Hazard Disaster Research Articles

Research on the Disaster Management of China’s Ethnic Minority Autonomous Regions in the Development of Modernization Construction—Taking Mabian Yi Autonomous County in Southern Sichuan as an Example

Many ethnic minority autonomous regions in China, mainly in mountainous areas, have caused great harm to people’s life and property safety due to frequent geological disasters. Therefore, it has become an urgent task for the government to create a system for predicting, preventing and effectively responding to disasters, and to strengthen the ability of relevant regions to jointly resist disasters. This paper takes Mabian Yi Autonomous County as the research object, and studies the disaster management of Mabian Yi Autonomous County. The research focuses on geological disaster vulnerability evaluation, geological disaster hazard evaluation, geological disaster risk evaluation, and geological disaster carrying capacity evaluation. The two elements of geological disaster risk evaluation are vulnerability evaluation and hazard evaluation. The main element of geological disaster carrying capacity evaluation is risk evaluation. Through evaluation, it is found that the central and eastern regions of Mabian Yi Autonomous County can be used as population concentration areas and develop modern agriculture and tourism. The western and northeastern regions can be used as nature reserves. Based on the above evaluation results, the disaster management opinions of Mabian Yi Autonomous County are given. This makes the government have a certain reference basis in the preparation of regional construction policy planning. From the perspective of unique disaster management, this paper provides the government with a political governance model for ethnic minority areas through the harmonious development of man and nature, to achieve a goal of sustainable development.

Characterizing Spatiotemporal Patterns of Disasters and Climates to Evaluate Hazards to Crop Production in Taiwan

Climate change causes frequent and severe disasters. A comprehensive assessment of disaster hazards is thus crucial to understanding variations in disaster patterns and planning mitigation and adaptation strategies. This study obtained information from a crop disaster dataset of Taiwan covering the period from 2003 to 2022. Additionally, principal component analysis and K-means clustering were used to create climate clusters to evaluate the effect of climate patterns on disaster hazards. The results revealed that tropical storm frequency substantially decreased, whereas rain disasters exhibited an increasing trend. The four regions of Taiwan exhibited variations in terms of hazards of various disasters. The cold wave hazard showed a significant upward trend in the central region. An upward trend of rain disaster hazards was only detected in the southern region. However, a downward trend in tropical storm hazards was detected across all regions. A distinct climate pattern was identified over the study period. After 2012, high temperature and dry climate were the primary climate patterns. These patterns exhibited a high hazard value for cold waves, droughts, and rain disasters. Hence, the present study’s findings indicate that managing cold waves and rain disasters is crucial to protecting crop production in Taiwan.

Experimental study on the influence of roadway shape on the evolution of outburst fluid static pressure

To explore the static pressure dynamic disaster mechanism of coal-and-gas outburst (CGO) fluid, the self-developed multi-field coupling large-scale physical simulation test system of coal mine dynamic disaster was used to carry out gas outburst and CGO physical simulation tests in straight, L-shaped and T-shaped roadways. The influence of roadway shape on the evolution of static pressure was explored, and the role of pulverized coal in the process of static pressure dynamic disaster was clarified. The results indicated that the static pressure showed a fluctuating downward trend during the outburst process. When gas outburst, the middle and front parts of the roadway in the straight section roadway were the most serious areas of static pressure disasters in the three shapes of roadways. The duration and range of high static pressure disaster in L-shaped roadway were larger than those in T-shaped and straight roadways in turn. When CGO, the most serious area of static pressure disaster in L-shaped and T-shaped roadways moved backward to the middle of the straight section roadway, and there was a rebound phenomenon in the process of static pressure fluctuation decline, which showed the pulse characteristics of CGO. During the outburst, the static pressure dynamic disaster hazard of L-shaped roadway was higher than that of T-shaped roadway, and the static pressure at the bifurcation structure decayed faster than that at the turning structure, which indicated that T-shaped roadway was more conducive to the release of static pressure in roadway, thus reduced the risk of static pressure disaster. When gas outburst, the static pressure attenuation of the fluid in the roadway before and after the turning and bifurcation structure was greater than that of CGO. The peak static pressure and impulse of the fluid during gas outburst were 2 times and 4–5 times that of CGO respectively. The presence of pulverized coal reduced the attenuation of static pressure and the hazard of dynamic disaster, prolonged the release time of energy, and led to the change of the maximum static pressure disaster area.

