Disaster Risk Reduction Framework Research Articles

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.

A 'te ao Māori' disaster risk reduction framework.

An ongoing change in legislation means decision-makers in Aotearoa New Zealand need to incorporate 'mātauranga' (Māori knowledge/knowledge system) in central and local government legislation and strategy. This paper develops a 'te ao Māori' (Māori worldview) disaster risk reduction (DRR) framework for non-Māori decision-makers to guide them through this process. This 'interface framework' will function as a Rosetta Stone between the 'two worlds'. It intends to help central and local officials trained in Western knowledge-based disciplines by translating standard DRR concepts into a te ao Māori DRR framework. It draws on previous work examining Māori DRR thinking to create a novel framework that can help these stakeholders when they are converting higher-level theoretical insights from mātauranga Māori into more practical 'on the ground' applications. This type of interface is essential: while Indigenous knowledge's utility is increasingly recognised nationally and internationally, a gap remains between this acknowledgement and its practical and applied integration into emergency management legislation and strategy.

Community-Based Strategies for Disaster Preparedness in Mauritius

Mauritius is Small Island Developing State (SIDS) of volcanic origin which lies in the South-West Indian Ocean Basin and is vulnerable to the consequences of global environmental challenges. The fourth priority action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is to consolidate disaster preparedness for an effective response and to have a Build Back Better agenda that will improve recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. This research aimed at examining the disaster management system in Mauritius through community-based approaches. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre’s (NDRRMC) involvement with the community living in high-risk zones was investigated. This study used quantitative data gathered from secondary sources and included the number of field training simulation exercises, training of volunteers under the Community Disaster Response Programme (CDRP), awareness campaigns and formulation of contingency plans based on documentation across Mauritius. The NDRRMC identified 109 high-risk zones across Mauritius out of which 13.7 per cent benefitted from all four forms of mitigation activities. Results indicated that contingency plans in Mauritius were evidence-based and had been developed after identification of disaster risk in selected regions, and therefore, they were limited to some types of disasters only. Findings also revealed that flooding was the most common type of simulated disaster exercise undertaken. The greatest number of field simulation exercises was carried out in Poste de Flacq. Results also demonstrated that only 38.5% of the community were exposed to disaster-related awareness campaigns, making it the least common form of disaster risk reduction (DRR) activity in Mauritius.

Hydrological drought forecasts using precipitation data depend on catchment properties and human activities

Hydrological Drought Early Warning Systems play a crucial role in effective drought planning and management, as the impacts of drought are more closely associated with hydrological droughts than meteorological ones. However, current systems primarily focus on meteorological drought forecasts due to the limited access to hydrological data. Here we assess the feasibility of forecasting drought in streamflow and groundwater by solely using precipitation data. The results demonstrate that meteorological drought forecasts derived from the Standardized Precipitation Index with 6-month accumulation periods and various lag times hold the potential to predict streamflow and groundwater droughts. This study also highlights the importance of catchment properties in hydrological drought predictions. Our findings present an opportunity for developing hydrological drought early warning system globally to reach the goal of the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction by 2030 and support the initiative of early warnings for all.

Progressing the research on systemic risk, cascading disasters, and compound events

Disaster risk in the 21st century differs from the experience of past generations and is defined by its evolving systemic nature. The increased role of technological networks, societal interdependencies and climate change dynamics make crises more complex and unpredictable. Cascading and compounding dynamics are becoming the new “business as usual”, challenging emergency management to maintain operations in face of complex disruptions while requiring the development of good practices and strategy for facilitate the recovery process. Our special issue aimed to support the development of a paradigm shift in the understanding of complex events, utilizing a network-based, cross-disciplinary approach to resilience. This editorial introduces and summarizes 18 papers across four thematic areas: 1) Resilience Challenges; 2) Area Studies and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction; 3) Community and Health; 4) Enhancing New Methodologies. The conclusions highlight open research challenges for future exploration.

