Disaster Risk Reduction Activities Research Articles

Assessment of spatial cyclone surge susceptibility through GIS-based AHP multi-criteria analysis and frequency ratio: a case study from the Bangladesh coast

Tropical cyclones, including surge inundation, are a common event in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. The surge washes out the area within a very short period and remains in flooded condition for several days. Spatial analysis to understand the surge susceptibility level can assist the cyclone management system. Surge susceptibility analysis could be one of the most essential parts of disaster risk reduction through which cyclone vulnerability can be minimized. A Geographic Information Systems-based analytical hierarchy process (AHP) multi-criteria analysis and bivariate frequency ratio (FR) techniques were conducted to understand the surge susceptibility level of a cyclone-prone area on the Bangladesh coast. A total of 10 criteria were considered influential to surge flooding, i.e. Topographic Wetness Index, elevation, wind velocity, slope, distance from sea and rivers, drainage density, Land Use and Land Cover, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, precipitation, and soil types. The final surge susceptibility maps were categorized into five classes, i.e. very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. Conferring to these susceptibility classes, policymakers can make decisions for future land use management and disaster risk reduction activities. According to this research, AHP showed better precision (Receiver Operating Characteristic) than FR for surge susceptibility prediction on the Bangladesh coast.

Drivers of natural disaster risk-reduction actions and their temporal dynamics: Insights from surveys during an imminent hurricane threat and its aftermath.

To improve preparedness for natural disasters, it is imperative to understand the factors that enable individual risk-reduction actions. This study offers such insights using innovative real-time (N = 871) and repeated (N = 255) surveys of a sample of coastal residents in Florida regarding flood preparations and their drivers during an imminent threat posed by Hurricane Dorian and its aftermath. Compared with commonly employed cross-sectional surveys, our methodology better represents relationships between preparedness actions undertaken during the disaster threat and their drivers derived from an extended version of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). The repeated survey allows for examining temporal dynamics in these drivers. Our results confirm the importance of coping appraisals and show that risk perceptions relate more strongly to emergency protection decisions made during the period of the disaster threat than to decisions made well before. Moreover, we find that several personal characteristics that we add to the standard PMT framework significantly relate to undertaking preparedness actions, especially locus of control and social norms. Significant changes in key explanatory variables occur following the disaster threat, including a decline in risk perception, a potential learning effect in coping appraisals, and a decline in risk aversion. Our results confirm the advantage of the real-time and repeated survey approach in understanding both short- and long-term disaster preparedness actions.

Using traditional knowledge to reduce disaster risk - A case of Tibetans in Deqen County, Yunnan Province

Traditional Knowledge (TK) is practical knowledge and expertise that is accumulated over generations by individuals living within a specific environment, and transmitted through tradition. This study offers a systematic review of the current state of research on TK in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and establishes a DRR framework, based on a comprehensive survey of Tibetan communities in Deqen County, Yunnan Province, from 2003 to 2022. Specifically, the study considers the cooperation between local Tibetan residents with multiple parties in leveraging their unique traditional knowledge to mitigate disaster risks. To evaluate the efficacy of traditional knowledge and multiparty cooperation in disaster risk reduction actions, the research employs a range of methodologies, including quantitative analysis, participatory surveys, semi-structured interviews, and literature research. This case serves as a valuable reference point for developing a multi-disaster reduction system and may be aligned with the Sendai Framework's guidelines, demonstrating that traditional knowledge plays a crucial role in assisting local communities to cope with natural disasters.

