Close
Oral presentations and flash talks at #UKADR2024 will run concurrently. Read the abstracts to choose which session(s) to attend on 26 June.
Back to: Conference programme | Thursday sessions
Breakout Sessions
Wednesday morning
- Session A: Inclusion and Politics (Room 728)
- Session B: Natural Hazards and Risks (Room 642)
- Session C: Warning, Resilience and Finance (Drama Room)
A – Inclusion and Politics
- Fatima Nasser - Inclusive Approaches to Decision-Making in Disaster Management: Addressing Diversity and Inclusion (flash talk)
Presenting author: Fatima Nasser, American University of Beirut
Further author(s): Dr. Andri Georgiadou, Nottingham University Business School
Abstract: Women have a significant role to play in crisis/disaster management and response. Often, their potential as powerful change agents remain overlooked or underutilized. Recognizing and acknowledging the contributions of women in disaster reduction is crucial, with an emphasis on their inclusion in decision-making and leadership positions. Research findings indicate that women's leadership can have a ""transformational"" impact on organizational resilience, volunteerism, and community services. This, in turn, contributes to reducing vulnerability to disasters and fostering grassroots initiatives. Another study shows that employees are seeking leaders who can adapt and acquire new skills, prioritize employee growth during challenging times, demonstrate honesty and integrity, and show empathy towards the stress, anxiety, and frustration that individuals are experiencing. Interestingly, our analysis reveals that these qualities are frequently observed among female leaders. Additionally, there are lot of theories on women leadership in crisis/disaster management which manifest the different significant aspects and roles of women leaders such as Inclusive Leadership which is explore how diverse leadership teams, including women, can enhance decision-making and crisis management. And other theories like Gendered Leadership, Glass Cliff Theory, Intersectionality and Social Capital and Networking examined the benefits of various perspectives and backgrounds in leadership roles during crises. While existing studies and theories have highlighted the significant contributions of women leaders in crisis and disaster management, it's essential to acknowledge that there remains a research gap regarding the specific ways in which the inclusion of women in leadership positions enhances the inclusivity and diversity of decision-making processes during crises. This research proposal aims to address this gap comprehensively by delving into the intricacies of gender diversity in crisis decision-making, elucidating both the challenges and the benefits associated with it. Moreover, the proposal seeks to provide evidence-based insights into the practical tools and policies that must be adopted to facilitate the meaningful inclusion of women leaders in the decision-making apparatus of disaster and crisis management. By bridging this research void, we can advance our understanding of the tangible impacts of gender diversity on decision-making outcomes in high-stakes scenarios.
- Tripti Singh - Bridging the Gap: Collaborative Research on Water and Sanitation in Urban Informal Settlements (flash talk)
Presenting author: Tripti Singh, University of Warwick
Abstract: Urban informal settlements face complex challenges related to legality, formality, and access to essential services like water and sanitation. These challenges disproportionately affect the urban poor, particularly women. The reliance on communal water and sanitation infrastructure in Indian urban poor neighbourhoods underscores the critical role of both formal and informal stakeholders in service provision and management.This abstract explores collaborative participatory methodologies to understand the gendered impact of inadequate water and sanitation access in Indian urban informal settlements. Using phenomenological approaches, the research examines the lived experiences of individuals within these communities, focusing on how their physical environments shape their lives. Embodiment theory will be used to explore how physical experiences influence coping mechanisms, while an intersectional lens will analyse the impact of gender, class, and caste on water and sanitation insecurity.
Participatory methodologies, including social mapping to reveal community distribution based on religious or regional variations, and resource mapping to assess the allocation of water and sanitation facilities, will be employed. Additionally, network mapping will be used to understand the interconnectedness of stakeholders in crisis response and resilience-building. By identifying key influencers and fostering collaboration, this research aims to inform governance and promote more inclusive and sustainable urban development.