Sea-level rise and mental health among coastal communities: A quantitative survey and conditional process analysis

This is the first large-scale empirical study examining the impact of sea-level rise induced by climate change on mental health outcomes among coastal communities. The study focuses on Bangladesh, a country severely affected by salinity ingress, flood risks, and agricultural damage due to sea-level changes. Participants (n = 1,200) randomly selected from three coastal regions each having high, moderate, or low vulnerability to sea-level rise were surveyed during the pre-monsoon season in 2021. The cross-sectional survey included validated measures of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, environmental stressors, resource loss, and demographics. The results indicated significantly higher levels of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress in residents of high-vulnerability areas compared to moderate or low-vulnerability regions. Resource loss served as a mediating variable between environmental stressors and mental health outcomes. Furthermore, demographic analyses showed that older adults and women reported higher levels of psychological distress. These findings align with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, highlighting urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and sustainable models of care in coastal areas increasingly threatened by sea-level rise.

Women in Disaster Policy: A Bibliometric Mapping of the Research Literature 2015-2023

The research regarding women in disaster policy discourse received attention from scholars and policymakers as the current leading international disaster policy had a shortfall in mentioning women’s rights. Although many studies have deliberated how women engage with disaster, research that systematically maps how the literature regarding women in disaster policy develops has not yet been conducted. Per the result through the bibliometric mapping, the 58 pieces of literature included by the PRISMA (Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework are clustered into health, environment, economic, and socio-political contexts. The discourse discussion revolves around women’s vulnerability, capacity and capability, and strategy and policy initiatives. The study contributes to the literature by mapping the research trajectory regarding women in the disaster risk reduction policy framework following the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 establishment. A recommendation model of the disaster policy framework and prospective research agenda is developed through the study.

Human Factors Contributing to Accidents and Disasters in Road Transport of Petroleum Products in Kenya

Over the past few decades, Africa has witnessed enormous increase in the number of accidents take occur during road transport of petroleum products. Some of these accidents escalated into disasters because of release of products, with subsequent explosion and fire, resulting in several injuries and fatalities. With the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), the focus is on disaster risk reduction, rather than disaster response. This paper identifies human factors as a major cause of road transport accidents that lead to disasters when petroleum products are released. The study area was Kenya, but the findings are applicable across the continent.  The Tripod Beta methodology, an incident investigation tool, was applied to analyse some of the disasters that had occurred in the downstream petroleum sub-sector in Kenya. The analysis identified root causes of accidents and highlighted the need to focus on tanker drivers as the key stakeholders for risk reduction. The root causes were applied in the development of the questionnaire that was used in a survey. The survey was carried out using random sampling, with a sample size of 391 tanker drivers. The study concluded that tanker drivers in the age group of 30-40 years, with 6-10 years’ driving experience and minimum educational level of secondary school, displayed the best performance in prevention of accidents and spills that could lead to disasters. Tanker drivers who meet these criteria should be the target of recruitment by transporters, followed by structured safety training, to achieve Goal Zero: no accident, no spill, and no disaster in the industry.

DROUGHT DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY: A PROPOSAL FOR A REGIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT MASTER PLAN IN EAST LOMBOK REGENCY, INDONESIA

Objective: This research aims to analyze the existing drought mitigation policies implemented in East Lombok Regency and evaluate their sustainability and effectiveness. Drought poses a significant threat to East Lombok Regency, Indonesia, potentially impeding sustainable development in the region.   Theoretical framework: The study employs the Disaster Risk Reduction Approach as outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It involves mapping Drought Disasters as a problem, assessing the Impact of Drought Disasters (Risk), examining the role of Institutions, exploring methods for handling disasters through Drought Emergency Response solutions, addressing Education on drought disasters, and identifying Challenges and Recommendations for the future.   Methodology: The research employs a qualitative approach involving the analysis of policy documents, interviews with stakeholders, and field surveys to gather data related to the implemented mitigation efforts.   Results: The findings indicate the significance of having a Regional Disaster Management Master Plan to guide mitigation, preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery. However, it has not been developed in the study area. Current efforts for drought mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response mainly involve routine activities, such as distributing clean water to affected locations, suggesting the need for a more innovative approach.   Conclusion: This study concludes that the absence of a Regional Disaster Management Master Plan hinders reactive and coordinated mitigation efforts. The sustainability of these programs is a significant concern and is crucial for establishing a robust strategic foundation for disaster management.   Recommendation: The study emphasizes the urgent need to design a comprehensive Regional Mitigation Master Plan. This initiative aims to enhance coordination between institutions, strengthen community capacity, and ensure the sustainability of mitigation efforts. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing potential drought disasters in East Lombok Regency, providing a basis for more effective and sustainable policymaking. Research Implications: The research outlines the implications of formulating policy issues for designing a Regional Disaster Management Master Plan and establishing clearer regulations and Standard Operating Procedures in the future. These findings are crucial for guiding consistent and effective policies, ensuring a more diverse and resilient response to the challenges of recurring drought disasters in East Lombok Regency.   Originality/Value: This research delves into the paradigm shift within the field of drought disaster management, which still relies on conservative methods. The study paves the way for new regulatory guidelines by incorporating several crucial points in the draft Regional Disaster Management Master Plan, including Drought Disaster Mitigation Policy, Drought Emergency Response, and Drought Disaster Education. This research contributes new insights to the field, providing a deeper understanding of drought disaster management. A notable challenge is the absence of formulated comprehensive Regional Disaster Management Master Plans by implementers, with the current reliance on temporary regulations established by the Regional Disaster Management Agency.

