Disaster Response System Research Articles

Building a Sustainable and Resilient U.S. Disaster Response and Relief Logistics System: Lessons from Domestic and International Events

The United States (U.S.) has experienced frequent and severe natural disasters in recent time. This has in turn uncovered significant challenges in disaster relief and emergency response systems, particularly in the area of logistics. These challenges often lead to delays, inefficiencies and environmental consequences. Hence, creating a two-sided challenge, that requires both sustainability initiatives as well as a resilient Logistics system to fix. The lessons learned from prior domestic and international occurrences such as Hurricane Katrina, the 2011 Japan tsunami, and the Haiti earthquake presents the basis for the paper to examine the weaknesses and develop means of improving the current system. Therefore, this paper focuses on how the U.S. can improve its disaster response and relief system while building a resilient logistics system through unique strategies and recommendations inspired by the lessons learned from previous happenings. The recommendations for improvement include the implementation of green technologies, the decentralization of the system, improved public-private partnerships, and the optimization of the supply chain through the uses of predictive analytics and blockchain technology (Ahmed et al., 2024; Bealt et al., 2016; Hoshiba & Ozaki, 2014).

Mental health on the frontlines: Disaster psychiatry perspectives from Odisha

Abstract Disasters can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, and suicidality. These issues can persist for years, affecting 30%–60% of survivors, and risk and resilience depend on factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural background, health, trauma exposure, age, sex, and community support. Early interventions and long-term interventions, such as skills building, communal practices, cooperative livelihood programs, clinical therapies, and addressing health-care disparities, can help in recovery. Trauma can lead to neurobiological changes, and culturally sensitive mental health care is essential. Climate change accelerates extreme events, and disaster response systems must integrate such care to enhance resilience and mitigate trauma to disrupted communities such as Odisha and broadly affected populations worldwide.

Rescuelink: SOS Alert System for Disaster Response and Management

This study highlights the importance of such a system, given the absence of an effective platform that enables citizens to send SOS signals to emergency responders, leaving individuals without any response. This system provides web and mobile applications for residents, enables registered residents to send incident or emergency reports and communicate with the rescue team through a mobile app, and reduces response delays of the rescue team by getting an accurate location of the incident or emergency. The study used descriptive developmental research since it involves designing and developing the RESCUELINK: SOS System for Disaster Response and Management. Furthermore, it aims also to determine the acceptability of the system as evaluated by five (5) IT experts through the use of ISO/IEC 25010 based on the following characteristics: functional suitability, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, portability, compatibility, and security. The RESCUELINK SOS System for Disaster Response and Management exhibits excellent performance across all evaluated ISO/IEC 25010 software quality characteristics, with an overall grand mean score of 4.66. Implementing this system in Silay City is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the DRRM operations significantly.

Examining organizational collaboration and resource flows of disaster response system based on a time-dynamic perspective

Increasing the efficiency of organizational collaboration and resource flows is key to improving the emergency response performance. Given that previous studies did not consider the interactions and dynamic characteristics of emergency response organizations and resources, this study divided the emergency response into four stages and analyzed the relationship between organizational collaboration and resource flows by combining the network attributes of emergency response goals at each stage. The 2022 Luding earthquake was selected as a case study, and a multisource mixed data method was used to identify 381 organizations and 2496 organizational relationships. Using the social network analysis, the dynamic evolution characteristics of the emergency response networks (ERNs) and organization-resource two-mode networks were analyzed. The results showed that the ERNs generally exhibited the following trends: a more compact structure, balanced distribution, evolution from decentralization to centralization, and homogenous organizational collaboration. A correlation existed between changes in the organizational status and ERN attributes, with government organizations always at the core and non-profit organizations gradually rising. The evolution of the resources was closely related to the network attributes and organizational relationships. We identified the strengths of China's current emergency management system, such as enhanced performance, improved information infrastructure, and emphasis on the engagement of the military and social organizations. We recommend the following for future practice: enhancing the information technology system, establishing a mechanism for the participation of social forces, and strengthening the management of emergency stockpiles. These will help improve the disaster emergency management performance and reduce casualties and losses.

