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ABSTRACT Objective: to identify courses available online by national civil defense bodies in Brazil and Mexico to assist in the additional training of healthcare professionals for disasters. Method: an exploratory descriptive study, based on a qualitative approach, using technological prospecting methodology, carried out on the official Civil Defense websites in Brazil and Mexico. Results: ten courses offered by the Government of Mexico's National Center for Disaster Prevention were found, nine of which were short-term and one offered as vocational training. All of these courses were synchronous. In Brazil, 36 courses were located, all in asynchronous formats, with durations varying between 20 and 50 hours. Although the courses presented programmatic content that included activities inherent to healthcare professionals, none of them made specific mention of professionals in this area as the target audience. Conclusion: the prospective study reinforces that Information and Communication Technologies for distance education present themselves as an alternative present in both countries in terms of additional training for disasters, although not yet specifically aimed at healthcare professionals. The need to include this area of interdisciplinary and multi-professional content reflects gaps in sector integration.
RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar cursos disponibles en línea por los organismos nacionales de defensa civil en Brasil y México para ayudar en la capacitación adicional de profesionales de la salud para desastres. Método: estudio descriptivo exploratorio, de enfoque cualitativo, utilizando metodología de prospección tecnológica, realizado en los sitios web oficiales de la Defensa Civil de Brasil y México. Resultados: se encontraron 10 cursos ofrecidos por el Centro Nacional para la Prevención de Desastres del Gobierno de México, nueve de los cuales fueron de corta duración y uno se ofreció como formación vocacional. Todos estos cursos fueron sincrónicos. En Brasil se ubicaron 36 cursos, todos en formato asincrónico, con duraciones que variaron entre 20 y 50 horas. Aunque los cursos presentaron contenidos programáticos que incluyeron actividades inherentes a los profesionales de la salud, ninguno de ellos hizo mención específica a los profesionales de esa área como público objetivo. Conclusión: el estudio prospectivo refuerza que las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones para la educación a distancia se presentan como una alternativa presente en ambos países en términos de capacitación adicional para desastres, aunque aún no dirigida específicamente a los profesionales de la salud. La necesidad de incluir esta área de contenidos interdisciplinarios y multiprofesionales refleja brechas en la integración del sector.
RESUMO Objetivo: identificar cursos disponíveis on-line pelos órgãos de defesa civil nacional do Brasil e do México visando auxiliar na formação complementar de profissionais de saúde para desastres. Método: estudo descritivo exploratório, a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando a metodologia de prospecção tecnológica, realizada nos sites oficiais de Defesa Civil do Brasil e do México. Resultados: foram encontrados 10 cursos oferecidos pelo Centro Nacional de Prevenção de Desastres do Governo do México, sendo nove de curta duração e um oferecido como curso técnico. Todos esses cursos na modalidade síncrona. No Brasil, localizaram-se 36 cursos, todos em formatos assíncronos, com duração variável entre 20 e 50 horas. Embora os cursos apresentassem conteúdo programático que incluía atividades inerentes aos profissionais de saúde, nenhum deles fazia menção específica aos profissionais desta área como público-alvo. Conclusão: o estudo prospectivo reforça que as Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação para educação a distância se apresentam como uma alternativa presente em ambos os países quanto à formação complementar para desastres, porém, ainda não direcionados especificamente aos profissionais da saúde. A necessidade de inclusão desta área de conteúdos interdisciplinares e multiprofissionais reflete lacunas de integração de setores.