Numerical Analysis of Combined Effect Hybrid Fibres and Fire Insulation on the Fire Resistance Performance of SCC Beams

The use of self-compacting concrete in structural members has become increasingly prevalent in various construction applications. However, these structures are susceptible to one of the most hazardous disasters, which is the fire. This paper presents a numerical investigation of the fire resistance performance of self-compacting reinforced concrete (SCC) beams, as well as a parametric study to assess the impact of hybrid fibres and fire insulation on enhancing their performance under fire conditions. The study is conducted by developing a 3D finite element (FE) model using ANSYS software, where temperatures are applied according to the ISO834 standard fire. Geometric and material nonlinearities are considered in the evaluation of the behaviour of beams under fire conditions. The developed FE model is validated by comparing the predicted results with those of the experimental tests in literature. The fire resistance performance of SCC beams was compared with that of normal strength concrete (NSC) beams. The parametric study is conducted using three types of fire insulation, namely Tyfo WR-AFP, CAFCO 300, and Carboline Type-5MD. The results showed that SCC beam has lower fire resistance performance than the NSC beam. However, the incorporation of hybrid fibres allows a 17% improvement in the fire resistance of SCC beams. The use of fire insulations has increased the fire resistance time of SCC beams, and more particularly Carboline Type-5MD insulation with an increase of 28%. The combined use of hybrid fibres and fire insulation improved the fire resistance of SCC beams by 43%.

Construction Disaster Hazard Caused by a Defective Building Structural Survey

The present paper encompasses an analysis of a production hall reinforced concrete roof structure in terms of its limiting snow load. Errors which were made at the survey and thermal retrofitting design stages for the structure in question have been identified. These contributed to a construction disaster hazard which could occur in the event of intensive snowfall. Reinforced concrete roofing structures are least prone to failures caused by the impact of the weather, however they do occur. This results from both structural wear and also often from the addition of extra loads. These loads may be caused by thermal retrofitting as well as installation of additional equipment on the roof, including the currently popular photovoltaic systems. Using the structure subject to the analysis as an example, the authors have proposed a procedure for diagnosing and analysing reinforced concrete roofing structures in terms of upgrades and installation of additional equipment thereon.

Identification of Typhoon-Vulnerable Areas and Countermeasures in High-Density Coastal Cities: The Case of Macau

Typhoons are extremely severe weather events which seriously threaten the safety of people’s lives and properties. Therefore, identifying and controlling typhoon disaster hazards have become important research topics. The spatial–temporal characteristics of typhoons are analysed using the typhoon disaster data in Macau from 2000 to 2020. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation is adopted to understand the 3D urban wind environment. Moreover, the ‘exposure, sensitivity and adaptation’ evaluation model is applied to construct the study framework. To calculate urban disaster vulnerability, the Create Fishnet tool is used to divide the city of Macau into 470 grids. The principal component analysis method is used to reveal the factors that significantly affect the typhoon’s vulnerable areas. Result shows that 31.27% of grids are severely vulnerable. In addition, six principal components are identified, including indicators such as population density, building area ratio, mean elevation and wind speed. This study verifies the feasibility of wind speed data obtained by CFD in the typhoon evaluation model. Moreover, it provides a reliable reference guide for future urban microlevel studies.