The empirical study of tweet classification system for disaster response using shallow and deep learning models

The empirical study of tweet classification system for disaster response using shallow and deep learning models

Towards Transnational Fairness in Machine Learning: A Case Study in Disaster Response Systems

Research on fairness in machine learning (ML) has been largely focusing on individual and group fairness. With the adoption of ML-based technologies as assistive technology in complex societal transformations or crisis situations on a global scale these existing definitions fail to account for algorithmic fairness transnationally. We propose to complement existing perspectives on algorithmic fairness with a notion of transnational algorithmic fairness and take first steps towards an analytical framework. We exemplify the relevance of a transnational fairness assessment in a case study on a disaster response system using images from online social media. In the presented case, ML systems are used as a support tool in categorizing and classifying images from social media after a disaster event as an almost instantly available source of information for coordinating disaster response. We present an empirical analysis assessing the transnational fairness of the application’s outputs-based on national socio-demographic development indicators as potentially discriminatory attributes. In doing so, the paper combines interdisciplinary perspectives from data analytics, ML, digital media studies and media sociology in order to address fairness beyond the technical system. The case study investigated reflects an embedded perspective of peoples’ everyday media use and social media platforms as the producers of sociality and processing data-with relevance far beyond the case of algorithmic fairness in disaster scenarios. Especially in light of the concentration of artificial intelligence (AI) development in the Global North and a perceived hegemonic constellation, we argue that transnational fairness offers a perspective on global injustices in relation to AI development and application that has the potential to substantiate discussions by identifying gaps in data and technology. These analyses ultimately will enable researchers and policy makers to derive actionable insights that could alleviate existing problems with fair use of AI technology and mitigate risks associated with future developments.

Whose disaster? Disaster response as a conflicted field between cooperation and competition

Disasters reveal solidarity as well as contestation in many different aspects. This article deals with the increasing significance of spontaneous volunteers (here non-official responders to disasters) and the resulting impacts on the established population protection system in Germany. Considering respective changes and differences, it explores subliminal and manifested conflicts among official and non-official responders. Based on a survey among disaster officials (n = 1957), qualitative interviews (n = 12) and workshop outcomes, the findings reveal competing opportunities to participate in disaster response, clashes of logics of disaster response practice, challenges in task distribution, and points of friction due to shared public recognition. This article uses a Bourdieusian lens to analyze these obstacles to cooperation against the background of habitus-related role expectations, shifting dispositions, newly emerging demands for official disaster response, and altered volunteering reward patterns and attractiveness. It concludes with a discussion on underlying hurdles for cooperation among different disaster responders, changing social norms as the significance of non-official volunteers increases, cascading effects of different conflict lines, and effects of societal dynamics on disaster response systems.

Social Disability as Disaster: Case Studies of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People Living with Disabilities

Social disability is a process or event that significantly disrupts, paralyzes, or prevents the formation and/or sustaining of interpersonal social relations required for meeting human needs. When prolonged, the ‘disabling’ of essential human interrelationships can have a destructive impact. This is especially true in communities where people are highly interdependent and where individuals living with disabilities rely upon social relationships to prevent isolation and decline in overall wellbeing. Meanwhile, disaster response systems have developed to first rescue or protect individuals’ ‘bare life’ and immediate, bodily needs. We argue that these systems, intended to mitigate disaster, can exacerbate social disability as a kind of collateral damage. We explore this problem as it unfolded amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in two research sites: one located in rural, northern Scotland and another located in rural, Midwestern United States. The Scottish research focuses on experiences, causes and risks of social disability for adults living with disabilities within a small rural community, while the U.S. research focuses on emergence of and resistance to social disability among residents of a continuing care retirement community for 55+ aged adults. We conclude with implications and recommendations for disaster intervention and future research.

