Post Disaster Needs Assessment Research Articles

Brief communication: A first hydrological investigation of extreme August 2023 floods in Slovenia, Europe

Abstract. Extreme floods occurred from 4 to 6 August 2023 in Slovenia causing three casualties and causing total direct and indirect damage, including post-disaster needs according to the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), close to EUR 10 billion. The atypical summer weather conditions combined with the high air and sea temperatures in the Mediterranean and the high soil moisture led to the most extreme flood event in Slovenia in recent decades. The return periods of both daily and sub-daily precipitation extremes and peak discharges reached 250–500 years, and the runoff coefficient of a typical torrential and mostly forested mesoscale catchment was around 0.5. In addition, flooding, soil erosion, mass movements and river sediment transport processes caused major damage to buildings (more than 12 000 houses) and diverse infrastructure.

Developing gender‐sensitive post‐disaster needs assessment national guideline based on the impacts of 2019 Iran floods

AbstractIn this paper, the outline of national guideline for gender‐sensitive post‐disaster needs assessment (PDNA) that was developed based on the experiences of 2019 Iran floods is presented. Accordingly, at first, the baseline information on female‐headed households, elderly, disabled women and the employment situation of females that should be collected before the disaster is introduced. Then, the mechanism for evaluation the effects and impacts of disasters on women and girls is presented. Finally, considering the recovery strategies, their needs in recovery and reconstruction are addressed. The results can be used in other countries to develop the gender‐sensitive PDNA guidelines.

Understanding the impacts of floods on learning quality, school facilities, and educational recovery in Indonesia.

This research is among the first pieces of work to use the comprehensive school safety (CSS) framework to assess the impacts of floods on quality learning and education infrastructure. The CSS framework is employed here to identify the level of disruption to education services following floods in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2013. The paper poses three key questions, concerning: (i) disruption to children's access to quality education during the flood emergency in 2013 and the early recovery phase; (ii) the impact of the floods on a school's physical infrastructure; and (iii) the effectiveness and level of success of the 2013 flood responses by relevant stakeholders. Combining quantitative and qualitative strategies, the paper examines the experiences of 100 schools in Jakarta. The findings suggest that the CSS framework offers a more nuanced approach to assessing post-disaster education needs. Moreover, it is also relevant for examining the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and relative losses in the education sector.

Kajian Kebutuhan Pasca Bencana (Bidang Rehabilitasi Dan Rekonstruksi) Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah (BPBD) Kabupaten Kutai Kartanegara (Kajian Di Desa Tuana Tuha Kenohan)

This research was conducted through a Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) which included assessing the consequences of disasters, disaster impacts, and post-disaster recovery needs. The research method used in this study is descriptive analysis with a quantitative approach, which aims to explain a phenomenon that uses numbers and describes the characteristics of the subject being studied or researched so as to get a picture of a certain event. Damage to infrastructure that occurred in the disaster located in Tuana Tuha Village, Kenohan District due to erosion caused physical losses to the land transportation sub-sector, water resources sub-sector, clean water and lighting sub-sector. Given the damage to roads and bridges that connect several sub-districts in the Sungai Belayan area in Kuti Kartanegara Regency, it has an impact on economic, educational, social, cultural and other aspects, from the results of this study, it is appropriate for the Government to pay attention and accommodate proposals in the form of funds. , procurement of materials or repairs, relocation areas and other relevant recommendations from the results of the post-disaster Needs study that occurred in the Keliran hamlet, Tuana Tuha Village, Kenohan sub-district which was affected by the disaster.

