Effective Disaster Response Research Articles

Effective and Sustainable Disaster Tradition based on Scientific Evidence

A number of natural disasters have occurred in Japan, largely owing to where it is located. These include volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, as well as floods and cyclones. Due to the regularity of such incidents, there is much expertise around what to do in the event of such a disaster but there is always room for improvement. By learning about past natural disasters, researchers can apply this knowledge to implementing more effective and sustainable disaster response procedures. Professor Shosuke Sato and his team at the Tohoku University International Research Institute of Disaster Science in Japan are committed to developing effective and sustainable responses to natural disasters based on scientific evidence. The institute is interdisciplinary, with four departments: Risk Evaluation and Disaster Mitigation Research (Science and Engineering); Disaster Humanities and Social Science (Humanities and Social Sciences); Disaster Medical Science (Medicine); and Practical Research and Collaboration Division. Sato and his team are working to shed light on the mechanisms and factors behind disaster experiences and memories that have been successfully passed down over many years, and to build a system which can effectively and sustainably pass down disaster experiences and memories. They have developed a disaster storyteller training programme and tested the method using examples from people who had experienced war. By listening to narratives, it is possible to feel the reality of disaster response and to increase the options for disaster response.

Perspectives on early insights: pediatric cancer caregiving amidst natural calamities - A call for future preparedness.

Natural disasters cause immense damage and disruption to the environment, human lives, and property, posing a threat to safety and well-being. These disasters annually affect individuals and communities, severely impacting mental health. Research indicates a significant link between catastrophic events and an increased risk of mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with chronic conditions, like cancer patients, are particularly vulnerable post-disaster due to disrupted healthcare services. The recent earthquake in Morocco highlighted the urgent need for continued care, especially for vulnerable populations living in poverty. Soleterre Foundation's interventions focus on supporting young cancer patients and their families, emphasizing psychological support following the earthquake. Effective disaster response needs coordinated efforts, clear roles, communication, and standardized healthcare procedures, especially for vulnerable groups like cancer patients. Education programs for patients and clinicians are vital for disaster preparedness. Communication challenges and lack of medical history further emphasize the need for well-defined disaster preparedness plans and continued care guidelines for cancer patients.

Utilising crowdsourcing and text mining to enhance information extraction from social media: A case study in handling COVID-19 supply requests in Thailand

Social media platforms are critical for disaster communication and relief efforts. Rapid and precise social media post analysis is required for effective disaster response. This article presents a comprehensive study of a framework that combines crowdsourcing and text mining techniques to enhance data extraction from social media. The research focuses on a particular case study of COVID-19 pandemic medical supply request, which shows several key findings. First, the incorporation of domain-specific data during the training of named entity recognition (NER) models is essential for accurately identifying and retrieving important entities, such as the names of medical supplies and hospitals. Second, the implementation of a hybrid system leads to improvement in the extraction of information from social media posts. Finally, the involvement of crowdsourcing is found to be significant in the validation, verification, and filtering of disorganised information within the hybrid system. Our performance analysis demonstrates that the use of hybrid models has the potential to significantly improve the extraction of supply names (by up to 37%) and hospital names (by up to 66%), especially in the absence of a comprehensive vocabulary or specially trained NER models. During the COVID-19 supply shortage in Thailand, volunteers utilised hybrid models to expedite the identification of the necessary information. Experiment results demonstrated significant improvement in the accuracy of extracted data, the ability to acquire relevant information in real-time, the capacity to handle a substantial number of posts and the practical benefit of the proposed framework.

