Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts Research Articles

Enhancing Urban Resilience: Strategic Management and Action Plans for Cyclonic Events through Socially Constructed Risk Processes

Enhancing Urban Resilience: Strategic Management and Action Plans for Cyclonic Events through Socially Constructed Risk Processes

Investigating Vulnerability, Adaptation, and Resilience: A Comprehensive Review within the Context of Climate Change

This review seeks to enhance the understanding of the critical concepts of vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience within the context of global environmental challenges, with a particular focus on climate change. Climate change is characterized by rising global temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events, making the comprehension and addressing of these concepts crucial for effective adaptation strategies. Despite widespread recognition of the interconnectedness of vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience, there remains a gap in a comprehensive understanding of how these concepts interrelate. Through synthesizing existing literature, this review provides a detailed examination of their definitions and the interrelationships among vulnerability, adaptation, resilience, and climate-related disasters. Additionally, it explores the impact of climate change on future disaster risk reduction efforts by analyzing the nexus between climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Key findings highlight the necessity of incorporating social, institutional, economic, and environmental factors into adaptation planning and call for innovative approaches to boost adaptive capacity and resilience. This review not only furthers the discourse in research, policy, and practice in this vital area but also offers strategic insights for developing more resilient and adaptive societies amidst the challenges posed by climate change.

Differences in disaster warning and community engagement between families with and without members suffering from chronic Diseases: The mediating role of satisfaction with warning service

Early warning systems in disasters are crucial for life preservation and loss mitigation, endorsed globally by various UN agencies, governments, and disaster researchers. However, the social aspects pose significant challenges to the success of early warning. Using survey data from Sanya, a coastal city in China, our study explores the relationship between early warning services and community engagement. The primary warning channels are social media (SMS and WeChat), the Internet, and TV. These mediums, along with traditional and mass media, foster higher community engagement, like volunteer service and disaster risk reduction efforts. Satisfaction with warning service mediates these connections. Interestingly, families with chronic disease members are more likely to engage in community activities and utilize the Internet and social media for warnings. Notably, different patterns emerge when comparing families with and without chronic disease members, especially regarding Internet and social media usage. This study enhances our understanding of public adaptation to disaster warnings and provides insight for early warning services in the face of increasing climate change impacts and meteorological disasters.

Appraising competency gaps among UNESCO-designated heritage site actors in disaster risk reduction innovations

Communities residing in UNESCO-designated sites, characterised by outstanding universal values, face heightened vulnerability during disasters, necessitating innovative Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies. The critical role of well-equipped UNESCO site actors in DRR necessary for achieving the goals of broader international frameworks such as Agenda 2030 and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) warrants this needs assessment study. This study uses a descriptive survey design to assess the competency gaps of UNESCO site actors, including managers and staff, for effective utilisation of DRR innovations (DRRI). Employing the Borich Needs Assessment Model and Ranked Discrepancy Model, an online questionnaire garnered 141 responses from 59 countries. Descriptive statistics, significance tests (at p < .05), correlation tests, Mean Weighted Discrepancy Scores, and Ranked Discrepancy Scores yielded noteworthy findings. Despite recognising the importance of DRRI, respondents demonstrated competence lags, emphasizing the need for tailored training programs. Competency gaps were identified across all 14 listed DRRI, with top priorities including disaster prevention radio, telemetry systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, GIS, remote sensing, resilient materials, and disaster risk insurance. Enhancing competencies in DRRI presents a strategic approach to bolstering disaster preparedness, management, and risk reduction efforts, aligning with global conservation and sustainability goals.

Disaster risk reduction in elementary schools in flood-prone areas (Case: disaster risk reduction in Grogol flood-prone areas, Indonesia)

