Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Research Articles

Disaster Education in Elementary School Curriculum: Basis for Framework Designing

This research aimed to develop a school curriculum framework for disaster education in elementary schools. This is a qualitative-phenomenological study that examines how elementary school teachers teach disaster education to their students. Data was gathered through the use of guided interview questions, and the conduct of in-depth interviews. Based on the result of the study, the researchers captured the key experiences of the teachers and the most common approaches being utilized to disaster education in elementary schools, which include the integration of disaster-related themes and topics into specific school subjects, particularly in Science, Health, Araling Panlipunan, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, disaster advocacy campaign through the use of various digital and online platforms, and social media, training and seminars to pupils on how to respond to disasters through the conduct of drills, utilization of safety equipment, evacuation and rescue procedure, first-aid training and the like, and instilling pro-active attitude and discipline of the learners in responding to disasters. Moreover, with reference to this study, a school curriculum framework on disaster education was developed, which will serve as the guiding tool for all disaster education efforts at the school level, congruent with DepEd's education targets in the context of elementary schools’ safety and disaster resilience, as well as school disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) programs, projects, and activities.

Contribution and compatibility of public open space in disaster management: Perception and experience from Kathmandu Metropolitan

Despite the extensive literature on public open space (POS) in urban settings, its role in disaster risk reduction and management(DRRM) as perceived and experienced by its residents is limited. Taking a case from Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), this paper analyzes the role and suitability of POS in DRRM. It focuses on: (a) how urban residents perceive and experience the linkages between POS and DRRM, (b) how they utilized the POS during disasters, and in what ways they were instrumental in helping disaster victims,and (c) to what extent the existing POSs are compatible for DRRM in dense urban areas. This study uses qualitative research methodology employing POS inventory taking, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and field observation as research instruments. The result of the study shows that people's perception on the use of POS during disasters was very positive and these spaces were intrinsically utilized during disasters in the metropolitan Kathmandu. However, their effectiveness and compatibility in DRRM were contingent upon contextual factors, the inherent nature and types of POS, and the extent of accessibility to them.

Disaster Prevention and Risk Reduction Education Implementation in Special Education Schools in Indonesia: Teachers’ Challenges, Strategies, and Recommendations

Indonesia adopted the Comprehensive School Safety framework to increase the resilience of all its citizens to disaster. During a disaster, children with special needs and disabilities (SEND) are more likely to be abandoned. Hence, this research, targets to determine special education teachers’ disaster education plans and strategies, and the challenges they encountered in implementing Satuan Pendidikan Aman Bencana (SPAB). It was qualitative research that employed a purposive sampling technique in determining the study participants. The main participants were twenty-three (23) special education teachers and thirteen (13) school principals and community engagement officers from twelve (12) special education schools. Data gathering tools used were in-depth interviews, quick surveys, and observations. A qualitative descriptive approach was utilized in analyzing the data. The results build the evidence that amidst the country’s efforts over the past decades, children with SEND remain susceptible to disaster due to its delayed implementation in special education schools. A huge gap between the compliance of public and private special education units was identified. Implementation of locally adopted CSS was very recent. It was concluded that teachers’ competence influences mainly its implementation. Challenges were identified including the unavailability of Disaster Prevention and Risk Reduction Education (DPRRE) integrated modules, limited disability-inclusive teaching materials, and teachers’ limited training and knowledge about Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). The findings suggest a necessity to evaluate the quality and suitability of education units’ compliance with the provisions of the SPAB program policy

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.

Differential ethnic approach in disaster risk reduction and management: The case of Colombia

Colombia is a multicultural country, with ethnic minorities comprising 13% of its population. These ethnic groups have high vulnerability to disasters, not only due to their geographic location, but also because of inequities that exacerbate the vicious cycle of poverty. However, they have developed knowledge and tools to face these disasters that are responsive to their specific needs and should be incorporated into national and sub-national disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) policies and strategies to ensure inclusion and institutionalization. This article aims to understand the current incorporation of the differential ethnic approach in the DRRM system of Colombia. A literature review of journal articles and grey literature directly relevant to the differential ethnic approach in DRRM in Colombia was conducted on December 2022 and January 2023. Out of 1067 records, only 20 were eligible: 15 (75.0%) grey literature and 5 (15.0%) journal articles. Majority of the records (19, 95.5%) were on disaster prevention or mitigation. Results showed that official national DRRM policies and plans recognize the cultural diversity of Colombia, mandating several activities that require the inclusion of ethnic minorities. Narratives of DRRM activities where ethnic minorities were involved were found. However, challenges in adopting the guidelines at the national and local levels were found, highlighting the need to increase efforts to strengthen the integration of the differential ethnic approach in the DRRM system. The low number of scoped records also highlights the lack of documentation, monitoring, evaluation, or research that can provide insights that can contribute to this topic.

