Disaster Management Capabilities Research Articles

Integrating Inter-Professional Insights for Enhanced Disaster Response: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Jubail's Royal Commission Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to evaluate disaster preparedness and management among an inter-professional team at the Royal Commission Hospital (RCH) in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Conducted between May and July 2023, this cross-sectional study involved healthcare providers in both patient-facing and non-patient-facing roles. Participants responded to a comprehensive online questionnaire comprising 22 questions across seven sections covering aspects of emergency response, disaster management, and infection control. The study targeted a minimum sample size of 500 participants, successfully garnering responses from 512 individuals. Of the 512 participants, 59.9% (n=312) were healthcare providers in patient-facing roles, and 40.1% (n=209) were in non-patient-facing roles. The results revealed notable disparities in awareness and preparedness between these two groups. Healthcare providers demonstrated higher awareness levels compared to their non-patient-facing counterparts. For instance, 76.9% of healthcare providers were aware of the hospital's emergency response plan compared to 56.2% of non-healthcare providers (χ² = 52.165, p < 0.001). Similar disparities were observed in understanding the term "disaster" (86.5% vs 54.1%, χ² = 27.931, p < 0.001), and awareness of a command center (73.4% vs 45.2%, χ² = 42.934, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the critical need for enhancing awareness, education, and preparedness within healthcare facilities, emphasizing an integrated approach that includes both healthcare and non-healthcare staff. By addressing these gaps, healthcare facilities can significantly improve their emergency response efficiency, disaster management capabilities, and infection control measures, thereby enhancing the overall safety and quality of patient care.

There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish: promoting women’s entrepreneurial empowerment and disaster management capabilities

There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish: promoting women’s entrepreneurial empowerment and disaster management capabilities

Strategic Deployment of Ducklink Wireless Devices for Disaster Mitigation and Management in Nueva ECIJA University of Science and Technology Sumacab Campus

A significant challenge during disasters is the breakdown of traditional communication systems, impeding rescue operations and information dissemination. To tackle this issue, researchers conducted a study on strategically deploying DuckLink wireless devices within a small community, particularly at NEUST Sumacab Campus. Utilizing tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, and WiFi Heat Map, optimal locations for device placement were identified. Analyzing signal range and performance characteristics, the study endeavored to enhance disaster management capabilities on campus. Findings revealed DuckLink devices operate with omnidirectional polarity, ensuring reliable communication, with a clear correlation between distance and message transmission time emphasizing strategic device placement for efficient campus-wide connectivity. Recommending the installation of 112 devices across 79 buildings, with key locations designated for Papaduck receivers and Mamaduck transmitters, this research offers crucial insights into disaster management strategies, optimizing wireless communication infrastructure in educational environments, thus contributing to safer and more resilient communities.

Sustainable performance and disaster management in the oil and gas industry: An intellectual capital perspective

In the post-COVID era and amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the natural resource extraction sector, particularly oil and gas, faces unprecedented challenges in maintaining its sustainability. Disasters in this sector, ranging from environmental catastrophes to operational disruptions, further exacerbate these challenges, eroding environmental integrity and aggravating social issues. These events underscore the urgency of strengthening disaster management capabilities in the oil and gas sector to safeguard against future uncertainties and sustain its operational viability. Against this context, this study aims to examine two critical facets of disaster management in the oil and gas sector. The first objective is to assess the role of intangible resources, particularly intellectual capital, in improving an organization's disaster management capabilities. Intellectual capital, encompassing human, relational, and structural capital, is posited as a key driver in managing complex and unpredictable challenges. The second objective is to investigate the role of supply chain risk management in mediating the impact of intellectual capital on disaster management. Data for this study were collected from firms in the oil and gas sector of Pakistan through a structured questionnaire Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis. The results reveal a significant impact of intellectual capital on improving both the responsiveness and alertness aspects of disaster management. Further, supply chain risk management emerges as a crucial factor in channeling the influence of intellectual capital on disaster management effectiveness. Findings of the study not only contributes to the theoretical understanding of disaster management in the natural resource sector but also offers practical insights for industry practitioners. The novelty of this study lies in its empirical examination of the interplay between intellectual capital, supply chain risk management, and disaster management capabilities, win the context of the oil and gas sector.