Floods disaster have caused much damage and disruption to the continuity of education. Therefore, disaster risk reduction efforts must be carried out, especially in the school environment. This study aims to analyze how Disaster Risk Reduction efforts are conducted in elementary schools in the Grogol flood-prone area, Indonesia. This research is quantitative research with a survey design. Data collection is carried out using questionnaires and documentation. The instrument used is a closed questionnaire with indicators of Disaster Risk Reduction, including knowledge and attitudes, school policies, preparedness planning, and resource mobility. The population in this study were five elementary schools located in flood-prone areas of Grogol, Indonesia, including SDN Madegondo 1, SDN Madegondo 3, SDN Pandean 1, SDN Kadokan 1, and SDN Pandean 2. Respondents in this study were 40 teaching staff who consisted of principals, homeroom teachers, and teachers from each elementary school. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical data analysis. The results of this study were shocking; even though floods overflow the river almost every year, all schools in the flood-prone areas were classified as in the low class in implementing Disaster Risk Reduction for flood disasters. One factor that has a dominant influence was the absence of an official policy from the government that officially regulates the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction for flood disasters in the region. The results of this study are expected to be used as a basis for implementing disaster risk reduction by elementary schools against floods.

Disaster risk reduction efforts through education in Indonesia: A literature review

Indonesia is a country that is prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. To reduce the risk of disasters, efforts through education are important. This article aims to conduct a literature review regarding disaster risk reduction through education in Indonesia. Education has an important role in increasing public awareness, increasing knowledge, and developing the skills needed to reduce the impact of disasters and increase responsiveness in dealing with them. This research wants to find out other forms of approaches that have been implemented to reduce disaster risk in education in Indonesia and find out what the results are. A review of existing literature shows that there are 3 efforts to reduce disaster risk through education, namely formal education, informal education and non-formal education. The research results show that the three educational pathways are implemented quite well in Indonesia. Forms of disaster risk reduction through education include integration of learning in schools, local wisdom, training, outreach and disaster mitigation simulations from disaster awareness activist groups and from certain institutions/institutions to the community, as well as disaster mitigation programs from community groups themselves. To reduce disaster risk in Indonesia, sustainable and coordinated efforts are needed between the government, educational institutions and the community. Increasing the role of education in protecting and preparing people for disasters is important to minimize the negative impacts of disasters in the future.

Geomorphology mapping and landslide susceptibility for disaster risk reduction and sustainability environment in the Sub DAS Maspo, Mt. Welirang, East Java, Indonesia

Landslides are still problematic for areas with rough surface shapes and high rainfall. Landslides are still causing human life losses, so mitigation efforts for disaster risk reduction must be prioritized. The purpose of this study is geomorphological mapping and landslide hazard mapping as a basis for disaster risk reduction efforts. The method used integrates remote sensing data using geographic information systems. Geomorphology mapping is processed and analyzed using four geomorphological approaches, while for landslide susceptibility maps are analyzed using the Weight of Evidence (WoE) method using existing landslide variables and 17 landslide control factors. The geomorphological mapping results show that in the Maspo sub-watershed, there are 25 landform units based on geomorphological mapping. There are five classes of landslide vulnerability indices, i.e very low index (0.001-0.341) namely 9.38%; low index (0.341-0.471) that is 26.18%; moderate index (0.471-0.584) that is 28.49%; high index (0.584-0.741) that is 23.94% and very high index (0.714-1) that is 12.02%. The accuracy of the landslide hazard map results is 88%, indicating that the landslide hazard map has good accuracy. Dominant landslides of 26.98% and 23.59% occurred in the HS2V1/ME landform, which is the middle slope of the steep hills of the lava eruption of the 2nd Mt. Welirang with moderate geomorphic processes and HS2V1/VSE which is the middle slope of the steep hills of the 2nd eruption of Welirang volcano with the process strong geomorphism. The results of geomorphology mapping and landslide susceptibility can be used as an information base for disaster risk reduction strategies and sustainable environmental management.

Urgency of disaster resilient village-geosite program: unveiling the critical need for strengthening connections between geosites and village communities

The Disaster Resilient Village Program (Destana) is a program that held by National and Regency Disaster Management Agency. However, the connection of Destana to the holistical aspect such as geologic landscape aspect is a discoursive material that appeals to many disaster management practitioners, scholars, international donors or governments. This study aims to explore the urgency of Disaster Resilient Geosites-Village Program from the risk condition, regulation, and community perception. Geopark Jogja and Geopark Gunung Sewu with their 20 geosites was purposively selected as the site of investigation. A qualitative research method involving focus group interviews (FGI), interviews, risk analysis using InaRisk, and regulatory analysis was used to explore and capture urgency of Disaster Resilient Village Program in geosites context, that called as Disaster Resilient Geosites-Village Program. Based on the results, several essential urgency were underlined for all approaches as follows: (1) all village with geosites have high to medium risks of disasters (2) geosites facing decline in the physical and environmental carrying capacity, which consequently leads to increased disasters risks for the community villages (3) local wisdom that develops in geosite areas is beneficial for disaster risk reduction efforts, and (4) well-conserved geosites support the local economic resiliency through tourism and geoproducts. These urgencies are expected to improve the community resiliency through a program aimed at reducing disaster risk through the mainstreaming of geosite functions into village-level policies and actions to enhance community resilience. This urgency study can stimulate community-level pilot projects that can be replicated in other areas or even elevated to government-level policies

