scholarly journals Challenges of Knowledge Management for Disaster Risk Reduction in Iran

2020 ◽  
pp. 210-216

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge is a powerful resource to help governments, organizations, and communities to plan and improve their performance in mitigating the harmful effects of disasters. There is a crucial need for knowledge in all phases of disaster risk management, namely prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, as well as response and recovery. The present study aimed to assess the organizational, discourse, and metaphorical challenges and knowledge management improvement policies in disaster risk management in Iran. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted in Iran in 2016. The needed data were collected through in-depth interviews with 21 experts and policymakers and analyzed by content analysis method. FINDINGS: Based on the obtained results, the following five categories were extracted: 1. current problems, 2. organizational and structural problems, 3. discourse level, 4. level of metaphors, and 5. knowledge management improvement policies in the disaster response phase in Iran. CONCLUSION: As evidenced by the obtained results, the challenges presented to knowledge management in disasters included the repetition of the same problems of previous disasters, non-use of the experiences of previous disasters, forgetting disasters, the long return period of some disasters, failure to transfer field and operational experiences, ignoring the bitter experiences of disasters, violating processes and sometimes copying without considering operational experiences, lack of expert documentarians or disaster documentation teams, as well as too many disasters and too little documentation. Moreover, it was found that these challenges are rooted in structural, cultural, social, discourse, and mythological problems

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Une ◽  
Takayuki Nakano

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 99-108
Author(s):  
Sony Maharjan ◽  
Shova Shrestha

 Disaster preparedness is one of the component of disaster risk management among Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness and Response (FAO, 2008) . Earthquake is one of the most destructive natural hazards, which occur at any time causing disaster. The current study explores the status of earthquake disaster awareness and preparedness in ward number 12 of Godawari Municipality (previously, Thecho VDC). The study is based on pre and post-earthquake disaster survey of 25 April, 2015 through household questionnaire survey, KIS, FGD and field observation. The study found that although majority of households are aware and have knowledge of earthquake, preparedness at both household and community level was very low before the earthquake. Saving money was the most practiced emergency preparedness whereas only five percent households have emergency kit for the disaster. The knowledge on awareness and preparedness rose from eighty percent before earthquake to ninety-two percent after the earthquake. Similarly, perception on vulnerability of human loss and physical property rose from seventy-three percent to ninety-five percent. Individual household and community role was identified as key for disaster risk reduction and survival strategy (e.g. arrangement of emergency kit) which rose from five percent to ninety-five percent after earthquake. The study revealed that people were aware and have knowledge on earthquake disaster but preparedness strategies are not implemented neither existed any disaster response plans at household or community level. People’s risk acceptance and preparedness is determined by direct event experience in contrast to risk perception of potential disaster. Earthquake risk reduction and implementation of the action plan at community level is important. It is concluded that media and local organizations could play major role in awareness on preparedness whereas individual household and community are key for implementing the preparedness strategies to reduce disaster loss and damage. Knowledge, awareness and preparedness at individual household level are key and most effective for reducing earthquake vulnerability at local level.The Third Pole: Journal of GeographyVol. 17: 98-108, 2017


Author(s):  
Kevin K. C. Hung ◽  
Sonoe Mashino ◽  
Emily Y. Y. Chan ◽  
Makiko K. MacDermot ◽  
Satchit Balsari ◽  
...  