Implementing A resistance-relief approach into evaluating urban disaster management capacity: A case study of Xuzhou

In the field of disaster management, urban planning is a crucial tool for reducing the vulnerability of areas prone to natural disasters. Assessing the disaster management efficacy of urban planning is essential. However, the theoretical evaluation frameworks and precise assessment methods currently available are quite limited. Therefore, this study developed a new Resistance-Relief (2Rs) approach to evaluate disaster management capabilities in different regions. Based on the “2Rs” evaluation framework, an indicator system was developed to assess disaster management capabilities at the level of urban planning and construction. On this basis, a directed weighted graph model was established to comprehensively evaluate a city's disaster resistance and disaster relief capabilities, addressing the accuracy and comprehensiveness issues commonly found in single-dimensional evaluations. Furthermore, an indicator sensitivity analysis method based on the cloud model was proposed to analyze the sensitivity of evaluation indicators and the robustness of evaluation results. Using actual urban planning and construction data, this method was applied to assess seven disaster management zones in Xuzhou City, China. The results revealed inadequacies in the city's disaster preparedness and mitigation construction, as well as key factors affecting Xuzhou's disaster management capabilities. This new method contributes to further improvements in both disaster risk management and urban disaster prevention and mitigation planning.

지방정부의 재난안전 역량 강화

This paper aims to propose strategies to enhance the disaster management capabilities of local governments. It is necessary for local government leaders to increase their interest in disaster safety, boost the self-efficacy of officials, and find ways to enhance their pride. It is vital to establish collaborative governance that mobilizes the disaster safety capacities within the region. Reflecting on the work experience of the disaster safety department when appointing senior officials and expanding recruitment is essential steps. Additionally, promoting the stable and efficient operations of disaster safety organizations can be achieved by conducting regular personnel appointments every January. Furthermore, it is necessary to establish disaster safety specialized institutions in the form of foundation corporations in 17 metropolitan local governments and set up crisisonomy graduate school to nurture specialized professionals. Practical on-site manuals and conducting on-site training are also essential. Lastly, managing the early stages of disaster occurrences and operating a disaster situation room equipped with on-site response capabilities are crucial.

Policy Recommendation for Strengthening Capacity for Urban Disaster Management through Open and Distance Learning in Bangladesh

The adverse effects of climate change-induced geo-environmental changes have turned Bangladesh prone to intensifying recurring hazards like- floods, erratic rainfall, landslides, cyclones, storm surges, riverbank erosion, deforestation, droughts, and many more. Earthquake has also been identified as a hazard in Bangladesh. In addition, congested and unhealthy residential areas with high population density, inadequate infrastructural transport and communication facilities, and limited urban disaster management capabilities have been worsening the situation. The main theme of the study was to explore the ways of capacity building of disaster management in Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) approach offered by the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Languages (SSHL), Bangladesh Open University (BOU). The BOU has extensive access to communicate and spread knowledge to its large number of learners within the shortest possible time. Hence, the present research attempted to explore the prospects of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) approach for strengthening the capacity of urban disaster management through BOU by forming skilled Urban Disaster Volunteer (UDV) teams in different parts of the DCC. Creating and incorporating an Urban Disaster Management (UDM) knowledge pool regarding the hazard and disaster modes, types, seasons, and patterns should be developed to strengthen the Urban Disaster Management Capacity (UDMC). A dynamic cooperation between the national policymakers and local stakeholders has to be accomplished to establish improved awareness through acquiring hazard and disaster-relevant knowledge, and the ability to cope with inevitable disasters.

Contextualizing Contingency Management Plan: A Disaster Risk Reduction Toolkit for School Principals in the Philippines

This developmental study aimed to evaluate the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) capabilities, preparedness, and emergency response competence of Filipino school principals in Guimaras Island, while also developing a relevant contingency management planning toolkit tailored to the needs of the region. The study involved 92 deliberately selected participants, including public elementary and secondary school principals, as well as private school administrators. Data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of three sections: DRRM Assessment Capability, Preparedness, and Emergency Response Competence. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentage analysis, mean, standard deviation, and rank, were used for data analysis. The results indicated that both public and private school principals in Guimaras demonstrated a high capability for risk assessment, substantial preparedness, and a significant level of competence in emergency response. Notably, their assessment capability was strongest in areas such as monitoring and evaluating DRRM programs and understanding Site Development Plans, while their least predominant skills were related to maintaining and strengthening lifeline systems and estimating equipment lifespans. In terms of DRRM preparedness, strengths included utilizing DepEd Orders for class suspensions during inclement weather and providing emergency contact directories. Weaknesses were identified in areas like capacitating student-led watch teams and preparing localized school policies for disaster preparedness. Regarding emergency response, school principals were found to be highly competent in managing personnel and coordinating with the Local DRRM Team. They were also proficient in providing necessities to teachers and students and reporting damages using the RADaR App. To address the identified gaps, a contextualized toolkit was proposed, tailored to the specific needs of Guimaras schools. This toolkit received excellent ratings from experts in terms of its attributes, objectives, content, usefulness, and self-help features.

