Future Disasters Research Articles

A tale of two disasters: Unpacking how social learning from the Ebola epidemic shaped COVID‐19 response in informal settlements in Freetown

AbstractPrior disaster experiences often provide lessons for communities to respond to new disasters. In informal communities prone to disasters but conditioned within reactive disaster management regimes, residents and Community‐Based Organizations (CBOs) play immense roles in disaster risk reduction and response. In Freetown, Sierra Leone, limited government disaster capacities during health disasters like Ebola and the COVID‐19 pandemic occasioned community action led by residents and CBOs. This paper, utilizing qualitative data, draws on the social learning theory to unpack how residents’ and CBOs’ experiences with the Ebola epidemic provided profound lessons that contributed to the COVID‐19 pandemic response in two informal communities. Findings highlight how prior disaster experiences consolidate memory and generate attention, retention, motivation, and reproduction of lessons for future disasters. The paper also fronts how lessons from peoples’ lived experiences with disasters can offer pluralistic ways of knowing about disasters and responding to future risks through co‐productive and equitable strategies.

Impact of natural disasters on HIV risk behaviors, seroprevalence, and virological supression in a hyperendemic fishing village in Uganda.

Understanding the impact of natural disasters on the HIV epidemic in populations with high HIV burden is critical for the effective delivery of HIV control efforts. We assessed HIV risk behaviors, seroprevalence, and viral suppression in a high HIV prevalence Lake Victoria fishing community before and after COVID-19 emergence and lockdown and a severe lake flooding event, both of which occurred in 2020. We used data from the largest Lake Victoria fishing community in the Rakai Community Cohort Study, an open population-based HIV surveillance cohort in south-central Uganda. The data were collected both prior to (September-December 2018) and after (October-December 2021) COVID-19 emergence and a severe flooding event. Households impacted by flooding were identified via drone data and through consulting village community health workers. The entire study population was subject to extensive COVID-19-related lockdowns in the first half of 2020. Differences in HIV-related outcomes before and after COVID, and between residents of flooded and non-flooded households, were assessed using a difference-in-differences statistical modeling approach. A total of 1,226 people participated in the pre- and post-COVID surveys, of whom 506 (41%) were affected by flooding. HIV seroprevalence in the initial period was 37% in flooded and 36.8% in non-flooded households. After the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, we observed a decline in HIV-associated risk behaviors: transactional sex declined from 29.4% to 24.8% (p = 0.011), and inconsistent condom use with non-marital partners declined from 41.6% to 37% (p = 0.021). ART coverage increased from 91.6% to 97.2% (p<0.001). There was 17% decline in transactional sex (aPR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.92) and 28% decline in the overall HIV risk score (aPR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.92) among HIV-seronegative participants. We observed no statistically significant differences in changes of HIV risk behavior, seroprevalence, or viral suppression outcomes when comparing those affected by floods to those not affected by floods, in the periods before and after COVID-19, based on difference-in-differences analyses. Despite a high background burden of HIV, the COVID-19 pandemic, and severe flooding, we observed no adverse impact on HIV risk behaviors, seroprevalence, or virologic outcomes. This may be attributed to innovative HIV programming during the period and/or population resilience. Understanding exactly what HIV programs and personal or community-level strategies worked to maintain good public health outcomes despite extreme environmental and pandemic conditions may help improve HIV epidemic control during future natural disaster events.

Psychological distress among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic: patterns over time