Hydro-Meteorological Incident and Disaster Response in Sri Lanka. Case Study: 2016 May Rain Events

This paper investigates hydro-meteorological hazards faced by Sri Lanka, a lower-middle-income island country in Asia. It provides a case study of a major hydro-meteorological disaster incident that resulted in one of the largest landslides in the history of the country, the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) process, and the national disaster response. Rainfall and flood inundation data are provided for the whole country. The fact that data are held by several government agencies (namely Department of Meteorology, Department of Irrigation, and NBRO), somewhat coordinated by the Disaster Management Center (DMC) is shown. The need for more streamlined coordination of hydro-met data with online access of data for researchers is emphasized. The flood disaster situation and disaster declaration of the Western Province (which contributes nearly 40% of the GDP) is looked at, and evidence is presented to recommend a smaller governance unit for future disaster declarations, in order to bring aid to the places where it is needed and leaving other areas of the province to carry on with the normal economic activity. An example of the use of climate change scenarios in rainfall prediction is provided from a developed island nation (New Zealand). The need for Sri Lanka to increase its spending for hydro-met services (both infrastructure and skills) is highlighted (the global norm being 0.02 of GDP), as the return on such investment is tenfold.

Assessing losses and damages to ecosystem services: current state and opportunities for the Warsaw International Mechanism under the UNFCCC

ABSTRACT Ecosystems provide essential services that form the basis of human well-being. Climate change-induced losses and damages to ecosystem services (l&d-ES) thus have significant impacts on societies. Yet, little of the work on losses and damages (l&d) has focused on ecosystem services. Also in international climate negotiations, where the debate emerged with the establishment of the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM), there remains space for better understanding and addressing l&d-ES. Part of the explanation of this lies in the challenge of assessing such l&d. To address this gap, this paper reviews scientific literature and data obtained from Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNAs) to explore ways forward for more in depth assessments. The review confirms that little attention has been given to the topic, identifying 27 relevant scientific papers with only 6 providing a disaggregated monetary value for l&d-ES. Also amongst the 64 analyised PDNAs, only 12 report such disaggregated value; valuing just one ecosystem service per impacted ecosystem. The review finds that the majority of both the scientific literature and the PDNAs relies on extrapolating values from the literature. To enhance l&d-ES assessment and, with that, the opportunity for better understanding, recognition and uptake by e.g. the WIM, this paper makes three recommendations: 1. establishing a baseline of ecosystems recognized for their services of disaster risk reduction and/or climate change adaptation, while highlighting the need for an accessible and representative benefit transfer database; 2. enhancing collaboration between scientists and practitioners; and 3. quantitatively increasing data on l&d-ES. Key policy insights There remains space for better understanding and addressing l&d-ES. To facilitate assessing l&d-ES, the establishment of ecological baselines should be encouraged for ecosystem services that can be reported on in other circumstances. Additionally, a benefit transfer database is needed that is that is geographically and ecologically representative, explicitly oriented towards l&d-ES, and easily accessible to both researchers and decision-makers. Considering the divergence of ecosystems addressed by different stakeholders, it may be advisable to encourage the collaboration of a wide stakeholder range, including scientists, to collect data that advance the understanding of l&d-ES. Disaggregated assessment of l&d-ES should be quantitatively increased and the WIM could encourage the reporting of l&d-ES, in order to expand the database and understanding of l&d-ES.

Implementation of Post Disaster Needs Assessment in Indonesia: Literature Review

This paper shares key findings from past studies on Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) in Indonesia, to be used as inputs for future research. We used Google Scholar to identify the relevant articles for analysis. From the 297 results obtained, we selected 25 materials, which are reviewed in detail. We classified the findings in the selected literature into 4 topics. (1) Cases of PDNA implementation in Indonesia: many studies deal with the Indian Ocean Tsunami and the Central Java Earthquake. (2) Policy aspects: the previous literature demonstrated PDNA policies and regulations, on which not only the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) but also others (e.g., Ministry of Home Affairs) have primary jurisdiction. (3) Coordination of implementation: coordination by the local disaster management agencies (BPBD) when facing challenges. (4) Methodological issues: the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) methodology does not perfectly fit in practice. One of the most significant implications drawn from the review is that more research is needed to examine policy aspects. The existing studies tend to focus mainly on BNPB, and such BNPB-centric perspectives prevented a comprehensive identification of the relevant actors, leading to a narrow range of analysis on PDNA. Our review suggests that changing viewpoints, being mindful of the BNPB function, is beneficial for further understanding PDNA implementation in Indonesia.

