Potential of sociohydrology for studying natural disasters

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franciele Maria Vanelli ◽  
Masato Kobiyama
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Disaster Studies ◽  
Dichotomous Thinking ◽  
Bidirectional Interactions

<p>Natural disasters refer to disruptions of the society’s functioning as result of negative interactions between natural hazards and social organization. Meanwhile, sociohydrology is dedicated to understanding the coupled human-water systems feedbacks. Both natural disaster studies and sociohydrology focus on understanding bidirectional interactions between environmental and social aspects, which is characterized by a dichotomous thinking pattern. In this context, natural disaster studies and sociohydrology have many parallels. In the present research, we conducted an exploratory research from two central arguments: (i) sociohydrology development can contribute to understanding how to disaster risk reduction by converting negative impacts into a harmonious coexistence between natural and social interactions; and (ii) water is relevant to all types of natural disasters in a direct or an indirect manner and is also fundamental in disaster response. Advances in knowledge about bidirectional interactions between environmental and social aspects overcoming dichotomous thinking pattern can update the sociohydrology development and the concepts commonly applied to natural disaster and risk reduction. We propose that any local community should use the school catchment concept that refers to any experimental catchment which serves for scientific researches and environmental education activities. The partnership between natural and social scientists and society is a challenge. Thus, school catchment construction and use can assist to overcome dichotomous thinking such as natural × social aspects, quantitative × qualitative analyses, systematic × non-systematic data, global × local spatial scales, and structural × non-structural measures. Hence, sociohydrology can support the integrated management of water resources and natural disasters and risks, contributing to achieving the Sendai Framework goals and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Agenda 2030. On the other hand, natural disaster studies can contribute to the interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary development of sociohydrology. Therefore, we conclude that sociohydrology has the potential, not yet explored, for contributing to natural disaster studies and vice and versa.</p>

The health impact of natural disasters

2018 ◽  
pp. 207-214
Author(s):  
Eric K. Noji ◽  
Anas A. Khan
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Knowledge Practice ◽  
Natural Disaster Risk ◽  
Comprehensive Framework

The complex and multifaceted nature of health risks secondary to natural disasters will require innovative, holistic, and problem-oriented approaches to risk and disaster management. The Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015 (HFA), the goal of which is to strengthen the resilience of nations and communities to natural disasters, is the inspiration for much of the current knowledge, practice, implementation, experience, and the science for natural disaster risk reduction. Natural disaster risk reduction offers a comprehensive framework where stakeholders can take coherent and complementary actions through political, social, technological, economic, and humanitarian processes to build resilience. The aim of the recent Hyogo initiative is to globally increase resilience and reduce vulnerability. This chapter will describe the current state of knowledge of the health consequences of natural disasters, the implications of these consequences for policy, and conclude with recommendations for action.

scholarly journals Exploring Pharmacists’ Roles during the 2019–2020 Australian Black Summer Bushfires

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 142
Author(s):  
Alexandra Moss ◽  
Toni Green ◽  
Simon Moss ◽  
Janique Waghorn ◽  
Mary-Jessimine Bushell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Background: Australians are no strangers to sudden natural disasters, such as bushfires. The effects of a natural disaster can devastate local communities and health care services. Currently, limited research has explored the role of the pharmacist during a natural disaster. This study explores the role of the Australian pharmacist during the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires. Methods: Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with ten community pharmacists who worked through the Black Summer Bushfires whose daily tasks and work environment were directly affected by the bushfires. Thematic analysis using NVivo®, a qualitative data analysis software was conducted. Results: Analysis of the transcripts generated six main themes: collaboration; trauma and mental health; power and communication; acute presentations; triaging and emergency prescribing. Pharmacists worked in close collaboration with doctors and members of the local community. They provided triaging services, timely health advice about chronic health problems, and managed acute issues, including wound and burn management and mental health support in traumatic conditions, sometimes without power and communication amenities. The challenges presented to pharmacists during the bushfires warranted creative and flexible approaches at times. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for mental health support and training for pharmacists, provisional prescribing privileges, and a clearer set of contingency regulations and legislation related to emergencies and natural disasters. Further research is warranted to gain greater insight into the roles undertaken by Australian pharmacists during natural disasters and their autonomy in decision making processes during such times.

Ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction in Japan: transdisciplinary research and actions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takehito Yoshida
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Ample Opportunity

<p>Natural disasters occur at an increasing rate probably due to the ongoing climate change, and adaptation to natural disaster risks is a key to the sustainability of local communities in Japan. At the same time, Japan is experiencing a rapid decline of human population and consequent aging. Ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) takes advantage of the multi-functionality of ecosystems and biodiversity, including their capacity to mitigate natural disasters while providing multiple ecosystem services, and population decline provides ample opportunity for implementing Eco-DRR. We are developing practical solutions for implementation of Eco-DRR by visualizing natural disaster risks, evaluating multi-functionality of Eco-DRR solutions, conducting transdisciplinary approaches in collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and advocating traditional and local knowledge of disaster risk reduction. I will talk about some progress of our ongoing research project in RIHN (Research Institute for Humanity and Nature), Japan.</p>

scholarly journals Natural Disasters Management in Indonesia: Perspective of Local Wisdom and Heidegger Hermeneutics

Al-Albab ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Idaman Alwi ◽  
Rizal Mustansyir ◽  
Protasius Hardono Hadi
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Martin Heidegger ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Government ◽  
Natural Disaster Management

Natural disaster managements in Indonesia carried out by the government seemed centralized, slow and is not well prepared. Even the government seems to ignore the management of natural disasters that has long been entrenched in the pulse of local community knowledge systems. Considerations in decision-making mitigation of natural disasters is too scientific-positivistic and ignores the philosophical aspect of the work. This paper attempts to offer a perspective of natural disaster management with support of Indonesian local wisdom and Heidegger hermeneutics. Most of the ethnic groups in Indonesia have already had a set or system of knowledge in the management of natural disasters. This knowledge system exists since the long experience of Indonesian society in dealing with natural disasters. This system is then passed on and transformed from many generations through oral hystory. Some studies indicate that local knowledge systems on the management of natural disasters so far   are very effective in minimizing the number of dissaster victims. In addition, Martin Heidegger hermeneutics offeres a concept of natural disaster management with the starting point of the idea of being-in-the-world.The idea is one of the basic principles of hermeneutics-facticity Martin Heidegger who supposes that a real human living being has awareness of this universe. In the 'living earth', man does not necessarily accept the fate thrown into the earth, but he has the ability to exercise the creativity for survival. As a result of the awareness of the throwness into the universe, in turn, human beings have awareness that they have a relation to one another, empathy and sensitivity as human beings. 

scholarly journals Natural Disaster Aid Distribution System and Meeting the Needs of Case Victims in Padang Pariaman Regency

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Henny Yulius ◽  
Indang Dewata ◽  
Heldi Heldi
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Social Assistance ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
The Social ◽  
Potential Synergy

This study aims to determine the fulfillment of the needs of victims of natural disasters through the implementation of a social assistance distribution system for victims of natural disasters that occurred in Padang Pariaman Regency. This research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive approach that describes the social assistance distribution system for victims of natural disasters with an orientation towards meeting the needs of the victims. It can also be categorized as exploratory research which studies a number of cases of aid distribution towards meeting the needs of victims. Data collection was carried out by direct interviews with officials who were directly involved in the distribution of aid, direct observation to victims of natural disasters, document review, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data analysis, using descriptive-qualitative techniques. The results of the study conclude that the current social assistance distribution system for victims of natural disasters has not yet achieved the goal, namely meeting the needs of victims of natural disasters. Long mechanisms and procedures, incompatible with regional conditions, and the absence of potential synergy of personnel are factors between the ineffectiveness of the social assistance distribution system for victims of natural disasters in Padang Pariaman Regency. The results of the study recommend that in formulating a policy for the distribution of social assistance systems for victims of natural disasters, it should begin with periodic mapping of disaster events and the needs of victims, involving victims as recipients of assistance in accordance with the mandate of Article 26 of Law No.24 of 2007 concerning National Disaster Management. Local governments should be given full authority to implement policies in accordance with regional conditions and disaster characteristics. The granting of this authority should be included in the regional autonomy law regarding the rights of regional governments in the case of natural disaster management, specifically included in local regional regulations.

scholarly journals A Dilemma of Language: “Natural Disasters” in Academic Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ksenia Chmutina ◽  
Jason von Meding
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Human Vulnerability ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Disaster Studies ◽  
The Media ◽  
Fit For Purpose