A Systematic Analysis of Systems Approach and Flood Risk Management Research: Trends, Gaps, and Opportunities

Flooding is a global threat, necessitating a comprehensive management approach. Due to the complexity of managing flood hazards and risks, researchers have advocated for holistic, comprehensive, and integrated approaches. This study, employing a systems thinking perspective, assessed global flood risk management research trends, gaps, and opportunities using 132 published documents in BibTeX format. A systematic review of downloaded documents from the Scopus and Web of Science databases revealed slow progress of approximately 11.61% annual growth in applying systems thinking and its concomitant approaches to understanding global flood risk management over the past two decades compared to other fields like water resource management and business management systems. A significant gap exists in the application of systems thinking methodologies to flood risk management research between developed and developing countries, particularly in Africa, highlighting the urgency of reoriented research and policy efforts. The application gaps of the study methodology are linked to challenges outlined in existing literature, such as issues related to technical expertise and resource constraints. This study advocates a shift from linear to holistic approaches in flood risk management, aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2023 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Collaboration among researchers, institutions, and countries is essential to address this global challenge effectively.

Pamanang Haraya (Inherited Vision): a videographic manifest content analysis of Philippine Local Government Units’ (LGUs) tourism practices during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The research assessed the tourism practices of the Philippine local government units (LGUs) during the COVID-19 pandemic through a videographic manifest content analysis of 29 videos produced that were nominated for the ATOP Pearl Awards 2021. Through qualitative research, the researchers identified the similarities and differences between these tourism practices and projects, including the use of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015–2030, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) Framework, and concepts from previous tourism pandemic actions as its foundation. A Repertory Grid and 5C Thematic Network Analysis in concept-driven and data-driven development were utilized to conduct the information analysis. The results of the study paved the way for a new pandemic framework, the PAMANA Framework for Philippine tourism recovery from a disaster or pandemic highlighting its eight thematic processes to determine the effectiveness of a practice or program. This tourism-specific framework aims to address risks brought about by biohazards as the researchers found that previous studies focused on crafting hazard-specific actions to mitigate natural disaster risks. The framework draws a line between several existing frameworks to depict advantages and new proposed practices. Thus, the framework is beneficial for other LGUs, future researchers, and concerned stakeholders working on the recovery of a community to a new normal that includes social, economic, environmental, and cultural areas.

Classifying disaster risk reduction strategies: conceptualizing and testing a novel integrated approach