Evaluation of highway debris flow hazard based on geomorphic evolution theory coupled with material response rate

Assessments of highway feasibility frequently lack the detailed data and geological information necessary to conduct hazard evaluations of debris flows. This study discusses the processes of debris flow development when regional rainfall meets the critical level required for debris flow initiation. It utilizes geomorphic evolution theory and establishes a regional risk assessment matrix for debris flow by combining information about gullies and source sensitivity. Considering the location relationship between the highway and debris flow gullies, a rapid evaluation method for debris flow risk assessment along the G318 highway in Sichuan Province is proposed by modifying the judgment matrix. The four debris flow gullies constructed during the upgrading project in Yajiang County, stretching from the west of the city to the Shearer Bay section, were analyzed via examples. The results show that, among the four selected debris flow gullies, two had medium hazard levels, and two had high hazard levels. The validation results are consistent with the actual results, implying that the evaluation method used in this study is accurate and feasible. This method is suitable for the rapid evaluation of debris flow disaster hazards in the feasibility assessment stage of a highway because it relies on readily available data sources, and the evaluation results are fast and convenient. The highway passes through four debris flow gullies, which directly impact the alignment of this particular section of the geological route and the engineering layout. Based on current specifications, the maximum impact range of a one-time debris flow under the given frequency conditions was calculated using the "rainfall method." The results showed that the maximum impact ranges of a debris flow, occurring once in 100 years, for four gullies would be 9.08 m, 9.09 m, 10.86 m, and 10.08 m. The safe clearance heights of bridges over the four gullies should be 14.58 m, 14.59 m, 16.36 m, and 16.3 m. Additionally, the safety clearance width for all gullies should be 5.0 m.

Penguatan Pengetahuan Kesiapsiagaan Terhadap Bahaya Bencana Gempa Bumi dan Tsunami bagi Siswa SMAN I Lhoknga, Kabupaten Aceh Besar

Earthquakes and tsunamis are natural disasters that can occur anywhere and anytime. Knowledge about the dangers of natural disasters needs to be imparted to the community so that they can understand the types and levels of danger that may arise. This is necessary to enhance the community's capacity to deal with disasters. Reflecting on the occurrence of the 2004 Aceh Earthquake and Tsunami, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and caused hundreds of millions of US dollars in losses, increasing knowledge and understanding of disaster hazards needs to be continuously pursued. The repetition of these activities aligns the history of disaster events passed down through generations with the advancements in scientific knowledge and technological progress. Increasing knowledge of earthquake and tsunami hazards can be achieved, in part, through socialization efforts. One appropriate segment of society to receive reinforcement of knowledge through socialization activities is high school students, particularly the students of SMAN 1 Lhoknga, Aceh Besar Regency. Students are the younger generation whose roles can be agents of change within the wider community. Therefore, their role in the realm of disaster management needs to be supported by a good and competent capacity enhancement. Thus, students of SMAN 1 Lhoknga can understand the factors causing and the impacts arising from earthquake and tsunami disasters and actively participate in such events.

Examining the potential of natural disaster monuments as surrogate indicators for disaster hazards in Japan

Examining the potential of natural disaster monuments as surrogate indicators for disaster hazards in Japan

The Diverse Mountainous Landslide Dataset (DMLD): A High-Resolution Remote Sensing Landslide Dataset in Diverse Mountainous Regions

The frequent occurrence of landslides poses a serious threat to people’s lives and property. In order to evaluate disaster hazards based on remote sensing images via machine learning means, it is essential to establish an image database with manually labeled boundaries of landslides. However, the existing datasets do not cover diverse types of mountainous landslides. To address this issue, we propose a high-resolution (1 m) diverse mountainous landslide remote sensing dataset (DMLD), including 990 landslide instances across different terrain in southwestern China. To evaluate the performance of the DMLD, seven state-of-the-art deep learning models with different loss functions were implemented on it. The experiment results demonstrate not only that all of these deep learning methods with different characteristics can adapt well to the DMLD, but also that the DMLD has potential adaptability to other geographical regions.

