Bangladesh has achieved substantial reductions in cyclone mortality through investments in early warning, the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), and multipurpose cyclone shelters. Yet governance failures erode trust and prevent equitable access for distinct groups of women, older persons, persons with disabilities, and others. Evidence from coastal communities reveals that sheltering systems can still reproduce insecurity as a result of overcrowding, poor water and sanitation facilities, limited privacy, uneven accessibility, and governance failures that undermine trust and equity of access for women, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other groups. This paper re-examined cyclone shelters in the coastal regions of Bangladesh as socio-spatial institutions of community-based disaster response. Also, it applied a human security lens- protection, participation, and governance to compare two models of cyclone shelters in the region. These two models were government-managed multipurpose shelters and community design-led shelters with Friendship NGO support. Using a qualitative, secondary-data comparative case study approach, the paper synthesizes peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and humanitarian/NGO reports and triangulates findings with secondary empirical evidence on shelter accessibility, use, and management. The analysis finds that government shelters are highly effective in mitigating or preventing damage to human lives from natural and human-induced disasters but often deliver uneven human security due to standardized designs and centralized management. Shelters that are driven by the community or design show how participatory planning in combination with everyday use and locally legible accountability mechanisms can improve dignity and utilization, although Sustainability and scaling remain challenges. To make shelter systems inclusive, accountable, and people-centered, this paper concludes with governance recommendations and policy.

Time Poverty and Disaster Readiness: How Routine Constraints Shape Hurricane Preparation

Purpose To determine how transient island populations differ from resident and mainland populations in decisions regarding sheltering, evacuation ability and communication sources, and to determine if an island environment impacts disaster preparedness. This research will provide local emergency managers with information to help support personal and community hazard mitigation that addresses the needs and capabilities distinctive to transient versus resident populations in island environments. Design/methodology/approach An online Qualtrics survey was distributed to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine community members regarding actions during Hurricanes Irma and Maria (2017). The survey aimed to: obtain data on decision-making in sheltering and evacuation; better understand the meaning of and factors that might impact “preparedness”; and determine the sources of information used by transient and resident respondents during disasters. Findings Based on 230 transient and 60 resident respondents, sheltering decisions were primarily based on feeling safe in one's home, suggesting that routine home inspections may improve residents’ understanding of home security during a storm. Previous exposure to disasters increased respondents' feelings of preparedness but not true preparedness. This study indicated that island transient and resident populations already had many items recommended for hurricane preparedness, suggesting targeted messaging may be beneficial. Most transient and resident respondents relied on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for storm information, providing an opportunity for local stations to tailor hazard messaging to the on-the-ground realities. Originality/value This research uncovered differences in how transient and resident island populations consider, prepare for and respond to hazards and disasters. It demonstrates the need for island population-focused research to enhance disaster mitigation, preparedness, relief and recovery efforts, inclusive of transient populations often found in various sectors of Caribbean islands.

ABSTRACT This study analyzes 911 articles retrieved from Scopus to determine the research's status, themes, and intellectual structure on tropical cyclone preparedness. The results indicated that this research field had increased rapidly in the past two decades. “Community and risk”, “management and communication”, “flood and storm surge”, “adaptation to climate change”, and “public health and medicine” are the major research themes. Earlier studies focused on the impact mitigation, while the recent interests shifted to the social aspects of tropical cyclone preparedness. Mostafavi, A., Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, and the United States were the most productive author, journal, and country, respectively. [Rawls, and Turnquist. 2010. “Pre-positioning of Emergency Supplies for Disaster Response.” Transportation Research Part B: Methodological 44 (4): 521–534.], Natural Hazards, and the United States were the most cited document, journal, and country, respectively. Seven groups of journals, i.e. “disaster and emergency”, “environmental hazards”, “climate hazards”, “disaster reduction”, “weather and climate”, “operations”, and “risk” were the major publication outlets. Ten clusters of international collaboration, i.e. “Asia-Pacific group”, “Oceania group”, “Mainland Southeast Asia group”, “African group”, “Caribbean group”, “East Asian group”, “Middle East group”, “North American group”, “Northern Europe group”, and “South Asian group” were identified. This study may serve readers as an exploratory guide to become familiar with the field of tropical cyclone preparedness.