Effectiveness of a Structured Disaster Management Training Program on Nurses’ Disaster Readiness for Response to Emergencies and Disasters: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Most frontline nurses lack sufficient readiness for effective disaster response. Therefore, designing a disaster management training program (DMTP) to promote nurses’ readiness for disaster response is imperative. Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured DMTP on nurses’ readiness for response to disasters. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. One hundred eligible nurses, recruited using convenience sampling from a medical centre in northern Taiwan, were randomly assigned to either the experimental (EG, n = 50) or control (CG, n = 50) group. Both groups received regular continuous nursing education. The EG received an extra two‐day (16 h) structured DMTP delivered by transdisciplinary collaborations through multiple teaching strategies (lectures, simulations, problem‐solving lessons, demonstrations, tabletop exercises, discussions, group presentations, and reflections). Readiness for disaster response, consisting of four subscales (emergency response, clinical management, self‐protection, and personal preparation), was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention. Generalized estimating equations were used as the primary method of data analyses to evaluate the intervention effects. Results. Ninety‐four nurses (94%) completed the study, and 100 nurses were included in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. While participants in the EG had increased readiness for disaster response after training and at the 12‐week follow‐up, those in the CG exhibited no differences between baseline and 12‐week follow‐up. When the group × time interaction was examined, the EG had a greater increase in readiness for disaster response and its four domains, including emergency response, clinical management, self‐protection, and personal preparedness after 12 weeks, than the CG. Conclusion. A two‐day structured DMTP utilizing multiple teaching strategies through transdisciplinary collaborations is recommended to enhance hospital nurses’ readiness for disaster response. Implications for Nursing Management. Nursing leaders should consider incorporating such a structured DMTP into ongoing nursing training as a critical component of professional development programs, thereby strengthening nurses’ disaster readiness in hospital settings.

A Study on Establishing Procedures and Display Design for the Development of the Disaster Management System using Satellite Imagery

Recently, the escalating occurrence of disasters with abnormal characteristics poses challenges to disaster management. As a result, effective disaster management and response strategies have become crucial. In this study, the disaster management system using satellite imagery was developed and constructed as a dashboard. For this study, the National Disaster Management Information System (NDMS) of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) was analyzed. Crisis management activities were examined in accordance with the disaster phase of the crisis management standard manual. Relevant components from the integrated multisource data in NDMS were selected to enhance technology effectiveness. A disaster management officer's requirements were analyzed to improve user usability. Disaster response procedures using satellite imagery were derived by synthesizing this information. Based on these procedures, key elements and system procedures were established for system design and visualization, and the system display was presented. The technology was proactively developed for immediate implementation after establishing legal and institutional procedures. Utilizing satellite imagery in the disaster management system is expected to enhance prompt and efficient disaster management.

Impact of 2015 Earthquake on the Shifts in Internal and International Relations of Nepal

The devastation generated by the 2015 Nepal Gorkha earthquake greatly affected the country’s politics and security, impacting the lives of around 8 million individuals with 9000 recorded deaths, more than 22 thousand injured. Thousands of private houses, public building, cultural heritages and critical infrastructures were damaged. More than 30 districts of Nepal felt the surmounting consequences of the terrible aftershocks. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the shifts within the domestic discourse in Nepal’s political happenings and also to look at the role of global actors in the humanitarian efforts in the country, filling the gaps left by state actors in the kerfuffle. The Constitution and the call for assistance by the central government were important in guaranteeing a certain kind of post-disaster stability and restoring as well as uplifting public morale and belief in the state systems. Adopting a qualitative method, through an analytical lens the study looked at the overall impact of the quake on Nepal’s politics and the trends of bilateral, regional and global assistance, focusing on the major donor agencies and the role of Nepal’s neighbouring states. There were several new developments and outlooks with regards to both state interests and the framework of disaster response. The paper also recognizes the importance of regional integration either by means of institutional instruments or through some other measure alongside a cohesive internal policy arrangement amongst the parties for future strategies aiming at effective disaster reduction and response.

ENHANCING DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN ANGELES CITY: INSIGHTS, GAPS, AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

This research, conducted in Angeles City, Philippines, delves into the state of disaster and emergency preparedness among households. Employing a descriptive survey methodology, the study draws from influential scholars in the field to inform its approach. Focused on households with at least one member aged 18 or older, the study employs a well-structured questionnaire, combining multiple-choice and open-ended questions, to collect data on disaster risk awareness, hazard exposure, knowledge levels, and community-government relationships. The findings reveal a varied landscape of household preparedness within Angeles City. While most households enjoy basic amenities and reasonable living standards, disparities in preparedness levels exist. Participants exhibit a strong awareness of and concern for natural disasters but express the need for enhanced education and information sharing. A significant finding is the role of community engagement in effective disaster response and recovery. Moderate community involvement is associated with better access to government resources and programs, presenting opportunities for strategic investments to boost engagement. Additionally, the study uncovers a moderate positive correlation between household characteristics and preparedness levels, emphasizing the need for tailored policies for diverse demographic groups. The study recommends enhancing public education, information sharing, and crisis management skills within the community and advocates for fostering collaboration, trust, and confidence among residents to encourage active participation in disaster preparedness initiatives. It emphasizes the necessity of targeted policies aligned with household characteristics and community involvement. The methodology used provides valuable insights for understanding and improving disaster preparedness in Angeles City and highlights the need for ongoing research and intervention to enhance overall resilience. KEYWORDS: Disaster Management, Disaster Resiliency, Household in Angeles City