BackgroundCOVID-19 added to healthcare provider (HCP) distress, but patterns of change remain unclear. This study sought to determine if and how emotional distress varied among HCP between March 28, 2021 and December 1, 2023.MethodsThis longitudinal study was embedded within the 42-month prospective COVID-19 Cohort Study that recruited HCP from four Canadian provinces. Information was collected at enrollment, from annual exposure surveys, and vaccination and illness surveys. The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was completed approximately every six months after March 28, 2021. Linear mixed effects models, specifically random intercept models, were generated to determine the impact of time on emotional distress while accounting for demographic and work-related factors.ResultsBetween 2021 and 2023, the mean K10 score fell by 3.1 points, indicating decreased distress, but scores increased during periods of high levels of mitigation strategies against transmission of SARS-CoV-2, during winter months, and if taking antidepression, anti-anxiety or anti-insomnia medications. K10 scores were significantly lower for HCP who were male, older, had more children in their household, experienced prior COVID-19 illness(es), and for non-physician but regulated HCP versus nurses. A sensitivity analysis that included only those who had submitted at least five K10 surveys consisted of the factors in the full model excluding previous COVID-19 illness, occupation, and season, after adjustment. Models were also created for K10 anxiety and depression subscales.ConclusionsK10 scores decreased as the COVID-19 pandemic continued but increased during periods of high mitigation and the winter months. Personal and work-place factors also impacted HCP distress scores. Further research into best practices in distress identification and remediation is warranted to ensure future public health disasters are met with healthcare systems that are able to buffer HCP against short- and long-term mental health issues.

COVID-19 Modeling: A Review

The SARS-CoV-2 viruses and their triggered COVID-19 pandemic have fundamentally reshaped the world in almost every aspect, their evolution and influences remain. While over a million of literature have been produced on these unprecedented, overwhelming global disaster, one critical question is open: How has COVID-19 been quantified globally? This further inspires many other questions: What COVID-19 problems have been modeled? How have modeling methods in areas such as epidemiology, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, machine learning, deep learning, mathematics and social science played their roles in characterizing COVID-19? Where are the gaps and issues of these COVID-19 modeling studies? What are the lessons for quantifying future disasters? Answering these questions involves the analysis of a very broad spectrum of literature across different disciplines and domains. Distinguishing from specific efforts, this review takes the first attempt to generate a systematic, structured and contrastive landscape and taxonomy of global COVID-19 modeling. First, the surveyed problems span over a full range of COVID-19, including epidemic transmission processes, case identification and tracing, infection diagnosis and medical treatments, non-pharmaceutical interventions and their influence, drug and vaccine development, psychological, economic and social influence and impact, and misinformation, and so on. Second, the reviewed modeling methods traverse all relevant disciplines, from statistic modeling to epidemic modeling, medical analysis, biomedical analysis, AI, deep and machine learning, analytics, and simulation. Critical analyses further identify significant issues and gaps, for example, simple techniques and similar problems have been overwhelmingly addressed everywhere, while intrinsic and foundational issues and deep insights have been overlooked. The review discloses significant opportunities for more deeply, effectively and uniquely quantifying COVID-19-like global disasters from their intrinsic working mechanisms, interactions and dynamics.

Mis Solutions During Natural Disaster Management: A Review On Responsiveness, Coordination, And Resource Allocation

This systematic review explores the impact of Management Information Systems (MIS) on enhancing disaster management by optimizing decision-making, resource allocation, and inter-agency communication. As the frequency and severity of natural disasters increase globally, there is a pressing need for more efficient disaster response mechanisms. This study systematically reviewed a total of 160 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure a comprehensive and transparent review process. The findings reveal that MIS technologies, such as decision support systems (DSS), geographic information systems (GIS), and predictive analytics, play a crucial role in improving the speed and accuracy of emergency responses. Specifically, DSS and predictive models were found to enhance situational awareness and optimize resource deployment, reducing response times by up to 30%. Additionally, GIS tools significantly improved spatial data analysis, enabling better-targeted relief efforts. However, challenges related to data interoperability, cybersecurity, and the integration of advanced technologies remain significant barriers to fully leveraging MIS in disaster management. Addressing these challenges through investments in infrastructure, standardized protocols, and specialized training will be essential for maximizing the potential of MIS in future disaster response efforts. The review concludes that the strategic use of MIS is vital for building more resilient and responsive disaster management systems, ultimately reducing the socio-economic impacts of emergencies.