How do non-Western authoritarian countries respond to disasters? Structural difference from the pluralistic model

Effective coordination, networking, and voluntary civil engagement are crucial for ensuring effective disaster responses. It should be noted, however, that these recommendations are primarily derived from the experiences of Western pluralistic countries. Thus, there has been insufficient consideration given to the applicability of these recommendations to non-pluralistic countries and the ways in which non-Western authoritarian countries navigate the difficulties of coordinating and establishing networks with civil sector organizations. This study broadens the scope of research by examining non-Western authoritarian countries through an analysis of how China responded to the floods of 2020. The results of the study indicate that the Chinese flood response system was primarily government-driven, centralized, and hierarchical. According to the pluralistic model, this arrangement encounters difficulties in integrating resources and information from partners in different sectors and jurisdictions. Consequently, this poses additional challenges to the Chinese disaster response systems. Nevertheless, the study findings reveal that the Chinese system proficiently resolved problems. This was accomplished by flattening the hierarchical structure via innovative interventions and remedying the lack of voluntary civic sector engagement through mass mobilization. Consequently, it would be fallacious to hold that the pluralist model can be effortlessly transplanted to non-Western authoritarian nations without regard for their distinct political, cultural, economic, and social contexts. Points for practitioners To improve disaster response, practitioners should consider adapting hierarchical networks and embracing flexibility. This can be achieved by reducing bureaucratic layers, which enhances effectiveness and encourages innovative interventions for streamlined decision making. It is important to emphasize provincial–local support and mass mobilization, as seen in China, which underscores the need for engaging civil sectors in non-pluralistic contexts. Context-specific approaches are crucial and should consider political, cultural, and social factors. Transforming hierarchical structures into modular networks may improve response.

Chilean Disaster Response and Alternative Measures for Improvement

Effective DRM aims to identify and minimize both hazards and vulnerabilities of a territory. This case study carried out in Chile analyzes national programs and disaster risk management structures at different administrative levels (national, regional, and municipal) and identifies gaps that contribute to the vulnerability of the current system. The proposed measures and options for improvement presented in this study are based on a literature review of scientific discussions about international governance, disaster risk management, and case studies conducted in Chile. The results indicate that the national disaster risk management plan has been adjusted in recent years, especially after the 2010 Chilean earthquake. The national administration, which is primarily responsible for managing potential risks, as well as the regional and local governments, has been replaced by the National Disaster Prevention and Response System (SINAPRED) in 2021, according to the 21364 law. This law was created to make cities more resilient, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This change is intended to decentralize disaster risk management, considering local conditions and preventing oversight of disaster risk management, which is not mandatory at the local level. It has also noted some gaps, such as the lack of standardization of emergency and early warning systems and funding at local levels. It is hoped that the system will move forward in this transition period and that the gaps will not affect effective risk management, as they have caused loss of life in past disasters.

Implementation of an Electronic Health Record System for Use Inhumanitarian Emergencies, Disaster Response, and Conflict Zones

Abstract Objective Despite the global expansion of electronic medical record (EMR) systems and their increased integration with artificial intelligence (AI), their utilization in disaster settings remains limited, and few studies have evaluated their implementation. We aimed to evaluate Fast Electronic Medical Record (fEMR), a novel, mobile EMR designed for resource-limited settings, based on user feedback. Methods We examined usage data through October 2022 to categorize the nature of its use for disaster response and determine the number of patients served. We conducted interviews with stakeholders and gathered input from clinicians who had experience using fEMR. Results Over eight years, fEMR was employed 60 times in 11 countries across four continents by 14 organizations (universities, non-profits, and disaster response teams). This involved 37,500+ patient encounters in diverse settings including migrant camps at the US-Mexico and Poland-Ukraine borders, mobile health clinics in Kenya and Guatemala, and post-earthquake relief in Haiti. User feedback highlighted adaptability, but suggested hardware and workflow improvements. Conclusion EMR systems have the potential to enhance healthcare delivery in humanitarian responses, offer valuable data for planning and preparedness, and support measurement of effectiveness. As a simple, versatile EMR system, fEMR has been deployed to numerous disaster response and low-income settings.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Disaster Response in India: Identifying Areas for Improvement