The Urgency of Establishing a Natural Disaster Management Agency in Indonesia

Severe damage and large losses will be the result of the earthquake. Thus, pre-disaster activities to reduce the impact of carried out by various parties such as the central and local governments, relevant agencies, and society are very important. Therefore, the central government will make a design “action against earthquakes” as a master plan for dealing with disasters earthquakes, including pre-disaster measures, emergency response, and post-disaster stages. To measure the impact of these disaster risk reduction efforts, the central government will set one goal that can be measured quantitatively for a certain period of time. Observations of the achievements of these efforts will be continued regularly basis. Moreover, participation and coordination with local government are very important to achieve this goal, so the local government concerned must take responsibility for developing regional plans that are in line with the coping strategy of national disaster. The methode use qualitative method. The conclusion for this research are regional government holding autonomy mandates can take a look at intensively the advantages of providing disaster insurance premium subsidies compared to having to perform post-disaster rehabilitation without the insurance industry’s contributions that if a disaster occurs, the government can share with insurance in dealing with diverse agreed matters. Regional Original (PAD) for Disaster Insurance Premiums for groups in disaster-prone regions to perform the mandate of local autonomy.

Community-based early warning systems in a changing climate: an empirical evaluation from coastal central Vietnam

ABSTRACT Climate-related hazards severely threaten human lives and livelihoods and are projected to increase due to global warming. Early warning systems are essential in mitigating losses, and community-based early warning systems (CBEWS) aim to empower at-risk communities for better preparedness and response. Though CBEWS have been implemented in several countries, the assessment of their effectiveness remains limited. To address this research gap, we assess existing CBEWS practices in the Thua Thien Hue (TTH) province in Central Vietnam in terms of community capacity and the process of establishing CBEWS. We use qualitative data from focus group discussions (FGDs) in six coastal communes with 133 participants representing different community groups. FGD results were transcribed and processed with the software Nvivo12. The findings reveal that CBEWS have significantly improved disaster risk reduction efforts and promoted the active participation of communities in TTH. However, there is also evidence of insufficient communities capacities and ownership. Gaps in the establishment of CBEWS stem from constraints in community engagement and investments in the system at the grassroots level. Findings further show that long-term political and financial commitment from the government and an enabling environment for community commitment, rather than the support from outsiders, determine the sustainability of CBEWS.

Challenges against the Achievement of Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies in African States

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies play a pivotal role in formalizing and enhancing the efficacy of disaster risk reduction efforts. The overall objective of this study was to assess the progress the African Union member states are making in developing DRR strategies as required by Target E of the Sendai Framework. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches where an in-depth desk review of DRR strategies and online questionnaires were administered to 53 respondents. The findings shows about 68 % of the AU member states have national strategies and 35% have sub national strategies but generally there is sluggish progress in updating DRR strategies in accordance with Sendai Framework Target E. An array of formidable challenges has come to light, casting a shadow over the seamless execution of these strategies. Weak technical and institutional capacities, paucity of financial resources, limited decentralization of DRR initiatives, and governance deficiencies emerge as pivotal obstacles that warrant immediate attention. In light of these findings, it is imperative for African governments and their collaborative partners to expedite the development of risk-informed strategies. By doing so, they can successfully actualize the visionary objectives set forth within the Sendai Framework.

