Conceptualizing community in disaster risk management

The use of law, the main tool for implementing policy, to regulate and coordinate disaster management, preparedness and response systems features in many jurisdictions. Also, international guidance on the use of effective laws and policies, which emphasize taking on board critical stakeholders, including humanitarian responders is available. Consequently, the government of Tanzania has promulgated a new disaster management law as part of a wider reform of the legal framework to regulate disaster management and response systems which seek to involve stakeholders at all stages. This article analyses the extent to which the restructured legal framework and supporting policy address humanitarian responders who provide informal assistance, often before formal government intervention. The article traces the history of disaster management policies and laws in the country in the context of the humanitarianism – disaster management nexus. It focuses on the aftermath of the earthquake that ravaged Kagera Region in Bukoba district in the northern west part of the country in September 2016. This analysis is supported with field data from Bukoba district. The findings reveal that the legal framework for regulating disaster management and response system does not reflect international and regional clarion calls for engaging informal humanitarian responders. Recommendations on how this gap can be addressed are provided, laying emphasis on incorporating the clarion calls in order to improve the country’s legal and policy framework for disaster response and management systems.

Disaster risk management refers to the application of plans and procedures for reducing disaster risk to prevent new disaster risks, minimize current disaster risk, and manage residual risk. This process helps to reduce disaster losses and increase resilience (Disaster Risk Management | UNDRR, 2007). This study explored the experiences of disaster risk reduction and management personnel through a qualitative research method. The participants of this study were the ten (10) participants chosen from the five (5) DRRM sectors in the municipalities of the Province of Guimaras. All participants were subjected to individual in-depth interviews. The findings of this study are described in emergent themes. Four (4) emergent themes described the positive and negative experiences of the participants in the implementation of disaster risk reduction and management programs. For the positive experiences, two (2) emergent themes were developed, namely: Empowering Community Resilience and Satisfaction of Effective Crisis Response. For the negative experiences, two (2) emergent themes were also developed, namely: Hurdles in Promoting Public Compliance and Inadequate Resources and Manpower Constraints. Meanwhile, two (2) emergent themes were formulated to explain how the participants address the challenges encountered in the implementation of disaster risk reduction and management programs, namely: Collaborative Partnerships for Resource Management and Capacity Building through Continuous Training. Finally, two (2) emergent themes were created to express the Aspirations of the Participants to Improve the Quality of Service, namely: Institutional Support and Resource Sustainability and Fostering Proactive Community Engagement. Based on the emergent themes identified, it is advised that the DRRM personnel be provided with consistent resource management and community engagement training to enhance their ability to address constraints more effectively and promote a proactive stance on disaster risk reduction.

Disasters are major events that have significant effects on individuals, communities, and health care systems. Nurses are valuable resources that have a role in disaster response. However, barriers in disaster education in nursing programs negatively affect nurses' knowledge and skills in disaster preparedness and response. A literature review was conducted to better understand the disaster response educational needs of nurses and to explore gaps in nurses' preparedness for disaster response and nursing education and training. Findings indicated disaster response education is a vital component of nursing education. When provided with effective disaster education, nurses are better equipped for disaster management and disaster response. Challenges in educational needs continue, and nurses lack specific disaster knowledge and preparedness. Further research is needed to identify effective teaching strategies for disaster response and preparedness. Emphasis should be placed on integrating disaster education into nursing education programs at all levels. [J Nurs Educ. 2025;64(4):235-238.].