Simulation Training Needs Assessment for Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Response among selected agencies in National Capital Region, Philippines

This study aims to identify challenges experienced by government agencies in improving disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). It also intends to identify the simulation training needs of selected government agencies in the Philippines to ensure that field exercises designed using virtual reality simulation tools are tailored to address these gaps. A total of thirty-two participants from ten government agencies involved in DRRM were invited for focus group discussions and dyadic interviews. Participants were asked about their agency's mandate and the current gaps in their disaster response practices. Framework analysis using the thematic areas of DRRM was applied to identify significant information. Different challenges in the design of field exercises, such as the overlapping organizational structure and insufficient capacity-building activities were identified. Recommendations for the improvement of disaster training were also identified to address the aforementioned challenges. These include introducing different topics and scenarios and applying modern technology, to name a few.

Assessment of Disaster Preparedness and Related Knowledge Among Senior High Students in Del Pilar National High School, Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Norte, Philippines

The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) are put into practice by the Department of Education (DepEd). It aimed to increase students’ degree of resilience to natural disasters by integrating Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) into the curricula and other educational programs. This study was conducted to assess the disaster preparedness and related knowledge among Senior High School students of Del Pilar National High School in Cabadbaran City. A total of 120 respondents from Grades 11 and Grade 12 were subjected to the study. An adapted and modified survey questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. A five-point Likert scale was used to evaluate the responses. The results obtained high disaster preparedness (WM- 3.88) and disaster-related-knowledge indicators (WM- 3.53) with its verbal interpretation of Prepared. This indicates a helpful indicator that the students in the study area were equipped with disaster management. While a significant correlation P< 0.0001 between age to disaster preparedness and related knowledge has been obtained. This indicates a strong relationship that age is an important factor in influencing disaster management. Further, results obtained from a high level of participants showed related knowledge, preparedness, and awareness of disasters associated with the use of effective, safe, and standardized methods. Employing the study emphasizes readiness, and resiliency while assessing the knowledge among the students in responding to the disaster. Thus, it presented information for students to improve and sustain their level of disaster preparedness to ensure safety on the school premises.

Stories women tell: Exploring lived experiences with natural disasters in the coastal and upland communities of Sagñay, Camarines Sur

This phenomenological inquiry explored women’s lived experiences from the coastal and upland communities of Sagñay, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Data sources were transcripts of in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions. Findings suggest that women are vulnerable to disasters due to their socio-economic and geographic conditions, as reflected in the four emerging central themes of psychological, economic, and physical distress; women’s roles in the domestic disaster phases; coping strategies, and the need for long-term and comprehensive disaster management programs. Coping strategies applied before, during, and after disasters have helped them survive disaster effects to a certain extent. However, they cannot escape the constant exposure to environmental hazards as long as there are geographic and socio-economic barriers. Hence, women’s high vulnerability to disasters is confirmed positively, as revealed in their shared narratives. Implications to policies in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) include strengthening mechanisms to increase their involvement in the DRRM stages and increasing their resilience and those of their communities through sustainable programs and activities.

Interactions between disaster risk reduction and intangible culture among indigenous communities in Benguet, Philippines

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH), are the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills in society, handed down from generation to generation. They are of growing interest in disaster discourse, due to their various contributions to community preparedness and response, including the improvement of early warning systems and mobilisation of resources and logistics. Previous research has provided evidence on how ICH contributes to disaster risk reduction in various contexts but is often concentrated among popular cultural heritage, particularly those inscribed by the UNESCO. ICH such as local knowledge, practices, innovations, and rituals outside of this authorised cultural heritage, such as those belonging to indigenous communities, are less well articulated, despite their importance in helping build effective disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). This research examined how ICH, particularly indigenous knowledge, practices, technologies, and rituals have helped communities in Benguet, Northern Philippines for generations to build coping strategies to better respond to the risks of typhoons and other extreme events. Adopting a qualitative mixed-methods approach with an ethnographic orientation, data was gathered using storytelling, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and document review. Respondents included elders for the storytelling, households for the semi-structured interview, and officers of the local authorities for the key informant interviews. The key findings of this study highlighted that several areas of local knowledge, practices, and systems focused on social support systems, cultural technologies and innovations, local rituals, and indigenous early warning systems that are present within the Benguet community, all of which are essential in strengthening DRRM at the local level. This intangible heritage has been fundamental in helping facilitate careful planning and adjustments in local activities, catalysing preemptive measures against foreseeable risks. As such, greater effort should be made by the State to increase mainstreaming of these ICH and the participation of indigenous people in the planning and implementation of disaster risk reduction intervention.