ABSTRACT
In the 2020s, understanding disaster risk requires a strong and clear recognition of values and goals that influence the use of political and economic power and social authority to guide growth and development. This configuration of values, goals, power and authority may also lead to concrete drivers of risk at any one time. Building on previous disaster risk frameworks and experiences from practice, since 2010, the 'Forensic Investigations of Disasters (FORIN)' approach has been developed to support transdisciplinary research on the transformational pathways societies may follow to recognise and address root causes and drivers of disaster risk. This article explores and assesses the achievements and failures of the FORIN approach. It also focuses on shedding light upon key requirements for new approaches and understandings of disaster risk research. The new requirements stem not only from the uncompleted ambitions of FORIN and the forensic approach but also from dramatic and ongoing transformational changes characterised by climate change, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the threat of global international confrontation, among other potential crises, both those that can be identified and those not yet identified or unknown. Contribution: Disasters associated with extreme natural events cannot be treated in isolation. A comprehensive "all risks" or "all disasters" approach is essential for a global transformation, which could lead to a better world order. To achieve this, an Intergovernmental Panel for Disaster Risk is suggested to assess risk science periodically and work towards sustainability, human rights, and accountability, within a development and human security frame and on a systemic basis and integrated perspective.
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For several decades, calamitous debris flows have inflicted profound negative impact on Peruvian rainforest society, encompassing both economic losses and human casualties. To address this concern, this study proposes a methodological tool to assess vulnerability while focusing on intercultural nuances. The contextual analysis of the incident reports identifies La Merced (Junín, Perú) as a severely affected locality, thereby justifying its selection for a detailed case study on the Pampa del Carmen sector. The study conducted a thorough systematic review of parameters such as diglossia, poverty, and origin that are crucial for vulnerability assessment. Moreover, these parameters aided in developing a structured digital survey. The integration of survey data into the analytic hierarchy process revealed high levels of vulnerability in the sector, emphasizing the imminent need for targeted interventions. The intercultural approach is significant as it facilitates future risk mitigation strategies based on effective integration and genuine acknowledgment of social dynamics and individual freedoms within the region for devising impactful risk management policies and plans.
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Coastal flood risk is expected to increase as a result of climate change effects, such as sea level rise, and socioeconomic growth. To support policymakers in making adaptation decisions, accurate flood risk assessments that account for the influence of complex adaptation processes on the developments of risks are essential. In this study, we integrate the dynamic adaptive behavior of homeowners within a flood risk modeling framework. Focusing on building-level adaptation and flood insurance, the agent-based model (DYNAMO) is benchmarked with empirical data for New York City, USA. The model simulates the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and frequently proposed reforms to evaluate their effectiveness. The model is applied to a case study of Jamaica Bay, NY. Our results indicate that risk-based premiums can improve insurance penetration rates and the affordability of insurance compared to the baseline NFIP market structure. While a premium discount for disaster risk reduction incentivizes more homeowners to invest in dry-floodproofing measures, it does not significantly improve affordability. A low interest rate loan for financing risk-mitigation investments improves the uptake and affordability of dry-floodproofing measures. The benchmark and sensitivity analyses demonstrate how the behavioral component of our model matches empirical data and provides insights into the underlying theories and choices that autonomous agents make.
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This paper presents an integrative case study of Chile's national strategy of research, development, and innovation (R&D+i) for disaster resilience and progress towards developing the institutional conditions necessary for its successful implementation. The paper covers the period between 2016 and 2021, concentrating on the work of the Chilean Commission of R&D+i for Resilience to Disasters of Natural Origin (CREDEN). Through an analysis of the official records of the initiative at all of its stages, and 29 semi-structured interviews with CREDEN members and stakeholders, we aim to present a successful example of strengthening the role of science and technology in disaster risk reduction. Chile's experience is particularly interesting because its strategy focused on R&D+i and proposed developing an industry of scientific-based technological solutions for disaster resilience. The study also illustrates how strategic interaction between academia, state, and industry can be a key factor in aligning knowledge production to tackle current socio-technical challenges.
Subject(s)
Risk Reduction Behavior , Technology , Humans , ChileABSTRACT
This field note examines the disaster risk construction process in Lima, Peru. More commonly experienced hazard contexts are considered in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We provide an empirical analysis based on Lima-wide data and using findings from a single case study settlement to illustrate more general conclusions. We attempt to reveal how exposure and vulnerability factors signify that very different hazards, including COVID-19, predominantly affect the same population groups. Underlying causes and drivers, all related to different expressions of urban inequality, include problems of access to suitable urban land, land trafficking and invasion, State exclusion from social housing and basic services, unsafe building practice and corruption. The research confirms the usefulness of a social construction approach to disaster risk, based on the notion of underlying causes and drivers, and the need to reconfigure urban planning processes, breaking sector silos and encouraging integrated intersectoral and interspatial approaches.