Disaster risk management is a critical area of study, as effective preparedness and response strategies can significantly reduce the impact of hazardous events. This research evaluates key disaster response parameters, including Risk Score, Preparedness Level, Response Time, Economic Impact, and Casualty Risk, using statistical analysis. By identifying correlations and patterns among promoting improvements disaster resilience and mitigation efforts. Research Significance: This study is significant as it provides an evidence-based method to disaster preparedness and response evaluation. By analyzing key risk factors and preparedness indicators, the findings help policymakers, emergency responders, and infrastructure planners develop more effective risk reduction strategies. The research also highlights how different environmental and infrastructural conditions influence response efficiency. Methodology: The research employs SPSS statistical analysis, utilizing methods such as, regression analysis, and ANOVA—these methods help determine the relationships between evaluation parameters and assess their collective impact on disaster response effectiveness. Alternative Influencing Factors: In addition to the primary evaluation parameters, the study considers several alternative influencing factors that may impact disaster preparedness and response, including: Disaster Type (e.g., natural vs. man-made disasters) Location Type (urban vs. rural areas) Weather Conditions (floods, storms, droughts, etc.) Ground Stability (earthquake-prone areas, landslide risks) Warning System Availability (early warning mechanisms, public alert systems) Infrastructure Readiness (emergency shelters, transportation networks, healthcare facilities) Evaluation Parameters: The key parameters assessed in this study include: Risk Score: Measures the overall level of risk associated with a disaster event. Preparedness Level: Evaluates the extent of readiness before a disaster occurs. Response Time: Assesses the efficiency of emergency response efforts. Economic Impact: Estimates the financial and infrastructural losses caused by disasters. Casualty Risk: Analyzes the potential for injuries or fatalities due to a disaster. Results: The analysis reveals a strong correlation among preparedness indicators, with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showing that over 91% of the total variance is explained by a single component. This suggests that disaster response factors are highly interdependent. Regression and ANOVA results further confirm the statistical significance of these parameters in predicting disaster outcomes. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced early warning systems, robust infrastructure, and efficient response mechanisms to mitigate disaster risks.

This comprehensive review explores the role of oral surgery in disaster management, highlighting its various phases of disaster response. The study uses a qualitative literature review to analyze current practices, challenges, and future directions in integrating oral surgical expertise into disaster preparedness and response frameworks. Findings reveal that oral surgeons contribute significantly to patient care in disaster scenarios. Integrating oral surgery in disaster management remains inconsistent globally, including oral surgeons in response teams. It identifies inadequate specialized training, limited awareness among disaster planning authorities, and logistical difficulties in deploying oral surgical resources. Technological advancements offer promising solutions to enhance the reach and effectiveness of oral surgical care in disaster settings. It underscores the psychological impact of oral and maxillofacial injuries on disaster survivors, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions for mental health and social reintegration. Ethical considerations surrounding resource allocation in disaster scenarios are examined. The review concludes by proposing recommendations for policy development, training enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology adoption to improve oral surgery in disaster management. This research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the essential role of oral surgery in comprehensive disaster response strategies and advocates for its fuller incorporation into global disaster management frameworks.

Disasters in developing nations are typically caused by frequent and intense climate changes, which contribute to the socio-economic vulnerabilities of such nations. It is important to be strategic in the management of disasters in such regions in order to minimize their impact on thriving communities. There is therefore the need for effective disaster response that allows for access, analysis, and integration of information from varied sources. This Chapter presents architecture for managing knowledge on disaster in Sub-Saharan African nations. This architecture captures the critical contextual variables using process view of knowledge management to assist citizens who are less knowledgeable about disaster management to understand the various forms of knowledge on disaster response while developing extensive knowledge and building capability necessary to address disaster response and management. It also addresses issues with building IT expertise on disaster response in developing nations. More importantly, the architecture facilitates the creation, storage/retrieval, transfer, and application of knowledge on disaster response and management especially for ordinary citizens. The architecture also helps overcome issues with lack of collaboration and coordination across disaster response and management agencies.

The authors present an overview of the impact of the animal-human bond on disaster management and highlight the need to further examine the relationship of animals and humans in disaster response. The human connection to animals influences compliance with individual and community evacuation plans. Search and rescue teams with canine units confront physical and emotional demands that affect both handler and animal. The culling of animal populations on a scale such as occurred during the recent foot-and-mouth epidemic in the United Kingdom affects every member of rural society. Livestock farmers and their families endure enormous emotional losses, and veterinarians and government officials who must implement these programs suffer as well. A familiarity with and understanding of these issues is important for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals who are involved in disaster preparedness and response.