Community engagement and crowdsourcing for effective disaster response and rescue operations during the earthquake in Syria

IntroductionOn February 6, 2023, at 4:17 a.m., a catastrophic earthquake struck the regions of southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria, leaving over 51.000 casualties, and hundreds of thousands lost their homes. In Syria, the area affected by the earthquake was already vulnerable due to the protracted Syrian conflict. AimThe aim of this article was to present a report from the field where community engagement and crowdsourcing were used to support search and rescue efforts during the Syrian earthquake. MethodsThe process was divided into 3 stages: 1- Emergency response, 2- Humanitarian aid response, 3- Systematic response. Data was collected through Google form and mapped on Google Earth. The form was distributed through social media platforms to collect the data from the affected locations.Criteria were developed to validate the data received and confirm the location affected. Confirmed locations were communicated with relevant authorities and the civil community. Resultswithin the first 24 h, 1259 reports on affected locations and collapsed building were received. Data analysis resulted in a map of 129 confirmed locations with 1083 collapsed building. The majority were in Aleppo and Idlib. This process helped organise the search and rescue operations and direct them to correct locations. ConclusionThe present article described using community engagement and crowdsourcing in supporting emergency response and rescue operations to manage the aftermath of the massive earthquake that hit Syria in February 2023. The methodology presented in the article demonstrated the potential of utilising community engagement and crowdsourcing to improve disaster response efforts and outcomes.

How Do Disaster Relief Nurses in Japan Perceive and Respond to Risks? A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study assessed the risk perceptions among disaster relief nurses (DRNs) in Japan by focusing on 15 risk factors associated with frequent natural disasters and the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional study that targeted DRNs across six prefectures in Japan and explored nurses' perceptions of risks including radiation exposure, volcanic eruptions, and mass infections. The findings indicated a heightened perception of radiation and nuclear-related risks. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, DRNs perceived "mass infection" as a significant risk. An age-based analysis revealed that younger nurses had more dread about "mass infection" and had heightened uncertainty about the "X-ray test" compared with their older peers. Understanding DRNs' risk perceptions is crucial for effective disaster response preparedness and training. The study highlights the need to address these perceptions to ensure that DRNs are well prepared and supported in their roles. This study was not pre-registered on a publicly accessible registry.

Proactive Resource Request for Disaster Response: A Deep Learning-Based Optimization Model

In the realm of disaster response operations, effective resource management is crucial. This research introduces an innovative approach that proactively determines the optimal quantities of resources that should be requested by local agencies. This determination is based on both current and anticipated demands, thereby ensuring a more efficient and effective response to disasters. The approach first utilizes a method that combines deep learning and temporal point process for predicting irregularly spaced future demands, and then, it formulates the resource allocation problem faced with randomly arrived demands as a stochastic optimization model. The superiority of this approach over existing resource allocation methods is demonstrated using both real-world data and simulated scenarios. The findings highlight the need for a shift from reactive to proactive strategies. Moreover, the research emphasizes the potential of advanced techniques, such as deep learning and stochastic optimization, in disaster management. These techniques can provide valuable tools for policy makers and practitioners in the field, enabling them to make more informed and effective decisions. Policies that encourage the adoption of such optimized resource allocation strategies could lead to more effective disaster response operations.

