Natural Disasters Research Articles

Assessment of extreme precipitation events in Brazil during 2023: Insights from CHIRPS and rain gauge data

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of extreme precipitation events that occurred during the year 2023 in Brazil, aiming to provide valuable insights into climate risks and support decision-making related to disaster prevention. Leveraging data from the Climate Hazard Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) and complementing it with observational data from the network gauges of the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters (Cemaden), the research focuses on assessing indices derived from rainfall data, notably days with precipitation exceeding 50 mm, and juxtaposes these events against historical averages from 1992 to 2022 to discern anomalies. Data are aggregated at the municipal level, considering the maximum value within each municipal domain. The results highlight the influence of the El Niño phenomenon in the Southern region of Brazil, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, underscoring the importance of considering global and local climatic factors in impact assessment. Additionally, specific analyses are presented for municipalities such as Petrópolis (RJ), Manaus (AM), and São Sebastião (SP), revealing trends and anomalies that warrant attention for adaptation measures and disaster risk reduction. The study concludes that 2023 served as an illustrative year for climate projections, emphasizing the urgency to advance mitigation actions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address future climate challenges.

Intersections of Intimate Partner Violence and Natural Disasters: A Systematic Review of the Quantitative Evidence.

Natural disasters and extreme weather events are increasing in both intensity and frequency. Emerging evidence suggests that there is a relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and natural disasters. However, there is a scarcity of methodologically sound research in this area with no systematic review to date. To address the gap, this paper systematically assesses the quantitative evidence on the association between IPV with natural disasters between 1990 and March 2023. There were 27 articles that meet the inclusion criteria for the data extraction process. A quantitative critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of each study and a narrative synthesis approach to explore the findings. The review found an association between IPV and disasters, across disaster types and countries. However, more research is needed to explore the nuances and gaps within the existing knowledge base. It was unclear whether this relationship was causal or if natural disasters heightened existing risk factors. Further, it is inconclusive as to whether disasters create new cases of IPV or exacerbate existing violence. The majority of studies focused on hurricanes and earthquakes with a dearth of research on "slow onset disasters." These gaps represent the need for further research. Further research can provide a more thorough understanding of IPV and natural disasters, increasing stakeholders' ability to strengthen community capacity and reduce IPV when natural disasters occur.

Vulnerability, Digital Technologies and International Law: Reflections on Contemporary Migration Flows

Migration, considered a ‘total social fact’, remains one of the most debated topics in contemporary society. Unfortunately, migration is not always a positive experience for everyone. Certain categories of people, such as women, children, persecuted ethnic minorities, and those fleeing conflict zones, widespread violence and natural disasters, are undoubtedly more exposed to its adverse effects. The socially disadvantaged conditions of migrants can also overlap with the risk of exclusion from digital literacy. ‘Digital availability’ is an essential asset for networking through the entire period of migration, which varies according to the departure and destination contexts and skills of use. Vulnerability can be a key concept when it comes to exploring the connection between migration processes and increasing digitisation, with both positive and negative consequences. Despite the frequent use of the term ‘vulnerability’ in political and legal discourse, its normative content is neither always clear nor universally accepted. Often treated as a self-explanatory condition, it is habitually used to distinguish migrants according to specific groups based on precise characteristics – especially refugees or asylum seekers – without specifying how the notion is conceptually understood or defined. The aim of our work is to provide some suggestions about three different concepts of vulnerability (subjective, situational and structural), the impact of the legal concept of vulnerability on migration processes and how situations of vulnerability are sometimes accentuated by the spread of media and social media.

'School-based screen-and-treat': An effective blueprint for expediating access to care in children experiencing PTSD following disasters.

While 5%-10% of children exposed to natural disasters develop PTSD, few children access support. This paper reports on the proactive 'screen-and-treat' approach deployed following devastating floods in Queensland, Australia, in 2011 and presents results for children in the Lockyer Valley (the most impacted community). Open treatment study (2011-2012) within a government-funded post-disaster service response. One hundred and fifty children (7-12 years) completed pencil-and-paper screening (PTSD, anxiety and depression) at school. Eighty children endorsing either clinical levels of PTSD, or moderate levels of PTSD and clinical levels of either anxiety or depression, and their parents, completed a structured diagnostic interview. Forty-eight children were offered a free trauma-focused CBT intervention. The parents of 19 children accepted this offer. Most clinicians were clinical psychology trainees from local universities. All measures were repeated at post-treatment, 6- and 12-month follow-up. Note: The term 'parents' is used to refer to the wide variety of people serving as a child's primary caregiver. Pre-treatment, all children met diagnostic criteria for full (N = 17) or sub-clinical PTSD. By post-treatment, 10.5% met criteria for PTSD, with 0% meeting criteria at the 12-month follow-up. The incidence of anxiety and depressive disorders also reduced significantly. There were no differences in outcomes for children seen by trainees compared to experienced clinicians. A school-based screen-and-treat approach offers potential as a means of identifying and treating children following natural disaster exposure. However, engagement of families at the outset, and when offering intervention was challenging. Postgraduate trainees represent an effective potential workforce in a post-disaster environment.