Spatial Modelling Analysis for Potential Expansion of Cipanas City Candidate Area as Autonomous City

The establishment of new autonomous city is considered a significant decision and the proposal has been under review in Cipanas for several years. Therefore, this research aimed to address the proposal by conducting spatial modelling analysis for potential expansion of Cipanas as autonomous city, using Geographic Information System (GIS) method. The physical and social factors were analysed, using spatial overlay analysis to determine potential development area. SWOT analysis was also performed for qualitative insights into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the prospective Cipanas area. The results showed that Cipanas had significant potential to become autonomous city, with a particular focus on agriculture and tourism due to the varied topography and predominant natural land use. Through overlay analysis, areas in Pacet, Cipanas, and a small part of Cugenang Sub-districts were identified as potential development zones for the capital city. In general, Cipanas area was found suitable for the development of a major city with an agropolitan concept. Certain areas were considered more appropriate with urban characteristics compared to other areas based on specific criteria. Based on the results, recommendations include infrastructure improvements, economic sector diversification, tourism promotion, and disaster risk reduction activities. GIS spatial analysis facilitated the accurate identification of potential areas, aiding in mapping and pinpointing optimal areas for the establishment of new autonomous city.

THE EXTENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS OF SAN MARIANO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

This study aimed to determine the extent of understanding and implementing disaster risk management at San Mariano National High School. The Participatory School Disaster Management Toolkit, created by Save the Children as a contribution to the implementation of Comprehensive School Safety Pillar 2—School Disaster Management—was the data source for quantitative research, which employed the descriptive-evaluative method. The San Mariano National High School's understanding and implementation of disaster risk management were examined using the mean and standard deviation. A Likert scale was employed to gauge the level of understanding and implementation. Considering the results, although the faculty and staff of San Mariano National High School do not belong to the disaster risk reduction management council, programs and activities for disaster risk reduction are executed successfully. The results also showed that faculty and staff understand and participate in disaster risk reduction, response, and preparedness. However, many faculty members and staff encountered difficulties putting these programs into practice, so they were advised to develop a more comprehensive disaster risk reduction management plan that would meet the needs of the school, maintain and upgrade DRR programs, add more members to the DRR organization, purchase and identify facilities and equipment for emergencies, and finally regularly review and assess the implementation of disaster risk reduction programs to achieve very well-implemented DRRM programs.

Projects for queering disaster: reciprocal knowledge exchange and practice

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify LGBTQ+ perceptions of and experiences with hazards, vulnerabilities and disasters in the San Francisco Bay Area in the USA and to co-develop applied projects to “queer” disaster knowledge production and risk reduction activities in the region.Design/methodology/approachThis is a community science project in which we collaborate with community members to enhance both community and scientific knowledge with the goal of utilizing it to produce a positive change to pressing social issues and their underlying causes. We do this through a series of four focus group workshops to identify community priorities, hazards, vulnerabilities and local action. We follow this with further ethnographic research and projects to apply findings from phase one.FindingsThe authors have found that: LGBTQ+ people in the Bay Area have unique experiences with hazards, vulnerabilities and disasters; there are significant gaps in the representation of LGBTQ+ hazard exposure in local scientific models that we can address through alternative methodologies; and tabletop exercises, learning modules and podcasts help orient and train disaster response agencies and personnel on LGBTQ+ inclusive operations.Originality/valueThis initiative entails novel approaches to community science for disaster risk reduction and creative collaboration with community-based organizations to foster the development of LGBTQ+ inclusive disaster risk reduction and response.

Coping with disasters: changing patterns of disaster risk reduction activities in the southwestern coastal areas of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is exposed to frequent natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, tidal surges, and earthquakes. To improve resilience, the country has implemented multisectoral and muti-level national interventions based on international guidelines over the past few years. As a result, local people have become more knowledgeable about and adept at coping with disasters. While previous studies have focused on the causes and consequences of this development, this study examines the trend of successful disaster risk reduction (DRR) interventions through qualitative research in the southwest coastal area of Bangladesh. The authors performed 10 in-depth interviews, four focus group discussions, non-participatory observatory notes, and gathered 36 photographs of the surrounding landscapes in two selected villages of Dacope Upazila and Mongla Upazila, Khulna Division of Bangladesh. This study has suggested that coastal residents have changed their actions through DRR due to a range of awareness programs led by governmental and non-governmental organizations. While a top-down approach has improved early warning, disaster preparedness, and safer environments, a bottom-up approach should be considered to incorporate effective local DRR activities such as kinship network support. These findings suggest that both new and traditional disaster-coping activities should be integrated into more effective DRR strategies.

