International Journal of Disaster Risk Management
Not a member yet
106 research outputs found
Sort by
Stray Dogs in Urban Bangladesh: A Zoonotic Disaster Risk and Policy Challenge
Get PDFThis study examines the challenges posed by stray dogs in urban Bangladesh, focusing on societal attitudes, public health risks, and policy responses within the framework of disaster risk reduction. Stray dogs, often marginalised in urban settings, represent a critical intersection of public health, animal welfare, and urban vulnerability to zoonotic disease outbreaks. Using qualitative methods, this research examines public perceptions of stray dogs, with a focus on rabies as a public health concern. It evaluates the effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Act of 2019. Findings reveal a dichotomy in public attitudes: while many view stray dogs as a health threat, others recognise their ecological roles. Despite legislative efforts, persistent issues such as inadequate shelter, weak law enforcement, and limited public awareness continue to hinder effective management. The study highlights the importance of developing integrated strategies that balance public health concerns with animal welfare, emphasising community resilience, sustainable urban planning, and preparedness for zoonotic disease outbreaks. Recommendations include enhanced public education, humane management practices such as mass vaccination and sterilisation, and stronger policy enforcement to mitigate risks and improve coexistence. This research contributes to the broader discourse on disaster risk reduction by highlighting the role of animal welfare in urban resilience and public health security
Large-Area Emergency Lockdowns with Automated Driving Systems
Get PDFRegion-wide restrictions on personal vehicle travel have a long history in the United States, from riot curfews in the late 1960s to travel bans during snow events to the 2013 shelter-in-place “lockdown” during the search for the perpetrator of the Boston Marathon bombing. Because lockdowns require a tremendous amount of resources to enforce, they are often limited in duration or scope. The introduction of automated driving systems may enable governments to quickly and cost-effectively implement large-scale lockdowns by disrupting wireless communications, inserting road closures into digital maps, exploiting a vehicle’s programming to obey all traffic control devices, or coordinating with vehicle manufacturers. Future vehicles may lack conventional controls, rendering them undrivable by the public. As travel restrictions become easier to implement, governments may enforce them more frequently, over longer durations and wider areas. This article examines the practical, legal, and ethical implications of lockdowns in scenarios where most driving is highly automated and offers guidance on the development of lockdown policies
Disaster Risk Management in Libraries and Information Centers: Global Strategies, Challenges, Policy and Recommendations
Get PDFLibraries and Information Centers, as custodians of information, knowledge, and cultural heritage, face significant risks from disasters that threaten their collections, operations, and the communities they serve. This paper examines disaster risk management (DRM) in libraries and information centres by defining disaster risk and DRM, identifying key DRM approaches specific to these institutions, and outlining measures for safeguarding library resources. It also analyses the significant challenges libraries face in implementing effective DRM and offers actionable recommendations to strengthen their resilience. Emphasis is placed on the critical need for proactive disaster preparedness, including forging strong partnerships with organisations such as the Nigerian Environmental Management Agency (NEMA) to facilitate emergency services, resource sharing, and expertise exchange, as well as collaboration with the British Library to promote regular, practical training sessions on disaster response and recovery for libraries and information centres in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study emphasises the importance of proactive policy development, continuous capacity building, and the adoption of technology-driven solutions to enhance disaster resilience. Through these strategic initiatives, libraries can better safeguard their invaluable assets and maintain their crucial role in community recovery and the preservation of knowledge
Nature and Extent of Flood Risk Downstream of the Kubanni Dam, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Get PDFSeveral communities reside downstream of Kubanni Dam, thereby making them vulnerable to flood. However, the levels of vulnerability, areas, households, and buildings at risk of flooding downstream of Kubanni Dam remain unknown. This study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to identify areas and buildings at risk in the event of a breach of the Kubanni Dam. Areas liable to flood were delineated using ArcGIS software. Findings from the study revealed that in the event of any flooding due to the breach of the Kubanni Dam, the most affected areas would be Tudun Jukun, with about 2,699 buildings (25%), Gyallesu with about 2,180 (20.2%), Tudun Wada with about 1,851 buildings (17.2%), Hanwa with 984 buildings (9.1%), parts of Sabon Gari with about 918 buildings (8.5%), Zango with about 845 buildings (7.8%) and the Government Reserved Area (GRA) with about 772 buildings representing 7.2% of the total numbers likely to the affected. The results further showed that the Tudun Jukun area, with a population of 38,622, is located in a flood-risk area, followed by Tudun Wada, with a population of 26,487, which is also at risk. It was also found that the PZ area, with 4,997 households and 1,851 houses at risk of flooding, has the highest average number of persons per Hectare (68902.02) at risk of loss in the event of flooding. This study has demonstrated the effectiveness of GIS techniques in flood risk and vulnerability analysis as well as its potential in guiding physical planning and flood disaster risk reduction