A concept analysis of psychological trauma in labour and delivery nurses.

To facilitate an understanding of the risk for psychological trauma in labour and delivery nurses. Concept analysis. The Walker and Avant method of concept analysis was applied to 56 articles. The characteristics, antecedents, and consequences of psychological trauma in labour and delivery nurses were identified. Peer-reviewed articles in English from CINAHL, PubMed and Google Scholar were reviewed on July 2023. The characteristics of psychological trauma in labour and delivery nurses are overwhelming distress, intrusive symptoms, avoidance and numbing behaviours, hypervigilance or hyperarousal, emotional dysregulation, cognitive distortions, and interpersonal challenges. The antecedents are exposure to one or more of the following nurse-specific traumas: natural or person-made disasters, historical role limitations, second victim situations, secondary trauma, system-mediated or over-medicalized care, insufficient resources, or workplace incivility. The consequences are disruptions in mental health, diminished physical health, alterations in relationships, and variable work performance. Labour and delivery nurses experience unique causes of psychological trauma due to their practice environment and patient population. The consequences of labour and delivery nurses' psychological trauma extend beyond individual health and impact the quality of patient care and organizational capacity. Furthermore, research is needed to inform education, support and policy measures to mitigate harm effectively. WHAT PROBLEM DID THE STUDY ADDRESS?: Nurse-specific trauma theory has not been applied to the unique labour and delivery environment with a high incidence of patient trauma. WHAT WERE THE MAIN FINDINGS?: Multiple causes of trauma in the perinatal context have created a pervasive yet largely preventable issue. WHERE AND ON WHOM WILL THE RESEARCH HAVE AN IMPACT?: This research will impact labour and delivery nurses, their leadership, and their patients. No patient or public contribution.

Disaster Mitigation and preparedness from the Perspective of Holy Quran

Background: Different religions have tackled the issue of natural disasters, considering them the result of people’s sins, holy action, and tools used by God to punish people. These beliefs will keep people reluctant to do anything to respond well to disasters since they believe that nothing could or should be done. Of course, the Holy Quran advises believers to stay cautious about disaster risks and try to lessen them. Thus, this research aims to investigate the verses of the Holy Quran about disaster risk management to correct religious beliefs about this topic. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted. First, verses of Holy Quran related to disasters were identified through a search in Quran’s text, translation, and interpretation. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: 82 of verses were included in the analysis after evaluating their content. The results were divided into two categories: readiness, and prevention and vulnerability reduction. Conclusion: This research confirms that Islam has paid much attention to disaster readiness and prevention. This issue has been stated in Holy Quran with many examples and suggestions. Precise reflection in these verses can have a notable influence on changing the views and beliefs of society members, and these verses are proof of the policies, actions, and plans that humanity has reached after years of experience against hazards.

E-Governance for Crisis Communication: A Study of Environmental Disaster in Pakistan

This study explores the state of social media as an e-governance platform which is currently in preliminary stage in crisis communication during three major climate disasters in Pakistan. The researchers aim to scrutinize the proactive or reactive approach of social media handles belonging to Disaster Management Authorities (DMA’s) of Pakistan during the natural calamities of 2022: During Murree Snowstorm, Karachi Monsoon Rainfall, and Floods. This study targets various authorities, namely the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities of Punjab, Sindh, KPK, and Baluchistan. Using quantitative content analysis techniques, the Social Mediated Crises Communication Model provided theoretical implications to determine which authority gathered more feedback likes, comments, and shares/retweets. The data is purposively sampled from the Twitter and Facebook handles of the National Disaster Management Authority and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities beginning from 1 January 2022 till 31 December 2022. The descriptive analysis on SPSS indicated that, most of the times, disaster management authorities adopted a reactive approach, with Twitter being a more active platform than Facebook. Additionally, contrary to other DMA’s, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority received more feedback on their social media platforms.

