainable modes of mobility, as well as changes in individual and social factors. The analysis employed a structural equation model based on an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour. The results revealed that disaster experiences tended to heighten awareness of climate change risk while also reducing social interaction, thereby affecting pro-environmental behaviour. Trust in local government was not permanently affected, highlighting the difficulty in identifying the direct impacts of environmental disaster experiences on pro-environmental actions. Sustainable consumption choices and pro-environmental attitudes may be influenced by social and psychological factors, including personal experiences, personal well-being and civic engagement.

Assessment of the effectiveness of hospital external disaster functional drills on health care receivers’ performance, using standardized patients and mass cards simulation: a pilot study from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundGiven the increasing frequency of disasters globally, it is critical that healthcare systems are prepared for these mass casualty events. The Saudi health system’s preparedness for mass casualty incidents needs to be more robust, potentially due to limited disaster drills and inadequate standardized patient (SP) simulation training. This study aims to (i) assess the performance of front-line hospital staff in Saudi Arabia through a functional drill and (ii) evaluate the drill’s effectiveness using SP and MAC-SIM cards, providing detailed insights into its design and execution.MethodsA functional drill was conducted at a government hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 19, 2022, using a cross-sectional approach with two phases. 141 healthcare receivers served as subjects, while 23 volunteers acted as SPs. The scenario simulated a building collapse to assess the emergency department (ED) response, interdepartmental communication, and surge capacity. Data were collected through direct observation of healthcare practitioners’ interactions with the SPs, analysis of SP data, and participant feedback. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were examined for patterns and themes related to simulation performance and effectiveness.ResultsThe hospital receivers’ performances demonstrated accurate triage categories. The ED team assessed most patients (67%) in less than 5 min. For patients requiring definitive care, such as intensive care unit, 95% spent less than 2.5 h in the ED. Most patients (65%) required ‘other treatments’. Communication was efficient in the triage zone and the yellow treatment area. Participants’ feedback on using MAC-SIM cards during the simulation was overwhelmingly positive with 82.61% reporting that MAC-SIM use helped them respond better. Experienced SPs (paramedics) with prior disaster knowledge and experience outperformed inexperienced SPs (nurses) in the functional exercise.ConclusionThis groundbreaking study is the first in the Arabic Gulf region to use SPs with MAC-SIM cards in functional drills. The findings highlight the potential of simulation exercises to improve hospital team knowledge and performance when responding to disasters. Multiple evaluation techniques can effectively identify participant strengths and weaknesses, informing future disaster improvement plans. This information is a valuable resource for Arabic and middle-income countries where disaster medicine is still developing.

Government emergency budgeting and disaster impact: Evidence from China

AbstractEmergency budgets have become indispensable fiscal tools for governments around the world to cope with disasters, but how governments determine the size of emergency budgets and to what extent such budgets are effective remain unclear. Drawing on organizational learning theory and using data collected from 30 provinces in China, we conduct a series of panel regression analysis and robustness checks to investigate the determinants and impact of emergency budgets. We find that both prior disaster experience and government fiscal ability as measured by budget surplus are positively related to the size of subnational governments' emergency budgets, but the interaction effect between the two is negative. Moreover, while emergency budgets can help maintain the level of government budget surplus, they only play a limited role in moderating the negative impact of disaster damage on governments' fiscal ability. In particular, this study reveals the importance of socioeconomic environment and organizational capacity for the decision‐making process and outcomes of emergency budgets, suggesting that subnational governments should always adopt a holistic approach and improve their financial preparedness for future emergencies by incorporating more information from past disasters and considering diverse drivers of the complex dynamics among emergency budgets, disaster experience, and government fiscal ability.

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.

CEO's early-life earthquake experience and enterprise digitization

Using Chinese CEOs' earthquake experiences in childhood as an exogenous shock, we examine how executives' early-life disaster experiences impact corporate digitization. Our results show CEOs who experienced severe earthquakes in childhood tend to be more conservative, diminishing digitization efforts. Our mechanism analysis suggests these results stem from reduced risk-taking inclinations. Robustness tests confirm the validity of our primary conclusions. Overall, our study sheds light on how top executives' early-life experiences shape strategic decisions like technology adoption, thereby enriching our understanding of personal influences on corporate decision-making.