Considering the large geographical landmass of India along with cultural diversity, an exercise to understand issues impacting disaster response apparatus in India is very necessary. Listing out these issues and understanding the root cause of these issues, disasters, both natural and man-made, have been a recurrent phenomenon in India. The country has been experiencing floods, earthquakes, cyclones and other disasters for years and each event has posed new challenges and issues to the Nation’s disaster response system. Even though India has made strides in the management of natural disasters, there are still many substantial obstacles and problems that need to be resolved. One of the main challenges is the lack of coordination and communication between different agencies involved in disaster response. There is a pressing need for a disaster management strategy that is more integrated and combines all stakeholders and leverages technology to improve communication and coordination. Another challenge is the limited availability of resources and funding for disaster response. Many people are not aware of the risks they face and are not prepared to respond to emergencies. To enhance preparedness and reaction times, there is a pressing need for more education and awareness initiatives. The present study is primarily focused on finding out the response available within the system and its impact. suggestions, if any to improvise the system.

A study on the establishment of database for local government disaster response and decision support system in the nuclear accidents

ABSTRACT Radiological disasters have been recognized as a prominent societal catastrophe worldwide since the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011. In order to cope with such disasters, efforts have been made to improve disaster response plans and systems based on the lessons learned from the Fukushima accident. Particularly, as demonstrated by the Fukushima case, radiological disasters require the assumption of large-scale evacuation of residents. Thus, it is essential for prompt and accurate decision-making to take place at the local government’s Emergency Management Center (EMC), enabling smooth execution of the missions assigned to personnel at the field. This is crucial for protecting the lives of residents and ensuring their safety. However, the existing systems for effective response to radiological disasters are relatively inadequate compared to other types of disasters. To overcome these limitations, this study aims to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that are optimized for radiological disaster response by standardizing the Field Measure Motion Manual at nuclear safety for local governments. Based on these SOPs, The Resident Protection Measures Support System (RPMS) will be proposed, which enables the timely dissemination of specific missions and information to personnel, while providing real-time information on the situation at the field to the EMC, supporting decision-making and facilitating effective situation management.

Ensuring Safety of Gas Field Infrastructure Using ALARP and a Systematic Approach

Introduction. A significant part of the global and state economy is the production and supply of hydrocarbon raw materials. The issues of safety in this area will remain important in the coming decades. The problem is actively discussed in the professional and scientific community. Theoretical and applied works are published. Local, point-based methods are calculated and implemented, which allow predicting and preventing emergencies in certain units of the considered objects. At the same time, there are no sufficiently justified and reproducible system solutions that can take into account the state of, for example, oil or gas field as a single complex and act as indicators not only of ordinary local accidents, but also of systemic accidents — catastrophes. Such a scientifically and experimentally based solution is described in this article. The approach is proposed as part of the formation of a comprehensive scientific and technical program (CSTP) to ensure the safety of natural and technogenic objects (NTO). The aim of this work was to describe the practice of its application in the conditions of specific gas fields and to justify the refusal to focus on solutions that took into account only the minimum practically acceptable risk, that is, built on the ALARP principle (as low as reasonably practicable). Materials and Methods. The article was based on the results of field tests of natural and technogenic objects (NTO) of the oil and gas complex — the Yuzhno-Russkoye field of OJSC Severneftegazprom (SNGP), LLC Gazprom Dobycha Yamburg (GDYA) and the gas pumping station (GPS) Orlovka-2 (Ukraine), conducted with the authors’ participation. Significant results were obtained and evidence-based physically interpreted during acceptance tests of an explosion-proof certified, created under the guidance of the authors of a prototype of a disaster response system (DRS) at the integrated gas treatment plant (IGTP) in LLC GDYA in 2006. At the same time, for the first time in the world practice, the fact of early detection and parrying without consequences by means of DRS on the UKPG-2 of the development of a large-scale general industrial disaster was confirmed. In the form of graphs, the revealed patterns of NTO have been visualized, which made it possible to form harbingers of the development of accidents and catastrophes at the NTO of LLC "GDYA", SNGP and GPS "Orlovka-2". Information on the high experimental reproducibility of the obtained results was presented. The technology has been developed of early detection and parrying of all types of potentially dangerous self-exciting systemic phenomena on real NTO infrastructure — self-oscillations. Three cases of their excitation in real gas fields were presented. Results. The paper shows the fragmentary nature and locality of emergency protection systems based on the ALARP principle. The consequence of this was its complete unsuitability for early detection and counteraction to the most large-scale and costly system accidents — catastrophes that were multifactorial processes, in which none of the factors was decisive. The alternative complex solution of the problem proposed by the authors and brought to working condition was based on a system approach adapted to the NTO of the oil and gas complex. The measured parameters of various NTO infrastructure — fields of LLC "GDYA" and SNGP were processed and analyzed at the moments of development of self-oscillating modes on them, due to self-sustaining nonlinear mechanisms of interaction of NTO elements with constant (non-oscillatory) sources of energy replenishment. Three such modes of self-excitation were illustrated. The most informative in this case were the transient modes of operation of the equipment. According to the technologies experimentally developed by the authors, the areas of critical operating modes of equipment with pronounced potentially dangerous bifurcation points were analyzed. The result of superimposing treatments of the measured parameters of eight full-scale tests of NTO — graphs of dimensionless amplitude-frequency characteristics of the interconnections of a real dynamic system was presented: "input — gas cooling housing" → "output — pipe casing" at the frequency of self-oscillations. Discussion and Conclusion. The capabilities of ALARP did not meet the tasks of system monitoring of the occurrence and development of dangerous incidents in gas fields. This conclusion can be attributed to all standard sizes of NTO infrastructure in Russia. Fundamentally different solutions should be used to ensure comprehensive observability, controllability, and safety of NTO. A comprehensive scientific and technical program is recommended: "Innovative hardware and software tools and technologies to ensure the observability, controllability, and safety of the NTO infrastructure of Russia".