Building Urban Climate Resilience: Assessing Awareness, Perception, and Willingness regarding Nature-Based Solutions and Climate Change among Stakeholders in Iligan City, Philippines

Iligan City has been the heart of major industries in steel, cement, and hydropower and is one of the highly urbanized coastal cities in Mindanao, Philippines. Due to its geological state, environmental challenges like flooding, natural disasters, and environmental degradation have been experienced by the city. With the climate crisis, these risks are being magnified. Recently, nature-based solutions (NBS) have gained significant attention worldwide, viewed as a key solution to the consequences of climate change. Yet implementation of strategies and policies regarding NBS, especially in developing countries, has received poor attention. Hence, this study aims to assess the awareness and perceptions of stakeholders in Iligan City regarding climate change, NBS, and willingness to engage in actions involving NBS. Stakeholder mapping and surveys were conducted through purposive sampling. A total of 187 respondents were interviewed from different sectors (LGUs, NGOs, the private sector, and academia) in Iligan City. Results revealed significant differences in awareness and perceptions across the distinct socio-economic backgrounds of stakeholders, where respondents with higher education and income have greater levels of awareness, perception, and willingness. The study recommends future targeted approaches and increased campaigns for climate change and sustainable solutions such as integrating NBS in adaptation strategies and mitigation plans to foster multi-level stakeholder collaboration.

The delivery and challenges of Pediatric Anesthesia within the humanitarian sector: Médecins Sans Frontières and Mercy Ships.

Access to healthcare is inequitable. Poverty, natural disasters and war disproportionally effect those most vulnerable, including children. Non-governmental organizations (NGO) hold a vital role in providing pediatric care in these contexts. Here we describe the delivery and challenges of Pediatric Anesthesia with two such non-governmental organizations; Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Mercy Ships. Descriptions of both are followed by case studies.

5G-enabled smart hospitals: Innovations in patient care and facility management.

Smart hospitals represent the pinnacle of healthcare innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to transform patient care and facility management. This article addresses the pressing need for effective implementation of 5G technology in smart hospitals, aiming to enhance connectivity, improve patient outcomes, and drive operational efficiency. The methodology employed involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies, and expert insights to analyze the impact of 5G on various aspects of smart hospital operations. The article highlights the significance of 5G technology in enabling real-time data analytics, remote monitoring, and telemedicine, thus revolutionizing healthcare delivery. By providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity, 5G facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, leading to more efficient diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Additionally, the adoption of 5G enables smart hospitals to leverage artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions for predictive analytics, personalized medicine and enhanced patient engagement. Furthermore, the article explores the potential of 5G-enabled smart hospitals in enhancing disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts. Case studies and examples demonstrate how 5G technology can improve situational awareness, coordinate resources, and deliver timely care during natural disasters and pandemics. Overall, this article underscores the transformative impact of 5G technology on smart hospitals and emphasizes the importance of embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities. By adopting 5G technology, smart hospitals can usher in a new era of healthcare delivery characterized by enhanced connectivity, improved patient outcomes, and unparalleled efficiency.

Multistakeholder Participation, Collaboration, and Networking in Disaster Risk Reduction and Pandemic Management: Insights and Future Policy Framework

The natural and manmade disasters impact a society with loss of assets and human lives. Disasters leavepeople in vulnerable conditions and an overall economic slowdown is observed. The impact of disasters is highly complex and multidimensional in nature. It becomes imperative to handle the complexity of issues with comprehensive approach. Managing disasters effectively is one of the important challenges any government faces when it tries to be prepared with appropriate mitigation, rescue, and relief strategies. The unexpected nature and urgency related to Disaster Risk Reduction makes it important and relevant to involvemultistakeholders. This will help to bring down the severity and impact of the disaster on human lives and losses. Disaster Risk Reductionrequires meticulous planning and sharing of the responsibility among multistakeholders through networking so as to bring down the severity and minimize the negative impact of a disaster. Many research studies have suggested the multistakeholder approach in addressing the disasters. There are several gaps such as inefficiency of vertical management to deal the issues, involvement of multiple stakeholders, and lack of local public supportfor disaster. This paper, considering the case of COVID-19 as a pandemic and disaster, discusses the importance of multistakeholder participation. The paper presents an extensive review of the papers on the relevance ofparticipation of multistakeholdersin Disaster Risk Reduction and explores the scope and challenges involved and suggests policies to address the disasters, which utilizes Multistakeholder Participation.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Use of Web-GIS for Natural Hazard Management: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aims to synthesise Web-GIS evidence for managing natural hazards to share state-of-the-art practices and policies. A comprehensive search in SCOPUS, among other databases, identified 1775 articles published between 2014 and 2023. Following a selection process based on the PRISMA model, 65 articles met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed a growing trend over the past decade, with most research concentrated in the last three years. Eight crucial subtopics within the Web-GIS domain have emerged: Integrated Spatial Analysis and Modelling, Technologies and Infrastructure, Visualisation and User Interface Design, Decision Support Systems, Real-time Monitoring and Early Warning, Disaster Recovery and Resilience, Citizen and Social Media Integration, and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration. A substantial contribution of the literature has been identified in Decision Support Systems and Integrated Spatial Analysis, reflecting their vital role in strategising and predicting hazard impacts. Furthermore, a geographical distribution analysis revealed significant Web-GIS applications in countries like Italy and China, alongside a deficit in low- and middle-income countries. It also highlights potential gaps in hazard studies, including the need to prioritise heatwave management in the face of climate change. This research calls for policymakers and practitioners to leverage evidence-informed decision making and foster community collaboration for enhanced natural disaster resilience.