Factors related to evacuation intention when a Level 4 evacuation order was issued among people with mental health illnesses using group homes in Japan: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to identify factors related to the intention to evacuate in a disaster following a Level 4 evacuation order among people with mental health illnesses living in group homes in Japan. The participants were people with mental health conditions living in group homes in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. We created an original self-administered questionnaire and conducted a survey among this group. Of the 625 people with mental health conditions using group homes, 152 (24.3%) responded. Of these, 110 (5.9%) who provided valid data were included in the analysis. A total of 85 (77.3%) people said that they intended to evacuate in the event of a Level 4 evacuation order. We controlled for gender, age group, type of disability, experience of participating in disaster training, fear of contracting COVID-19 during evacuation, and earthquake and flood disaster experience as confounders. After controlling for these variables, the factors associated with intention to evacuate under a Level 4 evacuation order included not having emergency food prepared (odds ratio [OR] 3.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-14.08); believing that group home users would help them during disasters (OR 3.08, 95% CI: 1.04-9.12); and planning to ask the local government for help (OR 2.84, 95% CI: 1.01-8.01). Group home managers should be aware that people who do not believe that other group home residents would help them, and those not wishing to seek help from local government, may decide not to evacuate. Longitudinal studies across diverse regions are needed to identify factors that affect evacuation intention.

The driving mechanism of citizens’ protective behaviors for rainstorm flood disasters in China: an empirical study based on the protection motivation theory and protective action decision model

[Background/significance]Rainstorm floods have become a high-impact natural disaster and are expected to become more extreme shortly, seriously threatening human safety. Although the government issues timely and precise rainstorm flood warning information, citizens remain indifferent and engage in maladaptive behavior. Therefore, understanding the relationship between emergency information, psychological cognition, individual characteristics, and protective behavior is crucial for effective risk information communication and evacuation guidance. [Method/process]This study utilizes the protection motivation theory (PMT) and protective action decision model (PADM) to develop a structural equation model (SEM) that evaluates the factors driving both protective and non-protective behaviors of individuals to rainstorm flood disasters. [Result/conclusion]The findings indicate that the disaster experience and emergency information received significantly shape how individuals perceive risks, their ability to manage them, and who should be accountable for the disaster. The findings further indicate that how people view their ability to handle a risk situation (perceived coping ability) and who they think is responsible for the situation (perceived attribution of responsibility) directly influence whether they will take protective behaviors. Based on these results, this study puts forward policy recommendations for emergency information release strategies to enhance citizens' willingness to adopt protective behaviors.

Counseling Psychologists Assist Post-Disaster Psychological Rescue Experience in Major Disasters