Assistance in the Preparation of the Cikole Village Disaster Risk Reduction Handbook

West Java Province is one of the provinces in Indonesia that is prone to earthquakes. There are three faults that stretch across West Java, namely the Cimandiri Fault, the Lembang Fault, and the Baribis Fault. The Lembang Fault is a geological phenomenon located in the north of the Bandung Basin, stretching from the eastern part of Mount Manglayang to the western part of Parongpong-Csarua through the city of Lembang, for 22 km. The morphology along the Lembang Fault includes active tectonics which can cause large earthquakes in the surrounding area. Among them is Cikole Village, Lembang District. Initial search results show that the people of Cikole Village still have low-disaster risk reduction efforts. Increasing preparedness is one of the important elements of proactive disaster risk reduction activities before a disaster occurs. The priority problem that needs to be addressed through mentoring activities is to increase community preparedness through the preparation of guidelines in the form of a disaster risk reduction handbook. The method used in this activity is community involvement through focus group discussion (FGD). The developed pocketbook measures 7.4 x 10.5 cm and is designed with the dominant color orange. Because orange color denotes alert or ready. The contents of the book include disaster threats in Cikole Village and a guide to disaster preparedness for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
 Keywords: disaster risk reduction, handbook, Sesar Lembang

Activities and roles of mosques in Japan after the recent major earthquakes: A comprehensive study

As minority groups, foreign nationals are considered vulnerable because of cultural, linguistic, and religious differences; however, some may work as critical stakeholders in disaster risk reduction (DRR). In Japan, some mosque communities (mainly composed of foreign nationals) were engaged in relief activities immediately after disasters; however, these reports were scattered and did not clarify long-term activities. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the activities and roles of mosques located in areas affected by recent natural hazard-related disasters in the short (that is, response) and long term (that is, recovery and mitigation). We targeted three mosques located in areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan. We conducted a literature review and interviewed mosque administrators. The results showed that all mosques worked as distribution centers in the short term, receiving relief supplies from Muslims all over Japan and distributing them to affected people. The relief goods included halal foods that fit foreign minorities, but these goods were distributed not only to them but also to other people regardless of religion and nationality. Some mosques also functioned as evacuation shelters, soup kitchens, and accommodations for volunteers. Support for affected people was further facilitated by intermediaries (such as private organizations and key local individuals) between the mosques and local communities or governments. In contrast to the short term, we did not find prominent recovery and mitigation activities by the mosques. These comprehensive findings contribute to the promotion of inclusive and community-based DRR activities.

Local government capacity for earthquake disaster risk reduction in Malaysia: Case studies in Bentong and Selayang areas

This paper investigates the status of earthquake disaster risk reduction (DRR) capacity of local governments (LG) in Malaysia, and the factors that influence the LGs’ capacity to reduce earthquake risk. Currently, there is a lack of understanding and systematic study of the capacity of LG to address earthquake DRR even though the LGs in Malaysia are at the forefront of the national agenda to carry out DRR actions at the local level. A qualitative methodology was utilised based on a comparative case study design involving two cases of LG in Malaysia with the risks in dealing with earthquakes i.e. Bentong Municipal Council and Selayang Municipal Council. The study employed semi-structured interviews and documentation analysis as its data collection methods. To ensure a systematic data collection, a capacity assessment framework (CAF) had been developed based on key capacity categories identified according to the powers and responsibilities of the LG as outlined by UNDRR, and components of UNDP capacity building. The findings of this study suggested that inadequacy of LG in Malaysia to address earthquake DRR measures are mainly due to several capacity issues: insufficient financial backing, lack of knowledge and required expertise, lack of specific unit to tackle DRR issues, and low utilisation of existing resources such as inter-agency networking and regulations. The findings highlighted the need to empower the LG with improved capacities and governance structures. This paper concludes with several recommendations on how the LG can address key capacity gaps identified in this study.