ZONATION OF SEISMIC VULNERABILITY LEVELS IN SOUTH BENGKULU REGENCY, INDONESIA FOR DISASTER-BASED REGIONAL PLANNING

The accurate prediction and prevention of earthquakes remains challenging. Consequently, the primary approach to mitigate the impact of earthquakes is through disaster risk reduction efforts. One significant strategy involves conducting seismic vulnerability analyses based on disaster scenarios. This study aims to identify and map areas with varying levels of seismic vulnerability, analyzing the factors contributing to vulnerability in the South Bengkulu Regency. Secondary data, including peak ground acceleration (PGA) values, were collected, along with microtremor data obtained through the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method. The recorded microtremor data serve as input parameters for PGA, Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI), Seismic Vulnerability Index (Kg), shear wave velocity (Vs), and the time-averaged shear wave velocity for the first 30 m depths (Vs30) values. The findings reveal that, overall, seismic vulnerability in the South Bengkulu Regency can be categorized as low. However, specific areas, particularly in the southwestern and northeastern zones, exhibit relatively higher levels of vulnerability. The heightened vulnerability in these areas is attributed to elevated PGA values, despite the region's generally high soil density, which acts as a mitigating factor against earthquake threats.

Building sustainable and resilient communities with landslide early warning systems: A review of best practices

Introduction. Landslides are an important natural phenomenon that can have significant impacts on human communities and the environment. They can cause property damage, injury, and loss of life, making it crucial to understand their potential hazards. Materials and Methods. In this study, a systematic search was performed on Scopus database to collect relevant literature on community-based landslide early warning systems from global sources. The search utilized various keywords, including “Integrated early warning system,” “landslide early warning systems,” “community-based early warning systems,” “people-centered early warning systems,” and “resilient early warning systems.” Additionally, the snowballing technique was employed to identify further literature from the reference lists of the initial papers obtained through the initial search. Results. Totally, 157 articles, including journal publications, manuals, guidelines, books, and early warning systems, were reviewed. To enhance the discussion and comprehension of integrated early warning systems, literature without a community-based aspect was also examined. The literature was categorized into different sections such as the significance of landslide early warning systems, definitions for community-based early warning systems, and community-based landslide early warning systems for various regions worldwide, such as Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America. The primary aim was to explore the utilization of community-based early warning systems by various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the literature on community-based landslide early warning systems was analyzed to identify methodologies used in designing the systems, which could be adapted to develop different technologies and methodologies in different regions of the world. Discussion. The given region-wise studies highlight the development and implementation of community-based landslide early warning systems (CBLEWS) in different parts of the world. These studies emphasize the importance of community involvement in the identification and management of landslide risks and the development and implementation of early warning systems. The papers present case studies that demonstrate the successful implementation of CBLEWS and its effectiveness in reducing the risk of landslides. Conclusion. The present paper emphasizes the importance of community engagement in the development and implementation of landslide early warning systems. Best practices in the establishment of such systems were reviewed, and community-based approaches were highlighted as crucial for disaster risk reduction efforts. It stresses the potential of early warning systems to prevent loss of life and property damage, promoting the creation of sustainable and resilient communities. Resume. While landslides pose a significant threat, particularly in resource-limited developing communities, Community-Based Landslide Early Warning Systems (CBLEWS) have emerged as a promising solution. This review highlights the effectiveness of CBLEWS in reducing fatalities, injuries, and infrastructure damage. Its success hinges on community participation and ownership. Suggestions for practical applications and future research directions. To empower communities facing landslides, successful CBLEWS models, hazard training, stakeholder collaboration, and context-specific warnings are crucial. Long-term impact studies, cost-benefit analyses, understanding social influences, integrating with other warning systems, exploring advanced technologies, and establishing global guidelines are key research areas for further strengthening CBLEWS and safeguarding communities.

Community disaster resilience in Brazilian small urban centers

Brazilian small urban centers are facing several disasters impacts due to their singular environmental, economic, and social characteristics. A comprehensive approach encompassing multiple dimensions of resilience and adaptation is essential to minimize material and human losses. This article analyzes the community disaster resilience of 213 small urban centers in the Brazilian Southeast region, affected by recurrent events, such as floods, flash floods, and landslides. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach. First, a quantitative analysis was conducted at the municipal level using statistical techniques to develop a community disaster resilience index, incorporating social, economic, infrastructure, institutional, and community dimensions. Simultaneously, a qualitative assessment evaluated the levels of social capital at the intra-municipal scale among populations affected by disasters through an online questionnaire. The results demonstrated a direct correlation between community disaster resilience levels and the economic and urban development of the assessed municipalities. Lower levels of community disaster resilience were associated with higher vulnerability of the population, characterized by limited socioeconomic development, inadequate housing conditions, insufficient urban infrastructure for transportation, healthcare, leisure, and social support services, and ineffective implementation of public development policies. Moreover, the absence and limited diversity of leisure spaces that foster social connections contributed to reduced community engagement and participation, resulting in lower levels of social capital. This study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance community resilience in small urban centers facing recurrent disasters. The findings provide insights for policymakers and practitioners to prioritize interventions and investments in economic development, infrastructure improvement, and social capital enhancement as crucial elements of disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts.

