DISASTER GUARD AI: A SYNERGISTIC SOLUTION FOR INTELLIGENT DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Malaysia has experienced various types of disasters in the last 50 years. Besides natural disasters such as floods (monsoonal and flash floods), landslides, mudslides, earthquakes (especially in Sabah) and tsunami, Malaysia has also experienced man-made disasters such as fires and explosions, vehicle accidents, haze including transboundary haze and others. In almost all episodes of the disasters, the government has played a major role, starting from the formulation of the policy on disasters, disaster preparedness, rescue and relief efforts, and redevelopment of the affected areas. It is vital for the public to participate in each cycle of disaster management (pre-disaster, during disaster and post-disaster). The absence of support and understanding of local community towards disaster risk and preparedness could ruin disaster management risk reduction efforts. In many instances, the role of local communities in Malaysia’s disaster preparedness is somewhat invisible. Thus, the community should be empowered to deal and prepare for disasters to ensure the overall effectiveness of disaster management in Malaysia. In Malaysia’s context, the strength of the faith-based organisations (FBO) should also be utilised in disaster preparedness efforts. This literature review or secondary source-based article examines the current situation in disaster preparedness among Malaysian communities and discusses the challenges that lie ahead in shaping the culture of preparedness in the communities. In conclusion, Malaysia community disaster preparedness needs to be improved. The communities (including FBO), directly or indirectly affected by disasters, should also be empowered to prepare for disaster.

Purpose Despite the increasing number of literature that identifies the roles of various rehabilitation professionals in disaster-related work, there is still limited evidence that examines how these professionals prepare for and function in the various phases of disasters. This study describes the roles and responsibilities practiced by Filipino occupational therapists in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The study also describes the preparations undertaken for the therapists to assume these roles. Materials and methods A survey was conducted among licensed occupational therapists with prior experiences in disaster response. The survey consisted of 23 items - seven were related to preparedness, ten to disaster response, and six to the recovery phase. The participants were asked to indicate their degree of involvement in specific roles and responsibilities using a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire also explored their personal preparation for disaster-related work. Results The participants were mostly engaged in roles related to the recovery phase, followed by the response phase, and were least engaged in the preparedness phase. The roles most frequently performed include: encourage connectedness and social interactions among survivors (recovery); provide supportive mental health services to survivors and their families (response); and attend trainings in disaster response to be part of a response team (preparedness). The majority of the participants received training in mental health responses and orientation prior to deployment. They identified the need to gain additional knowledge on emergency response and the effects of human displacement in disaster situations. Conclusions Given additional training and orientation, occupational therapists are able to perform various roles and responsibilities in the different phases of disasters. They can serve as additional resources for government and non-government organizations to address the needs of vulnerable populations in disasters. The study results could inform professional organizations on how rehabilitation professionals could be further trained to address disaster-related concerns. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION With additional orientation and training, occupational therapists could serve as an important health human resource especially in providing mental health services to people with special needs in disasters. There is a need to intentionally integrate disaster preparedness in the scope of practice of rehabilitation professionals to prepare people with special needs for disasters. Additional knowledge and skills in humanitarian action need to be integrated with clinical expertise to benefit government and non-government disaster management activities.

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.].

Community resilience is often assessed in disaster risk management (DRM) research and it has been argued that it should be strengthened for more robust DRM. However, the term community is seldom precisely defined and it can be understood in many ways. We argue that it is crucial to explore the concept of community within the context of DRM in more detail. We identify three dominating views of conceptualizing community (place-based community, interaction-based community, community of practice and interest), and discuss the relevance of these conceptualizations. We base this discussion on quantitative and qualitative empirical and policy document data regarding flood and storm risk management in Finland, wildfire risk management in Norway and volcanic risk management Iceland. According to our results, all three conceptualizations of community are visible but in differing situations. Our results emphasize the strong role of public sector in DRM in the studied countries. In disaster preparedness and response, a professionalized community of practice and interest appear to be the most prominent within all three countries. The interaction-based community of informal social networks is of less relevance, although its role is more visible in disaster response and recovery. The place-based (local) community is visible in some of the policy documents, but otherwise its role is rather limited. Finally, we argue that the measured resilience of a community depends on how the community is conceptualized and operationalized, and that the measures to strengthen resilience of a particular community should be different depending on what the focal community is.

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.

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: 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.