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As Peru is subject to large seismic movements owing to its geographic condition, determining seismic risk levels is a priority task for designing appropriate management plans. These actions become especially relevant when analyzing Pisco, a Peruvian city which has been heavily affected by various seismic events through the years. Hence, this project aims at estimating the associated seismic risk level and its previous requirements, such as hazard and vulnerability. To this end, a hybrid approach of machine learning (i.e., Random Forest) and hierarchical analysis (i.e., the Saaty matrix) was used. Risk levels were calculated through a double-entry table that establishes the relation between hazard and vulnerability levels. Results suggest that the city of Pisco exhibits both medium (lower city areas) and high (higher city areas) hazard levels in similar proportion. In addition, the coast area is considered a very-high hazard zone. Regarding vulnerability, the central area of the city exhibits a medium vulnerability level, whereas the periphery denotes high and very-high vulnerability levels. The interrelation of these components results in overall high-risk levels, with very-high levels in some central areas of the city. Finally, the results from this research study are expected to be useful for the authorities in charge of fostering specific activities in each sector and, simultaneously, as a motivator for future studies within this field.
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Resumo: O artigo analisa os impactos socioterritoriais provocados por desastres com barragens à luz da Vigilância Socioassistencial. Adotou-se o método qualitativo, por meio de análise documental e técnica, de cidades impactadas por desastres com barragens de mineradoras em Minas Gerais (Brasil). Concluiu-se que as condições objetivas de respostas no campo da Assistência Social estão aquém dos preceitos internacionais de Gestão Integral de Riscos e de Desastres (GIRD), destacando foco para o aprimoramento específico para uma gestão planejada e compartilhada de Redução de Riscos de Desastres (RRD).
Abstract: The article analyzes the socio-territorial impacts caused by disasters with dams in the light of Social Assistance Surveillance. We adopted the qualitative method based on documental and technical analysis of cities impacted by disasters with mining dams in Minas Gerais/BR. We concluded that the objective conditions of answers in the field of Social Assistance fall short of the international precepts of Disaster Risk Management (DRM), highlighting a focus for specific improvement for a planned and shared management of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
ABSTRACT
Climate change is increasing the severity of extreme weather events, particularly hurricanes, presenting a significant challenge to Caribbean coastal communities. In the aftermath of a major disaster, government interventions typically prioritise infrastructure, assets, and the economy through rebuilding roads, reviving economic sectors, and providing financial compensation. This is driven by a focus on macro-level quantitative indicators rather than by local, multidimensional subjective and relational factors, closer to lived experiences and livelihoods. Using frameworks outlining social well-being and agency, this paper explores strategies used by a fisheries-dependent community in Dominica to recover from Hurricane Maria in 2017 and pursue well-being. The findings highlight the importance of multidimensional well-being, particularly relational and subjective dimensions, including existing social networks, and personal relationships critical for recovery after Maria. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates how recovery initiatives that concentrate solely on material well-being, such as employment, can undermine agency in the capacity of a community to recover and build resilience.