Does community resilience affect household asset portfolio choices?

AbstractThis paper identifies a positive (negative) relationship between community resilience and household stock market participation (deposit flows). These relationships are less pronounced for higher‐income and married households, indicating an income channel and a marriage channel, respectively. Furthermore, compared to white and Asian households, black households are more sensitive to the effects of community resilience on household investments and deposit flows. Overall, our findings suggest that improvements in people's preparedness for, resilience against, and recovery from potential hazardous events and natural disasters shift households' asset portfolio choices from safe savings to risky stock investments.

IoT Based Early Flood Alerting System

The frequency and intensity of floods have increased recently in many parts of the world, increasing the need for cutting-edge technology solutions to mitigate the effects of these natural disasters. It is crucial to keep aneye on the water flow and get early emergency alerts regarding the water level based on the riverbed in order toprevent such disasters. The goal of this project is to create asystem that employs cutting-edge sensors and a Wi-Fi module to detect the water level. The suggested system has a number of sensors that can track important variables, including temperature, humidity, and water level. If the level crosses a certain threshold, The system will send out early warnings to everyone, alerting them to the likelihood of floods. To process and store data, we have linked the Arduino UNO to each sensor. The system can notify a wider audience by sending email alerts, ensuring that individuals in flood-prone areas receive timely warnings. Additionally, the use ofa Wi-Fi module enables real-time data transmission and remote monitoring of water levels, allowing authorities to take preemptive measures and minimize the impact of potential floods. By integrating advanced sensors with communication technology, this project aims to enhance early warning systems and contribute to more effective disaster management strategies in vulnerable regions. Ultimately, the implementation of such innovative solutions can significantly improve community resilience and reduce the adverse consequences of flooding events.

Environmental Degradation: Causes, Effects and Solutions

Environmental degradation is a pressing global issue with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, human health, and sustainable development. This comprehensive article explores the various causes of environmental degradation, ranging from poverty and urbanization to industrialization, deforestation, pollution, natural disasters, population growth, climate change, unrestricted development, soil damage, energy use, unsustainable agriculture, and landfills. It examines the various effects of environmental degradation, including impacts on human health, biodiversity loss, global warming, ozone layer depletion, atmospheric changes, scarcity of natural resources, loss of the tourism industry, and economic recession. Moreover, the article suggests a wide array of solutions to address environmental degradation, encompassing tree plantation, regenerative farming, spiritual renewal, pollution control, reduced fuel consumption, waste management strategies, water conservation, sustainable initiatives, public awareness campaigns, social movements, government policies and international cooperation through UN initiatives.

Anxiety in the emergency medical practice – its psychiatric and somatic origin, comorbidities, behavior and treatment

Anxiety conditions and disorders are common in the general population, and patients suffering from them often seek the services of emergency departments. Anxiety is a psychopathological symptom that accompanies not only psychiatric conditions, but a wide range of somatic diseases, and a combination of both. The biochemical and pathophysiological mechanisms of psychosomatic interrelationship and comorbidity are complex and multi-layered. Thus, diagnosing the root cause of anxiety is a clinical challenge. Early, and on time, recognition of an anxiety disorder helps to avoid unnecessary investigations, ensures correct treatment and saves hospital resources. Careful use of medications, psychoeducation and referral to a specialist improves patient outcome with this potentially debilitating disease. In this article, the authors aim to present in a synthesized form the main epidemiological data on the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders, anatomical localization and biochemical mechanisms and relationships in the pathogenesis of anxiety symptoms, as well as to derive the main guidelines for recognizing and differentiating clinicopathological constellations in somatic conditions in emergency medical practice. Materials and methods. Existing published studies from an international database, related to the subject of the article, have been thoroughly studied. Results. Anxiety symptoms, in particular panic attacks and disorders, are widespread in primary care and occupy a significant part of the work process, especially at times of peak loads, natural disasters and situations of mass traumatism. Conclusions. Timely training and good preparation for recognition and adequate assessment of anxiety conditions in primary and emergency medical care significantly shorten the therapeutic route of patients. They receive competent help on time, and the cost of their treatment is significantly reduced. Discussion. Modern medical science, including psychiatric, offers advanced drug and non-drug methods for the treatment and prevention of anxiety conditions and disorders.