Analysis using a Model-Based Approach of Path Planning for Multiple Uavs in the Context of Surveying Building Damage Following a Disaster

In the wake of disasters, efficient and timely assessment of building damage is of paramount importance for effective disaster response and recovery efforts. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have emerged as indispensable tools for postdisaster surveying due to their ability to rapidly cover large areas and provide high-resolution imagery. The effective utilization of multiple UAVs in such scenarios necessitates optimal path planning to maximize coverage, minimize mission time, and ensure safe navigation. This paper presents a comprehensive model-based analysis of multi-UAV path planning strategies tailored for surveying building damage in postdisaster environments. The study commences by emphasizing the critical role of UAVs in disaster management, especially in the context of assessing structural damage. Acknowledging the challenges posed by complex urban landscapes and the need for swift response, the research focuses on the development and evaluation of path planning strategies that leverage advanced modeling techniques. The proposed model integrates spatial data, building blueprints, and environmental information to generate a realistic representation of the disaster-affected area, facilitating informed decision- making for path planning. A range of path planning approaches is examined within the model-based framework. These include grid-based methods, which discretize the area into cells and deploy UAVs to cover designated regions, and graph-based approaches such as Rapidly-exploring Random Trees (RRT), which generate paths through probabilistic exploration. The paper also delves into machine learning-enhanced strategies, leveraging reinforcement learning algorithms to adapt UAV paths based on real-time observations and evolving disaster dynamics. Furthermore, the study underscores the scalability of the model-based approach, demonstrating its applicability to scenarios involving a varying number of UAVs. Through comprehensive experimentation, the paper provides insights into the optimal deployment of UAV teams, shedding light on the balance between increased coverage and potential communication overhead.

A simulation evacuation framework for effective disaster preparedness strategies and response decision making

The damage and destruction of homes, buildings, and other infrastructure after a major earthquake makes it necessary for a segment of the population to be evacuated to emergency shelters. However, since areas prone to earthquakes face a major strike at highly unpredictable and infrequent times, disaster and evacuation management can and should be enhanced through the development and effective utilization of useful simulation models. We utilize the Stochastic Pedestrian Cell Transmission Model (SPCTM), a real data-based pedestrian evacuation simulation framework built in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) in Taiwan to carry out various statistical analyses to gain useful insights for disaster management decision makers. In particular, SPCTM is used to (1) examine how evacuee compliance rate with the current government evacuation protocol (as opposed to SPCTM) affects the total evacuation time (2) compare the results of the evacuation process for different neighborhoods and compliance rates in Da’an district, and (3) determine how allocating different subsets of shelters to be opened affects the evacuation response time. The analysis results are insightful for government officials to formulate effective evacuation guidelines and strategies in the preparedness or response phases.

Utilizing Solar Power for Communication and Illumination in Disaster Zones

Abstract Natural disasters often occur on this earth, especially in Indonesia. There are several types of disasters that occur, namely: geological disasters, hydrometeorological disasters and others. This natural disaster caused quite a lot of casualties and not a few material. Good post-natural disaster management is necessary to minimize the number of victims of a disaster. One form of handling this natural disaster is by providing electrical energy that can be used to provide lighting and communication systems. The provision of electrical energy consists of several integrated systems to form a compact, simple and efficient unit. This tool consists of a Solar Power Generation system, GenSet system, inverter system, Change Over Switch system and Global Positioning System system. This tool is named SUNPO which stands for Sun Power or Solar Power. With this SUNPO, it can function as a power supply to power direct current loads and alternating current loads. If the solar power is not enough to charge the battery then the system can be operated with a GenSet. Meanwhile, to find out the position of SUNPO, a Global Positioning System is also installed.
 Highlights:
 
 
 Effective Disaster Response: Efficient post-disaster management is crucial to minimize casualties and damage caused by natural disasters, especially in Indonesia.
 
 
 SUNPO Tool Integration: The SUNPO (Sun Power) tool integrates solar power generation, GenSet backup, inverter, changeover switch, and GPS systems to provide a reliable and compact solution for electricity supply in disaster-stricken areas.
 
 
 Dual Power Source: SUNPO offers dual power sources - solar energy and GenSet - ensuring continuous electricity supply for both direct and alternating current loads, enhancing communication and lighting systems for affected communities.
 
 
 Keywords: Natural disasters, Post-disaster management, SUNPO, Solar Power, Global Positioning System.