Rescue Light Communication System (RLCS): Enhancing Emergency Signaling in Crisis Situations
Get PDFEffective communication during disasters remains a challenge, mainly when traditional methods become impractical. The Rescue Light Communication System (RLCS) is a new, colour-based signalling method integrated into the Krizor mobile application, aiming to resolve this issue. RLCS utilises an extended RYB colour model, with the addition of white, to visually represent an individual’s status during emergencies. By assigning specific meanings to each colour (for example, green for “I am okay.” and red for “I have severe injuries.”), RLCS offers a straightforward and intuitive method for non-verbal emergency signalling. Although currently in an alpha trial phase, RLCS is designed to work offline and can be adapted for both digital and physical signalling. This paper explains the rationale behind using the extended RYB model, reviews relevant literature on colour perception, emergency communication, and standardisation, and outlines potential applications and future research directions
Teachers’ Perception Towards Responses of COVID-19 Pandemic Management in Gandaki Province of Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Get PDFThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted numerous organisations, including those in the health, education, livelihood, and development sectors. The outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in the prolonged closure of many educational institutions. Health and education authorities made concerted efforts to maintain teaching and learning activities in schools. Teachers’ perceptions are crucial for the effectiveness of future pandemic response initiatives. Therefore, this study aims to assess teachers’ perceptions of the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among teachers in community schools from June 29 to August 28, 2023, in the Gandaki Province of Nepal. The sample size consisted of 732 individuals, selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. A pretested questionnaire was self-administered. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression at a 5% significance level. This study reveals that 69.7% of teachers held inadequate perceptions regarding efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and reopen schools. Teachers with more experience (B = 0.11; p = 0.57) and those from urban municipalities (B = 0.02; p = 0.26) had a more positive perception of the responses. However, gender, monthly family income, work experience, number of family members, and municipal type were insignificantly associated with teachers’ perceptions of the responses to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. This study demonstrates that teachers had an inadequate level of perception regarding responses to COVID-19 pandemic management and the reopening of schools. These results suggest that policymakers and managers in the health and education sectors must develop comprehensive responses to prevent the entry and spread of COVID-19 among teachers, as well as to enhance the resilience of schools and society for future epidemics
Assessment of Climate-Induced Vulnerabilities and Poverty Alleviation Potential of Dry Fish Industry: An Ecological and Socio-economic Study in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh
Get PDFClimate change disrupts the ecosystem and decimates nature-dependent populations. The dried fish business in Cox\u27s Bazar relies on raw fish. The community in Cox\u27s Bazar district largely depends on these industries, which have contributed to poverty alleviation and local economic growth. However, they also have mixed ecological impacts, including positive outcomes and challenges such as waste generation. This paper assesses livelihood vulnerability in the coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar and Kutubdia through the LVI, LVI-IPCC, and various statistical tests. Data collection involved a survey of 150 households at each site, two focus group discussions (FGDs) at each site, and one key informant interview (KII) in each area. The results indicate that Kutubdia Island is more vulnerable than Cox’s Bazar, with an LVI value of 0.437. Initiatives for eco-friendliness, such as the adoption of Smart Solar Sun-Dryers, are being implemented. At the same time, the waste from this industry, which constitutes 14% of the waste in Cox\u27s Bazar, is increasingly being reused for fish feed. These findings underscore the dual impact of this industry on the environment and its crucial role in the livelihoods of local communities. This will help policymakers formulate effective strategies for resource allocation, development planning, and policy formulation
Guardians of Safety: Assessing Awareness and Preparedness of Teachers along with School Initiatives for Disaster Risk Reduction