Healthcare Workers' Resilience Toolkit for Disaster Management and Climate Change Adaptation.

Climate change has been recognised as a multiplier of risk factors affecting public health. Disruptions caused by natural disasters and other climate-driven impacts are placing increasing demands on healthcare systems. These, in turn, impact the wellness and performance of healthcare workers (HCWs) and hinder the accessibility, functionality and safety of healthcare systems. This study explored factors influencing HCWs’ disaster management capabilities with the aim of improving their resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen HCWs who dealt with disasters within two hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Analysis of the results identified two significant themes, HCWs’ disaster education and HCWs’ wellness and needs. The latter comprised five subthemes: HCWs’ fear and vulnerability, doubts and uncertainty, competing priorities, resilience and adaptation, and needs assessment. This study developed an ‘HCWs Resilience Toolkit’, which encourages mindfulness amongst leaders, managers and policymakers about supporting four priority HCWs’ needs: ‘Wellness’, ‘Education’, ‘Resources’ and ‘Communication’. The authors focused on the ‘Education’ component to detail recommended training for each of the pre-disaster, mid-disaster and post-disaster phases. The authors conclude the significance of the toolkit, which provides a timely contribution to the healthcare sector amidst ongoing adversity.

보육교사의 재난경험, 재난인식과 재난대비

This study was conducted to identify factors influencing of disaster preparedness for childcare teachers in from September to October 2019. The subjects of this study were 187 teachers at 20 childcare centers located in Seoul. The results show that 24.7% of childcare teachers had direct experience with disasters, and 91.5% experienced disaster preparedness education. Job-related disaster preparedness of childcare teachers caring for infants was higher than that of teachers caring for mixed age groups. The childcare teacher’s job-related disaster preparedness had a positive correlation with self-efficacy, perception of disaster, and general disaster preparedness. Factors influencing the childcare teacher’s job-related disaster preparedness were self-efficacy. In order to increase disaster management capabilities of childcare teachers, it is necessary to improve of self-efficacy. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and apply programs to improve self-efficacy related to disaster preparedness among childcare teachers.

The expertise of public officials and collaborative disaster management

Collaborative disaster management based on trust and networks between the government and key actors in the community helps overcome the limitations of government-based human and material resources and enables a more effective rapid disaster response. Therefore, the role of public officials in building, maintaining, and developing collaborative disaster management with various actors is critical. This study analyzed the relationship between the expertise of disaster management officials and their collaborative disaster management capabilities. Specifically, the expertise of disaster management officials was divided into four sub-components (knowledge, experience, skills, and attitudes towards public service), and the effects of these sub-components on collaborative capabilities were analyzed. In addition, after dividing the groups into two based on the typze of disaster the officials responded to, the differences in the relationship between expertise and collaborative capabilities were compared.The analysis results were as follows. First, knowledge had a positive influence on both the ability to be collaborative among government organizations and on the ability to engage in public-private collaboVration. Second, experience had a positive influence on the ability to be collaborative among government organizations only in relation to public officials acting in response to manmade disasters. Third, skills had a positive influence on both the ability to collaborate among government organizations and in relation to public-private sector collaboration. Fourth, attitudes had a positive influence on public-private partnership capacity. This study presented policy implications based on these findings.

The Disaster-Management Capabilities of Local Governments: A Case Study in Indonesia

The role of the municipality in disaster management is a well-researched topic, but there is an ongoing debate concerning municipal capability in handling disasters. Many researchers have argued that governmental capability is a crucial factor in ensuring effective disaster management. Thus, several studies have measured or analyzed disaster-management capabilities at the local level. However, the relationships between the related indicators have not yet been ascertained. This study addressed this research gap by examining, with a special focus on non-structural aspects, how each indicator is related to governmental capability, as well as by examining other external indicators. We also made recommendations for developing, based on municipal characteristics, the capabilities of local governments. To do this, we employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data obtained from surveys conducted in 106 municipalities in Indonesia. Our findings indicated the existence of complicated relationships between the factors that improve local governmental capabilities and the external factors that influence capabilities. We found that the “budget allocation” factor played a fundamental role in disaster management. This article thus recommends increasing “budget allocation” as a primary way to strengthen local governmental capabilities in this area.