Exploring the Likely Impacts of April 2024 Dubai Floods on Ghana’s Trade and Economic Outlook: Addressing the Challenges and Forging New Directions: A Literature Review

The study examines the repercussions of Dubai's flooding on Ghana’s trade and proposes actionable strategies for resilience and growth. Through a literature review, it investigates the influence of natural disasters on international trade, focusing on challenges encountered by developing economies like Ghana. The study emphasizes the interconnectedness of global trade networks and the need for proactive risk management. Existing qualitative literature from previous studies was synthesized and analyzed for the study which revealed that over the last three years, Ghana's exports to the United Arab Emirates have grown significantly, from $117 million in 2021 to $1.71 billion in 2023. This suggests that the market for Ghanaian goods in the United Arab Emirates is growing, maybe as a result of enhanced market access, diversified product offerings, or rising demand. Although Ghana's exports to the United Arab Emirates have been increasing, the UAE's imports into Ghana have varied over time. Ghana has a trade deficit as a result of the steady tendency of imports to exceed exports, notwithstanding fluctuations. Findings suggest potential disruptions to Ghana's trade activities and economic growth due to Dubai's flooding, highlighting the importance of resilience-building measures and diversification of trade partners and markets. Recommendations include investing in resilient infrastructure, promoting digital trade, enhancing institutional capacity, and fostering regional cooperation. By offering insights for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders, this study contributes to understanding the resilience of developing economies to natural disasters and provides practical guidance for Ghana to navigate the challenges posed by Dubai's flooding and achieve sustainable growth.

Medical Rescue System

India's vast and diverse landscape presents significant challenges for delivering timely medical assistance to remote and inaccessible regions, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters. In response to this critical need, this paper introduces a specialized Medical Rescue System (MRS) designed specifically for the Indian context. In conclusion, the Medical Rescue System represents a promising solution to address the unique challenges of emergency medical response in India, contributing to the nation's efforts to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all its citizens. Continued research, development, and deployment of the MRS are essential to realize its full potential and save lives in emergencies across the subcontinent.

Regional comparison of the structure of human well-being related to ecosystem services in coastal areas of Japan: possible effect of anxiety unique to the ria coast

AbstractPeople living in coastal areas have the advantage of accessing a high level of ecosystem services, but are also exposed to the dangers inherent in living by the sea in an area prone to natural disasters. To achieve sustainable utilization of the high ecosystem services of coastal areas, establishment of an effective marine policy based on regional characteristics of human–nature interactions is essential. We compared the structure of perceived satisfaction for five components of human well-being (‘Security’, ‘Basic material for a good life’, ‘Good social relations’, ‘Health’, and ‘Freedom of choice and action’) derived from coastal ecosystem services among three sites in Japan (Wakasa, Sanriku, and Shima) that share the same natural and social backgrounds: highly dependent on fisheries industry, located in the same climate regime (temperate zone), and have similar topographical features (ria coast). Structural equation modeling using the results from questionnaire surveys showed that the three sites shared a common basic structure of the interactions among the five components of human well-being. However, the intensity of interactions among components differed among the three sites. Questionnaire surveys on anxiety about natural disasters and future access to marine ecosystem services were simultaneously conducted at the three sites. The site-specific anxieties were responsible for the difference in the interactions among the five components of human well-being. We propose a method that quantitatively evaluates both positive (satisfaction) and negative (anxiety) aspects of respondents’ subjective assessment as a useful tool for understanding the diversity of human–nature interactions caused by the region-specific natural and social backgrounds of coastal areas.

Effective communication in a crisis requires advance planning

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — From cybercrime, on‐campus violence, student deaths, and natural disasters to academic scandals and faculty/staff misconduct, there's no shortage of potential crises that can hit college campuses. In the midst of a crisis, higher education administrators often find themselves unprepared to manage communications effectively, which only exacerbates the problem, according to James Haggerty, J.D., CEO of PRCG/Haggerty LLC, a strategic crisis communications firm. He spoke at Stetson University's Annual National Conference on Higher Education Law and Policy.