Get PDFSchools are the foundational pillars of society, shaping the future of the nation. Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is vital; however, it has been observed that schools are among the most vulnerable institutions during disasters. The present survey aimed to explore teachers\u27 awareness and preparedness for disaster risk reduction related to earthquakes and fire hazards in schools. Additionally, it assesses the availability of resources allocated for earthquake and firebreak preparedness in schools. The study was conducted on a sample of 553 primary and secondary school teachers from various schools in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. The findings reveal that the majority (80.39%) of teachers are familiar with the evacuation routes in the school; however, only 29.40% have received training for the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique needed for earthquake risk reduction. 37.25% of teachers have received training in using fire extinguishers or fire alarms in schools. Significantly, few schools (41.09%) reported that mock drills were held regularly to train students in emergencies. A concerning gap prevailed in the training of teachers and students regarding disaster risk reduction in schools. Key findings indicate an urgent need for comprehensive, hands-on training programs for teachers at both pre-service and in-service levels. In conclusion, the survey emphasises the critical need to prioritise DRR activities in schools and teacher education institutions while also investing swiftly in the preparedness of teachers. By providing the necessary skills and resources, schools can significantly enhance teachers\u27 capacity to protect the lives and well-being of students during unforeseen circumstances
Smart Life Safety Jacket For Rescuers
Get PDFSmart Life safety jackets have been widely used in flood rescue operations for many years. However, most of these jackets are outdated and lack integration with modern technology. Due to this, rescuers often encounter several operational challenges. Therefore, the implementation of advanced technology in the design of life safety jackets has been considered necessary for improving disaster response efficiency. The primary objective of this study is to develop a bright life safety jacket that incorporates modern technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless sensor networks, GPS, and oxygen level monitoring. Real-time condition tracking, including rescue time, has also been set as a significant focus of this research. A design-based methodology has been adopted to integrate multiple advanced technologies into the bright jacket. Key components include IoT modules, sensors, GPS, wireless communication networks, and user interaction systems. Various technical and usability aspects have been explored through literature reviews and feasibility studies conducted during different stages of the research. Through this study, a bright life safety jacket has been proposed that is equipped with modern features intended to enhance rescue operations. Key functionalities, including GPS tracking, oxygen level detection, wireless sensor networks, and real-time communication through IoT platforms, have been incorporated to enhance coordination between rescuers and control rooms. The proposed clever life safety jacket design offers several advantages, including enhanced situational awareness and reduced risk of injury. By using modern sensor and cloud technologies, the safety and efficiency of both rescuers and victims during flood emergencies are expected to be significantly enhanced
Assessing Agricultural Vulnerability to Climate Change: A Study on Flood-Induced Loss and Damage in Rajapur, Bardiya, Nepal
Get PDFMore frequent and severe extreme climate events have caused both economic and non-economic losses to local communities in disaster-prone areas due to climate change. This study examines the economic loss and damage to agriculture caused by an unseasonal flood in October 2021 in Rajapur Municipality, located along the Karnali River. The lower Karnali basin is highly prone to flooding, and Rajapur, situated between two arms of the river, has a long history of such events. Using household surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and secondary literature, the study assessed flood-related losses among small, medium, and large farmers based on key indicators from the Building Information Platform Against Disaster (BIPAD), including agricultural land, paddy production, stored grains, livestock, and farm machinery. The October 2021 flood, which occurred just before harvest, caused significant economic losses. Small farmers incurred a loss of 50,225.24, and large farmers experienced a loss of 104,328.10. Small and medium farmers suffered greater impacts on their livelihoods, income, and food security than large farmers. Coping mechanisms included purchasing rice, consuming wheat instead of rice, taking loans, working as labourers, abandoning education, and cultivating spring-season rice. While adaptation measures, such as early warning systems and embankments, have helped prevent human casualties, mitigating agricultural losses remains a challenge as floodwaters continue to devastate farmlands, underscoring the need for improved flood management strategies to safeguard agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods