Disaster Information System Research Articles

Evacuation information methodology that combined a flooded environment and pedestrian behavioral model

Disaster information influences decision-making. Wireless internet and location-based services, aided by recent technological advances, have laid the foundation for providing personalized disaster information. Despite the provision of simple disaster forecasts and warnings, provision of specific evacuation actions (“where” and “how,” i.e., location and reachability of safe areas) and location-based personalized information that consider real-time disaster situations are a pressing priority. Thus, this study proposed and developed a three-step methodology for providing disaster information during floods that combined a flooded environment and pedestrian behavioral model, namely, 1) prediction of the flooded environment, 2) analysis of evacuation routes based on the movement time of evacuees according to the flood depth, and 3) provision of evacuation information by selecting the optimal evacuation route. This model was demonstrated in the Gangnam Station area in Seoul, Korea. Flooded environment prediction modeling of the target area was performed by applying the 100-year rainfall design to the Storm Water Management Model. The optimal evacuation route, according to the flood depth, was selected by applying the behavioral model (movement time calculation formula) for each evacuee derived through an evacuation behavior experiment. The pre- and post-flooding age- and gender-wise total evacuation distance and time were compared and analyzed. Post-flooding, the evacuation distance and time increased by 168.3% (381.34 m) and 172.3% (3.16 min) on average, respectively, indicating that evacuees must travel farther and longer. The analysis of post-flooding evacuation route change types revealed changes in evacuation distance and time in cases where shelters and evacuation routes and time were significantly different depending on evacuee characteristics (age and gender). This indicated that specific and visual disaster information can be provided according to evacuees’ age and gender using the proposed methodology. This study can serve as the basis for designing an advanced and personalized disaster information system that can provide specific evacuation actions to aid fast evacuation decision-making during floods.

Emergency transportation for acute alcohol intoxication four years after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a retrospective observational study.

In a study conducted in Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan, during the early stages of the pandemic in spring 2020, we found that emergency transportations due to acute alcohol intoxication decreased. We aimed to determine how the decline in the number of emergency transportations due to acute alcohol intoxication changed during the four years following the COVID-19 pandemic's onset. This study used data of 107,013 emergency transportations from the Kochi-Iryo-Net database, Kochi Prefecture's emergency medical and wide-area disaster information system. We categorized emergency transportation cases according to the diagnoses entered into the system by the attending physician, which were then divided into alcohol- and non-alcohol-related intoxication cases based on the diagnostic codes in the International Classification of Diseases Manual, 10th edition, Clinical Modification. We performed chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression to examine the association between emergency transportations and acute alcohol intoxication. The number of emergency transportations due to acute alcohol intoxication was 412 (1.8%) in 2019, and it declined to 268 (1.4%), 248 (1.2%), 270 (1.2%), and 283 (1.3%) in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors such as fire department and age, a significant decrease was observed in the subsequent years compared with 2019 (2020: adjusted odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.93; 2021: adjusted odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.87; 2022: adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.85; 2023: adjusted odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.89). This study examined changes in emergency transportation due to acute alcohol intoxication during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when social events and other activities returned to "normal." Compared with 2021, which was when emergency transportations due to acute alcohol intoxication were at their lowest, a slight increase was observed in the number of transportations in subsequent years.

Mesoscale Cyclonic Vortices Embedded in the South Atlantic Convergence Zone Associated with Natural Disasters in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Natural disasters (NDs) have been observed more frequently and with increasing intensities in Brazil. The South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) is identified as one of the main meteorological systems responsible for the NDs, however, intense rainfall does not occur along its entire length but is restricted to some locations within the band of cloudiness that defines it. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze occurrences of mesoscale cyclonic vortices (MCV) in SACZ events that were associated with NDs in the state of São Paulo from 2013 to 2017 using data from the ERA5 Reanalysis, as well as to analyze one case study. To account for SACZ events, surface synoptic charts, observed and estimated precipitation data were used. ND events were selected from the Integrated Disaster Information System (S2ID) database. The methodology used by Quadro (2012) was adapted to identify MCV. The results showed 62 SACZ events, of which 28 were associated with NDs, and, of these, 10 presented MCV. The MCVs were separated into two groups: 1) MCVs in the SACZ events that showed precipitation at the location of the MCV and NDs and 2) MCVs in the SACZ events that did not show precipitation at the location of the MCV and NDs. Group 1 events were characterized by convergence at low levels and divergence at high levels of the atmosphere, vorticity values lower than -8 x 10-4 s-1 predominating at low levels (850–900 hPa), demonstrating a relationship with the highest precipitation accumulations and possibly with the occurrence of NDs. In the events of group 2, there was a predominance of negative values of vorticity in medium and high levels, the lack of a pattern in the field of divergence in the atmospheric levels, as well as lower values in the accumulated precipitation compared to the events of group 1. The case study was from January 11 to 15, 2016, associated with NDs in 8 cities. As a result, it was obtained that MCV was coupled in the atmosphere and the precipitation associated with it represented more than 37% of all the precipitation of the SACZ event, making it possible to attribute to the MCV a contribution in the occurrence of NDs caused by precipitation.

Implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Program in Japan as an Effort for Disaster Risk Reduction in Indonesia

The natural disasters that occurred in Japan have caused losses both financially and in terms of casualties. Based on data from the Japanese government, the total losses experienced by the country from 1980 to 2010 amounted to US$ 208,230,800. Meanwhile, the number of recorded fatalities was 8,568 people, with an average of 276 fatalities per year due to natural disasters in Japan. This study aims to focus on the development of a disaster information system to reduce disaster risk in Japan which can also be implemented in Indonesia. The research method used in this study is a qualitative approach. In this approach, researchers use descriptive methods to collect data. This approach was chosen because this research was conducted during an Overseas Work Lecture through a Video Conference from Japan on May 30, 2023. The conclusions from this study indicate that the Japanese government has changed its approach to natural disasters and prioritized disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs. They focus on better regional planning, building earthquake-resistant buildings, and raising community awareness. In addition, the disaster management system in Japan involves various government ministries and agencies working together in planning, implementing, and supervising disaster management operations. The Japanese government has a strong commitment to the DRR program and regards investment in disaster risk reduction as an important measure to protect the country's life and economy. Through improving urban planning, strict construction regulations, disaster education, and active community participation, Japan is trying to live side by side with disasters and has strong resilience against these threats.

The Transdisciplinary Approach to Developing an Integrated Water-Related Disaster Information System for Municipalities

Although the transdisciplinary approach (TDA) is becoming popular during the implementation of disaster management facilities in recent years, there are few examples of the research and development phase of disaster management technology. The Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) Phase 2, financed by the Government of Japan, emphasizes the need for industry-academia-government cooperation, and is undertaking the research and development of a disaster information provision system. As part of this program, since 2018, Kyushu University, as an academic participant, and Foundation of River & Basin Integrated Communications (FRICS), as a practitioner, are developing the “Integrated-System of Disaster Reduction for Municipalities” (IDR4M) in collaboration with municipalities across Japan. This article introduces IDR4M’s development process, especially the collaboration between academia and municipalities, who are the system’s actual users.

PKM Penerapan Sistem Informasi Kebencanaan Desa Kukuh dalam Mewujudkan Desa Digital Tangguh dan Siaga Bencana

Kukuh Village in Kerambitan District has a hilly topography, large rivers, and high rainfall, which makes the area prone to disasters, especially floods, landslides, and extreme weather. In order to overcome these problems, the Community Service Program (PKM) aims to: 1) create a Disaster Prone Map, Safe Zone Map, Evacuation Route Map, and Temporary Refuge Map; 2) build an informative, interactive, effective, and efficient village disaster information system based on digital technology; 3) organize counseling and training on disaster management to improve community preparedness; 4) provide disaster support tools. The implementation of the community partnership program uses the Knowledge Transfer approach through counseling and training, Technology Transfer through participatory mapping, and Diffusion of Science and Technology through the creation of the SIKADEK application (Kukuh Village Disaster Information System). The PKM results include a Disaster Map that is integrated with the SIKADEK application as a Disaster WebGIS feature, including weather information, distribution of disaster-prone areas, disaster history, and Balinese lunar calendar information (Sasih). Training and counseling increased the capacity of Pokdarwis with knowledge about disaster-prone locations, safe zones, rallying points, evacuation routes, utilization of disaster features in the SIKADEK application, as well as knowledge about disasters, vulnerable areas, management, and disaster mitigation. In addition, disaster support facilities such as signs, water rescue packages, and first aid packages have been fulfilled through this activity.

The health burden of natural and technological disasters in Brazil from 2013 to 2021

Disasters deeply impact the health of the affected population and the economy of a country. The health burden of disasters in Brazil is underestimated and more studies are needed to underpin policies and actions for disaster risk reduction. This study analyzes and describes disasters that occurred in Brazil from 2013 to 2021. The Integrated Disaster Information System (S2iD) was accessed to obtain demographic data, disaster data according to Brazilian Classification and Codification of Disasters (COBRADE), and health outcome data (number of dead, injured, sick, unsheltered, displaced, and missing individuals and other outcomes). Database preparation and analysis were performed in Tableau. In total, 98.62% (50,481) of the disasters registered in Brazil from 2013 to 2021 are natural, with a significant increase in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a biological disaster. This disaster group also caused the highest number of deaths (321,111), as well as injured (208,720) and sick (7,041,099) people. By analyzing data for each geographic region, we observed differences regarding disasters frequency and their health outcomes. In Brazil, climatological disasters are the most frequent (23,452 events) and occur mainly in the Northeast region. Geological disasters have the highest lethality, which are more common in the Southeast; however, the most common disasters in the South and Southeast are those of the meteorological and hydrological groups. Therefore, since the greatest health outcomes are associated with disasters predicted in time and space, public policies for the prevention and management of disasters can reduce the impacts of these events.

Spatio-temporal analysis of leptospirosis in Brazil and its relationship with flooding.

Leptospirosis is a serious public health problem in Brazil, which can be observed after flooding events. Using an exploratory mixed clustering method, this ecological study analyzes whether spatial-temporal clustering patterns of leptospirosis occur in Brazil. Data from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) were used to calculate the prevalence of leptospirosis between 2007 and 2017 in all counties of the country. Clustering techniques, including spatial association indicators, were used for analysis and evaluation of disease yearly spatial distribution. Based on Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) with Empirical Bayesian rates detected spatial patterns of leptospirosis ranging from 0.137 (p = 0.001 in 2009) to 0.293 (p = 0.001 in 2008). Over the whole period, the rate was 0.388 (p = 0.001). The main pattern showed permanence of leptospirosis clusters in the South and emergence and permanence of such clusters in northern Brazil. The municipalities with leptospirosis cases and at least one flood occurrence registered in the Brazilian Integrated Disaster Information System were incorporated into the LISA cluster map with Empirical Bayesian rates. These counties were expected to exhibit clustering, not all did. The results of the cluster analysis suggest allocation of health resources in areas with leptospirosis clustering.

Current Status and Issues of Information Sharing in Disaster Response in Japan: Information Linkage by “SIP4D”

Information sharing by related organizations is crucial in disaster response. In the event of a large-scale disaster that makes it difficult for the affected local government to respond independently, support from the central government and non-affected local governments is required. In such cases, effective activities by support organizations cannot be expected unless sufficient information is shared. The authors are currently working on the research and development of a platform for sharing information held by related organizations in a Japanese government project. In particular, they focus on the common operational picture (COP) necessary for effective activities by unifying the situational awareness of related organizations. This paper reports on the progress of the project, which commenced in 2014, and introduces current issues, directions for solving them, and efforts toward the advanced use of disaster information. Based on the results of a questionnaire distributed among local governments nationwide at the beginning of the project, the authors provide an overview of the state of disaster information system development in 2014. Based on the experience of actual disaster response, the authors will discuss the activity status of the Information Support Team (ISUT), the current status and issues of Shared Information Platform for Disaster Management (SIP4D), and NIED-Disaster Information-Sharing System (NIED-DISS).

Disaster risk management system in Vietnam: progress and challenges

BackgroundVietnam is one of the countries most impacted by disasters in Asia- Pacific. Floods, droughts and storms are the most common catastrophes. These risks endanger millions of lives and create massive financial and production losses. ObjectiveThis study aims at reviewing the disaster risk management (DRM) system in Vietnam, identifying progress and challenges of this system, hence making recommendations for improving the system for better responding with natural hazards. MethodThe study uses PSR model (Pressure- State- Response) in combination with DRM management framework by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to evaluate DRM system in Vietnam with 5 aspects: (i) DRM regulatory framework (ii) DRM organization (iii) DRM financial resources (iv) DRM integration in to plans at central and local levels (v) Disaster warning and education. The data collection consists of reviewing existing literature and interviewing key informants in DRM. ResultsDisasters is a serious threat to Vietnam’s socio economic development. To respond, Vietnam has made many efforts including develop a comprehensive legal framework for DRM which Law on Disaster Prevention and Control takes the key role. Vietnam has also established a fairly well organized DRM system from the central to local levels. The financial sources for DRM are arranged from State budget and sources outside State budget. Vietnam has developed major policies for integrating DRM into development plans centrally and locally. The disaster information and warning system is being modernized with the integration of disaster education in training programs. Challenges in DRM are identified, including institutional, financial and information issues. In addition, Vietnam is facing the increase of disasters and extreme climate events due to climate change. Covid 19 and its socio-economic consequences also lead to a lack of resources for DRM. Economic development moreover results in the decline of ecosystem-based disaster mitigation works and put more pressures on DRM. RecommendationsIn the future, Vietnam should develop an information-sharing network between ministries, sectors, localities and NGOs to support the policy formulation process and enhance the coordination of multi-stakeholders. The country should also establish more proper funding allocation mechanisms to fulfill DRM’s demands, especially for disaster preparedness and reconstruction phases.

FOSS (Free Open Source Software) Integration to Implement WebGIS-Based Information System of Kelud Volcano

The purpose of this research is to establish a webGIS-based disaster information system. WebGIS application is used as a dissemination strategy of geospatial information of the data obtained from the surrounding area of Kelud Volcano. This application utilizes the Free Open Source Software (FOSS) standardized by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). The initial step in the development of this system includes providing a database for geospatial data storing consisting of landslide-prone zones, land suitability, and tourism which were the focus of this research. The second step is the GeoJSON data conversion and Web Mapping Service (WMS) creation. This study has several results in the form of; 1) the establishment of a web-based GIS application system using FOSS standardized by OGC provides benefits in terms of cost efficiency in the development and provides convenience for the application because it is widely used by the community; 2) the development of information systems built in two directions between community participation and disaster web managers shows effective results; 3) the results of the two system tests show that the system built has no functional problems but, the version of the web browser used needs to be considered. This application is expected to build a communication aspect between policymakers and the community concerning an integrated disaster information management.

Pemanfaatan Sistem Informasi Bencana Banjir di Kabupaten Bandung Untuk Mewujudkan Masyarakat Tangguh Bencana

Bandung Regency often experiences flooding and the number of Early Warning System (EWS) equipment is still not sufficient. One of the targets of the Sendai Framework is to increase the coverage and access to the EWS until 2030. To prevent natural disasters and determine the efforts that must be made during a disaster to post-disaster, a disaster information system is needed. The purpose of the study was to determine the implementation of a flood disaster information system as an effort to reduce disaster risk and to determine the use of a flood disaster information system to create a disaster-resilient society. This research was a qualitative research with an exploratory research design. The research was conducted in May 2021 – January 2022 in Bandung Regency. Data collection techniques used were interviews, documentation, and observation, with analytical techniques using the Miles and Huberman model. There was no specific flood disaster information system however the information collected and processed by the Pusdalops was used as the basis for the preparation of a disaster risk reduction plan in Bandung Regency. Information on the potential for flooding was conveyed by the Pusdalops to the community so that people were alert and evacuate if it is not possible to stay at home. Community resilience, especially in three flood-prone villages, was in the primary category. A disaster information system is needed to support disaster risk reduction efforts and create a disaster-resilient society.