Disaster Preparedness Using Local Wisdom Approach in Palu City

Palu City is one of the city centers in the world which is located on a fault line that is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. The latest earthquake and tsunami occurred on September 28, 2018 with a magnitude of Mw 7.4, which was centered on the ground and caused a large tsunami in Palu City. The earthquake and tsunami claimed 4,194 lives and damaged 55,102 buildings while missing, heavily, and lightly damaged. To reduce the impact of disasters, it is necessary to make efforts to increase awareness based on local wisdom so that it can be easily implemented in the community of Palu City. Local wisdom was explored by the people of Palu City and saw its effect on the level of alertness to disasters caused by the earthquake and tsunami. Local wisdom ombo is obtained from the people of Palu City, which contains a prohibition on building close to clean water sources. Data collection was carried out by conducting interviews with 121 affected communities regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and environmental conditions related to the level of vigilance. For environmental variables, local activity was a parameter included in the survey. The results of the analysis showed that the level of knowledge about the earthquake and tsunami as well as attitudes based on local wisdom increased the level of vigilance in disaster risk reduction efforts in Palu City. The results of the analysis showed that the implementation of attitudes based on local wisdom can affect the level of alertness with a value of 0.87, which means that the application of local wisdom can increase preparedness for earthquake and tsunami disaster. Indigenous latent variables (knowledge, attitudes, and environmental conditions) had a strong effect on exogenous latent variables (earthquake and tsunami preparedness) with an R2 value of 0.741.

Analyzing Forest and Land Fire Disaster Prevention Programs in Riau, Indonesia

In Indonesia, forest and land fires are natural disasters that often occur every year, especially during the dry season. To overcome this, the government, non-governmental organizations, business actors and the community are carrying out programs to handle a paradigm shift in the disaster management model from responsive to more preventive in order to reduce it by emphasizing disaster risk reduction efforts and active involvement. The aim of this research is to examine government, company and non-governmental organization intervention programs related to preventing forest and land fire disasters. Qualitative research methods are used to explore sources of information in answering research questions. Data collection uses open interviews and observations as well as Forum Group Discussions regarding strategic intervention designs carried out by local governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. The research results show that the forest and land fire prevention model require a sustainable intervention program. The intervention carried out by the provincial government and local government involves all elements of society, including entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations, fire care communities, farmer groups and the community itself. The results achieved within three years were a reduction in the incidence of forest and land fires.

Children first: women’s perspectives on evacuation at Fuego volcano and implications for disaster risk reduction

As major drivers of behavior during crisis, cultural norms influence how disasters differentially affect people of different genders. Cultural gender norms also impact how authorities and at-risk populations approach disaster risk reduction strategies. At Fuego volcano, Guatemala, we applied qualitative methods to investigate women’s experiences of the evacuation process after a paroxysmal eruption on 7–8 March 2022. While participants’ experiences and decisions varied, we identified how gender influences evacuation dynamics within communities at Fuego volcano, including who evacuates and who decides at the community and household levels. We find that communities prioritized women for evacuation with the children and elderly in their care, yet prioritized men in the evacuation decision-making; that despite this hierarchy, a woman may override a male partner’s decision in order to prioritize the safety and well-being of her children; and that even if she overcomes social barriers to leaving, she may be unable to evacuate in a timely manner because of lack of transportation—a barrier impacting all residents, but especially women since they are the ones leading their households in evacuation. This gendered evacuation strategy disproportionately leaves men exposed to the threat, since most do not evacuate, and places the burden of evacuation on the women, who leave their homes and likely face the challenges of evacuation with multiple children in their care. This study contributes an example of how gendered norms impact disaster risk reduction strategy at an active volcano and how understanding gendered experiences of evacuation can inform future disaster risk reduction efforts.