The present project is part of a planning study for structuring resilience in disaster risk reduction in cities. The objective of the article is to evaluate the capacity of municipal managers in terms of preparation for the occurrence of disasters. The article opted for an exploratory study, with the application of 10 interviews with specialists in risk management and disaster protection and civil defense. Ten municipalities were adopted in Parana, in the south of Brazil, which had critical occurrences recorded between August/2016 and August/2017: hailstorms, storm tides (floods), runoffs and gale. The article provides how different municipalities deal with disaster preparedness, with a clear need for greater social and cultural involvement in their activities. Each municipality has its own characteristics in risk and disaster management. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to apply the methodology in other cities in Parana. The document includes implications for the development of indicators that allow public managers to monitor risk and disaster management in communities, minimizing the negative impacts suffered by the local population. The document includes implications for the development of indicators for the other risk and disaster management stages. This document addresses a need identified in Brazil to study how municipal managers deal with preparation for extreme events, which are increasingly common in their cities.

Disaster management experts around the world agree that nurses play a vital role in disaster preparation, response, and recovery. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health care Organizations requires biannual disaster drills for accredited facilities, and there are numerous training resources and educational materials on disaster management topics. Multiple federal and state laws govern health care provider activities during a disaster. However, there is a lack of guidance and evidence surrounding the specific roles and responsibilities of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in a disaster setting. This project assesses APRNs knowledge of disaster management roles and responsibilities and the training for these roles. Using a cross-sectional survey research design, a 68-item survey was distributed via e-mail and social media to members of Texas APRN professional organizations. A convenience sample of those responding and meeting inclusion criteria (Texas-licensed APRN) was analyzed using SPSS to perform descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Thirty-one percent of responding APRNs considered themselves prepared for the management of disasters. A majority of statements (29/47, 61.7%) evaluating APRN knowledge and skills were significantly different (p < .05) across three training and experience categories: post-APRN program education, workplace/community drills or exercises, and planning or disaster response. More clearly defined roles and readily available training and resources will improve APRNs preparation for disaster situations. Recurrent training and professional experience increase knowledge and confidence related to advanced practice disaster management competencies.