Model Komunikasi dalam Mitigasi Bencana Banjir di Kabupaten Kerinci dan Sungai Penuh

This article discusses the problems of development communication in flood disaster mitigation in Kerinci Regency and Sungai Penuh City. Kerinci Regency with its mountainous topography and extensive river network often experiences flood disasters, which have worsened in recent years. This study aims to explore an effective communication model in reducing the impact of flooding and improving community preparedness. Using a literature study method, this study highlights the importance of two-way communication between the government and the community, community-based education, and the use of modern technology such as social media and mobile applications. The results of the study indicate that a participatory communication model that actively involves the community and a technology-based early warning system can improve disaster mitigation and community response. This article provides a more inclusive communication approach, involving various stakeholders, to strengthen community resilience to future disasters.

Radiological perspective on earthquake trauma: differences in children and adults.

February 2023 saw major earthquakes in Pazarcık and Elbistan, causing significant devastation in Turkey. Patients were transferred to hospitals in neighboring provinces, with multiple traumas-especially fractures and organ injuries-forming the main reasons for hospital admissions. This study aimed to examine earthquake-related injuries in pediatric and adult populations to understand differences. This study analyzed 1,220 adults and 590 pediatric patients with radiological imaging out of 8,704 earthquake trauma cases. Radiological images were assessed independently by two radiologists. Statistical analysis using SPSS examined relationships between variables such as age group and injury type. Results showed 40% of adults and 64% of children had normal radiological findings. Cerebral and extremity traumas were most common in pediatrics, while adults showed more extremity, thoracic, and spinal traumas. Significant differences between adult and pediatric groups were observed in cranial fractures, thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures, hemopneumothorax, lung contusions, rib fractures, femur and talocalcaneal fractures, and compartment syndrome (p<0.001). Earthquake-related injuries may vary between children and adults. Due to children's more flexible anatomical structure, it is believed that earthquake-related injuries occur less frequently in children. In this study, head traumas were more common in children compared to adults. The rate of cranial fractures was significantly higher in children, with a higher incidence of epidural hematoma compared to adults. Spinal traumas were more frequent in adults than in children, attributed to children's greater flexibility reducing the risk of entrapment under rubble. Pediatric thoracic compliance being significantly higher than in adults often resulted in milder chest traumas. However, compartment syndrome was more common in children, with a lower rate of accompanying bone fractures compared to adults. No significant difference was observed between children and adults in maxillofacial, abdominal, and pelvic traumas. These findings provide insights for future disaster healthcare planning and management.

Household Evacuation Decision Making During Simultaneous Events: Hurricane Ida and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Protective action decisions are complex and require households to consider a variety of factors including hazard risks, household characteristics, location, and experience. Previous research has examined these decisions in the context of a single hazard; however, it is also necessary to consider scenarios whereby two coupled hazards pose simultaneous risks. This paper examines the decision-making of households when making evacuation and shelter-in-place decisions during two simultaneous events: the 2021 Hurricane Ida and the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey data gathered from six parishes eight months after the storm were used to analyze risk perception tradeoffs and protective action decisions of households before Hurricane Ida made landfall. The results indicate that higher perceived risks of the hurricane causing injury or death, being vaccinated, having a higher income, having children residing in the home, and having previous experience of evacuating increased the odds of evacuating. Likewise, variables such as higher perceived risks related to being hospitalized or killed by COVID-19, being elderly, and being located further away from the storm track all decreased the likelihood of a household undertaking evacuation. The findings of this study improve understanding of how households consider competing risks during simultaneous hazard events, which in turn can help inform strategies for managing future disaster events involving multiple hazards and risks.

Disaster Preparedness among Households in the Municipality of Pura, Tarlac: An Analysis

This research endeavors to evaluate the level of disaster preparedness among households in the Municipality of Pura, Tarlac, employing a quantitative descriptive research approach. A survey questionnaire was utilized to gather data from 112 household respondents, selected through random sampling across barangays most vulnerable to disasters. Data analysis, facilitated by SPSS analytical statistics software, focused on identifying trends and correlations between disaster preparedness levels and encountered challenges. The findings reveal both strengths and challenges in disaster preparedness. While emergency plans, risk awareness, and response capacity demonstrate commendable efficacy, deficiencies in emergency supplies, community engagement, and infrastructure persist. Correlation analysis underscores the positive relationship between proactive measures and mitigation of challenges, emphasizing the importance of investing in comprehensive disaster management strategies. Recommendations are proposed based on the research findings. Strengthening emergency supplies and resources through equitable distribution mechanisms and community collaboration is advised. Fostering greater community engagement and collaboration, enhancing emergency plans, and improving response and recovery capacity are also recommended. These measures, encompassing workshops, collaboration initiatives, and resource provisions, aim to empower households with the necessary knowledge and resources for effective disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Implementation of these recommendations is crucial for enhancing disaster resilience and readiness in the Municipality of Pura, Tarlac. By addressing identified challenges and bolstering proactive measures, the community can better safeguard its residents and infrastructure against future disasters, ensuring their safety and well-being.

FINANCIAL CRISIS AND INSTABILITY

Financial crises and instability are common occurrences in the world economy, and they have significant effects on both developed and developing nations. The numerous causes of financial crises and the ensuing instability in the financial markets are thoroughly examined. It explains the theoretical foundations of financial crises, going over important ideas including market bubbles, excessive leverage, and regulatory shortcomings The paper also looks into how regulations and governmental actions can either exacerbate or lessen financial crises, how financial institutions contribute to systemic risk propagation and how interconnected they are. It looks at how the spread of crises across borders and asset classes can aggravate their severity through the contagion effect. It also covers the socio-economic fallout from financial crises, such as social unrest, income inequality, and unemployment. The summary concludes by highlighting how crucial it is to have strong regulatory control and proactive risk management to avert and lessen future financial disasters. It promotes a comprehensive strategy that blends international collaboration, regulatory changes, and responsible risk-taking to promote long-term economic growth and stability in a global financial system that is becoming more linked.

Assessment of the effectiveness of hospital external disaster functional drills on health care receivers’ performance, using standardized patients and mass cards simulation: a pilot study from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundGiven the increasing frequency of disasters globally, it is critical that healthcare systems are prepared for these mass casualty events. The Saudi health system’s preparedness for mass casualty incidents needs to be more robust, potentially due to limited disaster drills and inadequate standardized patient (SP) simulation training. This study aims to (i) assess the performance of front-line hospital staff in Saudi Arabia through a functional drill and (ii) evaluate the drill’s effectiveness using SP and MAC-SIM cards, providing detailed insights into its design and execution.MethodsA functional drill was conducted at a government hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 19, 2022, using a cross-sectional approach with two phases. 141 healthcare receivers served as subjects, while 23 volunteers acted as SPs. The scenario simulated a building collapse to assess the emergency department (ED) response, interdepartmental communication, and surge capacity. Data were collected through direct observation of healthcare practitioners’ interactions with the SPs, analysis of SP data, and participant feedback. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were examined for patterns and themes related to simulation performance and effectiveness.ResultsThe hospital receivers’ performances demonstrated accurate triage categories. The ED team assessed most patients (67%) in less than 5 min. For patients requiring definitive care, such as intensive care unit, 95% spent less than 2.5 h in the ED. Most patients (65%) required ‘other treatments’. Communication was efficient in the triage zone and the yellow treatment area. Participants’ feedback on using MAC-SIM cards during the simulation was overwhelmingly positive with 82.61% reporting that MAC-SIM use helped them respond better. Experienced SPs (paramedics) with prior disaster knowledge and experience outperformed inexperienced SPs (nurses) in the functional exercise.ConclusionThis groundbreaking study is the first in the Arabic Gulf region to use SPs with MAC-SIM cards in functional drills. The findings highlight the potential of simulation exercises to improve hospital team knowledge and performance when responding to disasters. Multiple evaluation techniques can effectively identify participant strengths and weaknesses, informing future disaster improvement plans. This information is a valuable resource for Arabic and middle-income countries where disaster medicine is still developing.

Harnessing text information for enhanced hurricane resilience and public engagement: Unveiling disaster perspectives through social media

The recent disaster by hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico, exemplifies how natural disasters, particularly hurricanes, can often arrive with a force that defies prediction despite technological advancements. Their impact, coupled with secondary disasters, underscores the urgency for efficient preemptive measures. Resilience research in the face of such calamities necessitates the creation of a safeguard before incurring irreversible losses. This research leverages big data, explicitly harnessing information obtained from social media about hurricanes, to bolster the efficacy of hurricane response efforts. The focus lies in amplifying the dissemination of adequate warnings and enhancing rescue operations. Concurrently, the research aims to delve into potential disaster rescue suggestions by tracking and analyzing high-interaction discussions on social media — X. This exploration seeks to unveil public focal points during hurricane disasters and identify valuable perspectives for future disaster response strategies. The research findings show that dynamic public discussions on X failed to adequately focus on crucial aspects such as hurricane rescue and warnings. Instead, certain discussions tended to target specific groups and individuals. By unveiling these trends, this research highlights the need to develop a nuanced understanding of interpreting and engaging with social media discussions during significant hurricane events.

Effects of Climate Change on Natural Calamities in Pakistan: A Case Study of 2022 Flood

The main objective of this research is to give an insight into the effect of climate change on Pakistan, the case study selected for this research is the 2022 flood. An enormous amount of human misery and economic devastation was wrought by the catastrophic monsoon floods that struck Pakistan in 2022 Pakistan's. The purpose of this study is to look into whether there is a connection between these storms and climate change. Specifically, it will try to figure out how much climate change contributed to how bad the disaster was and what weaknesses made it worse. In addition, the study will look at how well Pakistan's current crisis planning and reaction systems work and suggest ways to make the country more resilient against future climate-related disasters. A mixed-methods study method has been used for this research.

Abstract A141: Exploring patient barriers and facilitators to colorectal cancer screening during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Abstract Intro While there has been a national initiative to achieve 80% colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates, not all population subgroups reach this target. Specifically, Latino populations have shown lower CRC screening rates compared to non-Latino White populations. Furthermore, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to a decline in CRC screening uptake, particularly in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). One large, urban FQHC, primarily serving Latino patients, has invested in stool-based, home-mailed CRC screening outreach. This FQHC serves as the site for the RESTORE study. Here, we describe patient-level barriers and facilitators to home fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Patients (n=15) were interviewed between August 2022 and May 2023. Interviews addressed health care utilization and CRC screening throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. A preliminary review of these interviews was conducted to assess patients’ use of telehealth as well as patients’ self-reported FIT completion. Results Participants’ average age was 58.5 years old; 53% identify as female; 66% report Spanish as their preferred language; and 80% identify as Latino. Ten patients (6 Spanish-speaking and 4 English-speaking) reported completing a home-mailed screening test. Among them, four emphasized the convenience of completing their CRC screening at home and found it beneficial to have wordless instructions included in their mailed FIT to guide them through the process. While these patients were able to complete their FIT, 3 reported that they never received their result. Of note, one of the Spanish speakers postponed FIT completion until in-person care resumed. Of the 4 Spanish-speaking patients who did not complete a FIT: 2 completed a colonoscopy, while the other 2 disposed of their FIT. The lone English speaker who did not complete FIT cited a fear of cancer as a barrier to screening. Patients who completed a colonoscopy described the procedure as easy; however, one patient experienced complications post-procedure. Telehealth visits were utilized by 80% of patients in 2020 and 73% in 2021, covering various health topics such as COVID-19 symptoms, infection, medication refills, and exam referral and results, with some patients citing convenience and quicker access to providers. Conclusions Throughout the SARS-CoV-2 period, patients continued to benefit from the FQHC’s mailed FIT outreach. As a novel primary care modality, patients reported completing clinical encounters via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss a range of health topics with a provider. To improve preparedness for future natural disasters, it is imperative to understand FQHC patients’ CRC screening experiences during this dynamic period. Citation Format: Anne Escaron, Robert Lara, Karina Ramirez, Adolfo Jacobo, Jennifer Schneider, Jennifer Rivelli, Crystal Gomez, Alexis Perez, Gloria Coronado. Exploring patient barriers and facilitators to colorectal cancer screening during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A141.