A study on the actual conditions of reconstruction process in disaster hazard area in the affected area by the Great East Japan Earthquake

A study on the actual conditions of reconstruction process in disaster hazard area in the affected area by the Great East Japan Earthquake

Advancing Flood Risk Assessment through Integrated Hazard Mapping: A Google Earth Engine-Based Approach for Comprehensive Scientific Analysis and Decision Support

This study utilises a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to assess flooding susceptibility in a specific area, integrating diverse environmental datasets such as JRC Global Surface Water, Landsat 8 images, and SRTM elevation data. Employing the GEE FMA, a powerful tool leveraging Google Earth Engine capabilities, the analysis covers water occurrence, permanent water, elevation, distance to water, topographic hazard score, and vegetation indices (NDVI and NDWI). The Water Occurrence layer establishes a foundational understanding of water-body distribution’s correlation with flood vulnerability, while Permanent Water refines this understanding. Distance to Water measures proximity for targeted risk evaluation, and Elevation identifies vulnerable regions based on topography. The GEE FMA synthesises these layers into a Flood Hazard Susceptibility map, categorising vulnerability into Very Low, Low, Medium, High, and Very High. This nuanced understanding is crucial for prioritising interventions. The GEE FMA’s rapid processing speed makes it an invaluable tool for short-term decision support in flood hazard disaster management, offering insights for informed decision-making and resilient infrastructure development. The Topographic Hazard Score provides information on how topography influences flood risk, while the Wetness Hazard Score categorises moisture conditions for identifying flood-prone locations. Decision-makers rely on these values for quick and precise flood susceptibility assessments. In an era of climate uncertainties and urbanisation, the GEE FMA emerges as a reliable tool for decision-making, mitigating flood impacts, and developing effective flood risk management strategies.

Application of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in flood hazard analysis in the Rawa Pening Sub-Watershed, Indonesia

The watershed is one of the ecological functional units in a region. The Rawa Pening Sub-Watershed, located in Semarang Regency and its surroundings, is the upper region of the Tuntang Watershed, which experiences periodic floods. Flood hazard disasters occur due to several contributing factors. This phenomenon significantly affects the residents in the Rawa Pening Sub-Watershed, particularly in the agricultural sector, specifically in the local paddy fields. With the development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in disaster management, it is possible to provide preliminary information on predicting flood hazard zones, particularly in the Rawa Pening Sub-Watershed. This study aimed to determine the most influential parameters and areas highly prone to flood hazards in the Rawa Pening Sub-Watershed. Nine parameters, including elevation, slope, curvature, precipitation, land use, soil type, distance to the river, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and Topographic Wetness Index, were analyzed based on their respective roles. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) techniques were employed to obtain the flood hazard map. The nine parameters were weighted according to a Forum Group Discussion. The results yielded a flood hazard map divided into five zones: very low (3451,64 Ha / 13,16%), low (5024,29 Ha / 19,16%), moderate (6049,35 Ha / 23,07%), high (7949,67 Ha / 30,31%), and very high (3750,93 Ha / 14,30%).