Disaster readiness and risk reduction management module using Kolb’s model

Disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) as a course in basic education aims to raise the student’s awareness of what to do before, during, and after a disaster using contextualized modules. The contextualization and validation of these modules considered legal bases and statutory standards in terms of learning competency, content, language, assessment, format, and technical specifications. The student’s performance and end users’ feedback and suggestions were used as bases for evaluating the developed modules. The descriptive method thru the instrumentation technique of research followed the process of module development from the planning phase to the evaluation following the analysis, design, development, implementation dan evaluation (ADDIE) model while the module sections used the Kolb’s model. The respondents were senior high school students in the Science curricular program of Echague National High School and Isabela State University, Isabela, Philippines. The findings showed a good agreement among experts’ ratings and ascertained compliance with the learning resources guidelines of the Department of Education, Philippines. The student’s performance on their post-test was significantly higher than their pre-test scores. The student’s interests and learning engagement were very high as shown in their performance in activities and assessments. The contextualized DRRM modules are recommended for classroom use for on-site and distance learning modalities.

Competency Assessment on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Among Senior High School Students of Um Digos College

The Philippines is geographically located in the Pacific ring of fire, making the country one of the most vulnerable countries to natural disasters. With this, proper mitigations such as disaster preparedness and awareness among the citizens are essential to minimize the casualties whenever disaster strikes. Thus, this study aimed to assess Senior High School Students' competency level (SHS) on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) topics. A descriptive-comparative quantitative design was used to attain the objectives of the study. Moreover, an adopted questionnaire was used in this study. A total of twohundred twenty-two (222) Senior High School Students from the University of Mindanao - Digos participated in the survey. The study results revealed that Senior High School Students’ DRRM competency level needs improvement and showed no significant differences when analyzed according to their grade level, strand, and age, except for the topic, “Application of DRRM Concepts,” when analyzed by age. In contrast, it was found that there is a significant difference in students’ competency according to their sex. Therefore, the findings of the study implied that there is a need for curriculum enhancement and training programs for teachers to address the gaps pertaining to DRRM.

Community Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Activities for Volcanic Eruption in Central Negros

Aims: Determine the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) activities for a volcanic eruption in communities within the danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon volcano in the areas of disaster prevention and mitigation and disaster preparedness as assessed by the community leaders. Moreover, it sought to solicit challenges encountered and recommendations of the community leaders in the implementation of DRRM activities for a volcanic eruption in the communities. 
 Study Design: Descriptive survey.
 Place and Duration of Study: 25 communities within the 14-kilometer danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon volcano in Central Negros, Philippines, between August 2021 and September 2021.
 Methodology: 105 community leaders of communities identified using a purposive sampling technique. Frequency, ranking, and percentage were used to identify and determine the DRRM activities in the areas of disaster prevention and mitigation, and preparedness. The same statistical tools were used to identify challenges encountered and the respondents' recommendations.
 Results: This study revealed that the DRRM activities were practiced and communicated with the community. Most community leaders were aware and active in planning, implementing, and disseminating preparedness and mitigation measures in preparation for a possible volcanic eruption. When it comes to challenges, the absence/weak internet signal and insufficiency of funds for rescue equipment and other emergency resources were among the significant challenges identified. As to the recommendations, holding training courses to capacitate community members and allocating funds to procure rescue equipment and other emergency resources were among those identified.
 Conclusion: Prevention and mitigation and disaster preparedness activities for volcanic eruptions are being practiced by the communities. However, these are not substantive because of some challenges beyond the community's capacity to provide, like weak internet connectivity and insufficient funds to finance all the necessary rescue equipment. Moreover, the recommendations gathered imply that communities value making these DRRM activities sustainable, improved, and strengthened.