From the very beginning of the twenty-first century, the world has witnessed many natural disasters. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 has emphasized on formulating disaster management plans at international, national, regional, and local levels. It also urges the use of traditional, indigenous, and local knowledge and practices for the disaster risk assessment and preparation of disaster mitigation plans and management disasters. The national disaster management policy of India 2009 describes that the local authorities should ensure the capacity building of their officers and manage disasters and carry out relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction activities in the affected areas. It also calls for setting up a specific institutional framework for dealing with disasters in megacities. The Odisha government has made provisions to prepare the village-level disaster management plans and national, state, and district-level plans. In this context, we critically appraise the progress of India in empowering the local governments for effective management of disasters at the local level. We argue that it is high time to formally add the responsibility of disaster management by the local governments in the eleventh and twelfth schedules of the constitution. In line with the National Disaster Management Fund and State Disaster Management Funds, local governments should be provided with special Disaster Management Funds. A dedicated department should be created for managing various types of disasters. All disaster-prone villages should have a Village Disaster Management Committee, and panchayats should have a Panchayat Disaster Management Committee.KeywordsNatural disasters and their managementLocal governmentIntergovernmental relationsJEL CodesH77Q54

Background: Disaster preparedness involves proactive actions to mitigate natural or man-made disasters, including disaster management plans, exercises, and emergency response plans. Nepal's healthcare sector needs training and awareness on managing Multi-City Incidents (MCIs). Nepal's disaster risk management strategies lack a comprehensive understanding of its institutional capabilities, necessitating a paradigm shift to address adaptation and risk mitigation. Objective: To study the preparedness of hospitals for emergency disaster management in hub hospitals of Kathmandu Valley. Methodology: The study evaluated the emergency preparedness of five hub hospitals in Nepal using quantitative methods. Data was collected from 85 respondents, totaling 425 samples. Ethical approval was obtained from the Nepal Health Research Council, and written informed consent was obtained. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire and observation checklist, using WHO's hospital safety index guide and a self-administered questionnaire for healthcare workers' self-preparedness and attitude towards disaster and emergency preparedness. The data were reviewed, cleaned, coded, categorized, entered, and analyzed using SPSS 16. Results: The study revealed that 45.6% of respondents are well-prepared for disasters, while 54.4% are poorly prepared. Factors like education, professional roles and age significantly impact preparedness. The study also highlighted areas for improvement in operational protocols, communication strategies, human resources, logistics, and patient care services. Conclusion: A significant portion of the population is not adequately prepared for emergencies, with disparities influenced by factors like education, professional role and age. It emphasizes the need for custom interventions to improve resilience and disaster response strategies among hospitals.

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.

Assessment of U.S. helicopter emergency medical services' planning and preparedness for disaster response

Lay Health Workers can play a pivotal role in improving disaster response and recovery because of their potential effectiveness in enhancing the overall health of their communities, increasing disaster preparedness, supplementing the efforts of disaster responders, and building relationships of trust among all interested parties. Such activities build social capital and significantly enhance community resiliency in anticipation of future disasters. Although there are a number of different types of lay health workers, the version with the greatest potential in this area is the Community Health Worker (CHW). Recent research findings confirm that CHWs serving in the communities where they live have been beneficial in emergency management planning and disaster recovery, following both natural and technological disasters. When properly trained, they constitute a proven strategy for timely interventions aimed at reducing long-term collective trauma and building social capital. In this paper, we elaborate the characteristics and roles of CHWs as a specific type of lay health worker; review research on the utility of CHWs in health care generally, as well as in the area of emergency management; describe their potential for building social capital and enhancing community resilience; and provide an overview of essential training needed to prepare them to participate in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. We conclude with some suggestions for future research.

Flood is a natural disaster that occurs annually in Malaysia causing devastating effects and damages to property and lives. This study looks into our environmental health and disaster preparedness, response and recovery management throughout the severe 2014 Kelantan flooding. We conducted three focus group discussions (FGDs) with healthcare, rescue and welfare workers, and community representatives involved throughout the disaster. The unprecedented severe flooding affected our environmental health and disaster management leading to various prominent issues. State level officers faced greater challenges in inter-agency communication, coordination and collaboration. District level staff faced more complications during disaster and emergency response. Meanwhile, community representatives faced issues pertaining to their livelihood mainly during and after the disaster. Recommendations include improved coordination, effective communication, improved human resource management, accessible early warning system, community empowerment and awareness, and prioritisation of continuous environmental health services. We hope that these recommendations can improve our future disaster management.

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 study aimed to analyze the lived experiences of Agta men and women, including their gender roles, before, during, and after a natural calamity. Also, the study sought to examine the implications of breaking gender stereotypes in disaster preparedness, in the Agta community to develop gender-inclusive and culturally-sensitive disaster risk preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery plans within the Agta community. Employing a case study research design, in-depth interviews with the Agta research participants, key informant interviews, naturalistic observation, and triangulation using the retrieved documents were conducted to gather relevant and significant data. Based on thematic analysis, the lived experiences of the Agta men and women before, during, and after the typhoon highlighted the traditional roles of men and women from disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and disaster recovery. Agta men typically performed the hard and critical jobs while women performed the household chores and took care of the children during calamities. However, during the observation, there were non-traditional roles that both Agta men and women have performed. The switching of gender roles between Agta men and women formed new schema to the minds of younger Agta regarding the roles of men and women, thus, embracing both traditional and untraditional gender roles.