Advancing Resilience and Fostering Sustainable Development through Strategic Investments in Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovative Methodologies for Disaster Risk Reduction: Japan Experiences

This research paper explores Japan's experiences in advancing resilience and fostering sustainable development through strategic investments in cutting-edge technology and innovative methodologies for disaster risk reduction. Japan, a country prone to natural disasters, has developed a comprehensive approach that encompasses strong governance, continuous learning, community empowerment, public awareness, and international collaboration. Through a mixed-method research methodology incorporating qualitative and quantitative analyses, this study examines Japan's robust disaster risk reduction framework and the role of cutting-edge technology in mitigating the impacts of hazards. The findings highlight Japan's multi-hazard approach, stringent building codes, and resilient infrastructure, which have significantly reduced disaster risks. The integration of innovative methodologies, such as community empowerment and early recovery planning, has fostered resilience at the grassroots level. Furthermore, the research showcases Japan's use of advanced technologies including early warning systems, remote sensing, and geospatial technologies. The lessons learned from Japan's experiences provide valuable insights for countries seeking to enhance their disaster risk reduction efforts and promote sustainable development. By investing in cutting-edge technology and adopting innovative methodologies, countries can effectively reduce disaster risks, build resilience, and foster sustainable development in the face of evolving challenges and hazards.

The Probabilistic Risk Assessment Imperative in Philippine Climate Change Adaptation-Disaster Risk Reduction (CCA-DRR) Efforts

The Philippines is ranked first in the World Risk Index 2022 according to the Germany-based Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV). The country will likely remain at the top rank of the global risk index over the next few decades, mainly due to the Philippines being in the Pacific Typhoon Belt, where the adverse impacts of climate change are predicted to get worse. To solve this predicament, intensive preparations through development planning are needed, and Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) is required to capture and anticipate future hazards bigger than the historical record. The probabilistic approach is recognized in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and 2023-2028, the 2019 National Climate Risk Management Framework Policy of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), and the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) document entitled, “Why Invest in Probabilistic Risk Assessment?” as necessary for effective climate change adaptation actions. However, the Philippines has yet to realize the nationwide-scale implementation of PRAs in our CCA-DRR efforts, despite it being a strategy recommended by the national government to effectively address worsening natural hazard impacts that severely hamper national development. This paper highlights the importance of PRA in the context of Philippine Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCA-DRR) efforts to lower the cost of damage from floods, rainfall-triggered landslides, and storm surges and help communities attain their sustainable development goals. We recommend that these policies be systematically implemented without any more delay.

Special Issue on Trans-Disciplinary Approach (TDA) and Decision Making on Building Disaster Resilience

A transdisciplinary approach (TDA) for disaster risk reduction (DRR) is an inclusive and collaborative implementation strategy that brings together stakeholders from various disciplines and sectors. TDA facilitates the collective efforts of diverse stakeholders, encouraging them to work together to co-produce and co-implement solutions that reduce disaster risks. Technical Committee 21, “Transdisciplinary approach for building societal resilience to disasters (TC21),” was established as a technical committee of the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council in 2016. TC21 has been engaged in international collaborative research activities aimed at mitigating water-related disasters by introducing scientific, knowledge-based decision making using the TDA. This special issue features four case studies that analyze DRR efforts through the lens of the TDA. One such case covers Xinshan Village in Taiwan, which sustained devastating impacts from Typhoon Morakot in 2009. Through collaborative efforts involving all levels of government, residents, academia, and specialists, the village successfully prevented there being any casualties. The second study focuses on the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program in Japan, a program which is developing disaster risk information systems through collaboration with local municipalities. These systems play crucial disaster management roles on the ground. The third study examines the mechanisms of cost- and responsibility-sharing for disaster management, developed by Japan and the US, and highlights the importance of collaboration and shared accountability in building resilient societies. The fourth study analyzes statement publications at the UN Global Platform for DRR and finds that the number of member states publishing official statements is decreasing. The findings of these articles demonstrate that collaboration, technology, and investment is crucial for DRR and that these areas can be developed through the TDA. By fostering collaboration, embracing technology, and investing in resilient solutions, stakeholders can collectively build more resilient societies.