Urban Governance of Disaster Response Capacity: Institutional Models of Local Scalability

Abstract Increasingly confronted with the acute risk of large-scale disaster, local governments across the globe are searching for effective and efficient strategies for scaling their disaster response capacity. Emergency management research has examined such strategies in various urban settings, but still suffers from the lack of proper theoretical frameworks for studying how institutionalized modes of governance condition local scalability in different national contexts. Building on the research tradition of urban governance, this article develops a conceptual framework for conducting institutional analysis of overarching values, norms and practices that shape the local scaling of disaster response capacity. It demonstrates the analytical value of the framework by applying it in an illustrative case study of disaster response systems in the three Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The framework proves useful for systematizing and discussing nuances within and across institutional contexts.

Disaster response, confined space medicine and safety systems against railway accidents: 2023 Odisha railway accident from India

AbstractRailways are a major mode of transportation for passengers as well as goods. Across the world, minor and major accidents involving railways causing damage to life and property have been reported. The recent triple train derailment and collision near a small railway station in the state of Odisha, India, on 02.06.2023 is a major calamity. The accident resulted in 292 deaths, and more than 1000 injuries were attributed to the accident. In its comprehensive enquiry report, the Commissioner of Railway Safety found lapses in the signalling mechanism and oversight as the reasons for the accident. Immediate rescue, emergency transport and treatment are essential in reducing the mortality and morbidity of such accidents. The relatively newer domain under pre‐hospital and disaster medicine is confined space medicine, which deals with patients trapped in places with limited access to conventional intervention and reduced ventilation. Confined space medicine employs a multi‐hazard and interprofessional approach to treating individuals who are trapped in a structural collapse. It is also essential to critically evaluate and disseminate the entire disaster response systems that functioned during and after the railway accident to identify the existing system's best practices, bottlenecks, and gaps. The train's speed, lack of track and signal maintenance, absence of safety oversight, driver fatigue and distractions are some major determinants of train accidents, highlighting the need for comprehensive planning and training in rail safety. It is essential to improve the timely implementation of maintenance activities and completion of accident inquiries on time. A comprehensive review of the preparedness, rescue and response must be undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity to prevent and prepare for any such disasters in the future.