Technical Study of the Concept of Permanent Housing Relocation around the Palu Koro Fault after the 28 September 2018 Disaster

The earthquake that struck Central Sulawesi on September 28, 2018, had a significant impact on Palu City, Donggala Regency, and Sigi Regency. The impact included a tsunami along the coast of Palu Bay and liquefaction in several areas, leading to extensive damage to infrastructure. As part of the post-disaster recovery efforts, permanent shelters (HUNTAP) are being constructed for the survivors. The purpose of this research is to perform a technical assessment of residential relocation based on risk factors that could lead to future disasters. The method involves descriptive analysis, including the following stages: (1) Reviewing literature from various journals, regulations, technical provisions, and related databases, and (2) identifying variables and criteria that could lead to disasters in areas designated for permanent residential relocation. The research results reveal several influential variables, as follows: (1) Potential for flooding, including: (a) high rainfall, (b) susceptibility to air infiltration, (c) risk of flash floods, (d) erosion of river basins, (e) sedimentation, (f) availability of adequate drainage system facilities; (2) risk of landslides is significantly influenced by: (a) shear angle, (b) pore water pressure, (c) slope gradient; (3) liquefaction indicators include (a) Groundwater level less than 10 meters, (b) sandy soil thickness less than 12 meters underground, (c) increased surface earthquake activity, (d) soil density; (4) tsunami risk is associated with several influential variables: (a) Shallow epicenter with a depth of less than 33 km (b) angle and type of fault, with thrust or thrust faults being the most dominant, (c) distance from the epicenter and location in the middle of the sea, (d) characteristics such as beach shape, open beach morphology, low surface slope, and seabed depth; (5) high current voltage is indicated by the distance and type of voltage capacity; and (6) airplane trajectories are influenced by runway distance and flight path.

On the anniversary of the Maui fires, a call for Indigenous land care to mitigate future disasters

On the anniversary of the Maui fires, a call for Indigenous land care to mitigate future disasters

A Transdisciplinary Analysis of the 2009 Catastrophe in Giampilieri Superiore by Land Use Evolution Over Time

AbstractOn October 1 2009 a deluge hit the Peloritani Mountains, in NE Sicily, Italy, where the rainfall data recorded 225 mm in 9 h. Giampilieri Superiore was the most affected townlet in terms of infrastructural damages and human losses (37 dead, 37 wounded, and more than 1000 evacuees). The debris flows, triggered by flash floods wreaked havoc of the urban structure. More than 200 mln € was granted to protection works for conveying water and debris flows to bypass the town. The disaster was numerically simulated by SCIDDICA (Digital Twin) with excellent approximation, and the effects of the safety installation were tested as well, proving to offer sufficient protection for the village. The Peloritani area overlooking the Ionian See flourished during the Saracen domination, whose legacy of systems of terraces, cisterns and wells guaranteed the finest water management in steep terrains, allowing a safe emplacement of watermills, around which Giampilieri and other villages developed. This hydraulic legacy has been undermined during the last decades due to lack of appropriate maintenance because of the progressive loss of the Saracen culture. It is unconceivable that subsidies on the scale granted to Giampilieri are sustainable when facing innumerable future climatic disasters. A cheaper and more viable solution is to be found, e.g., the settlement of immigrants in the area, promoting the labor-social inclusion of those persons who already possess such a Saracen culture or are willing to acquire it from the last local depositaries, according to a retro-innovation perspective and methodology.