Issues and Problems Affecting Post-Disaster Reconstruction Activities in Indonesia

Efforts to mitigate the danger of disasters continue. Both long-term and short-term Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities have been undertaken by governments and International Organizations. One type of long-term post-disaster activity is rehabilitation and reconstruction, which are an important part of the catastrophe recovery phase Long-term reconstruction activities are activities that have uncertainty. The reconstruction necessitates the integration of long-term development plans that account for various catastrophic risks and the possibility of mitigating future dangers. Based on past research, uncertainty variables show a problem with the activity of reconstruction activities. Numerous countries, including Malaysia, Nepal, America, and Estonia, have conducted research on the challenges and issues associated with construction activity. This research variable was developed from several studies conducted in several countries to obtain more comprehensive variables for study in the disaster-prone. Assessment instruments were developed using questionnaires distributed to a sample of respondents who met the initial criteria. Relative importance index (RII) is used in data processing procedures, and this paper examines the concerns and difficulties experienced during the reconstruction process. The data analysis found that the most dominant aspect that influences the construction period is the delay in project completion. With the value of the Relative Importance Index (RII) at the High-Medium (H–M) level (0.6 RI 0.8) with a value of 0.769 and all research variables are included in the High-Medium (H–M), namely (0.6 ≤ RI ≤ 0.8).

Indonesian “tsunami-generation” in a nutshell: systematic literature review

Publications related to tsunami-generation phase hold 42.8% of all the publications over all tsunami hazard literatures in Indonesia. Corroborating the fact, tsunami-generation studies are also vital in determining the type of propagation and inundation that may appear in the surrounding coastal regions, which in practice, can also help determining disaster management specifics and risk reduction activities. A literature review regarding tsunami-generation has been done for those purpose by using our CARI! Knowledge Engine, which includes collections of both International and Indonesian journals within the scope of Indonesian locus context. This study unpacks publication trend, the most influential articles, top contributing journals, top main authors, top institutions, and dominant countries as well as the science mapping of tsunami-generation subjects. To gain deeper understanding, we also develop tsunami-generation research framework within the basis of tsunami generation force, time occurrence, monitoring, and measurement approach, as well as hazard analysis approach. From the review, an interesting peak of tsunami-generation publications has been shown in 2020 (39 publications), following the occurrence of several Indonesian major tsunamis in the previous decade and the globally impacting Aceh Tsunami (or the Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami) in 2004. Among all the publications of tsunami-generation force, tsunamigenic earthquake has become the most studied topic (67.7% of all publications), while the most discussed atypical sources mainly come from volcanic eruption (46.67% of all atypical literatures) and submarine landslide (33.33% of all atypical literatures). In terms of tsunami-generation source, it is found that the Sunda Megathrust has been the most-discussed location, which is mentioned within 39 publications, followed by the Palu-Koro Fault with 18 publications and the Krakatau Volcano by 16 publications. Apart from the notice of significant difference between research of historical tsunami and paleotsunami (120:5 publications), some gaps also can be found when discussing the meteotsunami-generation mechanism in Indonesia and the Global Navigation Satellite System’s Total Electron Content (GNSS-TEC) method, which, although proven beneficial for the development of tsunami early warning system, accuracy is still the main issue in capturing tsunami signals and positioning actual source location of tsunami. These were some highlighted limitations that arise in our process to understand tsunami-generation mechanisms and the exploitations of the knowledge. Therefore, future studies specifically within these areas are further encouraged.