Addressing Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction through ICT and EU Assistance: The Case of Philippine Local Governance

Developing countries are gravely challenged by the adverse effects of climate change and natural disasters. The Philippines is considered as one of the most vulnerable and disaster-prone countries in the world. The European Union (EU) as a development partner extends support to the Philippines on climate change. While there are global and national initiatives to take action on these issues, the challenge is how local governments can engage communities to address these environmental threats. The paper poses the following questions: (1) What initiatives did the Philippine national government undertake to address climate change and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) in the Philippines? (2) What assistance does the EU provide to the Philippines in tackling climate change? (3) In what ways is information and communications (ICT) used by local governments as a mechanism to engage their constituents in dealing with climate change and natural disasters? Documentary analysis of Philippine laws on ICT, climate change, and disaster risk reduction and management are employed to determine the policy framework of the Philippines as a case. Desktop research is undertaken to evaluate the content of selected local government websites on disaster management and to identify the forms of EU technical assistance to the Philippines on climate change. While national policies exist to deal with climate change and disaster management, initiatives may take a backseat given the current pandemic.
 Keywords: climate change, disaster risk reduction and management, Philippines, information & communications technology, local governance, EU assistance

Intersectionality, gender, and project-induced displacement in the informal city: The struggle over stormwater development in Los Platanitos, Dominican Republic

Despite the inclusion of gender assessments in climate action and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) projects, gender is often conceptualized in dichotomous ways based on a poor understanding of situated realities and informal water related practices, leading to disempowering redevelopment strategies that replicate traditional gender roles. An intersectional approach allows for more nuanced analysis of the ways in which multiple identities, social roles, and economic, racial, and other markers of difference influence vulnerability, thus providing a better understanding of situated gender relations and the role of community-based organizations in shaping recovery capacities. A case study of a stormwater development project in Los Platanitos, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, illustrates how social impacts of project-induced displacement are both spatialized and contingent on situated markers of difference, including gender. Women experienced a range of consequences and emotional responses to the project depending on age, marital and property rights status, and location of their demolished homes within the community. These impacts were mitigated by the efforts of the women-led community-based organization Mujeres Unidas to pressure state agencies to provide housing for displaced families and more genuine community representation in the project planning process.

Framework for the Priority Actions of Filipino Physical Therapists in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Introduction: The study was conducted to develop a framework where physical therapists could be integrated into the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) initiatives of a province in the northern Philippines. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study that utilized a research and development design. A validated questionnaire on the experience and perceptions of DRRM was administered to 20 selected physical therapists. A validated interview guide was administered to 10 local disaster control office head and members. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize and examine the qualitative data. Results: Physical therapists were found to have minimal exposure to disaster scenarios due to lack of training and experiences in disaster response. However, the physical therapists perceive that they are prepared to participate in DRRM and should be included. The study also revealed that physical therapists are not part of the local disaster management team because of limited awareness of leaders and members of the disaster control office on the roles of physical therapists in disaster management. Discussion: This study developed an action-oriented framework to guide physical therapists' active involvement in all phases of disaster management. Specific strategies for the priorities for action of physical therapists in DRRM were identified based on the results of the study and its theoretical underpinnings

Rural cooperatives in disaster risk reduction and management: contributions and challenges

PurposeThis paper is to contribute to addressing the knowledge gap on the roles of rural cooperatives in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a mixed-methods approach highlighting indigenous strategies of community engagement – the pantatabtaval/tong tongan (brainstorming and dialogs), pan-iestorya/dad-at (storytelling session) and field observations with 50 village-level cooperatives in Benguet, Philippines to understand their contributions to local DRRM.FindingsRural cooperatives in Benguet have evolved on their context of service from mere rural development to now include DRRM donations and aid for disaster-affected families, credit and loans are the most common services of these rural cooperative extended to their members to deal with risks of disasters.Originality/valueMost research on cooperatives focuses on their contribution to socio-economic development and only few dealt with DRRM. This paper explores the link of these rural organizations with DRRM drawing evidence from cooperatives in the rural communities of Benguet, Philippines.

Implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Flood-Prone Areas in Camarines Sur: Basis for Policy Recommendations

The study determined the Level of Implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in Flood-Prone Areas in Camarines Sur, Philippines. Specifically, the study focused on the level of implementation and problems encountered in four thematic areas of DRRM, namely: Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Rehabilitation and Recovery. The Descriptive-Evaluative Inferential Method was used in the study. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used in gathering the data. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined by means of Kuder Richardson Formula. The same was validated by academic experts well-versed in the topic and disaster management practitioners. Purposive or selective sampling was used in choosing the MDRRMC while convenience sampling was the sampling technique used for community residents. One hundred twenty-one (121) members of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and three hundred (300) residents in flood-prone areas in Camarines Sur, Philippines were the respondents of the study. The population represented by the 300 respondents were household members specifically, the head of the family. Frequency count, percentage, rank, weighted mean, and Wilcoxon Mann Whitney U-Test were the statistical tools used in the study. Findings revealed that DRRM Programs were implemented in flood-prone areas in Camarines Sur namely, Milaor, San Fernando, Libmanan, Sipocot, Camaligan, Canaman, Magarao, Buhi, Nabua and Iriga City. Conversely, some of the problems encountered by the respondents on four thematic areas rated as “Serious” were: lack of community drills, inadequate disaster facilities and equipment, poor implementation of laws, absence of Standard Operation Manual, inadequate community warning system, lack of disaster response vehicles, and the reluctance of residents to pre-emptively evacuate.

