Disaster Prevention and Management

Peter Tatham; Karen Spens

2011 Disaster Prevention and Management

doi: 10.1108/09653561111111054

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to offer a conceptual model and an associated taxonomy to support the development of a body of knowledge in support of the logistic response to a natural or man‐made disaster. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a literature review, the paper outlines the difficulties associated with the logistic response to a disaster, before discussing a generic approach to knowledge management. The literature review is then used to identify two potential models (the Supply‐Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) and the UK Defence Lines of Development (LOD)), which are then further developed and integrated in order to underpin a knowledge taxonomy. Findings – The paper proposes a model that combines both the SCOR and LOD models into a unified approach as a first step towards the development of a broad‐ranging reference source to support humanitarian logisticians and, thereby, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the response to future disasters. Research limitations/implications – As a first step towards the creation of a knowledge taxonomy, this conceptual paper does not attempt to validate the model, but it proposes an approach by which this could be undertaken. Practical implications – Given the plethora of non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) in the broadest sense of this categorization, and also recognizing the varied nature of their aims, objectives and approaches, the paper pays particular attention to the need to develop a model that can be supported by the NGO community as a whole. Originality/value – The paper proposes an improved model to support the development of a body of knowledge in support of the logistic response to a natural or man‐made disaster.

Eziyi Offia Ibem

2011 Disaster Prevention and Management

doi: 10.1108/09653561111111063

Purpose – The aim of this research is to identify the factors responsible for the inability of authorities in rapidly growing megacities in developing countries to integrate disaster risk vulnerability reduction strategies effectively with their development plans. Design/methodology/approach – The study followed a qualitative research strategy. A survey research approach with pre‐tested questionnaires as key data collection instrument was used in eliciting responses from 135 randomly selected built environment professionals in academics and disaster management practitioners in government and non‐governmental organizations in Lagos Megacity Area, Nigeria. Findings – A number of factors militating against the adoption of effective disaster vulnerability reduction strategies in the area were identified. The most critical were faltering institutions and governance, weak infrastructure base and a low level of disaster education. Research limitations/implications – The sample population comprised mainly built environment professionals in academics and disaster managers across the city. Therefore, the views presented in the paper may not be considered generalizable within the context of multiplicity of stakeholders in disaster studies. However, the research presents the perception of experts and key stakeholders in disaster vulnerability reduction in the study area. Practical implications – The findings can form the basis for addressing these challenges, most particularly in generating and adopting new approaches to policy formulation and implementation by the public and private sectors. Originality/value – Research on this subject‐matter is very limited in Nigeria. It is, however, very relevant in efforts at addressing the challenges of sustainable development in developing countries from the human and policy dimensions.

Zissis Maditinos; Christos Vassiliadis

2011 Disaster Prevention and Management

doi: 10.1108/09653561111111072

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of mega fire catastrophic phenomena and bring out some useful aspects for more effective pre‐, during and post‐disaster management of mega fires. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses two very recent (2007) mega fire cases (Peloponnese – Greece and California – USA) to provide evidence of the magnitude of this kind of disaster and how their impacts can be mitigated if certain management practices are implemented. Findings – Mega fires are major catastrophic events, with multiple impacts for the communities and areas in which they happen. They are very difficult to manage, mainly owing to their magnitude. However, their negative effects and impacts can be mitigated if pre‐, during, and post‐disaster activities and measures are planned and implemented. Originality/value – This paper could be useful to practitioners and public service managers that are responsible for the development of fire management policies and management of mega fires situations.