The Structure and Main Elements of Disaster Management System of the Hungarian Defence Forces, with Special Regard to the Development of International Cooperation

The use of military forces in disaster relief activities is indispensable. It is a human and technical resource that can carry out special tasks quickly and professionally. One of the negative consequences of the global climate change is the increasing number and intensity of natural disasters, where the role of the military is more and more appreciated. For Hungary, as a small country and a member of the NATO, it is important to have a compact but capable military, which is able to work in a wide range of different scenarios of crisis management from peace support to disaster operations, especially in a multinational environment. This study introduces the disaster management capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces, focusing on the existing and planned international cooperations.

Local government’s disaster management capacity and disaster resilience

ABSTRACTThe questions in this research are as follows: How does the disaster management capacity of local governments affect the disaster resilience of local communities? The research distinguished local communities by type according to their level of exposure to natural disaster hazards and the analysis compared the impact of the disaster management capabilities on disaster resilience by the type of natural disaster exposure. The analysis results are as follows: While the frequency of disasters local communities experience is low, the magnitude of disasters experienced is large; external network and manual had a positive effect on disaster resilience. When disaster frequency experienced by local communities is high, the magnitude of disasters experienced is small, and internal network and public relation contribute to increased disaster resilience. In conclusion, this research will help expand the externalities of disaster management discussed in the fields of public administration and policy.

Evaluation of Sustainable Livelihoods in the Context of Disaster Vulnerability: A Case Study of Shenzha County in Tibet, China

The issue of achieving sustainable livelihoods (SL) is a persistent problem that has gained significant interest for all countries. Even though contexts of vulnerability have been highlighted to be critical to SL, the difference of SL under vulnerability contexts, particularly disaster, has been ignored. As one disaster-prone area, there is an urgent need to conduct studies on SL in Shenzha, within the context of the construction of a national park. This paper proposes to address this research gap by evaluating SL under various disaster contexts in Shenzha, China. According to the frequency of natural disasters, towns in Shenzha can be divided into three groups: Snowstorm and windstorm-dominated towns (SWT), mixed towns (MT) and drought-dominated towns (DT). The results showed that (1) a great disparity of SL can be observed among the three vulnerability groups. The scores of these SL were sorted into descending order as: DT &gt; SWT &gt; MT. (2) In detail, herdsmen in DT have a high value of SL because they have high livelihood assets, livelihood strategies and disaster management capabilities. (3) Herdsmen in SWT have high livelihood assets, particularly human and financial assets, and livelihood strategies. (4) The low livelihood assets and livelihood strategies have restricted the SL of herdsmen in MT. An analysis of SL under various disaster contexts helped to depict the characteristics of SL. Accordingly, targeted policies were developed for the development of SL under various disaster contexts.

Failed cooperation in times of natural disasters: explaining the rejection of humanitarian aid

AbstractThis article asks why economically strong democracies reject humanitarian aid after severe natural disasters, focusing on the Kobe earthquake in Japan (1995), India’s response to the Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), and Hurricane Katrina in the United States (2005). It explains these rejections of humanitarian aid by analyzing the decision-makers’ ‘self-perceptions’ through the factors of manageability, national role perceptions, and domestic political impact, as well as ’other-perceptions’ through their relations to donors and the nature of the aid offers. It finds that even in those disaster-prepared and economically strong democracies, state leaders rejected humanitarian aid not simply because they had sufficient disaster management capabilities. Rather, bureaucratic hurdles and administrative failure impeded aid acceptance. Moreover, conceptions of those countries’ roles as established or emerging donors, as well as domestic political factors influenced their decisions. Ultimately, the dominant explanations focusing on wealth and capabilities are thus too shortsighted. Not only giving but also rejecting humanitarian aid follows political considerations.

Enhancing Global Health Security: US Africa Command's Disaster Preparedness Program.