Background Of Study: Disaster can affect anyone, but children are the most vulnerable. School play an essential rile during disasters because children spend most of their time in such institutions, and teachers are among the untapped groups whose potential roles in disaster risk reduction and management are not yet fully realizes.1Disaster is defined as phenomena caused by environmental events or armed conflicts that lead to fatalities, injuries, stress, physical damage and economic breakdown of great significance. They occur on a scale that overwhelms local resources, usually requiring external assistance. Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of interventions, and the fairness of their distribution, is crucial in the field of disaster response. For that reason, increasing and improving the scientific evidence for disaster relief is essential. Research is also vital to accurately describe phenomena in disaster, also called humanitarian emergencies or crise. Problem Statement: ‘‘A study to assess effectiveness of self - instructional module (SIM) on knowledge regarding disaster management among school teachers in selected schools of Maharashtra. Objectives of the Study: 1. To assess the existing level of knowledge regarding disaster management among school teachers in selected schools of Maharashtra.2. To determine the effectiveness of self - instructional module on the level of knowledge regarding disaster management among school teachers in selected schools of Maharashtra.3. To find out association between pre - test levels of knowledge on disaster management with selected socio demographic variables. Methodology: Pre experimental research design, one group pre - test post - test research design was used to assess the effectiveness of Self - Instructional Module regarding Disaster Management among school teachers in selected school of Maharashtra. In this study 60 samples selected Non - Probability Purposive Sampling technique. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics based on objectives and research questions of the study. Analysis and Result: In the school teachers with respect to the age majority 29 (48.9%) of the teachers belongs to 41 - 50 years, 25 (41.7%) of teachers belongs to 31 - 40 years, 5 (8.3%) of teachers from 51 and above year and only 1 (1.7%) was in from 21 - 30 year of age. In case of gender majority 35 (58.3%) were male and 25 (41.7%) were female. Regarding education status of the school teachers the majority 43 (71.7%) were educated up to B. Ed., 13 (21.7%) were M. Ed. and 4 (6.7%) were educated up to D. Ed. The majority 23 (38.3%) teachers having 11 - 15 years’ experience in teaching, 18 (30.0%) are having 6 - 10 years’ experience and 19 (31.7%) are having 16 years and above experience in teaching. Majority 38 (63.3%) were used T. V. as source of knowledge regarding disaster management. and 22 (36.7%) were used newspaper as source of knowledge regarding disaster management. Knowledge wise comparison of study subject in pre - test revels 30 (50.0%) were had poor knowledge regarding disaster management, 24 (40.0%) were had average knowledge regarding disaster management and 6 (10.0%) teachers were had good knowledge regarding disaster management. In the post - test result 0 (0.0%) were had poor knowledge regarding disaster management, 0 (0.0%) were had average knowledge regarding disaster management and 60 (100.0%) teachers were had good knowledge regarding disaster management. There is no significance association between knowledge score and demographic variables. Conclusion: After the present study to assess effectiveness of Self Instructional Module regarding disaster management among school teachers, study proves that having the need to improve the knowledge regarding disaster management. And also the Self Instructional Module is effective for to improve knowledge.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the weather-related disaster preparedness and response strategies of agricultural extension professionals in Trinidad during Tropical Storm Karen (TSK). Trinidad faces perennial flooding, and Trinidad extension professionals have often been involved in the management of weather-related disasters. TSK was contextualized as a case study, and a qualitative approach was used to investigate the lived experiences of the extension professionals who directly assisted with managing the event. Semi-structured interview data were collected, along with concept maps and participant-rendered drawings. Each interview was compared with the participant’s concept map and drawing, while the constant comparative technique was used to evaluate the interview data among the participants to derive themes. Data were collected remotely using internet platforms due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Findings indicated that disaster preparedness was strategized through field activities, including collecting data and providing disaster advice to clients. Disaster responsiveness was strategized through field actions, primarily through field evaluations for subsidy claims. In addition, related to disaster response, extension professionals faced various challenges in responding to TSK, most notably, the inability to access appropriate transportation. The findings of this study can guide the government of Trinidad and Tobago in bolstering the disaster management strategies of the country, as well as inform regional disaster management plans in other Caribbean countries.

Community-led disaster risk management is a method that stresses community participation and involvement in disaster prevention, response and recovery. This approach acknowledges that communities possess unique knowledge, resources and capacities that can be used to improve disaster management. Community-led disaster risk management, which involves communities in decision-making processes and provides them with the appropriate tools and training, can improve local resilience and the overall efficacy of disaster response and recovery activities. This approach also recognizes the need to address social, economic and environmental issues that contribute to vulnerability and increase the risk of disaster. Community-led disaster risk management, sometimes known as the "bottom-up approach," brings together local community skills to effectively address and mitigate disaster risks. This method improves local resilience and increases overall disaster response and recovery efforts by actively engaging communities in decision-making processes and providing them with the appropriate tools and training. Furthermore, by addressing social, economic and environmental elements that contribute to vulnerability, community-led disaster risk management helps to reduce the risk of disasters. This bottom-up strategy enables communities to take proactive steps toward catastrophe preparedness, response and recovery, resulting in more sustainable and resilient communities. Previous studies have highlighted that involving communities in policy development and decision-making processes enhances sustainability, resilience and local engagement in policy implementation. As shown in many cases, local stakeholders including Government agencies at the national, state and local levels, local champions and leaders, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), often collaborate closely to develop comprehensive and effective disaster management plans.

BackgroundInternet social networking tools and the emerging web 2.0 technologies are providing a new way for web users and health workers in information sharing and knowledge dissemination. Based on the characters of immediate, two-way and large scale of impact, the internet social networking tools have been utilized as a solution in emergency response during disasters. This paper highlights the use of internet social networking in disaster emergency response and public health management of disasters by focusing on a case study of the typhoon Morakot disaster in Taiwan.DiscussionIn the case of typhoon disaster in Taiwan, internet social networking and mobile technology were found to be helpful for community residents, professional emergency rescuers, and government agencies in gathering and disseminating real-time information, regarding volunteer recruitment and relief supplies allocation. We noted that if internet tools are to be integrated in the development of emergency response system, the accessibility, accuracy, validity, feasibility, privacy and the scalability of itself should be carefully considered especially in the effort of applying it in resource poor settings.SummaryThis paper seeks to promote an internet-based emergency response system by integrating internet social networking and information communication technology into central government disaster management system. Web-based networking provides two-way communication which establishes a reliable and accessible tunnel for proximal and distal users in disaster preparedness and management.

