Governance Struggles and Policy Processes in Disaster Risk Reduction: A Case Study from Nepal

In the neo-liberal climate of reduced responsibility for the state, alongside global platforms established to implement the Hyogo Framework for Action, a new arena opens for a multitude of stakeholders to engage in disaster risk reduction (DRR). The key role that the state can play in instituting effective DRR tends to receive little attention, yet in situations where the state apparatus is weak, such as in Nepal, it becomes evident that integrating DRR into development is a particularly challenging task. Due to the political situation in Nepal, progress has been stalled in providing a legislative context conducive to effective DRR. This paper traces the evolution of key DRR initiatives that have been developed in spite of the challenging governance context, such as the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management and the Nepal Risk Reduction Consortium. Informed by in-depth interviews with key informants, the argument is made that the dedicated efforts of national and international non-governmental organisations, multilateral agencies and donors in mainstreaming DRR demonstrate that considerable progress can be made even where government departments are protective of their own interests and are slow to enact policies to support DRR. The paper suggests however, that without stronger engagement of key political actors the prospects for further progress in DRR may be limited. The findings have implications for other post-conflict countries or weak states engaging in DRR

Current capabilities, requirements and a proposed strategy for interdependency analysis in the UK

The UK government recently commissioned a research study to identify the state-of-the-art in Critical Infrastructure modelling and analysis, and the government/industry requirements for such tools and services. This study (Cetifs) concluded with a strategy aiming to bridge the gaps between the capabilities and requirements, which would establish interdependency analysis as a commercially viable service in the near future. This paper presents the findings of this study that was carried out by CSR, City University London, Adelard LLP, a safety/security consultancy and Cranfield University, defense academy of the UK

A framework for evaluating the effectiveness of flood emergency management systems in Europe

Calls for enhancing societal resilience to flooding are echoed across Europe alongside mounting evidence that flood risk will increase in response to climate change amongst other risk-enhancing factors. At a time where it is now widely accepted that flooding cannot be fully prevented, resilience discourse in public policy stresses the importance of improving societal capacities to absorb and recover from flood events. Flood emergency management has thus emerged as a crucial strategy in flood risk management. However, the extent to which emergency management supports societal resilience is dependent on the effectiveness of governance and performance in practice. Drawing from the extensive body of literature documenting the success conditions of so-called effective emergency management more broadly, this study formulates an evaluation framework specifically tailored to the study of Flood Emergency Management Systems (FEMS) in Europe. Applying this framework, this research performs a cross-country comparison of FEMS in the Netherlands, England, Poland, France, and Sweden. Important differences are observed in how FEMS have evolved in relation to differing contextual backgrounds (political, cultural, administrative and socio-economic) and exposures to flood hazard. Whereas the organization and coordination of actors are functioning effectively, other aspects of effective FEMS are relatively under-developed in several countries, such as provisions for institutional learning, recovery-based activities and community preparedness. Drawing from examples of good practice, this paper provides a critical reflection on the opportunities and constraints to enhancing the effectiveness of FEMS in Europe

Capacity gaps in post disaster construction & demolition waste management

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the identification of the existing capacities of post disaster C & D waste management in developing countries, with a special emphasis on Sri Lanka to determine the capacity gaps and related influencing factors. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple case studies and expert interviews were conducted to gather primary information on the existing capacities of disaster C & D waste management. Three case studies, including 15 individuals and six experts representing government, non-government institutions and others, were selected. Findings – The results revealed the existing capacities, capacity gaps and influencing factors for post disaster C & D waste management in the areas of skills and confidence building, links and collaborations, continuity and sustainability, research and development, communication and coordination, organisational implementation and investment in infrastructure. Research limitations/implications – This study limited disaster C & D waste to debris generated from totally or partially damaged buildings and infrastructure as a direct impact of natural disasters or from demolished buildings and infrastructure at rehabilitation or at early recovery stages. Originality/value – The research enabled an analysis of existing capacities and identified capacity gaps in post disaster C & D waste management with influencing factors developing countries