US Africa Command's Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP), implemented by the Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine, partnered with US Government agencies and international organizations to promote stability and security on the African continent by engaging with African Partner Nations' (PN) civil and military authorities to improve disaster management capabilities. From 2008 to 2015, DPP conducted disaster preparedness and response programming with 17 PNs. DPP held a series of engagements with each, including workshops, strategic planning, developing preparedness and response plans, tabletop exercises, and prioritizing disaster management capability gaps identified through the engagements. DPP partners collected data for each PN to further capacity building efforts. Thus far, 9 countries have completed military pandemic plans, 10 have developed national pandemic influenza plans, 9 have developed military support to civil authorities plans, and 11 have developed disaster management strategic work plans. There have been 20 national exercises conducted since 2009. DPP was cited as key in implementation of Ebola response plans in PNs, facilitated development of disaster management agencies in DPP PNs, and trained nearly 800 individuals. DPP enhanced PNs' ability to prepare and respond to crises, fostering relationships between international agencies, and improving civil-military coordination through both national and regional capacity building. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:319-329).

CONCEPT MODEL FOR DRONE SELECTION IN SPECIFIC DISASTER CONDITIONS

Abstract. Drones come in huge variety of shapes, sizes and flight characteristics. They can fly in places where no manned aircraft flies or where a person is not desirable to be. Their ability to perform “3D” – here standing for dirty, dull and dangerous. All these properties turn them into a valuable asset into disaster responders’ toolkit. In the very first moments of disaster it becomes confusing for non-experienced person to decide, which drone to be deployed first or to what task to be assigned to. In order to perform their mission in safest and most successful way in this paper we discuss a decision-making model to aid first responders in the early stage of reaction. In particular, a performance mapping model is design as a hierarchical structure with several inputs and more than one output. Several limitations are considered as inputs. On one hand there are “external” factors briefly known a prior – disaster type (wildfire, CBRNE, flood etc.) and weather conditions (wind speed, fog, cloud cover, etc.). On other hand there is certain correlation with some “internal” characteristics such as drone type, flight performance (stall speed, turn radius, flight endurance etc.) and payload capabilities: resolution, accuracy, weight (sensor resolution, size, weight, etc.). Given this and mission type as an output from the model a specific drone and equipment is advised to the first responders. This model can be later on introduced in disaster responders training and documentation helping them to properly utilize their drone fleet, raising preparedness and by so increasing disaster management capabilities and reaction effectiveness.

Gauging the Effectiveness of Soft Law in Theory and Practice: A Case Study of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters

The International Charter on Space and Major Disasters is a voluntary partnership among national space agencies that provide free satellite earth observation data and information to disaster-affected States. As a nonbinding, multilateral instrument, the Charter has grown in its members, reach and application over its seventeen-year lifespan. To date, the Charter has been activated over 550 times and has provided data to 119 countries. This article provides a discussion on the current legal status of the Charter and the effectiveness of the Charter as a global governance mechanism in light of its mandate and ongoing operations. The article draws from previous reports and scholarship on the Charter, data collected through semi-structured interviews with Charter members and users, and the results from a survey distributed to Charter end users which aimed to gather information relating to the users’ experience accessing and using Charter products, as well as information relating to the extent to which the Charter contributions improved the end users’ existing disaster management capabilities. Overall the article finds that as a soft law instrument and governance tool, the Charter has been highly effective in both a legal and operational context and may provide a useful example for international cooperation in other global policy areas.

The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative: Strengthening National Capacities for All-Hazards Disaster Preparedness.

The Ebola outbreak demonstrated the need for improved disaster response throughout West Africa. The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative was a training and assessment effort led by US Africa Command and partners to strengthen capacities among 12 West African partner nations (PNs). Series of 3-week training sessions with representatives from each PN were held from 13 July through 20 November 2015 at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana. A team conducted Disaster Management Capabilities Assessments (DMCAs) for each PN, including a review of key data, a survey for leaders, and in-person interviews of key informants. All 12 PNs generated a national Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan and Emergency Operations Center standard operating procedures. DMCA metrics were generated for each PN. Top performers included Ghana, with a plan rated good/excellent, and Benin and Burkina Faso, which both achieved a satisfactory rating for their plans. More than 800 people from 12 nations were trained. PNs have improved disaster management capabilities and awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. The Economic Community of West African States has increased its lead role in this and future planned initiatives. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:431-438).