Abstract For decades sections of the academic community have been emphasizing that disasters are not natural. Nevertheless, politicians, the media, various international organizations—and, more surprisingly, many established researchers working in disaster studies—are still widely using the expression “natural disaster.” We systematically analyzed the usage of the expression “natural disaster” by disaster studies researchers in 589 articles in six key academic journals representative of disaster studies research, and found that authors are using the expression in three principal ways: (1) delineating natural and human-induced hazards; (2) using the expression to leverage popularity; and (3) critiquing the expression “natural disaster.” We also identified vulnerability themes that illustrate the context of “natural disaster” usage. The implications of continuing to use this expression, while explicitly researching human vulnerability, are wide-ranging, and we explore what this means for us and our peers. This study particularly aims to stimulate debate within the disaster studies research community and related fields as to whether the term “natural disaster” is really fit for purpose moving forward.

scholarly journals Fluvial environmental disasters: risk perception and evaluation of government responses by riverine populations in Cacau Pirêra, Iranduba/AM

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 236-275
Author(s):  
David Franklin da Silva Guimarães ◽  
Camila dos Santos Belmiro ◽  
Mônica Alves de Vasconcelos ◽  
Henriques dos Santos Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Environmental Disasters ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
Disaster Studies ◽  
Altimetric Data ◽  
Social Vulnerabilities ◽  
Response To Water

This article unveils the perceptions of vulnerable populations of the Amazon regarding the risks of river disasters and highlights their assessment of the effectiveness of government responses. The record of perceptions, assessments and identification of social vulnerabilities were obtained in interviews with focus groups formed by residents of Cacau Pirêra, in the Amazon. To characterize the environmental threats and vulnerabilities, fluviometric and altimetric data of the occupied areas were used. In that District, floods do not have to exceed normal limits to constitute environmental disasters and, in the perception of residents, pose more risks than ebb. Participants point to the low effectiveness of public policies as the main cause of the ineffectiveness of the government's response to water disasters. Natural disaster studies should consider the interactions between the environmental and social aspects of territories to reach an understanding of the complexity of the context in which they occur.

When Mother Earth Rises Up

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Sacchi ◽  
Paolo Riva ◽  
Marco Brambilla
Keyword(s):  
Free Will ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Disaster Victims ◽  
Willingness To Help ◽  
Mother Earth

Anthropomorphization is the tendency to ascribe humanlike features and mental states, such as free will and consciousness, to nonhuman beings or inanimate agents. Two studies investigated the consequences of the anthropomorphization of nature on people’s willingness to help victims of natural disasters. Study 1 (N = 96) showed that the humanization of nature correlated negatively with willingness to help natural disaster victims. Study 2 (N = 52) tested for causality, showing that the anthropomorphization of nature reduced participants’ intentions to help the victims. Overall, our findings suggest that humanizing nature undermines the tendency to support victims of natural disasters.

Law on Natural Disasters

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ki-Gab Park
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
International Cooperation ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
International Community ◽  
The State ◽  
Efficient Tool ◽  
International Solidarity ◽  
Cooperation Mechanism ◽  
Prior Consent ◽  
Humanitarian Crises

The chapter argues that natural disasters are common concerns in the international community. At the same time, the current international cooperation mechanism, based on the principle of equal sovereignty, require prior consent by the state affected by a natural disaster. Unfortunately, this is not always an efficient tool for the protection of victims. The globalization of problems and the proliferation of humanitarian crises make the veritable solidarity of the international community increasingly necessary, and therefore another high value, namely international solidarity or community obligations, should create direct and immediate obligations for all members of the international community. The main object of this chapter is to discuss the future-oriented direction of the law on natural disasters. This means, first, to ascertain the lex lata, especially customary rules. The chapter further offers some suggestions on possible ways for the international community to provide more effective relief for victims of natural disasters.

scholarly journals Do Long-Term Natural Disasters Influence Social Trust? Empirical Evidence from China

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7280
Author(s):  
Yao Li ◽  
Haoyang Li ◽  
Jianqing Ruan
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Social Trust ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Flood Frequency ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
The North ◽  
The Impact

The natural environment is one of the most critical factors that profoundly influences human races. Natural disasters may have enormous effects on individual psychological characteristics. Using China’s long-term historical natural disaster dataset from 1470 to 2000 and data from a household survey in 2012, we explore whether long-term natural disasters affect social trust. We find that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between long-term natural disaster frequency and social trust. We further examine the impact of long-term natural disaster frequency on social trust in specific groups of people. Social trust in neighbors and doctors is stronger where long-term natural disasters are more frequent. Our results are robust after we considering the geographical difference. The effect of long-term natural disasters remains positively significant after we divide the samples based on geographical location. Interestingly, the impact of long-term flood frequency is only significant in the South and the impact of long-term drought frequency is only significant in the North.

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