BackgroundAlthough disaster risk reduction (DRR) addresses underlying causes and has been shown to be more cost-effective than other emergency management efforts, there is lack of systematized DRR categorization, leading to insufficient coherence in the terminology, planning, and implementation of DRR. The aim of this study was to conceptualize and test a novel integrated DRR framework that highlights the intersection between two existing classification systems.MethodsGrounded theory was used to conceptualize a novel DRR framework. Next, deductive conceptual content analysis was used to categorize interventions from the 2019 Cities100 Report into the proposed DRR framework. The term “connection” indicates that an intervention can be categorized into a particular section of the novel integrated approach. A “connection” was determined to be present when the intervention description stated an explicit connection to health and to the concept within one of the categories from the novel approach. Further descriptive statistics were used to give insight into the distribution of DRR interventions across categories and into the application of the proposed framework.ResultsThe resulting framework contains nine intersecting categories: “hazard, prospective”, “hazard, corrective”, “hazard, compensatory”, “exposure, prospective”, “exposure, corrective”, “exposure, compensatory”, “vulnerability, prospective”, “vulnerability, corrective”, and “vulnerability, compensatory”. The thematic analysis elucidated trends and gaps in the types of interventions used within the 2019 Cities100 Report. For instance, exposure-prospective, exposure-compensatory, and vulnerability-compensatory were the most under-utilized strategies, accounting for only 3% of the total interventions. Further descriptive statistics showed that upper middle-income countries favored “hazard, corrective” strategies over other DRR categories while lower middle-income countries favored “exposure, corrective” over other DRR strategies. Finally, European cities had the highest percentage of DRR connections (51.39%) compared to the maximum possible DRR connections, while African cities had the lowest percentage of DRR connections (22.22%).ConclusionsThe study suggests that the proposed DRR framework could potentially be used to systematically evaluate DRR interventions for missing elements, aiding in the design of more equitable and comprehensive DRR strategies.

‘We knew a cyclone was imminent’: Hazard preparedness and disaster management efficiency nexus in coastal Bangladesh

Natural hazard-prone countries in the global south adopted an anticipatory-preparedness approach in disaster risk reduction (DRR) by shifting away from the response and rehabilitation approach. It was highly associated with the policy recommendations of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) framework. Nevertheless, challenges remained in managing disaster risks due to heterogeneous efficiency among disaster managers. This research examines the institutional effectiveness of the disaster management agency in cyclone-prone areas in southwestern coastal Bangladesh through network analysis. This research also explores institutional efficiency's impact on household preparedness in mitigating losses. We collected two distinct data sets from the local Union Disaster Management Committee (UDMC) and households in the same operational area of UDMC that were at risk of cyclonic disasters. To evaluate the effectiveness of local disaster management institutions, we conducted structured interviews with 336 representatives, spanning eight UDMCs in the cyclone-prone regions. To assess the impact of institutional performance (specifically, the UDMCs) on household disaster preparedness and loss mitigation, we collected data from 696 at-risk households. These households were located within the operational zones of the eight UDMCs, and the data was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Based on the application of social network analysis, our findings demonstrated that UDMC members were more active in the aftermath of disasters, as confirmed by three centrality measures - degree, eigenvector, and betweenness. Consequently, upon employing the Negative Binomial and Poisson regression models, we found a positive association between household engagement with UDMCs and participation in disaster preparedness training. This training appeared to enhance the knowledge and capacity of the respondents. The spill-over effects from disaster preparedness appeared to bolster the resilience of at-risk households, assist them in avoiding disaster-induced damages, and maintain consumption stability in the wake of disasters.

Networking in action: Taking collaborative capacity development seriously for disaster risk management

This study investigates the role of multi-stakeholder networks in disaster risk management (DRM) capacity development and how it aligns with the principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. While the Framework emphasises collaboration, coordination, and partnerships among diverse stakeholders, there remains a gap in understanding how networks foster and sustain collaborative DRM capacity in the context of international development projects. Employing a mixed-method case study approach, this research examines the networking strategies of a Swedish international development project, exploring capacity development outcomes at different levels and early signs of sustainability in three informal networks in Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines. The study focusses on the period one year after the cessation of formal external support. By applying an integrated complex adaptive systems and network governance lens, this study offers a nuanced understanding of the dynamic interplay between various stakeholders and systemic factors influencing network effectiveness to foster and sustain collaborative DRM capacity. The findings enhance our knowledge of informal multi-stakeholder networks in DRM and offer practical insights for optimising institutional designs and networking strategies within and beyond international development projects. The research underscores the importance of scalability, adaptability, and holistic approaches in fostering and sustainable collaborative DRM capacity development. Implications for implementing the Sendai Framework are also discussed.

Disaster Risk Management and Reduction in Niger: A Review of Tools, Structures, and Mechanisms

Niger, a vast landlocked country in the arid Sahel region of West Africa, is constantly faced with disasters, with their attendant loss of human life, material goods, economic damage, and damage to critical infrastructure. However, in terms of disaster risk management and reduction, the country has policies and strategies that are consistent with regional and global disaster risk reduction frameworks and instruments. An analysis carried out based on secondary data collection on disaster risk management and reduction tools, structures, and mechanisms revealed the need to make better use of what already exists by improving overall coordination. This can be achieved by putting in place a strong structure that can drive the mobilization of resources and by placing a strong emphasis on the development of operational tools that focus on prevention rather than emergency response. To achieve this, it is important to review data collection methods by simplifying them using geographical information, which could lead to the collection of relevant and timely data to improve the alert mechanism so that it is as rapid as possible and allows the implementation of preventive actions rather than emergency responses. Improving the GRC framework will also require the implementation of coherent land use and urban development strategies with appropriate building standards, supported by adequate funding mechanisms to build resilient infrastructure. Keywords: Disaster risk management, Prevention, Emergency response, Recovery, Niger.

Federalism, Disaster Planning Standards and Canadian Charter Rights

&#x0D; &#x0D; Canada has a problem with emergency management (EM) standards. Canadians utilize a federalist government structure that pushes responsibility for EM planning from the federal government to provinces and territories, who then pass responsibility to municipalities (or regional counties) – who typically have less resources to engage in effective EM than higher levels of government (Raikes &amp; McBean, 2016). In this structure, there are no set standards for levels of risk and disaster protection across the nation. The overall effect of this is the lack of protective measures and planning in place to provide the people living, working or visiting Canada to be as safe as they could be.&#x0D; For the purposes of this discussion, the definition of a disaster is any hazard that overwhelms a community’s ability to respond, where the hazard has an immediate and negative effect on tangible (lives, property and the environment) and intangible (cultural practice, knowledge and psychological well-being) assets (Coppola, 2020; Mysiak et al., 2016). Public Safety Canada (2017) has numerous documents, including ‘An Emergency Framework for Canada: Third Edition,’ that suggests all levels of government and citizens of Canada are responsible to be prepared and help mitigate disasters. Pragmatically, however, not all people have the means, opportunity, or privilege to be prepared (Cox &amp; Kim, 2018). Furthermore, is it the responsibility of private citizens and businesses to be prepared in case of a large-scale natural or human-made disaster for which they have little resources, training, and control compared to governments? Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments have the ability and responsibility, both morally and ethically, to institute more concrete disaster risk reduction (DRR) standards across the nation to ensure a higher level of safety for the people in Canada. DRR is described in line with the UN’s Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) (2015), where disasters are mitigated through reducing existing and future risk by investing in effective policy, legislation and the recognition of areas of inequality/vulnerability in society that typically lead to an increase of negative disaster outcomes. There is a variety of ways standards could be adopted by FPT governments, such as intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) or coercive or ‘strings attached’ federal funding (Rolland, 2022). Regardless, to date no standards have been created or adopted. As Raikes and McBean (2016) note, all but one province and territory—Québec, have little or nothing in their EM legislation that attempts to reduce risk through planning and preventative measures. Most provincial/territorial legislation only state that municipalities will develop and practice a plan; there are no or few specific guidelines, rules or frameworks for what should or should not be in EM plans; only that one should exist. This paper proposes greater research into interpreting the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (CCRF or the Charter) (1982) sections on the rights to life and security for EM, where insufficient legislation may leave FPT governments open to liability unless specific DRR standards are created and upheld to protect Canadians’ rights.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Joining the dots to reimagine community resilience: empowering young people

Historically, disaster response management for children and young people, people from linguistically diverse cultural backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been shaped by a vulnerability and risk discourse, informed by trauma-informed and risk mitigation strategies. These are vital, but the vulnerability discourse has moved into other areas of disaster prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and resilience. Vulnerability has been linked to pre-existing, socially produced inequalities and power structures. This has worked to homogenise, marginalise and diminish the capability of community members in resilience efforts. The United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 [Sendai Framework] calls for governments and relevant stakeholders to ‘advocate for resilient communities and an inclusive and all-of-society disaster risk management’ (UNDRR 2015, p.23). This includes the meaningful engagement of people who are marginalised from resilience building. The Sendai Framework makes a specific argument for engaging children and young people, declaring they are agents of change who should be given the space to contribute to disaster risk reduction. The aim of this paper is to consider how the Sendai Framework has influenced the inclusion of young people in disaster resilience and to introduce emerging evidence of how young people are joining the dots to reimagine community resilience.