Assessing Resilient Post-Disaster Recovery of A Flash-Flood-Prone Area: A Study of the City of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract The increased incidence of natural disasters over recent decades has been accompanied by a corresponding dramatic proliferation of human casualties, economic damage and recovery costs. Post-disaster processes are therefore increasingly becoming the paramount focus of disaster-management stakeholders. Current research has noted the importance of improving community resilience with respect to household capacity, organizational capacity, and social capital, as the three main assessment dimensions to enable communities to recover effectively and efficiently from future disaster events. Community resilience involves proactive preparedness and mitigation initiatives. In the context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the lack of either precedent research or functioning post-disaster recovery policies made the 2009 and 2011 flash floods in the City of Jeddah extremely serious natural disasters. The principal objective of the research conducted for this thesis was to evaluate the importance and implications of the role of the three main assessment dimensions as well as the effect of religious aspects that characterized Saudi society during and post-disaster with respect to improving flood resilience, speeding recovery, and minimizing the detrimental impact on vulnerable communities. In addition, the optimal utilization of social capital, efficient internal cohesion, and effective resource-sharing within and across any community groups to ensure their advance preparedness and contribution are also fundamental and critical factors that must be addressed if post-disaster recovery is to be sustainable and resilient. The research entailed a literature review, including an examination of the lessons learned from the 2009 and 2011 flash floods in the City of Jeddah. Drawing from the literature, an initial resilient post-disaster assessment framework (RPDR-AF) was developed. The field case study involved three sources of information: secondary data, interviews, and field observations. Interviewees included household members, government officials, community leaders, and participating NGOs and CBOs. The empirical analysis combined qualitative and quantitative techniques focusing on themes derived from the RPDR-AF. The results of the research indicate a strong correlation between the incorporation of all three assessment concepts and the successful planning of a long-term recovery strategy. The research also shows that religious practices and leaders can be strong motivators for the implementation of effective overall post-disaster responses and can also deliver significant spiritual, emotional, and psychological support for alleviating the trauma associated with the recovery process. Based on the empirical analysis of the research results, a refined framework was developed. In addition, general and strategic recommendations were outlined to improve disaster resilience for the City of Jeddah. The framework would be useful for local government, decision-makers, volunteer organizations, local citizens (e.g., for perceiving the relevant tasks during a flash flood and act quickly accordingly), and relevant major stakeholders related to disaster management and recovery. The model was built based on a hypothetical notion that it would suit the study area considering the religious affiliation of the local citizens. However, improvement might be extended considering geographical locations and different socio-economic circumstances. Future avenues of investigation include improving the implementation of recovery planning and management as well as enhancing the knowledge and efficiency associated with the restoration, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the assets and areas affected. In conclusion, the developed framework will provide Saudi authorities with a strategic tool for assessing and improving flood resilience and recovery and for reducing the multiple effects of a natural disaster, while effectively facilitating an enhanced capacity for resilience in other at-risk Saudi communities

Assessing Resilient Post-Disaster Recovery of A Flash-Flood-Prone Area: A Study of the City of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract The increased incidence of natural disasters over recent decades has been accompanied by a corresponding dramatic proliferation of human casualties, economic damage and recovery costs. Post-disaster processes are therefore increasingly becoming the paramount focus of disaster-management stakeholders. Current research has noted the importance of improving community resilience with respect to household capacity, organizational capacity, and social capital, as the three main assessment dimensions to enable communities to recover effectively and efficiently from future disaster events. Community resilience involves proactive preparedness and mitigation initiatives. In the context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the lack of either precedent research or functioning post-disaster recovery policies made the 2009 and 2011 flash floods in the City of Jeddah extremely serious natural disasters. The principal objective of the research conducted for this thesis was to evaluate the importance and implications of the role of the three main assessment dimensions as well as the effect of religious aspects that characterized Saudi society during and post-disaster with respect to improving flood resilience, speeding recovery, and minimizing the detrimental impact on vulnerable communities. In addition, the optimal utilization of social capital, efficient internal cohesion, and effective resource-sharing within and across any community groups to ensure their advance preparedness and contribution are also fundamental and critical factors that must be addressed if post-disaster recovery is to be sustainable and resilient. The research entailed a literature review, including an examination of the lessons learned from the 2009 and 2011 flash floods in the City of Jeddah. Drawing from the literature, an initial resilient post-disaster assessment framework (RPDR-AF) was developed. The field case study involved three sources of information: secondary data, interviews, and field observations. Interviewees included household members, government officials, community leaders, and participating NGOs and CBOs. The empirical analysis combined qualitative and quantitative techniques focusing on themes derived from the RPDR-AF. The results of the research indicate a strong correlation between the incorporation of all three assessment concepts and the successful planning of a long-term recovery strategy. The research also shows that religious practices and leaders can be strong motivators for the implementation of effective overall post-disaster responses and can also deliver significant spiritual, emotional, and psychological support for alleviating the trauma associated with the recovery process. Based on the empirical analysis of the research results, a refined framework was developed. In addition, general and strategic recommendations were outlined to improve disaster resilience for the City of Jeddah. The framework would be useful for local government, decision-makers, volunteer organizations, local citizens (e.g., for perceiving the relevant tasks during a flash flood and act quickly accordingly), and relevant major stakeholders related to disaster management and recovery. The model was built based on a hypothetical notion that it would suit the study area considering the religious affiliation of the local citizens. However, improvement might be extended considering geographical locations and different socio-economic circumstances. Future avenues of investigation include improving the implementation of recovery planning and management as well as enhancing the knowledge and efficiency associated with the restoration, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the assets and areas affected. In conclusion, the developed framework will provide Saudi authorities with a strategic tool for assessing and improving flood resilience and recovery and for reducing the multiple effects of a natural disaster, while effectively facilitating an enhanced capacity for resilience in other at-risk Saudi communities

Building Disaster Resilience within the Emirati Energy Sector through a Comprehensive Strategic Mitigation Plan

Disasters, both natural and man-made, have been occurring with increasing frequency and effect in recent decades in many countries around the world. Such threats have been shown to result in a loss of life, property and income and all of which have an impact on the country’s socio-economic structure and geo-political positioning. The UAE is steadily adapting its policies and practices to manage any potential disaster, whether natural or man-made. However, evidently the UAE is exposed and vulnerable to tectonic activity from a number of sources and yet there is little in the form of seismic detection, protection, resistance or design for some of the newest and tallest structures in the world. The paper highlights the importance of the strategic mitigation planning for disaster resilience within the Emirati Energy sector. It discusses the issue of disaster globally and then specifically with regards to the UAE, forming a critical analysis on crisis and its management. A broad literature review of the problems readily associated within the discourse is undertaken so that the definition, classification and the application of the disaster and its management cycle are appropriately contextualised in regards to the Emirati problem. The window of opportunity that the UAE has for improvement is emphasised by the findings of this paper