Purpose This paper investigates the role of traditional authority in shaping community responses to cyclone early warnings in rural Madagascar. It examines how messenger legitimacy and cultural trust influence preparedness behaviours, arguing that disaster governance must engage formal and informal institutions to improve early warning uptake. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study was conducted in two cyclone-prone districts, Marovoay and Manakara, using 24 key informant interviews and four focus group discussions with traditional leaders, residents, disaster officers and relevant departments. The study applied thematic analysis to explore perceptions of trust, messenger authority and community behaviour in response to cyclone warnings. Findings Results indicate that official early warning systems, typically disseminated via SMS or radio, are often treated with scepticism. In contrast, warnings endorsed by local kings (mpanjaka) and fokontany chiefs elicit quicker and more consistent responses. The findings demonstrate that messenger legitimacy, rooted in cultural authority and everyday trust, is decisive in community disaster preparedness. Hybrid governance arrangements, where traditional leaders and formal institutions collaborate, enhance warning effectiveness but also reveal tensions in authority and communication practices. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by its qualitative design, reliance on retrospective accounts outside the cyclone season and potential translation loss during interviews. The findings are context-specific to rural Madagascar and cannot be generalised to all settings. Nevertheless, triangulation across interviews, focus groups and observations enhances validity. The research highlights the importance of messenger legitimacy and hybrid governance in disaster preparedness, with implications for policymakers seeking to strengthen last-mile early warning. Future studies could adopt longitudinal and comparative approaches to explore how trust and traditional authority shape resilience across diverse governance contexts. Practical implications The study underscores the need to integrate traditional leaders into disaster risk governance as credible messengers in last-mile communication. Formal agencies should recognise customary authority structures not as competitors but as partners in strengthening preparedness. Co-producing warning strategies with community leaders can enhance trust, increase compliance and reduce loss of life during cyclones. Training, resources and partnerships that link technical accuracy with cultural legitimacy are essential. Policymakers and practitioners should embed these practices in early warning frameworks, aligning with global initiatives such as the Sendai Framework and Early Warnings for All. Social implications The findings highlight the social significance of trust, legitimacy, and cultural authority in disaster preparedness. By recognising the role of traditional leaders, early warning systems can become more inclusive and equitable, ensuring that marginalised rural communities are not excluded from life-saving information. Strengthening community-state collaboration fosters social cohesion and enhances resilience, while reducing perceptions of neglect and mistrust towards government institutions. Embedding culturally legitimate messengers in risk communication not only improves immediate disaster response but also supports longer-term social transformation by bridging divides between formal governance and customary authority. Originality/value This study contributes to disaster risk reduction debates by foregrounding messenger legitimacy and hybrid governance in fragile contexts. It highlights that the “last mile” challenge in early warning is not only technological or logistical but also deeply social and political. The paper calls for the formal recognition of traditional leaders within disaster governance frameworks to strengthen anticipatory action and resilience in vulnerable communities.

Understanding how individuals translate disaster information into protective actions is central to enhancing disaster preparedness. This study applies Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in conjunction with Mastery of Life (MOL) to examine the cognitive mechanisms underpinning cyclone preparedness in the Indian Sundarbans, a region characterized by high vulnerability and recurrent cyclonic events. Using survey data from 1352 respondents and Structural Equation Modelling, the study investigates how disaster-related information affects key PMT constructs i.e., threat appraisal and coping appraisal, and how these appraisals interact with MOL typologies to shape preparedness intentions and behaviours. Results indicate that timely, credible information significantly improves perceived threat severity, susceptibility, self-efficacy, and response efficacy, while reducing the influence of maladaptive responses. MOL dimensions, particularly optimistic-cognitive and defensive-affective orientations, enhance problem-solving capacity and positively mediate the relationship between cognitive appraisal and action. In contrast, pessimistic orientations diminish preparedness intent. The findings highlight the importance of integrating information delivery systems with local experiential knowledge and psychosocial factors to strengthen risk communication and community resilience. This research contributes to the evidence base for interdisciplinary disaster preparedness strategies, advocating for theory-informed, context-specific interventions to reduce cyclone risk in vulnerable settings.

Hurricanes are associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, yet little is known about whether these risks extend into the long term and for how long. To examine the association between hurricane-related flooding and CVD risk up to 5 years after landfall. This cohort study included a 20% national sample of continuously enrolled Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries from New Jersey, New York City, and Connecticut from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2017. Data were analyzed from December 14, 2023, to June 20, 2025. Residence in zip code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) impacted by flooding from Hurricane Sandy throughout the study period. The primary outcome was the rate of ZCTA-level adjusted CVD events (including myocardial infarction [MI], heart failure [HF], and stroke), defined per 1000 beneficiary-years, with associated 95% bayesian credible intervals (bCrIs). Secondary outcomes included the rate of events for each CVD subtype (MI, HF, and stroke). In the matched cohort, 121 395 beneficiaries resided in 690 ZCTAs, of which 441 (63.9%) flooded. In nonflooded vs flooded ZCTAs, mean (SD) age (74.2 [1.4] vs 74.1 [1.2] years; P = .16), proportion of female beneficiaries (61.4% [8.4%] vs 61.3% [6.6%]; P = .89), and proportion of White beneficiaries (74.3% [28.7%] vs 76.7% [26.8%]; P = .27) were similar, but ZCTA-level median income ($81 168 [$33 410] vs $69 650 [$27 594]; P < .001) and median National Area Deprivation Index rank (17.1 [IQR, 10.2-27.6] vs 21.0 [IQR, 10.9-32.5]; P = .02) differed; prevalence of CVD and CVD subtypes was similar at baseline. Flooding was associated with an increase in adjusted 5-year CVD risk post landfall (relative risk, 1.05; 95% bCrI, 1.01-1.08) and HF rates overall (relative risk, 1.03; 95% bCrI, 1.00-1.08). No significant difference was found in rates of MI or stroke in adjusted analyses. In this cohort study of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, hurricane-related flooding was associated with increases in CVD event rates as long as 5 years after landfall and increased HF rates in New Jersey. These findings highlight the importance of place-based vulnerability from hurricane exposure to mitigate longer-term CVD risk and the need to consider long-term outcomes in hurricane mitigation efforts.

Before the hurricane and tropical storm season, weatherizing your backyard poultry coops is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of your birds. This publication outlines how to protect your coop from heavy winds, flooding, and flying debris. A well-built, well-anchored coop in a place that will not flood or blow over in strong winds is the goal. Written by Jessica M. Ryals and Gary D. Butcher, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, August 2025.

During a hurricane, it is vital that individuals receive communications that are easy to process and provide sufficient information to allow informed hurricane preparedness decisions and prevent loss of life. We study how different hurricane warning scales, the traditional Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) versus the newly developed Tropical Cyclone Severity Scale (TCSS), impact intent to evacuate and understanding of hurricane severity. We use a between-subject design where participants are assigned to either the traditional SSHWS or the new TCSS scale. We collected data in a large-scale (~ 4000 participants) online experiment to examine potential differences in comprehension, risk perception, anticipated evacuation, and preparation decisions among residents in U.S. coastal states prone to hurricanes. We find that participants using the TCSS scale are better at identifying the main hazard of a hurricane. For evacuation, the TCSS leads to significantly higher evacuation intent as opposed to SSHWS in cases where the TCSS is at least two categories higher (due to rainfall or storm surge being the main hazard rather than wind). In addition, the TCSS also seems to have a positive effect on taking appropriate precautionary measures, though not always at our stated significance level. Overall, our results demonstrate that people make better informed and more appropriate decisions with the TCSS as opposed to the currently used SSHWS.Protocol Registration The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 14 October 2024. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AYXTK. The approved Stage 1 protocol is available here: https://osf.io/m3swr.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-14170-1.

Abstract Strategically pre‐positioning relief supplies before disasters can reduce both response times and supply costs. However, accurately estimating the probabilities of disaster occurrences is difficult due to limited historical data and cognitive biases in decision‐making. Prior research has demonstrated the effectiveness of robust‐modeling approaches to such problems. This paper expands the prior work by incorporating ‐divergence uncertainty regions into decision‐making models to account for uncertainty in scenario probability estimates. An extensive numerical study using Monte Carlo simulation studies applied to a real‐world case study of hurricane preparedness in the Southeastern United States demonstrates that our models yield lower expected response costs, compared to traditional stochastic optimization approaches. Additionally, we show that explicitly incorporating knowledge of cognitive biases in probability estimation can significantly enhance decision‐making effectiveness and cost efficiency.

The coastal areas of Bangladesh are recognized as a major South Asian center for cyclone landfall. This research develops a comprehensive tropical cyclone mapping strategy utilizing the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and geospatial techniques to analyze the vulnerability distribution in the central coastal regions of Bangladesh. Eighteen spatial features, categorized into physical, social, and mitigation capacity criteria, were assessed to evaluate vulnerability. The output indicates that the southern peripheral districts- Bhola, Borgona, and Patuakhali are more vulnerable to tropical cyclones due to factors such as historical cyclone tracks, proximity to the coastline, low elevation, gentle slopes, high population density (including vulnerable groups such as females, the disabled, and agricultural workers), poor socioeconomic status, and land covers (crops and vegetations) prone to damage. Mitigation measures in these areas, including cyclone warnings, embankments, and access to shelters and road networks, are found to be inadequate. Validation through ROC and AUC confirms the accuracy of vulnerability maps. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers, local NGOs, and local administrators to enhance cyclone preparedness and develop targeted mitigation strategies to reduce vulnerability in coastal Bangladesh.

The coastal areas of Bangladesh are recognized as a major South Asian center for cyclone landfall. This research develops a comprehensive tropical cyclone mapping strategy utilizing the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and geospatial techniques to analyze the vulnerability distribution in the central coastal regions of Bangladesh. Eighteen spatial features, categorized into physical, social, and mitigation capacity criteria, were assessed to evaluate vulnerability. The output indicates that the southern peripheral districts- Bhola, Borgona, and Patuakhali are more vulnerable to tropical cyclones due to factors such as historical cyclone tracks, proximity to the coastline, low elevation, gentle slopes, high population density (including vulnerable groups such as females, the disabled, and agricultural workers), poor socioeconomic status, and land covers (crops and vegetations) prone to damage. Mitigation measures in these areas, including cyclone warnings, embankments, and access to shelters and road networks, are found to be inadequate. Validation through ROC and AUC confirms the accuracy of vulnerability maps. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers, local NGOs, and local administrators to enhance cyclone preparedness and develop targeted mitigation strategies to reduce vulnerability in coastal Bangladesh.

Physical Infrastructure Development in Cyclone Preparedness Strategy: An assessment in the cyclone prone blocks of West Bengal, India

Experts recommend preparedness to manage chronic diseases in case of disaster-related resource disruption. This study's goal is to identify factors underlying personal medical preparedness (PMP) among participants from a hurricane-prone region. A cross-sectional survey was completed during the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season with 120 insured adults age ≥50 in Southeast Louisiana with hypertension and ≥1 regular medication. PMP was measured using the validated Household Emergency Preparedness Instrument Access and Functional Needs Section (HEPI-AFN). Multivariable logistic regression analysis tested associations between PMP and exposure variables, including demographics, health, and hurricane experience. The sample included 50% women, 43% Black, with mean age 62.6 (SD = 8.1) years and mean 51.3 (SD = 18.1) years living in hurricane-impacted area. Participants were prepared on an average 79% (SD = 21) of applicable HEPI-AFN items; 42 (35%) were prepared on 100% of PMP items. The most missed item was having 2 weeks of extra medication; open-responses noted refill policies as a common barrier to PMP. No factors were associated with increased odds of PMP. While many participants in this insured, disaster-experienced sample are medically prepared, restrictive pharmaceutical refill policies may be a barrier. Research is needed to understand the impact of prescription refill and other policies on PMP.

HurricaneLog: A serious game for data collection and analysis of hurricane preparedness and response operations

Abstract: In this essay, the authors reflect individually and together on the local cultures of hurricane preparedness and survival in the southern United States communities of their births. LeRhonda remembers the sounds and monstrous power of Hurricane Hugo, as well as her South Carolinian family's efforts towards recovery and retaining community memory, while James probes his family's history of remaining settled in Florida, even as hurricane seasons continue to intensify. A shared and deep affinity for New Orleans and the television show, Queen Sugar , conjoins their stories in unanticipated ways. As a rich and layered series set in post-Katrina Louisiana, Queen Sugar expands and confounds what we know about how family ties are the ties that bind. Both authors ruminate on the formation of their families before, during, and after these cyclone events, and consider the lessons and wisdoms for weathering storms—witnessing, remembering, seeking safety, enduring, forging kinship, and surviving.