Disaster Mitigation Innovation: Lessons Learned at a Regional Disaster Management Agency in South Sulawesi

Natural disasters are becoming more common in Indonesia, and their severity is increasing. To meet the challenges of updating disaster mitigation and rehabilitation capabilities, more innovative or better technology is required. In an effort to mitigate and overcome disasters, an innovation known as Simpul Pena has been developed. Simpul Pena is an information system for the control and operational center for disaster management in the regional disaster management agency (BPBD) in Wajo Regency. This study applied a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations and document review. Interviews were conducted with the Head of BPBD Wajo Regency and the Head of the Emergency and Logistics Division, while observations were carried out to gain an understanding of the process of implementing public service innovations at the BPBD Wajo Regency. The results of the study showed that the implementation of the Simpul Pena innovation was effective and there has been consistency in its application. The impact of Simpul Pena was measured using five factors that can contribute to the success of innovation: leadership, management/organization, risk management, human resources, and technology. Disaster information system services were carried out through Simpul Pena via access to WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, resulting in integrated, coordinated, efficient and effective disaster management, as well as a significant increase in community participation in disaster management. The role of leadership was the most influential factor in shaping an innovative culture and behavior so that the organization continued to improve in developing service innovations to meet the challenges faced.
 Keywords: public sector innovation, disaster mitigation, regional disaster management agency, Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi Province

Utilizing Machine Learning and Cloud Services to Improve Disaster Information Systems

Cloud services have enabled various information system developments. In this paper, we explore the use of Amazon Sagemaker cloud services and AWS Data Exchange in disaster information systems. We proposed cloud architecture for a disaster information system and found some of the datasets provided on AWS Data Exchange could be leveraged for such system.

Rapid and quantitative uncertainty estimation of coseismic slip distribution for large interplate earthquakes using real-time GNSS data and its application to tsunami inundation prediction

This study proposes a new method for the uncertainty estimation of coseismic slip distribution on the plate interface deduced from real-time global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data and explores its application for tsunami inundation prediction. Jointly developed by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan and Tohoku University, REGARD (REal-time GEONET Analysis system for Rapid Deformation monitoring) estimates coseismic fault models (a single rectangular fault model and slip distribution model) in real time to support tsunami prediction. The estimated results are adopted as part of the Disaster Information System, which is used by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan to assess tsunami inundation and damage. However, the REGARD system currently struggles to estimate the quantitative uncertainty of the estimated result, although the obtained result should contain both observation and modeling errors caused by the model settings. Understanding such quantitative uncertainties based on the input data is essential for utilizing this resource for disaster response. We developed an algorithm that estimates the coseismic slip distribution and its uncertainties using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We focused on the Nankai Trough of southwest Japan, where megathrust earthquakes have repeatedly occurred, and used simulation data to assume a Hoei-type earthquake. We divided the 2951 rectangular subfaults on the plate interface and designed a multistage sampling flow with stepwise perturbation groups. As a result, we successfully estimated the slip distribution and its uncertainty at the 95% confidence interval of the posterior probability density function. Furthermore, we developed a new visualization procedure that shows the risk of tsunami inundation and the probability on a map. Under the algorithm, we regarded the Markov chain Monte Carlo samples as individual fault models and clustered them using the k-means approach to obtain different tsunami source scenarios. We then calculated the parallel tsunami inundations and integrated the results on the map. This map, which expresses the uncertainties of tsunami inundation caused by uncertainties in the coseismic fault estimation, offers quantitative and real time insights into possible worst-case scenarios.Graphical

Evaluasi Kualitas Website Menggunakan Webqual 4.0 (Studi Kasus: Sistem Informasi Kebencanaan Kabupaten Boyolali)

This study aimed to measure the quality of the Disaster Mitigation Information System (Sikabi) belonging to the Regional Disaster Management Authority of Boyolali Regency. Quality tests are carried out to determine the quality and functionality of the system that functions optimally and can display accurate, easily accessible, and useful information for disaster mitigation in the region. The results of the study are useful for providing feedback to information system developers regarding the quality of the website usability aspect, the quality of the information presented, and the quality of the interactions provided as well as the user satisfaction at accessing the Disaster Information System website. This study uses the Webqual 4.0 method which has 4 assessment variables, namely in terms of usability (information quality), interaction service (interaction quality), and user satisfaction while accessing the website (overall impression). From the research results, the information quality variable has a sig value. 0,000 <0,05 which indicates that there is an influence of information quality on user satisfaction in using the Sikabi website. Therefore, we recommend improving the quality of the information displayed on the Sikabi website page.