Pentahelix Approach in The Implementation of Disaster Resilient Village (Destana) Sumber Village Magelang Regency

This study aims to analyse the implementation of the Disaster Resilient Village (Destana) program in Sumber Village, Magelang Regency, and the role of the actors involved in the pentahelix collaboration concept in the implementation process. This research is qualitative descriptive research. The research location was in Magelang Regency, especially in Sumber Village. Data collection techniques using observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews with informants using purposive sampling. The research found that five actors in the Pentahelix concept, namely academics, business, community, government, and media, have roles in implementing the Destana program. Government, community, and academics are actors who have a significant role in implementing Destana. the business and media sectors are less visible because they are only seen when a disaster has occurred. The synergy in Destana in Sumber Village was seen when implementing the Inclusion-Based Disaster Simulation, where academics, government, community, and media actors participated. The Destana Sumber Village program still has not seen synergy from five actors due to the lack of roles of business actors in disaster risk reduction activities. The recommendation is to include Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the implementation of Destana.

Evaluation of flood disaster management planning: a comparative method for Bostwana and Indonesia

Disaster management planning is an activity that is translated into documents to be used as a reference in carrying out disaster risk reduction.. Furthermore, based on data from UN-ESCAP for 2022, disaster events in Indonesia dan Bostwana are dominated by extreme weather, especially storms, floods and droughts. so that disaster management planning, especially for flood disasters, is considered important as one of the efforts to reduce disaster risk. This study aims to compare the evaluation results of the disaster management planning documents owned by Botswana and Indonesia. This study uses a systematic literature review method and a comparative study with a qualitative descriptive approach to evaluation of disaster management planning between Gaborone, Botswana and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The results of the research show that the evaluation of disaster management planning in Gaborone City, Botswana still requires updating and involving the public more in the preparation of this document. In addition, the results of the evaluation of disaster management planning documents in the City of Yogyakarta, Indonesia still require efforts to integrate disaster documents with other planning documents so that they can become a reference for the implementation of disaster risk reduction activities by various stakeholders involved in the disaster sector. The problem with disaster management planning documents in the two countries is the lack of public involvement and the lack of integration of this disaster management planning document with other development planning documents, including issues regarding validity periods. The offered solution is to update the disaster management planning document by involving more public argument.

A Proposed Model on Disaster Risk Reduction Management for Basic Education Schools

This study determined and described the status of the emergency preparedness and response system of basic education schools in Romblon, Philippines. Using descriptive evaluative and development research design, validated questionnaires were used as a data gathering technique supplemented with interviews from public elementary and high school principals and teachers, and barangay officials from areas prone to disasters in the islands of Sibuyan, Romblon, Tablas and Carabao in the province of Romblon. Frequency, percentage, mean, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results showed that schools moderately practiced the identified five emergency preparedness and response system components, which calls for improving and strengthening the disaster risk reduction management programs and activities. Findings were used as a basis for the development of a Proposed Model of Disaster Risk Reduction Management for Basic Education schools.

Financing Disaster Risk Reduction: Exploring the Opportunities, Challenges, and Threats Within the Southern African Development Community Region

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, a regional economic body comprised of 16 member states, is one of our planet’s most vulnerable regions to natural hazards, and has a complex disaster risk profile. The region has sustained several disasters over the past decades. These events include annual floods in 2004–2019 and extreme droughts (1990–1993); other climate-induced disasters, such as cyclones, also have had devastating impacts, particularly on the Indian Ocean island states and east coast countries. To reduce the risk and impacts of disasters, governments must invest in disaster risk reduction (DRR). However, interventions aimed at reducing social and economic vulnerability and investing in long-term mitigation activities are often few, poorly funded, and insignificant in comparison with money spent on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and post-disaster reconstruction. This study investigated whether DRR is adequately funded within SADC member states in light of the high stakes in human life, infrastructure, and economic losses and the potential savings involved. The study applied a qualitative research design with data collected through semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Respondents were selected purposefully and through snowball sampling with a total of 67 respondents from Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe participating in the study. The study findings reveal that DRR is inadequately funded in all the member states consulted in comparison to funding allocated to disaster response. In light of the underfunding experienced by DRR activities, this study provides a platform for lobbying and advocacy for adequate funding for DRR.