Reducing community risk to coastal erosion with managed relocation

As climate change escalates and coastal populations increase, adaptation to ongoing risks to coastal communities due to rising sea levels and storm surges must be reassessed. In Australia, over $25 billion of coastal property is at substantial risk from inundation and erosion. The response by governments to coastal hazards has been to construct artificial sea barriers in a hold-the-line approach of investing in sea walls and beach nourishments1 to protect beachfront residential properties. However, are such structures reducing the long-term risk in an era of climate uncertainty? Is sand renourishment of beaches a sustainable solution to increasing erosion on the coast? Can planned relocations be implemented in planning policies? Sea walls perpetuate ongoing threats to coastal development and a shift in the methodology of land-use planning and adaptation for coastal communities must occur. This would be in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (UNDRR 2015) goal of strengthening disaster risk governance. A greater emphasis must be placed on strategic planning that directs people away from high-risk beachfronts. This research uses qualitative case studies to understand how local governments in New South Wales address the increasing risks to coastal residential development and the connection between government and risk hierarchies. A framework is proposed to integrate national risk hierarchies into state and local government planning to assist in managing strategic relocations and implementing nature-based solutions.

Constructing a Composite Disaster Resilience Index towards Natural Disasters in Mauritius

Mauritius is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) which faces regular environmental hazards due to its geographical location. Building disaster-resilient communities has become the goal of many disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks. This study aimed at quantifying the resilience of the population of Mauritius towards natural disasters using statistics drawn from secondary sources of data. A Composite Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI), which ranged from 0 to 100, was established. Four indicators and sixteen sub-indicators which reflected domains of resilience in terms of community capacity, economic, built-up environment and social, were used to develop the CDRI. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to map the CDRI across 144 administrative areas, which included 124 Village Council Areas (VCAs) and 20 Municipal Council Wards (MCWs), for a visual representation. Resilience indices were classified into least and most resilient. Results showed a spatial variation in resilience levels towards natural disasters across the administrative areas. Nearly fifty percent of the eleven most resilient communities were found in urban areas (MCWs). Twelve administrative areas were the least resilient towards natural disasters and emerged from rural (VCAs) and marginalised areas only. Coastal villages of Grand Sable, Quatre-Soeurs, Bambous-Virieux, Le Morne and Case Noyale formed a cluster of least resilient communities along the East coast. A t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in resilience levels between urban and rural regions at p &lt; 0.05. Results suggested that infrastructure and the social capacity building were likely to be less developed in rural areas than in urban areas. Findings also demonstrated that most VCAs and MCWs performed less well in community resilience when compared to the rest of the dimensions of resilience. Results provided evidence with potential to help decision-makers in the allocation of resources to improve resilience in Mauritius.

Does governance matter when disaster looms? Zooming into proactive institutional measures for flood risk management

The United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) highlights the importance of local governance and proactive response in disaster risk reduction. Eight years into the SFDRR's adoption, there is a limited assessment of governance principles shaping disaster management by local institutions. This study examines the governance principles influencing flood disaster prevention and preparedness in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Using qualitative data, we first framed prevention and preparedness as proactive institutional measures (PIMs) and analysed six key indicators. Secondly, we assessed eight governance principles shaping the PIMs. The results show that PIMs, such as training, awareness creation, spatial planning, and application of early warning systems, have been introduced. Yet, notable weaknesses include the lack of enforcement, ineffective plan implementation and inadequate resources. We further illustrate that these weaknesses result from the poor application of governance principles. For instance, community participation and equity occur through informal processes, while the lack of accountability and transparency results in financial misappropriation and institutions neglecting their responsibilities. Also, given the inadequate adaptability, green stormwater infrastructure is not integrated into the infrastructural measures. We recommend strengthening local governments to enable adequate application of governance principles for flood risk management. Good governance requires shifting from reactive measures to embedding PIMs into local governance structures, which can be assessed using governance principles.