Robert O. Schneider

2011 Disaster Prevention and Management

doi: 10.1108/09653561111111081

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest the utility of an emergency management perspective as a guide for policy makers as they respond to the challenges of global climate change. Design/methodology/approach – This analytical paper begins with a review of scientific literature in an effort to highlight the consensus about risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change or global warming. Applying the terminology and techniques of natural disaster planning, preparedness, response, and mitigation to climate change, an emergency management perspective is articulated as a viable framework for policy development. Findings – Based on the evidence of a growing consensus in the scientific assessment of climate change, and the need for policy interventions to address the risks and vulnerabilities associated with it, the need for a unifying perspective for policymakers at all levels is apparent. An emergency management perspective is offered herein and holds the potential to provide a foundation for meeting that need. Research limitations/implications – An emergency management perspective for global climate change highlights the linkages between the challenges it poses and natural disaster preparedness in general. This may enable policy analysts to draw on the natural hazards literature and techniques as a guide for planning and policy development. Practical implications – The effort to create a consensus of approach that will enable policy makers to speak the same language, participate in the same analysis, contribute to the same dialogue, and pursue the same goals may be advanced by this discussion. Originality/value – An emergency management perspective on climate change may offer the potential for developing the least problematic model for policy makers to incorporate as they seek to make their efforts more consistent and more responsible in the face of a global challenge.

Kristin S. Scharffscher

2011 Disaster Prevention and Management

doi: 10.1108/09653561111111090

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the relationship between local women's relief initiatives and international relief workers in Batticaloa, eastern Sri Lanka, during the post‐tsunami emergency. Design/methodology/approach – Interviews with representatives from women's organizations in the tsunami‐affected town of Batticaloa, local and national nongovernment organizations (NGOs) based in Batticaloa, as well as international aid agencies are discussed in relation to theories on resilience, vulnerability, gender and humanitarianism. Findings – Observing that women in a disaster‐affected area often represent important knowledge and resources, this paper documents how international relief workers failed to connect and cooperate with local women's organizations in post‐tsunami Batticaloa. It suggests that the reasons behind the disconnection can be linked to “us and them” undercurrents of international relief work – the lingering remnants of a colonial heritage. The disconnection may have led to a disempowerment of local capacities, flaws in the international relief activities, and reduced resilience among Batticaloan women in relation to the Sri Lankan civil war. Research limitations/implications – Despite a growing volume of policies and guidelines on the importance of involving local capacities, there are inadequacies in the way international relief agencies operate vis‐à‐vis disaster‐affected communities, including women's established relief networks. Practical implications – The paper points at some reasons why international relief organizations struggle to engage local women's resources in their emergency operations. It suggests that cultural, social, and linguistic barriers are among those that need to be addressed if relief workers are to provide effective and sustainable assistance to crisis‐affected communities. Originality/value – Coupling theories of resilience, vulnerability, gender, and humanitarianism, this paper argues that women in disaster‐affected areas must be involved in international relief operations in a way that reflects their actual knowledge and resources. Presenting original interview material and documents collected during the first six months of the post‐tsunami operation, as well as through a follow‐up study in 2008, the paper points at international aid agencies' apparent inability to acknowledge local women's resilience and take their capacities into account. It also points at some of the ways in which this compromised the effectiveness and sustainability of international relief work in post‐tsunami Batticaloa.

Katayoun Jahangiri; Yasamin O. Izadkhah; Seyed Jamaledin Tabibi

2011 Disaster Prevention and Management

doi: 10.1108/09653561111111108

Purpose – Iran is located among the top disaster‐prone countries in the world and, therefore, disaster management is considered to be one of the most important issues in this country. One of the existing and worldwide approaches for managing disasters is the so‐called community‐based disaster management (CBDM). Community participation means that people's contribution in the disaster management cycle can be started from the basic steps of a process and ends in the achievement and institutionalization in the community. The purpose of this paper is to make a comparative study on the CBDM in various selected countries in order to design a model for Iran. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive‐comparative study was undertaken through a methodology including six steps in which a few countries have been chosen based on their contribution to issues such as policy making, planning, coordination, and control and organizing of disasters as well as their experience in disaster management and access to related information. Findings – The results of the study show that, in order to achieve a successful disaster management, there is a need for the participation of the community in various disaster management lifecycles. However, it is evident that the type of contribution may differ according to the characteristics of each specific country. Practical implications – By using the CDBM, it is hoped that, with updating and implementing this model, the government's capability enhances in order to encounter disasters more effectively in the future. Originality/value – On the basis of these findings, a model was designed to use CDBM in Iran. The issue most emphasized by this model is the presence and contribution of community at the local level in villages and neighborhoods in a city.