Subject(s)
Cyclonic Storms , Disasters , Dominican Republic , Fisheries , Humans , HuntingABSTRACT
Child-centred disaster risk reduction aims to reduce child vulnerability and increase resilience to disasters. The 2015 Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF) sought to decrease hazard risks to education. Between 2015 and 2017, Dominica was struck by Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria, which significantly affected the education system at the local and national scales. Since Maria, a couple of national initiatives (Safer Schools and Smart Schools) have been introduced to increase resilience and meet the CSSF's objectives. This paper assesses progress made through a qualitative analysis of interviews with 29 school leaders, government officials, and disaster risk reduction stakeholders. Implementation of the climate resilience programme in 2018 resulted in nationwide teacher training and production of school disaster plans. Limited successes have improved social resilience, but short-term implementation due to COVID-19 and a lack of a teacher knowledge base have presented challenges to the scheme's long-term sustainability and the implementation of the CSSF's goals.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cyclonic Storms , Disaster Planning , Disasters , COVID-19/epidemiology , Dominican Republic , HumansABSTRACT
This paper questions the pertinence of the humanitarian aid localization agenda in Latin America, at least in the narrow sense embraced by the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit. Localized support has been the standard practice in the region for decades, thanks to at least two correlated factors: the Monroe Doctrine limiting intervention to the USA and regional efforts to resist such intervention. Instead, humanitarian action in the region is an example of a particular way of understating localization, mainly specialized support to specific issues, no distinction between humanitarian or development divisions, and coexistence of different response approaches, synthesizing international and local experiences that intermingle with community practices and traditions, under national government leadership. Governments, together with NGOs, civil protection, and other relevant actors from international cooperation and development, engage in crises based on a long-standing tradition of risk management at national and regional levels. Fears of abuses hidden behind the non-interference principle, human rights activism, and disaster risk management approaches to emergencies created a complex ecosystem for humanitarian localization.
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ABSTRACT: Between 2015 and 2019, Brazil recorded the two most serious disasters involving mining dams of the 21st century. The purpose of this article is to offer an understanding of these disasters as systemic risks. They involve from global and national processes related to social determinants that materialize in a complex system of dams distributed throughout the country with their intrinsic risks. When they occur, result in a set of impacts with potential damage and immediate effects combined with secondary and tertiary impacts that can trigger chain reactions, which promote risk factors of heterogeneous and complex occurrence. Approaching these events from the point of view of systemic risk allows for a broader understanding of both the singularity of each of these disasters and their multiple exposure, risk and disease processes, as well as the structural characteristics in which social, political processes and dynamics and economic factors reproduce in multiple territories a common pattern of disasters and their effects. We conclude that the promotion of population health and sustainable territories should guide the organization of production processes and not the opposite, with the externalization of human, environmental and social costs of mining and its disasters.
RESUMO: Entre 2015 e 2019, o Brasil registrou os dois mais graves desastres envolvendo barragens de mineração do século XXI. O objetivo deste artigo é oferecer a compreensão desses desastres como riscos sistêmicos, que envolvem desde processos globais e nacionais relacionados aos determinantes sociais que se concretizam em um complexo sistema de barragens distribuídas pelo País com seus riscos intrínsecos. Quando ocorrem, resultam em um conjunto de impactos com potencial de danos e efeitos imediatos combinados com impactos secundários e terciários que podem desencadear reações em cadeia, promovendo fatores de riscos de ocorrência heterogênea e complexa. Abordar esses eventos com base no conceito de risco sistêmico permite uma compreensão mais ampla tanto da singularidade de cada um desses desastres e seus múltiplos processos de exposição, riscos e doenças, como também das características estruturais com que os processos e dinâmicas sociais, políticas e econômicas reproduzem, em múltiplos territórios, um padrão comum de desastres e seus efeitos. Concluímos que a promoção da saúde da população e de territórios sustentáveis deve orientar a organização dos processos produtivos e não o contrário, com a externalização dos custos humanos, ambientais e sociais da mineração e seus desastres.
ABSTRACT
Disaster education outcomes are highly dependent on the political context of that education. Based on a rich, in-depth case study of the creation of community monitors in a landslide and flood-prone city in southeast Brazil, this paper demonstrates how developmental and political environments add much additional nuance to existing theories of behaviourist and transformative education for disaster preparedness and mitigation. Beyond identifying the benefits of education, it argues that disaster risk reduction outcomes are reliant on governance frameworks that alter over time. The study reveals the political complexity associated with programme implementation and cites the perspectives of a number of participants. Disaster education is shown to be the necessary yet underappreciated twin of the militarised and technical approaches that dominate disaster response in Brazil. Understated, however, is education's situatedness: how it can become an arena of conflict between government and civil actors over matters of state and society in increasingly hazardous urbanisation settings in Latin America.