Mainstreaming Decentralization and Collaboration in Disaster Risk Management: Insights from Coastal Bangladesh

Bangladesh is renowned in disaster risk reduction (DRR) for active involvement of community people and local disaster management institutions in DRR activities. Our study aimed to describe the disaster risk management (DRM) institutions and assess their functioning in six coastal unions across the three coastal zones of Bangladesh. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. The study focused on two key local institutions—the Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMCs) and the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP)—functioning at the union level in DRM. Such institutions have both horizontal and vertical collaborations with other institutions. However, we argue that the UDMCs’ external dependencies in their functioning indicate their limited financial and administrative autonomy, which is a barrier to successfully institutionalizing disaster management. The results show that the CPP is the most successful program, markedly increasing the trust of the people in warning dissemination and evacuation efforts in the event of a cyclone. Although the adoption of decentralized risk management systems has resulted in significant progress in increased rate of evacuation and reduced death rate and damage, lack of funding and equipment, limited coordination between institutions, lack of skilled and knowledgeable workforce, and inappropriate power structures may reduce the effectiveness of DRR activities prior to, during, and following disasters.

A policy review: are disaster safe schools in Pekalongan Regency necessary?

Floods, tidal floods, droughts, and landslides have caused huge material and immaterial losses in Pekalongan Regency. The disaster also had an impact on the education sector. This study aims to determine the need for disaster-safe schools in Pekalongan Regency. This research is a literature study involving book literature, journal articles, news, ministry data reports, government policies, laws, and regulations regarding disaster risk reduction in schools. The results found that around 80% of primary and secondary schools in Pekalongan Regency are located in disaster risk areas. There have been several disaster events that have had a direct impact on schools. The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) policy in schools on a global, national and regional scale has been ratified as a guideline for creating a sense of safety in schools. One of the policies of the Indonesian government is the SPAB (Disaster Safe Education Unit) program. The SPAB program offers guidelines for protecting education units against disasters. However, the program implementation needs financial support from the local government. Schools should be involved in DRR actions. The urgency of the SPAB program is very clear to be implemented in Pekalongan Regency.

Climate Change and Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: Constraints and Adaptation Strategies

In today’s era, one of the most important threat to existence of human in climate change. Climate change is damaging people’s lives today. The impacts of climate change on health are core consideration of both the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Climate change has created havoc for the sustainable rural livelihoods in developing countries. Rural households are most vulnerable to climate change because of dependency on climate related resources like agriculture, livestock, forests etc. resulting in less diversification of livelihoods which further increase their vulnerability. Although various sustainable livelihood practices are being used by rural households but due to various constraints, they are not fully effective. Adaptation to climate change requires adjustments at all levels. The communities which are suffering from the climate change have to increase their resilience towards climate change by adopting appropriate technologies while make proper use of their traditional knowledge. Indigenous knowledge is increasingly being used as a tool for climate change adaptation. Vulnerable communities have used indigenous practices to plan adaptation and disaster risk reduction activities. Furthermore, government is focussing for sustainable development and climate change adaptation by finding and administering alternative methods to deal with issues of poverty and environmental degradation in context of linkage between livelihood and the immediate environment of the people. Finally, there is great potential for current policies to be implemented strategically towards building true adaptive capacity for the rural communities. At last, adaptation to climate change requires adjustments and implementations at each level- be it community, national or international.

Future perspectives of earthquake-tsunami catastrophe modelling: From single-hazards to cascading and compounding multi-hazards

Probabilistic risk models for natural hazards, or natural catastrophe models, are indispensable tools for forecasting and quantifying the impacts of cascading and compounding earthquake-tsunami hazards. Their applications facilitate improved disaster risk mitigation and management. Uncertainties associated with forecasted multi-hazard impacts can be substantial, and practitioners and policymakers need guidance on implementing disaster risk reduction actions at all levels (local, regional, national, and international). In communicating such broad ranges of possible consequences with stakeholders, disaster scenarios need to be carefully selected and presented. This article reviews the state-of-the-art of earthquake, tsunami, and earthquake-tsunami catastrophe modelling and discusses future perspectives for earthquake-tsunami risk assessments.