Making communities disaster resilient

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandra Lal Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Disaster Mitigation ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Understanding bottom-up approaches including local coping mechanisms, recognizing them and strengthening community capacities is important in the process of disaster risk reduction. The purpose of this paper is to address the questions: to what extent existing disaster policies in Nepal support and enable community-based disaster resilience? and what challenges and prospects do the communities have in responding to disaster risk for making communities resilient? Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on policy and academic literature reviews complimented by field research in two communities, one in Shankhu, Kathmandu district and another in Satthighare, Kavrepalanchowk district in Nepal. The author conducted in-depth interviews and mapped out key disaster-related policies of Nepal to investigate the role of communities in disaster risk management and post-disaster activities and their recognition in disaster-related policies. Findings The author found that existing literature clearly identifies the importance of the community led initiatives in risks reduction and management. It is evolutionary phenomenon, which has already been piloted in history including in the aftermath of Nepal earthquake 2015 yet existing policies of Nepal do not clearly identify it as an important component by providing details of how communities can be better engaged in the immediate aftermath of disaster occurrence. Research limitations/implications The author conducted this research based on data from two earthquake affected areas only. The author believes that this research can still play an important role as representative study. Practical implications The practical implication of this research is that communities need to understand about risks society for disaster preparedness, mitigation and timely response in the aftermath of disasters. As they are the first responders against the disasters, they also need trainings such as disaster drills such as earthquakes, floods and fire and mock practice of various early warning systems can be conducted by local governments to prepare these communities better to reduce disaster risk and casualties. Social implications The mantra of community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) is community engagement, which means the involvement of local people to understand and prepare against their local hazards and risks associated with disaster and haphazard development. CBDRM approaches motivate people to work together because they feel a sense of belongingness to their communities and recognize the benefits of their involvement in disaster mitigation and preparedness. Clearly, community engagement for disaster risk reduction and management brings great benefits in terms of ownership and direct savings in losses from disasters because the dynamic process allows community to contribute and interchange ideas and activities for inclusive decision making and problem solving. Originality/value This research is based on both primary and secondary data and original in case of its findings and conclusion.

Governance in the Sendai: a way ahead?

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Raju ◽  
Karen da Costa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sendai Framework

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify how governance and accountability have been addressed in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030. Design/methodology/approach The research is mainly based on the analysis of the SFDRR; scientific literature, particularly recent publications covering the SFDRR. The paper also takes into account grey literature. Findings The SFDRR does address issues of governance and accountability in disasters. However, more needs to be done to translate it into practice – particularly with regard to accountability. Originality/value The paper covers a topic that has not attracted considerable academic attention, despite the fact that the need to address accountability in disaster risk management, notably in DRR, has been generally acknowledged. By addressing governance and accountability in the most recent international DRR framework the paper adds value to the literature.

scholarly journals Conceptualizing a Gender-Based Framework for Implementing Disaster-Resilient Village Program in Aceh Province, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s31-s31
Author(s):  
Rina Suryani Oktari ◽  
Fatimah Syam ◽  
Suraiya Suraiya
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Aceh Province ◽  
Gender Based

Introduction:It is critical to understand how gender relations shape women’s and men’s lives to enhance their resilience toward disaster because women and men have different roles, responsibilities, and access to resources. Unequal participation between women and men in a disaster risk reduction program will influence how each can be affected by various hazards, and how they will cope with and recover from disaster. Even though women are often considered to have incredible resilience and capacity to survive in the face of disasters, they also experience a range of gender-specific vulnerabilities.Aim:This study aims to evaluate women’s participation in current efforts of the Disaster-Resilient Village Program and to develop a conceptual framework for implementing gender-based a disaster resilience program at the community level.Methods:This study employed a mixed-method approach and adopted several major activities including literature review, interview, focus group discussion, and a questionnaire survey with a total of 300 respondents. Three selected villages in Aceh Besar District, Aceh Province, were the study area of this study.Results:By using descriptive and inferential statistics, this study proposed a gender-based framework for implementing Disaster-Resilient Village Program.Discussion:This framework contributes to the emerging literature on gender-based disaster risk reduction and may assist policymakers in formulating regulations related to the community-based disaster risk management program. On the practical front, this study provided indicators to practitioners regarding some conditions that should be taken into account when mainstreaming gender in community-based disaster risk management programs. This study offered an original contribution to the existing bodies of knowledge on gender studies in disaster risk reduction efforts.

scholarly journals Health Workforce Development in Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management: The Need for Evidence-Based Recommendations

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3382
Author(s):  
Kevin K. C. Hung ◽  
Sonoe Mashino ◽  
Emily Y. Y. Chan ◽  
Makiko K. MacDermot ◽  
Satchit Balsari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Literature Reviews

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 placed human health at the centre of disaster risk reduction, calling for the global community to enhance local and national health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM). The Health EDRM Framework, published in 2019, describes the functions required for comprehensive disaster risk management across prevention, preparedness, readiness, response, and recovery to improve the resilience and health security of communities, countries, and health systems. Evidence-based Health EDRM workforce development is vital. However, there are still significant gaps in the evidence identifying common competencies for training and education programmes, and the clarification of strategies for workforce retention, motivation, deployment, and coordination. Initiated in June 2020, this project includes literature reviews, case studies, and an expert consensus (modified Delphi) study. Literature reviews in English, Japanese, and Chinese aim to identify research gaps and explore core competencies for Health EDRM workforce training. Thirteen Health EDRM related case studies from six WHO regions will illustrate best practices (and pitfalls) and inform the consensus study. Consensus will be sought from global experts in emergency and disaster medicine, nursing, public health and related disciplines. Recommendations for developing effective health workforce strategies for low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries will then be disseminated.

scholarly journals The role of traditional leadership in disaster management and disaster risk governance: A case of Ugu District Municipality by-laws

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonhlanhla A. Zamisa ◽  
Sybert Mutereko
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Traditional Leaders ◽  
Traditional Leadership

Section 151(2) of the Constitution empowers municipalities in South Africa to pass disaster management-related by-laws. Such by-laws should be specific on the role of traditional leaders, owing to their authority and proximity to the people coupled with their constitutional mandate to preserve customs and traditions. However, their role is often not maximised because of vague and inadequate policies. There has been little or no scholarly attention to the role of traditional leadership and the policy and legal framework that guide their participation in disaster risk management. Employing a comprehensive content analysis of Ugu District Municipality Disaster Management By-law, this article assesses the adequacy of these by-laws on disaster risk governance in the context of collaboration disaster risk reduction. While the Ugu District Municipality Disaster Management By-law provides for the participation of traditional leadership, this study reveals that it is fraught with ambiguities and seemingly vague clauses. For instance, although in Article 5.1.1 the word ‘authorities’ is used, it is not clear whether this refers to traditional leadership or other entities at the local level. In addition, the composition of the Disaster Management Advisory Forum in Ugu does not explicitly include AmaKhosi. While these results add to the rapidly expanding field of disaster risk management, they also suggest several courses of action for policymakers at local government. Such actions might include, but not limited to, a review of the by-laws to address the lack of collaborative essence relative to traditional leaders for optimal disaster risk reduction initiatives targeting traditional communities.

Barriers to risk reduction: Dontse Yakhe, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 651-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Harte ◽  
Merle Sowman ◽  
Peter Hastings ◽  
Iraphne Childs
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Management Policies ◽  
Stakeholder Interactions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify hazard risks and factors impeding the implementation of disaster risk management policies and strategies in Dontse Yakhe in Hout Bay, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach was selected for this research. Interviews were conducted with community leaders and other relevant government and civil society stakeholders. Insights and perceptions of Dontse Yakhe residents were obtained from a focus group interview. Secondary data sources were reviewed and field observations made. Findings – The findings reveal a number of key risks and a complex web of geographical, political, social and environmental factors, and stakeholder interactions, prioritisations and decision making that has created barriers to the implementation of the aims and objectives of disaster risk management policies and strategies in Dontse Yakhe. Originality/value – The contribution of the research is that it provides insight into the complex factors that are stalling development and infrastructure provision, and implementation of risk reduction strategies, in Dontse Yakhe as outlined in disaster risk management policies and strategies, demonstrating a gap between policy rhetoric and practice.

scholarly journals Recent innovation of geospatial information technology to support disaster risk management and responses

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Une ◽  
Takayuki Nakano
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Geospatial Information

Geographic location is one of the most fundamental and indispensable information elements in the field of disaster response and prevention. For example, in the case of the Tohoku Earthquake in 2011, aerial photos taken immediately after the earthquake greatly improved information sharing among different government offices and facilitated rescue and recovery operations, and maps prepared after the disaster assisted in the rapid reconstruction of affected local communities. Thanks to the recent development of geospatial information technology, this information has become more essential for disaster response activities. Advancements in web mapping technology allows us to better understand the situation by overlaying various location-specific data on base maps on the web and specifying the areas on which activities should be focused. Through 3-D modelling technology, we can have a more realistic understanding of the relationship between disaster and topography. Geospatial information technology can sup-port proper preparation and emergency responses against disasters by individuals and local communities through hazard mapping and other information services using mobile devices. Thus, geospatial information technology is playing a more vital role on all stages of disaster risk management and responses. In acknowledging geospatial information’s vital role in disaster risk reduction, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, repeatedly reveals the importance of utilizing geospatial information technology for disaster risk reduction. This presentation aims to report the recent practical applications of geospatial information technology for disaster risk management and responses.

scholarly journals Disaster management and climate adaptation roadmap for coastal cities based on UNDRR's ten essentials

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-297
Author(s):  
Carlos Germano Ferreira Costa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Coastal Cities

Disasters and natural hazards increasingly affect people in the most vulnerable communities in coastal cities, and low-lying areas are especially exposed in the context of increased urbanization, where the urban risk continues to rise. This paper endeavors to establish a Roadmap for Disaster Risk Management Planning for coastal cities based on the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Ten Essentials (UNDRR, 2012). We report on local Disaster Risk Management (DRM) practices in a mid-Atlantic capital -the city of Praia, in Cabo Verde. DRM in coastal cities in island states turns out to be an intricate process due to the incorporation of socio-environmental anthropogenic exposure to physical, economic, population, political, and climate vulnerabilities. This paper contributes to the growing knowledge of the institutional framework's role in the facilitation of local adaptation, and design-thinking of urban-development planning processes in coastal cities and low-lying areas, by distinguishing arising opportunities for planned Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and describing a roadmap intended at further advances the discussions for the progress of risk-informed sustainable development pathways in the context of coastal cities. It advocates for the design of adaptative processes understood according to local initiatives, to foresee a possible expression of the growing engagement of different actors in the control and monitoring of risks and vulnerabilities in these areas.

scholarly journals Program Berbasis Masyarakat dalam Upaya Pengurangan Risiko Bencana di Kabupaten Pandeglang

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Anita Yunia ◽  
Janette Maria Pinariya ◽  
Diandra Forceila ◽  
Lystia Ivana
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Communication Channel ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Mitigation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Rare Phenomena ◽  
The Impact

Since 1950, the need for global economy related to natural disasters has increased 14 fold. The natural disaster that occured in 2018, put Indonesia into the country with the highest number of victims in the world, which was caused by three rare phenomena. This study discusses about the Desa Tangguh Bencana program as a strategic step for community-based disaster risk reduction in the Pandeglang Regency, which is one of the areas that has the impact of damage and casualties from the tsunami phenomenon in the Sunda Strait. This study aims to obtain information about the activity steps and communication strategies of the program which refers to the concept of disaster mitigation according to George D. Haddow and Kim S. Haddow in 2014. The research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach with an interpretive paradigm. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and other supporting documents, which were analyzed using the Miles & Huberman method and tested for credibility by triangulation of sources. The results showed that community participation in this program is the main key as a planning initiator to the implementing activities. These disaster risk reduction efforts are carried out by identifying community risks, determining action plans, funding, involving opinion leaders as parties raised by the community, forming messages, to the communication channel mechanism.

scholarly journals Challenges and Technical Advances in Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWSs)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duminda Perera ◽  
Ousmane Seidou ◽  
Jetal Agnihotri ◽  
Hamid Mehmood ◽  
Mohamed Rasmy
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Mitigation ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Warning Systems

Flood early warning systems (FEWSs)—one of the most common flood-impact mitigation measures—are currently in operation globally. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) strongly advocates for an increase in their availability to reach the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comprehensive FEWS consists of four components, which includes (1) risk knowledge, (2) monitoring and forecasting, (3) warning, dissemination, and communication, and (4) response capabilities. Operational FEWSs have varying levels of complexity, depending on available data, adopted technology, and know-how. There are apparent differences in sophistication between FEWSs in developed countries that have the financial capabilities, technological infrastructure, and human resources and developing countries where FEWSs tend to be less advanced. Fortunately, recent advances in remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), information technologies, and social media are leading to significant changes in the mechanisms of FEWSs and provide the opportunity for all FEWSs to gain additional capability. These technologies are an opportunity for developing countries to overcome the technical limitations that FEWSs have faced so far. This chapter aims to discuss the challenges in FEWSs in brief and exposes technological advances and their benefits in flood forecasting and disaster mitigation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document