GIS-BASED RAPID EARTHQUAKE EXPOSURE AND VULNERABILITY MAPPING USING LIDAR DEM AND MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS: CASE OF PORAC, PAMPANGA

Abstract. Disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) not only requires a thorough understanding of hazards but also knowledge of how much built-up structures are exposed and vulnerable to a specific hazard. This study proposed a rapid earthquake exposure and vulnerability mapping methodology using the municipality of Porac, Pampanaga as a case study. To address the challenges and limitations of data access and availability in DRRM operations, this study utilized Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and machine learning (ML) algorithms to produce an exposure database and conduct vulnerability estimation in the study area. Buildings were delineated through image thresholding and classification of the normalized Digital Surface Model (nDSM) and an exposure database containing building attributes was created using Geographic Information System (GIS). ML algorithms such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), logistic regression, and Random Forest (RF) were then used to predict the model building type (MBT) of delineated buildings to estimate seismic vulnerability. Results showed that the SVM model yielded the lowest accuracy (53%) while logistic regression and RF models performed fairly (72% and 78% respectively) as indicated by their F-1 scores. To improve the accuracy of the exposure database and vulnerability estimation, this study recommends that the proposed building delineation process be further refined by experimenting with more appropriate thresholds or by conducting point cloud classification instead of pixel-based image classification. Moreover, ground truth MBT samples should be used as training data for MBT prediction. For future work, the methodology proposed in this study can be implemented when conducting earthquake damage assessments.

A feminist vision for transformative change to disaster risk reduction policies and practices

Gender has received increased attention in disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies and practices over the past three decades. However, a critical analysis raises a number of questions: has the attention to gender brought transformative change to the lives of people, especially women and sexual minorities in all their diversity? To what extent has the inclusion of a gender perspective in DRR challenged the root causes of vulnerability and marginalization? Do the current gender sensitive DRR policies and practices have transformative potential? In this paper, we explore some of these questions with particular reference to the recent Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act 2017 and current DRR practices in Nepal in which gender has been included. We present findings from three research projects, undertaken between 2016 and 2019 in six locations in Nepal. These comprised 105 individual interviews, 11 group interviews and 3 focus group discussions (FGDs) with internally displaced women; pregnant and newly delivered women; health and community workers; policy makers, political leaders and organisations working on DRR. We argue that, despite increased attention to gender, current DRR policies and practices do little to challenge existing, unequal social and institutional structures; instead, they accommodate the gender status quo. We suggest that in order for transformative social change to occur, we require a transformative vision; one that allows us to see the biases and problems within the current DRR policies and practices and allows us to imagine our future differently. A feminist vision offers that possibility.

Disaster Management and Role of Academic Institutions in Nepal: Current Status and Way Forward

The intense natural disasters have been causing the great loss of life and properties in Nepal. This study attempts to figure out the status and role of Nepalese academia for the contribution of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). The methodology adopted for the study is reviewing the literature, policies, and academic documents including university curricula. The study highlighted that the constitution of Nepal 2015 and DRRM Act 2017 have provided ample opportunities via several legal provisions for federal, provincial, and local government to make their own modalities for making a disaster-resilient society. The universities and higher academic institutions are responsible for sound knowledge-based research activities to address the issues of DRRM which could be directly adopted by different levels of governments in terms of their plans, policies, and programs. In this connection, attempts are being made by governments and academic institutions to develop disaster resilient communities by shifting the traditional way of just responding during disaster focusing on the disaster cycle. Precisely, ten major universities of Nepal have incorporated disaster components including preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation-related academic curricula in their undergraduate and graduate levels academic programs. Introducing the Environmental Health in Disaster, and Public Health and Disaster Engineering in Tribhuvan University and Pokhara University, respectively is one of the good initiatives taken by the academia. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of the integration of DRRM courses in the curricula of higher academic institutions for making disaster-resilient communities.