Subject(s)
Disaster Planning , Disasters , Floods , Politics , Vulnerable Populations , Brazil , Education , Environmental Policy , Humans , Risk , Safety Management , Social EnvironmentABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The efficacy is measured for a public health intervention related to community-based planning for population protection measures (PPMs; ie, shelter-in-place and evacuation). DESIGN: This is a mixed (qualitative and quantitative) prospective study of intervention efficacy, measured in terms of usability related to effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, and degree of community engagement. SETTING: Two municipalities in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico are included. PARTICIPANTS: Community members consisting of individuals; traditional leaders; federal, territorial, and municipal emergency managers; municipal mayors; National Guard; territorial departments of education, health, housing, public works, and transportation; health care; police; Emergency Medical Services; faith-based organizations; nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); and the private sector. INTERVENTION: The intervention included four community convenings: one for risk communication; two for plan-writing; and one tabletop exercise (TTX). This study analyzed data collected from the project work plan; participant rosters; participant surveys; workshop outputs; and focus group interviews. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy was measured in terms of ISO 9241-11, an international standard for usability that includes effectiveness, efficiency, user satisfaction, and "freedom from risk" among users. Degree of engagement was considered an indicator of "freedom from risk," measurable through workshop attendance. RESULTS: Two separate communities drafted and exercised ~60-page-long population protection plans, each within 14.5 hours. Plan-writing workshops completed 100% of plan objectives and activities. Efficiency rates were nearly the same in both communities. Interviews and surveys indicated high degrees of community satisfaction. Engagement was consistent among community members and variable among governmental officials. CONCLUSIONS: Frontline communities have successfully demonstrated the ability to understand the environmental health hazards in their own community; rapidly write consensus-based plans for PPMs; participate in an objective-based TTX; and perform these activities in a bi-lingual setting. This intervention appears to be efficacious for public use in the rapid development of community-based PPMs.
Subject(s)
Cyclonic Storms , Humans , Prospective Studies , Public Health , Puerto Rico , WritingABSTRACT
Atualmente, a Defesa Civil (DC) de Blumenau, em Santa Catarina, na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Itajaí (BHRI) realiza ações de educação ambiental para Gestão de Risco de Desastres (GRD) por meio de projetos, dentre eles o Agente Mirim de Defesa Civil (AMDC). O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi analisar como o projeto AMDCsubsidia a implementação da Lei Federal no. 12.608/2012, por meio da análise da percepção de risco dos estudantes durante sua participação. Para isso, foram utilizadas cinco ferramentas aplicadas em sete momentos no decorrer do ano letivo de 2016. Os resultados revelam que os estudantes ao ingressarem no projeto, trazem consigo conceitos básicos sobre ações de defesa civil e constroem novos conhecimentos sobre riscos de desastres. Conclui-se que as práticas educativas empregadas no projeto AMDC possibilitam a construção de conhecimentos, procedimentos e atitudes, capacitando os estudantes nos processos de prevenção, mitigação e preparação frentes aos riscos de desastres conforme enfatizado pela Lei Federal no. 12.608/2012.
Currently the Civil Defense (CD) of Blumenau, Santa Catarina, in the Itajaíriver basin conducts environmental education actions for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) through projects, among them the "Junior Civil Defense Agent" (JCDA). The objective of this research was to analyze how the JCDA project subsidizes the implementation of Federal Law nº. 12.608/2012, by analyzing the students' perception of risk during their participation. To this end, five tools were applied at seven times during the 2016 school year. The results show that students entering the project bring with them basic concepts about civil defense actions and build new knowledge about disaster risks. It is concluded that the educational practices employed in the JCDA project enable the construction of knowledge, procedures and attitudes, enabling students in disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness processes as emphasized by Federal Law nº. 12.608/2012.