Multi-Disaster Hazard Analysis, The Case of Elazığ Province

In this study, a comprehensive assessment of disaster hazards in Elazığ province, where the Eastern Anatolian Fault Zone passes through, was conducted. Hazard maps for earthquakes, floods, landslides, rockfalls, avalanches, desertification, and erosion were integrated to create a multi-hazard map. Various methods, such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and machine learning models, including the Random Forest algorithm, were employed to assess the severity and probability of exposure for each hazard type. Independent variables, including VS30, liquefaction potential, Digital Elevation Model (DEM)-derived data, and climatic data, were selected based on relevant literature and the study area. For earthquake and erosion hazards, intuitive models were used due to the absence of a single dependent variable. The desertification map was obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Urban Planning, and Climate Change. The Random Forest model was used for other disaster hazard maps. All hazard maps were combined using a hierarchical approach with the Weighted Overlay tool. The study generated a spatial synthesis and database intended to offer proactive insights into disaster preparedness, optimizing resource allocation, and expediting recovery efforts post-disaster within the Elazığ Province. Its primary objective is to provide assistance to local authorities and emergency response teams. In the province, a significant portion of urban settlements and the majority of rural areas face high earthquake hazards. Floods pose a considerable risk, particularly in low-lying areas downstream of numerous dams scattered across the province, as well as at the confluence points of seasonal riverbeds. The hazard of landslides is high in the rugged areas along the EAF and in steep terrains eroded by rivers. Moreover, rock falls occur more frequently in mountainous areas along the Hazarbaba-Akdağ axis due to erosion and physical dissolution. Erosion and desertification represent significant slow-moving hazards, with erosion intensifying on steep slopes and barren lands, while desertification notably affects Baskil and its surrounding low-lying areas in the western part of the province. Considering multiple hazards, areas with concentrated settlements and economic activities such as Elazığ, Baskil, Kovancılar, Karakoçan, and Behrimaz plains are categorized as very high and high-risk zones.

Analyzing the Challenges and Opportunities in Raising Public Awareness About the Hazards of Natural Disasters Among Junior High School Students in Bandung Regency, Indonesia

Natural disasters pose a significant peril to the Indonesian community, especially the Bandung Regency. Due to the significant likelihood of calamities, it is crucial to enhance public consciousness, particularly among adolescents in junior high school, regarding the perils associated with natural catastrophes. The objective of this study is to examine the obstacles and possibilities of enhancing knowledge of natural disaster risks among middle school students in Bandung Regency. This study employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing a case study technique. The researchers gathered primary data by conducting interviews with junior high school students, instructors, and relevant stakeholders, in addition to making field observations. The research findings indicate that there are multiple obstacles to enhancing the level of awareness among junior high school students regarding the perils associated with natural disasters. These challenges encompass a deficiency in knowledge and comprehension concerning the hazards posed by natural disasters, limited availability of information and educational resources pertaining to disasters, indifference and a lack of concern towards natural disasters, as well as a dearth of proactive involvement from both educational institutions and parents. Nevertheless, this study has identified various avenues for enhancing the knowledge of junior high school students regarding the perils associated with natural calamities. These include incorporating disaster education into the school syllabus, employing information and communication technology (ICT) to disseminate information and educate about disasters, engaging students in simulation exercises and disaster response activities, and reinforcing the involvement of families and communities in fostering a culture of disaster awareness. Enhancing the knowledge and understanding of the potential hazards associated with natural disasters among junior high school students is a crucial measure to foster community resilience in the face of future calamities.

Changing climates, compounding challenges: a participatory study on how disasters affect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people in Fiji

Pacific youth are at the forefront of the climate crisis, which has important implications for their health and rights. Youth in Fiji currently bear a disproportionate burden of poor experiences...

Aero Mapping Application for Affected Area Detection by the Semeru Volcano Eruption in 2022

The development of geospatial technology, especially Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones, has been growing rapidly. One of the uses of UAV is to detect disaster hazards, the extent of the affected area, and the element of risks. The latest UAV technology in the form of Aero Mapping is beneficial for mapping disaster-affected areas, in this case, post-volcanic eruption lava flows. Aero mapping with the rotary wing type is low-cost (<$ 2000/Rp.29.500.000) but a potent tool for collecting spatial data quickly and accurately. This application is applied to detect areas affected by volcanic eruptions. The photo image produced by the UAV can be used to analyze lava flows, lava deposits, changes in landforms, and changes in land cover due to volcanic eruptions. This study aims to detect the area affected by the eruption of Semeru Volcano post-eruption in 2022. In the research study area, there is no detailed scale mapping can detect the direction/path of post-eruptive lahars. This research seeks to detail the description of the affected areas. The results of aerial photographs show that low-cost UAVs are capable of producing high-resolution data of up to 2.86 cm/px (Orthomosaic), 6.94 cm/px (DSM), and 3.94 cm/px (GSD) with a total area of up to 755 Ha. This area is obtained from 34 flight processes at an altitude of 120 meters with 70% front and side overlap. These findings prove that aero mapping is a low-cost technique that can be used to map new lava flows after the 2022 eruption at Semeru Volcano.

Mapping Socio-Economic Vulnerability to Rob Flood Hazards in Coastal Cities, North Pekalongan District, Pekalongan City

Climate change brings danger to several areas, especially in coastal urban areas. One of them is the tidal flood which experienced inundation. Tidal floods pose a serious threat to the sustainability of social life and economic growth. Assessment of social and economic vulnerabilities is needed to overcome the risk of disaster hazards due to climate change in the form of coastal tidal floods in cities. This research is expected to be able to describe socio-economic vulnerability through the variables of population density, age, gender, occupation, and level of education to tidal floods that have occurred in 42% of the area. The research method used is quantitative analysis, scoring, and geographic information system modeling with village analysis units. The results showed that Panjang Baru Village was the most vulnerable area because of the high density and low-income levels of the people, most of whom were fishermen and farmers households. It also indicates the contribution of population density, level of education, and employment to the level of vulnerability. This study states that the socio-economic aspect is an important factor that must be considered for the sustainability of life and community adaptation to the threat of climate change, especially tidal floods.

Multi-Scale Engineering Geological Zonation for Linear Projects in Mountainous Regions: A Case Study of National Highway 318 Chengdu-Shigatse Section

In response to the challenges of long crossing distances and difficult site selection for linear engineering projects in mountainous areas, this article proposes a multi-scale engineering geological zoning (EGZ) method. This method is based on the linear engineering construction stage and transitions from regional EGZ to EGZ of key sections (areas with poor or worst engineering geological conditions). This method not only ensures the effect of EGZ but also reduces the workload. When carrying out the EGZ of key sections, the assessment ideas of geological disaster hazards were taken into consideration. An improved method for calculating the time probability and magnitude probability of disaster occurrence is proposed. Taking the National Highway 318 Chengdu-Shigatse section as an example, EGZ was carried out. Its results revealed that the Nyingchi section was the key section with poor and worst engineering geological conditions. EGZ of the key section showed that the areas with poor and worst engineering geological conditions were mainly distributed in the curved sections on the northern side of the linear project. The proposed method in this article provides guidance for EGZ for linear engineering projects in mountainous areas.

Risk Assessment and Control of Geological Hazards in Towns of Complex Mountainous Areas Based on Remote Sensing and Geological Survey

Mountainous areas have become among the most developed areas of geological hazards due to special geological environmental conditions and intensive human engineering activities. Geological hazards are a main threat to urbanization, rural revitalization, and new rural construction in complex mountainous areas. It is of great strategic significance to conduct large-scale geological hazard investigation and risk assessment in urban areas, control the risk of geological hazards at the source and propose risk control measures. In this paper, we established the technical methods of geologic hazard risk assessment and control in complex mountain towns by taking Longlin Town in the mountainous region of Gansu Longnan, China as the study area, with the Quanjia bay debris flows and Panping Village landslides as the typical pilot investigation and assessment. The methods consist of six stages—risk identification, hazard disaster model investigation, risk analysis, vulnerability assessment, risk evaluation and risk management and control measures and proposals. On this basis, the results of geological hazards with different precipitation frequencies (5%, 2%, 1%) are presented. The results show that 75.23% of the regions remained at low risk levels; 24.38% of the regions increased a risk level with decreasing precipitation frequency, and 0.39% of the regions remained at extremely high risk levels under different precipitation frequency conditions. For the Quanjia bay debris flows and Panping Village landslides case, we discussed the geological hazards risk source control contents, management and control technologies, engineering and non-engineering measures of disaster prevention and control for urban disasters and specific disaster areas. This research can provide technical support and reference for disaster prevention and mitigation, and territorial spatial planning.