Proposed Methodology for Disaster Classification Using Computer Vision and Federated Learning

Classification of disasters is crucial for effective disaster management and response. This paper proposes a methodology that combines computer vision techniques and federated learning to improve the classification accuracy of disasters while addressing the issue of data transfer and the time squandered doing so. This methodology employs computer vision algorithms to analyze captured visual data from a variety of sources. It seeks to accurately classify disasters such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and cyclones by extracting pertinent features and patterns from these images. Using federated learning to resolve the issues of data privacy and transfer latency is the proposed solution. Federated learning makes it possible to train models on decentralized data sources without requiring data centralization. Each participating device or data source trains a local model using its own data, and only model updates are shared and aggregated to create a global model. Extensive experiments utilizing videos of actual disasters are conducted to evaluate the proposed methodology. The evaluation focuses on precision and effectiveness. This strategy is anticipated to result in improved disaster classification models, making them appropriate for deployment in disaster management systems.

Flood risk assessment of the river Benue catchment in Adamawa State Nigeria

Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters that occur globally, causing loss of life and property. Adamawa, a state located in north-eastern Nigeria, is prone to flooding due to its location within the floodplains of the River Benue. The research examines the spatial distribution of flood risk, the role of altitude in determining flood risk levels, and the implications for population exposure. The investigation was carried out in the following local government areas, namely Yola-South, Demsa, Numan, Lamurde, Guyuk, Shelleng and Song. The study used a combination of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques to analyze the flood risks extent and exposure within the catchment. SRTM 30 Meters resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data was used to derive catchment boundaries, stream networks and watershed characteristics. 500 years return period flood hazard raster along with a population raster of the settlements within the region of interest were also used. The findings reveal varying flood risk extents, with areas at lower elevations exhibiting higher flood risks. Additionally, the study identifies specific wards within each locality that are situated in different flood risk zones, highlighting the need for localized flood risk assessments. The results demonstrate a correlation between flood risk levels and the percentage of the population exposed to these risks. The study aligns with existing literature on flood risk, altitude, and population vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors in flood risk management strategies. The findings contribute to a better understanding of flood risk patterns and can guide policymakers and stakeholders in implementing targeted interventions and developing effective disaster response plans. However, it is essential to contextualize the findings within the specific study areas and complement them with site-specific assessments and further research.

How COVID-19 altered perceived household resource consumption in the United States: Results from a survey

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented changes in the daily lives of people in the United States and across the world, particularly around how households consume critical resources. We fielded a survey to a national U.S. sample (n = 1214) to quantify the nature and extent of perceived change in household consumption of energy, water, information and communication technology (ICT) services, transportation, and grocery and non-grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that most survey respondents report increased consumption of electricity and water, but they did not report altered heating and cooling energy consumption. Respondents reported sharp increases in work-related ICT usage for medium- and high-income respondents, and increased ICT usage for recreation and entertainment across all income categories during the pandemic. Nearly half of car-based commuters stopped commuting, with higher shares of medium- and high-income respondents shifting to working from home instead of commuting by car. Respondents shopped less frequently, spent more on both grocery and non-grocery items, and moved their shopping online—indicating that the pandemic hastened the ongoing shift to online modes of resource consumption. Low-income households and respondents of color reported different shifts in consumption in comparison to higher income households and white households. Finally, more than half of our respondents stated that their altered consumption patterns will persist post-pandemic, pointing to potential long-term shifts in consumption behaviour. These findings provide useful empirical evidence for perceived changes in household resource consumption during the pandemic, suggest that we need to better protect low-income and Black households from the effects of large-scale disruptions, and can inform more effective and equitable disaster response policies.

Climate Change, COVID-19, And Flood Disasters In Pakistan.