Geo-spatial Techniques for rapid Post Disaster Needs Assessment (rPDNA)

Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) by conventional techniques is one of the critical challenge to respond and recover in specific timeline. This study aims on providing a rapid damage assessment model (rPDNA) by integrating geospatial techniques to compliment Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) developed by UNDP, WB and other UN agencies. This model focuses on generating the disaster damage reports within 48 – 72 hours after the disaster, to guide the decision makers on when, how and where to start the PDNA. To improve the speed and accuracy in assessment through rPDNA, various indicators like NDVI, NDWI and texture analysis has been used. Crowdsourcing approach was also adopted to make disaster affected people/victims as volunteers for quick data gathering.

Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)

This article is a Letter to the Editor and does not include an Abstract.

Squaring the circle? Integrating environment, infrastructure and risk reduction in Post Disaster Needs Assessments

Disasters triggered by natural hazards such as floods, droughts or cyclones have the potential to cause large-scale damage on regional, national or even supranational scale. To cope with the impacts and to facilitate reconstruction the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) tool was developed. Its main goal is to assess damages and resulting early and long-term recovery needs and priorities. The assessment, a government-led exercise with support from the United Nations, the European Commission, the World Bank and others, is divided into different sectors, including environment, disaster risk reduction, and infrastructure as key topics.However, in reality the potential of this integrated approach is far from being fully exploited. The relevance of sound environmental conditions for recovery are under addressed in the other sector reports, such as the consideration of ecosystem-based approaches for disaster risk reduction and as part of green or hybrid infrastructures. Based on an in-depth assessment of past PDNA reports and a qualitative empirical survey among experts involved in these studies, this paper aims at assessing underlying reasons for the negligence of environmental aspects and potentials against other needs. After comparing the described environmental damages against proposed recovery strategies in the respective sector – if made at all – we highlight related potential shortcomings and challenges. In a second step, the proposed (engineered) risk reduction measures are analyzed regarding their consideration of ecosystem-based approaches. We conclude by proposing potentials to leverage environmental considerations and ecosystem-based solutions into risk reduction strategies.

Landslide inventory, susceptibility mapping and recommendation of the mitigation measures in Nuwakot District

Nepal earthquake of 25th April 2015 and subsequent big aftershocks impacted people, land, and water resources significantly. Following the devastating earthquake, land and water management has become one of the primary focuses of the Government of Nepal as these resources are foundations of people’s livelihood and prosperity. The weakened, cracked, and destabilized slopes and surfaces due to the earthquake become even more susceptible to landslides that can be aggravated due to rainfall and inappropriate anthropogenic activities. Due to the devastating earthquake, 31 districts of Nepal out of 75 were affected with 14 being severely affected resulted huge loss of human life, property, and ecosystem services. These 14 districts were categorized as severely hit and crisis hit districts by the post disaster need assessment (PDNA) carried out by Government of Nepal. Nuwakot district is one of the severely hit districts. In order to reduce vulnerability and/or threat of potential landslide disasters and protect local people, infrastructures, land and water resources from potential landslide disaster, identification of the most susceptible slopes as well as treatment and mitigation of the most critical landslides deemed essential. This study has identified the landslides and its impact within different VDCs of Nuwakot district. The mitigation measures for the urgent and treatable landslides are purposed with the tentative estimation of the cost and prioritized them based on the social, environmental and economic criteria. Out of 542 landslides identified, 105 landslides were studied in detail based on social and physical risk. The study showed that the northern part of the district is more susceptible to landslides and consequent disaster. VDCs like Bhalche, Ghyangphedi, Salme, Urleni, Kimlang, Lachyang, Ralukadevi are more susceptible to the landslides in Nuwakot district.

Post-Disaster Damage Assessments as Catalysts for Recovery: A Look at Assessments Conducted in the Wake of the 2015 Gorkha, Nepal, Earthquake

In the wake of large earthquake disasters, governments, international agencies, and large nongovernmental organizations scramble to conduct impact and damage assessments that help them understand the nature and scale of the emergency in order to orchestrate a complex series of emergency, response, and recovery activities. Using the Gorkha earthquake as a case study, this research seeks to provide greater clarity into the types of post-disaster damage assessments, their purposes, and their potential as catalysts for critical recovery activities. We argue that damage assessment methodologies need to be tailored to the diverse information needs in post-disaster contexts, which vary by user group and change over time. This research builds upon the authors’ direct experience supporting the government of Nepal in the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) process, support with the rapid visual inspections conducted by the National Engineering Association, and interviews with humanitarian organizations who conducted damage assessment in Nepal.

The stone that mourns its victims: Haiti still recovering from its injuries and traumas 5 years after the 2010 earthquake.

On Jan. 12, 2010, at 4:53 p.m. local time, Haiti was struck by the largest earthquake in its modern history. The quake killed over 222,000 people, about 2.5% of the national population, and left more than 300,000 injured, between 4,000 and 7,000 amputees, and roughly 1.5 million homeless. Following the earthquake, studies were carried out to evaluate its impact on mental health. Depending on the age group and the time of assessment, prevalences ranged from 24.6% to 47.7% for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and from 26.0% to 46.2% for major depressive disorder (1–4). Studies also revealeddifficulties inmourning the deaths of those who went missing (5). The inhumation of corpses in mass graves without identification and without respect for any cultural ritual has greatly prevented survivors from mourning their relatives who perished in this disaster, as is described by participants in various studies carried out since July 2010 (2) and reported in other studies (6). In fact, as Kluger(7) suggested,whenthere isnograve,mourningbecomes endless. Indeed, according to figures from the Haitian government and international institutions, at least 180,000 corpses were put in mass graves without being formally identified (8). Moreover, to date, no list of victims has been established. In theabsenceof this list, forwhichnoofficial initiativehas been takenyet, thememorial of theearthquakehasbecomean important place of pilgrimage. Consisting of the stone shown here and its plate, on which is written in Creole “12 January 2010/We will never forget,” the memorial represents, symbolically, the solid remains of the disaster. Erected on the largest mass grave at the north entrance of Port-au-Prince, where between 70,000 and 90,000 corpses are buried, according to the authorities, it is a place of contemplation for relatives who pay tribute to victims at special occasions: birthdays,November1 (All Saints’Day), January12, etc. In the absence of tangible signs that can facilitate the grieving Memorial for the Haiti earthquake of Jan. 12, 2010 (photograph by Darwin Clormeus; used by permission)

Crowdsourcing for Rapid Damage Assessment: The Global Earth Observation Catastrophe Assessment Network (GEO-CAN)

This paper provides an account of how the Global Earth Observation Catastrophe Assessment Network (GEO-CAN) was formed to facilitate a rapid damage assessment after the 12 January 2010 Haiti earthquake. GEO-CAN emerged from the theory of crowdsourcing and remote sensing-based damage interpretation and represents a new paradigm in post-disaster damage assessment. The GEO-CAN community, working with the World Bank (WB), the United Nation Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) led the way for a rapid Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) utilizing remote-sensing based analysis as the primary source of information for building damage. The results of the GEO-CAN damage assessment were incorporated into the final PDNA framework developed by the WB-UNOSAT-JRC and adopted by the Haitian government. The GEO-CAN initiative provides valuable lessons on multi-agency collaboration, rapid and implementable damage assessment protocols under extreme situations for the disaster management profession, developmental organizations, and society.