Assessing Tsunami Impacts and Enhancing Disaster Response in Tirtayasa Banten through High-Resolution Satellite Imagery

In December 2018, the coastal town of Tirtayasa, Banten, suffered severe damage from a tsunami, leaving the area highly vulnerable to future disasters. This research assesses the tsunami’s impact, thoroughly evaluating damage to infrastructure and vegetation using high-resolution satellite imagery. By comparing pre- and post-tsunami images, we quantitatively measure resilience and devastation, documenting significant landscape changes to better understand the extent of damage and identify resilient areas. These insights are critical for developing effective disaster response plans. The study employs advanced geospatial analytic techniques, demonstrating how satellite imagery enhances disaster preparedness and management by enabling prompt and accurate assessments, which are essential for both emergency response and long-term recovery planning. Integrating satellite-based remote monitoring into standard disaster management practices offers substantial advantages, improving the preparedness and response capabilities of vulnerable areas. This research highlights the importance of advanced change detection techniques to improve the accuracy of impact assessments and foster the development of targeted measures to mitigate the effects of future natural disasters.

Meeting the Two Imposters of Triumph and Disaster: Senior Management Perspectives on the COVID‐19 Pandemic’s Impact on Global Tennis Tournaments

This study uncovers insider perspectives on the COVID‐19 pandemic’s impact from four senior management and organizers of two global tennis tournaments. The events are Wimbledon and the Queen’s Club Championship; both annually recurring tennis tournaments played on grass in London, UK. Using an “elite event interviewing” approach, data were collected through semistructured interviews. The interviews were thematically analyzed, and four primary themes emerged from the data. These themes were (i) responding to the initial impact of the global pandemic on tennis events, (ii) planning and preparedness for the ongoing issues facing event organizers, (iii) pandemic implications for other tennis event stakeholders including sponsors, employees and suppliers, and (iv) prevention and learning from the pandemic to help ensure the prosperity of future events. Managerial implications and areas of future research are highlighted, followed by holistic recommendations for event organizers to help better plan, prepare, and prevent future crises and disasters.

Infant formula donations and code violations during earthquake relief efforts in Türkiye in 2023: an observational study

BackgroundOn 6 February 2023, an Mw 7.8 earthquake struck southern and central Türkiye and north-western Syria, affecting the lives of 4.6 and 2.5 million children, respectively. In such crises, infants who are dependent on commercial milk formula (CMF) face increased vulnerability to diseases and malnutrition as safe preparation of CMF becomes difficult and sometimes impossible. The Operational Guidance on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (OG-IFE) provides guidance on protecting and supporting recommended infant and young child feeding and minimizing the risks that come with CMF feeding. In addition, the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (the Code) ensures adequate nutrition for infants by protecting and promoting breastfeeding and ensuring the proper usage of CMF. This study aims to document violations of the Code and the OG-IFE during the earthquake relief efforts to help strengthen infant and young child feeding emergency responses and inform future disaster relief policies.MethodsData was collected from 6 February to 10 March 2023 through Internet sources. Social media, news websites, and the Emergency Nutrition Network forum were used for data collection. Turkish content was translated into English for analysis, with a focus on donation-related information and Code violations related to baby food and infant feeding.ResultsA total of 40 reports on CMF, complementary food, and feeding equipment donations were collected. Three main types of violations of the OG-IFE and the Code were identified, with the majority of them being incidences of individuals, humanitarian organizations, and government agencies seeking or accepting donations. Infant formula companies continued to violate the Code by donating large quantities of CMF and feeding equipment to the Turkish Red Crescent, government agencies, and disaster relief infant and young child feeding (IYCF) coordination authorities.ConclusionsThese incidents reflected a systematic violation of the Code and non-compliance with the OG-IFE. Globally accepted IYCF standards and recommendations were not consistently followed due to fragmented early responses. There is a critical need to step up efforts to ensure appropriate and safe IYCF practice protecting and supporting breastfed and non-breastfed infants in emergencies.