In the aftermath of recent floods, Pakistan has been confronting several challenges such as infrastructural damages and economic decline. Despite its efforts to prepare for potential pandemics like COVID-19, limited healthcare resources, insufficient funding for research and development, and inadequate public awareness are some of the obstacles that hinder its full preparedness.1 The recent floods have further aggravated Pakistan's struggle to contain COVID-19 by disrupting healthcare services and vaccine distribution.2 Additionally, climate change is affecting maternal and child health in the country, with extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, causing a decrease in access to essential resources like food and water, and an increase in disease exposure, which ultimately impacts the overall wellbeing of the population.3 Such as malnutrition and the spread of waterborne diseases have a direct impact on the health of pregnant women and children, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery and increasing the risk of illness and premature birth, low birth weight, and other health problems in new-borns or even death in early childhood.4,5 Addressing the impact of climate change, COVID-19, and floods on the affected areas in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach that involves multiple sectors, including the government, healthcare, and the private sector. Some of the key solutions include: Improving access to healthcare: Increasing the number of healthcare facilities and ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary resources, including personal protective equipment, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies. Improving access to clean water and sanitation: Providing clean water and sanitation facilities in affected areas to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, particularly in the aftermath of floods. Strengthening disaster preparedness and response: Implementing effective disaster preparedness and response plans to ensure that communities are prepared for and can quickly respond to extreme weather events and other disasters. Increasing funding for research and development: Supporting research and development activities to find solutions to the challenges posed by climate change, COVID-19, and other health emergencies. Improving public awareness: Increasing public awareness about the importance of preventative measures, such as vaccination, hand hygiene, and healthy behaviours, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases. Promoting sustainable development: Encouraging sustainable development practices, such as the use of renewable energy sources and conservation of natural resources, to reduce the impact of climate change on the environment and health.

An Innovative Approach to Public Health in Disasters (A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Disaster Response)

An Innovative Approach to Public Health in Disasters (A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Disaster Response)

Disaster Knowledge, Skills, and Preparedness among Emergency Medical Services in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction:Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers are critical to effective disaster response in Saudi Arabia. The World Health Organization requires countries and governments to have prepared emergency health workers and disaster action plans. Therefore, it is important to understand the disaster knowledge, skills, and preparedness of Saudi Arabian EMS workers. This study investigated factors influencing EMS workers’ disaster knowledge, skills, and preparedness in the Saudi Arabian context.Method:A descriptive cross-sectional survey using The Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool was distributed to EMS workers in military and government hospitals across three Saudi Arabian cities. Responses were recorded on a 6-point Likert scale where higher scores indicated higher knowledge, skills, or preparedness. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.Results:272 EMS workers participated in this study. EMS workers reported a moderate level of knowledge (3.56), skills (3.44), and preparedness (3.73) for disasters. Despite the moderate level, EMS workers reported a high level of involvement in regular disaster drills (M=4.24, SD=1.274) and a strong interest in further disaster education opportunities (M=5.43, SD=1.121). Participants also reported a high skill level with the triage principles used in their workplace during a disaster (M=4.06, SD=1.218). The study findings revealed a significant positive correlation between disaster preparedness levels and age, years of experience, education level, and the facility worked in.Conclusion:EMS workers have moderate disaster knowledge, skills, and preparedness levels. Knowledge, skill, and preparedness have a significant relationship with the EMS workers’ demographics. These findings demonstrate the need to invest in preparing Saudi Arabian EMS workers to effectively respond to bioterrorism disasters.

The Rationale for Collaborative Approach with Military Involvement to Strengthen Urban Disaster Management Strategy: A Case Study of Malaysia

This article discusses the rationale for a collaborative approach involving military involvement to strengthen Malaysia's urban disaster management strategy. The article highlights the limitations of the existing approach in effectively responding to urban disasters through analysis of available resources. This research found that a collaborative approach with military involvement can offer several advantages, including improved communication and coordination, increased resources and expertise, and enhanced capacity building. However, a few challenges and concerns must be addressed, especially regarding civil liberties. This study underscores the importance of managing and integrating the military's involvement with civilian authorities transparently and responsibly and reviewing the policies governing civil-military coordination in the country's disaster legislation. The article provides a case study of the implementation of this approach during the 2021 floods in Malaysia to discourse on the lesson learnt from the catastrophic event. Overall, the article concludes that a collaborative approach involving military involvement is essential for improving Malaysia's urban disaster management strategy and ensuring effective disaster response and recovery. Ultimately, this research aims to inspire further research and discussion on this topic and contribute to developing more effective disaster management strategies.