Modelling the volcanic ash plume from Eyjafjallajökull eruption (May 2010) over Europe: evaluation of the benefit of source term improvements and of the assimilation of aerosol measurements

Abstract. Numerical dispersion models are used operationally worldwide to mitigate the effect of volcanic ash on aviation. In order to improve the representation of the horizontal dispersion of ash plumes and of the 3D concentration of ash, a study was conducted using the MOCAGE model during the European Natural Airborne Disaster Information and Coordination System for Aviation (EUNADICS-AV) project. Source term modelling and assimilation of different data were investigated. A sensitivity study of source term formulation showed that a resolved source term, using the FPLUME plume rise model in MOCAGE, instead of a parameterised source term, induces a more realistic representation of the horizontal dispersion of the ash plume. The FPLUME simulation provides more concentrated and focused ash concentrations in the horizontal and the vertical dimensions than the other source term. The assimilation of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol optical depth has an impact on the horizontal dispersion of the plume, but this effect is rather low and local compared to source term improvement. More promising results are obtained with the continuous assimilation of ground-based lidar profiles, which improves the vertical distribution of ash and helps in reaching realistic values of ash concentrations. Using this configuration, the effect of assimilation may last for several hours and it may propagate several hundred kilometres downstream of the lidar profiles.

Social Cohesion through Social Media as Part of Disaster Information System in Disaster Prone Area

Social media is one of the disaster communication means for social cohesion in information retrieval. However, Karo Regency has limitedly use WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. This study aimed to evaluate social media Instagram and Facebook as part of the disaster information system in disaster-prone areas to improve social cohesion in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study combined qualitative and quantitative evaluation. Qualitative evaluation steps consist of (1) setting goals; (2) classification; (3) stating structured goals; (4) collecting data; (5) analyzing results of observations and measurements. Based on the evaluation, Instagram has been inactive since April 1, 2020, and Facebook has been inactive on August 17, 2017, due to the absence of competent human resources (HR). The use of internal WhatsApp groups is due to the unpreparedness in dealing with public comments. Based on a survey in early June 2021 to the Karo community showed that 56.3% of respondents were familiar with the Karo BPBD social media. The trust level of social media users for social cohesion in the disaster-prone area of Karo Regency was very high at 56.3%. Respondents believed that information conveyed through social media uploads is able to improve social cohesion in dealing with various disasters. This is formed because of the sense of belonging, social trust, generalized reciprocity, and social harmony. This study contributed in the form of BPBD policies in managing social media as an information system to improve social cohesion in the disaster-prone area ofKaro Regency. The new findings theoretically added caring in Johnson's Social Cohesion Theory.

Development of Drought Information System at Remote Sensing Application Center, National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN)

National Earth Monitoring System (SPBN) is a natural resource and disaster information system developed by Remote Sensing Application Center, National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN), Indonesia. Drought information system is one of the SPBN disaster information products, consisting of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Vegetation Greenness Level (TKV), and monthly accumulation of rainfall information. The quality of information products are improved towards data processing automation as well as provision of user-oriented products. The purpose of our research is to report the existing of drought information products at SPBN-LAPAN, to present briefly the automation process and also to analyze the result of the products. In this study, the “new” drought index information, which developed by blended of two datasets (TKV dataset that characterized agricultural drought and monthly rainfall dataset that characterized meteorological drought), using threshold method has introduced. The level of drought index is divided into five classes, namely cloud/water, severely dry, dry and normal

Acute effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency transportation due to acute alcoholic intoxication: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in people’s drinking habits and the emergency management system for various diseases. However, no studies have investigated the pandemic’s impact on emergency transportation for acute alcoholic intoxication. This study examines the effect of the pandemic on emergency transportation due to acute alcoholic intoxication in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, a region with high alcohol consumption.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted using data of 180,747 patients from the Kochi-Iryo-Net database, Kochi Prefecture’s emergency medical and wide-area disaster information system. Chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The association between emergency transportation and alcoholic intoxication was examined. The differences between the number of transportations during the voluntary isolation period in Japan (March and April 2020) and the same period for 2016–2019 were measured.ResultsIn 2020, emergency transportations due to acute alcoholic intoxication declined by 0.2%, compared with previous years. Emergency transportation due to acute alcoholic intoxication decreased significantly between March and April 2020, compared with the same period in 2016–2019, even after adjusting for confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.96).ConclusionsThis study showed that lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the number of emergency transportations; in particular, those due to acute alcoholic intoxication decreased significantly.