Subject(s)
Humans , Child , Adolescent , Students , Civil Defense , Risk Assessment , Geographical Localization of RiskABSTRACT
This case study outlines the actions of Cuba's Veterinary Service, as part of the country's disaster risk reduction and management system, in response to Hurricane Irma. The phenomenon affected ten of Cuba's 15 provinces and caused significant damage in 53 of its municipalities (29.6%). During the response effort, the pre-established measures for the various phases (warning, alert and emergency) were deployed according to the disaster reduction plans for each level. In all provinces, animals were protected by moving them to safer locations, allowing for pre-established sanitary measures and technical assistance. Nonetheless, damage was incurred, mainly to the roofs of some animal housing. The following deaths were recorded: 210,150 poultry, 2,752 cattle (of which 73.8% were calves) and 866 pigs (of which 68% were young animals). In addition, 7% of the inventory of hives was damaged and 3.3% of hives were lost. Damage to infrastructure included: 466 poultry houses, 1,422 cattle houses, 431 pig houses, 1,200 wind pumps and 13 of the country's 17 feed concentrate plants. As no major damage was reported to the Veterinary Service's facilities (laboratories and offices), its viability was guaranteed at all times. Rapid damage assessment enabled priorities for rehabilitation and recovery actions to be set, with the result that, just three months after the hurricane had struck, 67% of the poultry houses and 33% of the pig houses had been restored. This article focuses on preparedness, response and lessons learned.
Dans cette étude de cas, les auteurs retracent les activités menées lors du passage de l'ouragan Irma par les Services vétérinaires cubains, en tant que composante du système d'atténuation et de gestion du risque de catastrophe. Le phénomène a touché dix des quinze provinces du pays, entraînant des destructions importantes dans 56 communes (29,6 %). Lors de la réponse, les moyens prévus dans les plans de réduction des catastrophes pour les différentes phases (information, alerte et intervention d'urgence) ont été déployés à chaque niveau. Dans chaque province, la protection des animaux a été assurée en les évacuant vers des lieux plus sûrs, en appliquant les mesures sanitaires prévues et en mettant en place une assistance technique. L'ouragan a néanmoins occasionné des dégâts, en particulier la destruction de la couverture de nombreuses installations d'élevage. Les pertes enregistrées dans les cheptels se sont réparties comme suit : 210 150 volailles, 2 752 bovins (dont 73,8 % de veaux) et 866 porcs (dont 68 % de porcelets). En ce qui concerne les ruches, 7 % d'entre elles ont subi des dommages et 3,3 % ont été détruites. En termes d'infrastructures, des dégâts ont été enregistrés sur 466 bâtiments avicoles, 1 422 bâtiments d'élevage bovin, 431 bâtiments d'élevage porcin, 1 200 pompes éoliennes et 13 des 17 usines de production de concentrés pour l'alimentation animale. Les installations des Services vétérinaires (laboratoires et bureaux) n'ont subi aucun dommage grave, de sorte que ces Services sont restés opérationnels en permanence. L'évaluation rapide des dégâts a permis d'établir les priorités concernant les mesures de reconstruction et de redressement. Trois mois seulement après le passage de l'ouragan, 67 % des bâtiments avicoles et 33 % des bâtiments d'élevage porcin étaient réparés. Les auteurs soulignent les mesures de préparation et de réponse ainsi que les leçons apprises.
Este artículo esboza las acciones del Servicio Veterinario como parte del sistema cubano de reducción y gestión del riesgo de desastres ante el huracán «Irma¼, en forma de estudio de caso. El fenómeno afectó a 10 de las 15 provincias del país y ocasionó daños importantes en 53 de sus municipios (29,6%). Durante la respuesta, se desplegaron las medidas preestablecidas para las diferentes fases (informativa, de alerta y de emergencia) en los planes de reducción de desastres correspondientes a cada nivel. En todas las provincias se protegieron animales trasladándolos a lugares más seguros, garantizando las medidas sanitarias preestablecidas y la asistencia técnica. No obstante, se produjeron daños, fundamentalmente en techos de algunas instalaciones de crianza. Se registró la muerte de: 210 150 aves de corral, 2 752 bovinos (un 73,8% eran terneros) y 866 porcinos (un 68% eran crías). También sufrió daño el 7% del inventario de colmenas, y se perdió un 3,3% de las colmenas. Los daños en infraestructuras comprendieron: 466 naves de producción avícola; 1 422 naves de producción bovina, 431 naves de producción porcina; 1 200 molinos a viento y 13 de 17 fábricas de alimento concentrado. No se reportaron daños de importancia en las instalaciones del Servicio Veterinario (laboratorios y oficinas), por lo que su viabilidad estuvo garantizada en todo momento. La rápida evaluación de los daños posibilitó establecer prioridades respecto a las acciones de rehabilitación y recuperación, y tan solo tres meses después del impacto del huracán, el 67% de las naves de producción avícola y el 33% de las de producción porcina estaban recuperadas. Se destacan los preparativos, la respuesta y las lecciones aprendidas.