This study evaluated major cities&amp;rsquo; compliance and awareness to the disaster management and emergency response legislations and strategies in Tanzania with a focus on Dar es salaam city that have experienced persistent undesirable disasters and emergencies that arise from both natural and manmade. The study also focused at actions and programs embarked by the Dar es Salaam City Governments (Ilala, Temeke, Ubungo and Kinondoni) to implement the established disaster and emergency response legislations and strategies in dealing with the challenges identified and their way forward. The outcome of this research was contemplated to significantly assist individuals, community, the local government and other interested parties in dealing with disasters and emergencies, and enhance understanding and compliance and awareness to the disaster management and emergency response legislations and strategies urban and rural dwellers with disaster-resilient. This study deployed descriptive research design and survey to gather information about the research problem under the study. The survey provided quantitative account of views of sampled population and their attitudes, and provided chance to test correlation among population variables of the population samples in which 105 respondents were conveniently selected for this study. The study found that the majority of the population are aware the about the disasters that are likely to occur in their localities and their associated impacts both health and economic impacts, but however they are not satisfied with the strategies implemented by the government to deal with them. The study revealed that, the public officials responsible for emergency response and disaster management in Dar es Salaam are aware about the legislations and plans in dealing with disasters and emergency response but the compliance to them are below average due to various factors like resources constraints, insufficient personnel, low involvement of community, insufficient institutional coordination between emergency responders, insufficient infrastructures that affect response time to emergencies, inadequate urban land use planning and strategies and political influenced decision making. The study proposed that the government have to review and follow up implementation of developed urban land use plans base on disaster risk assessment and management reports, to intensify and provide public awareness campaigns on disaster risk management and emergency response strategies, capacity building to government officials and emergency responders on new urban development technologies and enhance their knowledge and competencies, and to review and establish a coordinated emergency response plans in major cities and establishment of early warning systems with coordinated communication systems among responders.

Background: Nepal is highly susceptible to various types of natural disasters, with approximately 90% of its population at risk of experiencing multiple hazards. The country ranks 30th in terms of flood risk, with hilly regions prone to landslides and lowland plains frequently affected by floods. Each year, disasters such as floods, landslides, fires, heat waves, cold waves, and epidemics cause significant loss of lives and livelihood assets. Given the critical role of gender in disaster vulnerability, it is essential to analyze gender-specific perspectives on disaster risk and resilience. Objective: The study aims to explore gender roles and their associated vulnerabilities in disaster events. By examining the perceptions of males and females regarding different disaster-related variables, the research seeks to provide insights into gender-based differences in disaster preparedness, response, and resilience-building efforts. Methods: A quantitative study was conducted in Sarawal Rural Municipality of Nawalparasi West, Nepal. A total of 428 respondents were selected through random sampling, comprising 311 males and 117 females. The study employed six major disaster variables as defined by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) to analyze gender perspectives critically. Statistical methods were used to assess the association between gender and disaster perception. Findings: The study revealed a significant association between gender and disaster perceptions. Males and females demonstrated differing views on disaster risks, preparedness, and coping mechanisms. Understanding these gender-specific differences can help determine levels of vulnerability, identify associated risks, and enhance the coping capacities of different groups. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need to incorporate gender perspectives into disaster-related research and resilience-building initiatives. Addressing gender-based vulnerabilities can lead to more effective disaster preparedness and response strategies, ultimately improving community resilience. Novelty: This study provides empirical evidence on the gendered dimensions of disaster perception in Nepal, highlighting the importance of integrating gender considerations into disaster risk management. By focusing on a rural municipality, the research offers localized insights that can inform policy and program development for gender-inclusive disaster resilience planning.