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonhlanhla A. Zamisa ◽  
Sybert Mutereko

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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 651-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Harte ◽  
Merle Sowman ◽  
Peter Hastings ◽  
Iraphne Childs

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-297
Author(s):  
Carlos Germano Ferreira Costa

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Raju ◽  
Karen da Costa

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tauisi Taupo

<p>The four essays investigate the impacts and implications of climate change and disasters in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific by examining disaster risk, resilience, response, and recovery in Tuvalu.  The first chapter starts with a survey on the conceptual framework of disaster risk which relies on its associated components of hazard, vulnerability and exposure. It is an introductory literature review that sets the scene for the other chapters. It is not intended to make an original contribution nor a critical review of the literature justified to be publishable. How we measure these risks depends on how we define disaster risk and its components. Though there are diverse views on these definitions in different disciplines, we can capitalise on their commonalities to frame disaster risk models.  The second chapter investigates the vulnerability of households to climatic disasters in Tuvalu. Small Island Developing States, particularly the atoll islands, are considered to be the most vulnerable to climatic change, and in particular to sea-level rise and its associated risks. From the Tuvalu Statistics Department household survey, we construct poverty and hardship profiles for households on the different islands of Tuvalu, and combine these with geographic and topographic information to assess the exposure differentials among different groups using spatial econometric models. Besides the observation that households in hardship are more vulnerable to negative shocks because they lack the resources to respond, we also find that they are also more likely to reside in highly exposed areas to disasters (closer to the coasts and at lower elevation) and have less ability to migrate (between and within the islands).  The third chapter examines cyclones. The intensity of cyclones in the Pacific is predicted to increase and sea levels are predicted to rise, so an atoll nation like Tuvalu can serve as the `canary in the coal mine' pointing to the new risks that are emerging because of climatic change. Based on a household survey we conducted in Tuvalu, we quantify the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Pam (March 2015) on households, and the determinants of these impacts in terms of hazard, exposure, vulnerability and responsiveness. Households experienced significant damage due to the storm surge caused by the cyclone, even though the cyclone itself passed very far away (about a 1,000 km). This risk of distant cyclones has been overlooked in the literature, and ignoring it leads to significant under-estimation of the disaster risk facing low-lying atoll islands. Lastly, we constructed hypothetical policy scenarios, and calculated the estimated loss and damage they would have been associated with { a first step in building careful assessments of the feasibility of various disaster risk reduction policies.  The fourth chapter examines the financing of disaster risk management. Future climate and disaster risks are likely to impose increasing financial pressure on the governments of low-lying atoll nations. The aftermath of a disaster such as a cyclone requires financial means for quick response and recovery. Hence, we quantify appropriate levels of financial support for expected disasters in Tuvalu and Kiribati by building on the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative (PCRAFI) calculated likely costs for disasters. To these, we add estimates of the potential effects of distant cyclones, droughts, sea level rise and climate change as they are predicted to affect low-lying atoll islands. There are several potential financial instruments available for disaster risk management in the Pacific Islands. We focus on the potential contribution of the sovereign wealth funds (SWF) of Tuvalu and Kiribati in reducing reliance on foreign aid for both ex-ante and ex-post disaster risk management. We forecast the future size of the SWF using Monte Carlo simulations and an Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average model. We examine the long-term sustainability of the SWF, and the feasibility of extending their mandate to cover and pay for at least some climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.</p>


2022 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 717-726
Author(s):  
Dickson Machimbidza ◽  
Louis Nyahunda ◽  
Jabulani C. Makhubele

This study was aimed at exploring the efficacy of social work roles in disaster risk management in Zimbabwe in the face of climatic changes. It was carried out in Binga district, Matebeleland-North province using the qualitative methodology and a case study design. The study sample was comprised of 8 practicing social workers. Snowballing and purposive sampling techniques were used to select these participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using an interview guide. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. It was found that social workers play essential roles before, during and after disasters. On disaster preparedness, it was established that social workers assume roles of educators, community workers and disaster planners. Moreover, it was found that they play the roles of case managers, administrators of social protection and counselors during the disaster response phase of disaster risk management. Subsequently they also act as advocates, development facilitators as well as monitoring and evaluation personnel in the disaster recovery phase. As per the findings, the study recommends that social workers be recognized as essential in disaster risk management at both policy and practice level. Further, there is need to enhance social work training education for flexibility and contextual application of social work knowledge in the field of disaster risk management for quality realization of green social work in Zimbabwe.


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