How internet blackouts affect information flows in organizations - Analyzing cascade effects and feedback loops

The high dependency on information and communication technologies (ICT) and the growing risk of interconnected crises such as internet blackouts increase the need for resilience. Enhancing the understanding of internet blackouts is crucial for informed disaster response systems. This paper analyzes how internet blackouts affect information flows in organizations. It contains highly interdisciplinary expertise achieved through expert interviews and feedback workshops with critical infrastructure (CI) sector representatives. Unlike other studies, this study investigates the disaster response phase from a meta-level perspective. By establishing Causal-Loop-Diagrams (CLDs), the impacts of internet blackouts on information flows in organizations are visualized and analyzed. A Building Block Model, consisting of generic blocks applicable to organizations of different economic sectors, is introduced. An adaption to sector-specific requirements is demonstrated for the transport and health sector. Furthermore, our research provides a guideline on practical measures to mitigate incidents during the disaster response phase.

Implementation of Emergency Response System in Elementary School as an Effort to Increase Safety Culture from an Early Age

Children are included in a vulnerable group that must be protected, both from the threat of natural disasters, non-natural disasters or social disasters. School is a place for children to spend a lot of time. Disaster events can occur anywhere and at any time, including at school and during school hours, so schools must have an adequate emergency response system to ensure the safety of all its citizens. The purpose of this study is to identify problems that exist in schools related to the implementation of the disaster response system and formulate indicators for the initiation of initial activities for implementing the emergency response system in elementary school. The research design uses a qualitative descriptive research. The results of identifying problems in Elementary School Y show that school has not implemented an emergency response and disaster mitigation system, but teachers' knowledge regarding multi-hazard mitigation is also still low. The conclusions obtained are that schools can apply initial activity initiation indicators for the implementation of an emergency response system including: preparation of an emergency response team complete with duties and roles, preparation of SOPs for emergency response at school, training and simulation of disaster mitigation, preparation of evacuation maps, installation of evacuation directions, determination gathering points, emergency response signs, installation of emergency response facilities at least Light Fire Extinguishers/APAR and instructions for their use, as well as developing a network of cooperation with related parties.

Improving the operational efficiency of water desalination systems through the integration of GIS-SCADA

ABSTRACT The overlap of different fields has made it easy to introduce a real development of new technologies. New techniques used in the water sector are introduced; the importance of integration with each other will be increased to work as one unit with more efficiency and effectiveness. Integrating the real-time control of a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) and the data management and analysis capabilities of a geographic information system (GIS) can assist operators and decision-makers in disaster response and better system control. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential use of SCADA in conjunction with GIS to control and manage a water desalination plant network. The aid of the developed integrated system in the management of a water desalination system can be accessed on an interactive single dashboard for the network to simulate real situations through the data collected at each site that can be provided in real-time by SCADA, in addition to the results of analysis of these data that help to take the right decision and deliver the instructions thereon directly to the field devices to deal with any case of emergencies. In addition, this paper introduces an implementation approach of a new category of decision-support tools based on the integration of GIS and SCADA in implemented water desalination plants at the National Water Research Center (NWRC). A general review of both systems including their potentials in water desalination systems and the possibility of integration with each other has been introduced. This study demonstrates how integrating GIS and SCADA into a single dashboard can aid in data acquisition and provide a better understanding of the communication between the various sites and systems’ facility administration, despite the fact that such integration is uncommon because both systems use different IT platforms.

Qualitative analysis of health preparedness policies in ChileUma análise qualitativa das políticas de preparação na área de saúde no Chile

Analyze health preparedness policies in Chile and identify their strengths and weaknesses. No other studies to date provide an analysis of the country's preparedness policies. A desk review and semi-structured interviews with experts in emergency preparedness and response were conducted to identify the regulatory framework, key actors, and the strengths and weaknesses of health preparedness policies. The researchers identified 103 standards and interviewed seven preparedness experts. The reviewed standards and interviews show that Chile is in a transitional phase between the old National Civil Protection System and the new National Disaster Prevention and Response System. Only three standards were directly related to health, but the preparedness regulations provide for a multidisciplinary set of actors to address any threat. The experts gave a positive assessment of the Chilean system, although they agreed that certain weaknesses must be corrected. The country's main strength is its disaster response experience, along with its coordination mechanisms. The main shortcomings include risk communication, mitigation, preparedness and assessment, and human resources. Chile has a solid regulatory framework with an all-hazards approach and a set of multisectoral institutions. The new National Disaster Prevention and Response System must build on its strengths to correct the weaknesses that limit its emergency preparedness and response capacity.