&lt;p&gt;近年國內多起重大災難事件造成個體與社會群體的影響與不安，諮商心理師身為專業醫事人員提供受災者災後心理救援，也衍生災難事件危機介入的實踐與困境。本研究以現象學的研究方法、半結構式訪談蒐集資料，受訪者為六位諮商心理師，其中三位具督導資格，研究結果包含二類與八個主題：（1）諮商心理師災後心理救援經驗，包含：（a）災後心理救援前的自我評估與專業知能；（b）災後心理救援時的角色與功能；（c）災後心理救援時的預備、初期、中期、中長期作為與督導者作為；（d）災後心理救援後的多重困境、身心壓力與文化民俗挑戰。（2）因應災後心理救援困境的實務規劃，包含（a）落實演練與心理教育；（b）持續增能與案例討論；（c）建立名單與督導關係；（d）熟悉雲端與資訊操作；（e）調整期待與服務心態。作者依研究結果提出災後心理救援「停、看、問」三個步驟與九項建議：（1）「停」&amp;mdash;介入之前：（a）自評身心狀態與投身意圖；（b）具足所需專業知能與增能；（c）培育多元文化介入的能力。（2）「看」&amp;mdash;介入當下：（a）理解角色功能適才適性；（b）調整不同階段介入作為；（c）理解困境挑戰正面因應。（3）「問」&amp;mdash;介入之後：（a）身心自我調適與回歸原有平衡；（b）尋求督導協助重整介入經驗；（c）系所課程培育與繼續教育增能，最後提及未來研究建議。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the &amp;quot;&amp;quot;Taiwan Disaster Year&amp;quot;&amp;quot; began with the 921 earthquake, Taiwan has witnessed numerous significant disaster events in recent years, resulting in extensive financial losses and loss of life. These events have profoundly affected individuals’ trust and sense of security, leading to a widespread impact on social groups and cultures. As professional healthcare providers, counseling psychologists frequently engage in post-disaster psychological rescue and reconstruction efforts during major disasters or crises. This practice has raised challenges for crisis intervention during such events. Researchers thus aim to understand the landscape and challenges of psychological rescue efforts during domestic disasters. This study uses phenomenological research methods and semi-structured interviews to gather data. It includes interviews with six counseling psychologists, three of whom are certified supervisors who acted as supervisors during disaster events, while the other three provided crisis intervention services as psychologists. The study categorizes its findings into two main themes and eight sub-themes: Experiences of counseling psychologists in post-disaster psychological support: (1) Self-assessment and professional knowledge before providing post-disaster psychological support: This theme explores how psychologists evaluate their readiness and expertise before engaging in disaster relief efforts. (2) Roles and functions of post-disaster psychological support: This examines the specific responsibilities and activities undertaken by psychologists during the support process. (3) Preparatory, initial, mid-term, and long-term actions, including the role of supervisors: This delves into the different stages of psychological support and the crucial role of supervisors in guiding and supporting these efforts. (4) Multiple challenges, physical and mental stress, and cultural and folk challenges after providing post-disaster psychological support: This theme addresses the complex challenges psychologists face following their intervention, including stress and cultural issues. Practical planning to address the challenges of post-disaster psychological support: (1) Implementing drills and psychological education: Emphasizes the importance of preparedness through regular drills and education. (2) Continuous capacity building and case discussions: Highlights the need for ongoing training and discussion of cases to enhance skills and knowledge. (3) Establishing lists and supervisory relationships: Focuses on creating structured relationships and lists to streamline support efforts. (4) Familiarity with cloud and information operations: Stresses the need for proficiency in modern technology to facilitate efficient support. (5) Adjusting expectations and service mentality: Discusses the necessity of adapting expectations and maintaining a service-oriented mindset. Based on the research results, the researcher proposes a systematic approach comprising three steps (&amp;quot;&amp;quot;Stop, Look, Ask&amp;quot;&amp;quot;) and nine specific suggestions for post-disaster psychological support, serving as a practical reference for crisis intervention practice: &amp;quot;&amp;quot;Stop&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&amp;mdash;before intervention: (1) Self-assess physical and mental state and willingness to engage: Psychologists need to evaluate their readiness and motivation. (2) Equip with necessary professional knowledge and capacity building: Psychologists need to ensure that they have the required expertise and training. (3) Cultivate the ability for multicultural intervention: Develop skills to effectively engage with diverse cultural backgrounds. &amp;quot;&amp;quot;Look&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&amp;mdash;during intervention: (1) Understand the roles and functions and fit them appropriately: Matching roles and tasks to individuals’ strengths. (2) Adjust intervention actions at different stages: Modify approaches according to the phase of intervention. (3) Understand challenges and respond positively: Recognize and constructively address difficulties encountered. &amp;quot;&amp;quot;Ask&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&amp;mdash;after intervention: (1) Physical and mental selfadjustment and return to original balance: Focusing on recovery and well-being. (2) Seek supervisory assistance to reorganize intervention experiences: Utilizing supervision to reflect and improve.(3) Curriculum development and continued education for capacity building: Advocating for ongoing education and training in disaster psychology. Finally, the study concludes with recommendations for future research and suggests areas for further exploration to enhance the effectiveness of psychological support in disaster scenarios.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Disaster scenes as a foundation for emergency response planning

This article introduces the notion of ‘disaster scenes’. In this work, we draw on interview data collected from residents impacted by the Jagersfontein tailings disaster in South Africa in September 2022. Our methodological aim is to reconstruct the experiences of impacted people in the format of empirically derived disaster scenes. These scenes provide a credible source for modelling scenarios because they showcase the prior, immediate, response and long-term recovery phases of disaster management. Studies that provide empirical detail on the lived experience of disasters confirm the heavy burden placed on impacted people largely originating from institutional decisions. The overarching empirical narrative from this case and other cognate cases is that the absence of state institutions is a factor that likely contributes to disaster events. Our argument is that sharing information that includes models of state default can empower potentially affected groups to demand safeguards and greater transparency in relation to the operation and regulation of tailings facilities.