Subject(s)
Cyclonic Storms , Disaster Planning , Disasters , Animals , Cattle , Cuba , Housing, Animal , SwineABSTRACT
More than 226 million people are affected by some type of disaster every year in various dimensions of human life, both in the short and long term. In this context, housing provision plays a leading role when it comes to basic needs and the choice of construction technologies and materials are determinant for a well-succeeded housing provision process. This work aims to analyze the viability of reinforced masonry technology with cement-stabilized compressed earth blocks as an alternative for the (re)construction process in situations that involve disaster risk reduction (DRR). To address this issue, a discussion from the literature and the main results obtained during the investigations carried out within the scope of the Simple Housing Solution (SHS) Project are presented. In the sequence, analyses are performed under United Nations Development Program/International Recovery Platform sustainability recommendations: environmental, technical, financial and socio-organizational aspects. It is concluded that the technology of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) reinforced structural masonry has a high potential to be successfully applied in DRR situations, especially when associated with the community construction system in a joint effort.
ABSTRACT
The community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) framework recognises the crucial role that small- and medium-sized NGOs play during adverse events, particularly in marginalised communities. Despite the global frequency of civil unrest, its effect on NGOs' programmatic, administrative, and operational capabilities is poorly understood. To this end, we completed in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight key informants representing seven health NGOs in Nicaragua several months after widespread and persistent civil unrest erupted in April 2018. Data analysis revealed that all NGOs experienced notable disruptions in community education and health promotion, healthcare provision, fundraising, and strategic planning. Further, NGOs experienced several key challenges in responding to crises, including mobility within and between communities, diminishing financial resources, and safety concerns for staff and volunteers. Several NGOs anticipated long-term adverse impacts. In light of these challenges, we propose that health NGOs create a plan of action to mitigate adverse impacts of civil unrest and promote population health. Specifically, a plan of action should address institutional planning, communication strategies, and partnerships and coalitions. We also propose important ways in which future research could build on this preliminary study.
Subject(s)
Civil Disorders , Delivery of Health Care , Organizations , Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration , Humans , NicaraguaABSTRACT
Our paper reviews recent progress in the study and understanding of observed trends in extreme rainfall events in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP). These are discussed in relation to hydrometeorological hazards that trigger natural disasters, such as flash floods, landslides, and droughts, that affect the population and local economies. A review of the most updated literature on rainfall and extremes in the MASP shows a significant increase in the total volume of rainy-season rainfall during the last seven decades. While there were practically no days with heavy rain (more than 50 mm) in the 1950s, these days have been occurring two to five times a year in the last 10 years. This, together with the inappropriate occupation of risky areas, such as slopes and banks of watercourses, leads to inundation, flooding, and landslides. Changes in extremes can be partly due to natural climate variability but can also be related to global warming and/or urbanization. There is ample evidence of an increasing risk of rainfall-related hazards in the MASP. This is particularly so for landslides in vulnerable areas. Exposure will continue to lead to risk increases. This calls for significant improvement in climate and disaster risk reduction and management efforts in the MASP region.
Subject(s)
Climate Change , Disasters , Floods , Rain , Brazil , Climate , Disaster Planning , HumansABSTRACT
El artículo se propone exponer la necesidad de incluir la protección y cuidado de la salud mental y el apoyo psicosocial como eje ineludible de la "Gestión Integral para la Reducción de Riesgo de Desastres" y la construcción de" Resiliencia"(AU)
In order to develop the comunnitary resilience is necesary to promote the integration of mental health care and psychosocial support in Integral management for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)(AU)