Vijayawada, a rapidly expanding urban hub in Andhra Pradesh, has seen significant population growth, rising from 2,104,000 in 2021 to 2,291,000 in 2024. This growth has increased the city's vulnerability to cyclonic events, as evidenced by the severe impacts of recent cyclones like Phethai (2018), Hudhud (2014) and Michaung (2023). These events have caused widespread flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage. To bolster cyclone preparedness, this study utilizes a Geographic Information System (GIS) integrated with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine optimal locations for Cyclone Shelters in Vijayawada. The analysis incorporates nine critical parameters: elevation, slope, roughness, Hillshade, proximity to roads and rivers, land use land cover, aspect and wind characteristics (speed and direction). Each parameter was re-scaled into five suitability classes and weighted accordingly, with distance from roads (15%), proximity to water bodies (14%) and elevation (13%) receiving the highest weights. Additionally, a Windrose diagram was developed using WRPLOT software, analyzing wind speed and direction data collected at 50-meter intervals from January 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024. This wind pattern analysis, with speeds classified into six classes and calms recorded at 1.52%, provided crucial insights for Shelter placement. The site suitability assessment for cyclone shelters in Vijayawada has been conducted, categorizing the land into five classes: not suitable, less suitable, moderately suitable, suitable and highly suitable. The resulting suitability map is a critical resource for disaster management, aiming at bolstering Vijayawada's resilience to future cyclones and safeguarding its rapidly growing population. This study underscores the value of integrating GIS-based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques with wind pattern analysis to enhance disaster preparedness and optimize shelter placement, ensuring a strategic and effective response to potential cyclone threats.

Purpose This study explored the social capital received by women household heads (WHHs) as informal assistance during recurring cyclones and investigated the contributions of various social capital to women’s cyclone-related preparedness, responses and recovery. Design/methodology/approach This research focused on women-headed households in Gabura Union, a southwest coastal area in Bangladesh. Data were collected using a mixed methods approach, yielding 114 survey responses and 44 semi-structured interviews. Descriptive and narrative analyses, including various statistical tests, were used to evaluate the data. Findings The findings reveal that the bonding capital assistance received by WHHs was prevalent across all cyclone phases, whereas bridging capital support was available only during response and recovery; the interviewed WHHs expressed satisfaction with the former but not with the latter. Although insufficient, bridging capital still plays an important role in cyclone preparedness and recovery. The analysis also shows that women who are older adults, financially disadvantaged, and live without an earning male family member are prioritised for assistance. Originality/value This study adds to the existing literature on the role of social capital in coping with cyclone-related hazards, addressing the research gap on women or women-headed households, who are the most affected victims of recurring cyclones in coastal Bangladesh.

This study presents a comprehensive approach in mapping Cyclone Shelters in Visakhapatnam using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weighted overlay techniques. The research integrates multiple geospatial datasets including road networks, elevation (ranging from 18 to 1677 meters), slope, aspect, roughness, hillshade, distance from rivers, distance from the seashore and Land Use Land Cover (LULC). Additionally, population growth data was incorporated, showing an increase from 105,000 in 1950 to 2,385,000 in 2024, with a forecasted population of 3,041,000 by 2035, reflecting a growth rate of 2.32%. Windrose analysis categorized wind speeds into six groups, which are crucial for assessing cyclone impacts. These nine specific themes were re-scaled into five classes to create a Cyclone Shelter suitability map, classifying areas as not suitable, less suitable, moderately suitable, suitable and highly suitable. Covering 550 square kilometers, the study area is located at 17°69'N latitude and 83°22'E longitude, with an altitude of 900 meters. The resulting Cyclone Shelter map provides a valuable tool for disaster preparedness and response planning in Visakhapatnam, offering critical insights into shelter placement and suitability.

Abstract This study is among the first to develop different prototypes of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbots powered by GPT-4 to communicate hurricane preparedness information to diverse residents. Drawing from the Computers Are Social Actors paradigm and the literature on disaster vulnerability and cultural tailoring, we conducted a between-subjects experiment with 441 Black, Hispanic, and Caucasian residents of Florida. Our results suggest that GenAI chatbots varying in tone formality and cultural tailoring significantly influence perceptions of their friendliness and credibility, which, in turn, relate to hurricane preparedness outcomes. These results highlight the potential of using GenAI chatbots to improve diverse communities’ disaster preparedness.