- Teresa Deubelli-Hwang - Exploring the Power of Participation for Trust in (Disaster) Science (flash talk)
Presenting author: Teresa Deubelli-Hwang, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Further author(s): Jung Hee Hyun
Abstract: Public engagement in scientific processes, facilitated by citizen science and participatory decision-making tools, holds promise for incorporating diverse viewpoints and fostering consensus for resilience in the face of disasters. However, the impact of such engagement on trust in science, crucial for evidence-based decision-making during disasters, remains poorly understood. The Tools for Raising and Understanding Trust in systems science through citizen engagement (TRUST) project aims to address this gap. We are developing a taxonomy of participation-driven approaches, grounded in the participatory science cube, to categorize methods used in participation-driven disaster science initiatives systematically. Our methodology involves creating a questionnaire to gauge participants’ post-engagement attitudes toward science, exploring perceptions of normative, epistemological, and structural aspects of public engagement, as well as dimensions of epistemic trustworthiness: expertise, benevolence, and integrity. While not exhaustive, our approach provides an initial assessment of the trust-building potential of participation-driven science. During our presentation, we highlight our project's taxonomy and questionnaire, inviting feedback and suggestions for refining the taxonomy and its practical applications.- Monica Trentin - Insights From the Project “Being a Migrant Woman During Disasters” (flash talk)
When Research Empowers Vulnerable Groups by Bringing Together Multiple Voices
Presenting author: Monica Trentin, CRIMEDIM - Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health (Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy)
Further author(s): Martina Valente, Luca Ragazzoni, Francesco Della Corte
Abstract: The project “Being a migrant woman during disasters” aims to explore the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrant women (MW) in Milan involving several organisations providing social and health services and migrant women. First, we established a collaboration with the emergency department of a public hospital to have a glimpse into MW’s relationship with the Italian healthcare system. Second, we established a collaboration with two NGOs to capture a broader spectrum of social and health needs. A qualitative phenomenological investigation was conducted to give voice to MW, recruited in close cooperation with the above-mentioned organisations. We also conducted interviews with 28 key informants working in four third sector organisations and three public health facilities. Multiple stakeholders will also be reached in the dissemination phase: policy-makers will be provided with evidence-based recommendations to improve healthcare provision for MW and develop tailored disaster preparedness strategies. Other initiatives will target the general population, the scientific community, healthcare professionals and NGOs. MW can be engaged in follow-up interventions. Besides the positive aspects, the challenges faced throughout the project will be discussed: for example, organisations are often reluctant to establish partnerships with academic institutions and to share data and expertise for research purposes."- Sobia Ibrahim - Climate Change and Disaster Risk Response in Gilgit Baltistan: A Comparative Case Study of Hunza and Nagar (flash talk)
Presenting author: Sobia Ibrahim, UCL/University of Birmingham
Abstract: Deploying feminist and oral-history frameworks, this research aims to investigate the changes occurred in the disaster risk response prior and after the entry of climate change as a discourse and how it influences the socio-cultural dynamics of the mountain communities in (Gilgit Baltistan)North Pakistan. Most importantly, this study strives to mobilize the subaltern views on climate that elucidate a complex socio-cultural and political backdrop that is not intensively studied in the recent climate change scholarship.This study, essentially, is a comparative study of two districts “Hunza and Nagar” that have experienced devastating events such as Sarat landslide-Hunza ,and Phekar landslide-Nagar in the past that actually shaped the cultures and politics of these two regions in Gilgit Baltistan. These districts share striking similarities and differences that made their cultural and physical geographical connections more stronger and unique.- Edwin Sam-Mbomah - Inside or Outside? Complexities Inherent in Conducting Disaster Risk Management Research in Challenging Context - Case Study: Freetown, Sierra Leone (flash talk)
Presenting author: Edwin Sam-Mbomah, Loughborough University
Abstract: Sierra Leone is a country with verse research opportunities but with inherent research barriers. Navigating these required careful planning and diplomacy as well as the local knowledge and understanding. As a researcher who was born and bred in Sierra Lone but is now doing his PhD in the UK, I felt that I am ‘local’ when I started my research in the country. My PhD aims to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation policies in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Disasters are social and politically sensitive and require conversations with policymakers and local communities. This presentation will reflect doing research as a ‘local’ but in a context that I am not ‘local’ to. During my fieldwork, the informal conversations with many individuals informed my understanding of the complexity and realities at play. In policy, I was viewed as an intruder, whilst in the community, I was viewed as an outsider with suspicion about the motive of the research. Policymakers’ non-compliance to interview sessions, political sensitivity, and visiting mosquito-infested communities were only some of the challenges I faced. Yet, this enabled me to acquire knowledge that can inform policy decisions and contribute to community resilience in my country.- Per Becker - Political Attention, Collaborative Governance and Adaptive Capacity in Flood Risk Mitigation Within Municipal Administrations
Presenting author: Per Becker, Lund University
Further author(s): Alexander Cedergren, Henrik Hassel
Abstract: Flood risk mitigation requires collaborative governance that involves many and diverse actors. The capacity of municipal administrations to anticipate and adapt plays a crucial role in addressing flood risk in the Nordic region. However, although flood risk often spans boundaries, each organisation's governance capacity depends largely on the formation of collaborative ties among involved politicians and civil servants, making it vital to understand the underlying processes driving such tie formation. Utilising a comparative approach, this study investigates the impact of political attention to flood risk mitigation on the formation of collaborative ties among individuals contributing to flood risk mitigation in their daily work. The results show that political attention, conceptualised as issue saliency and a broad problem framing, has a marked effect on these processes. Politicians, high-level managers and planners increase their relative efforts in building relationships if the political attention is high, ending the dominance of water & sewage experts when political attention is low. Further, political attention is also positively associated with the abilities of appointed coordinators to engage others in collaborative relationships. Further research is needed to better understand the studied nexus, and to address lasting methodological challenges.- Arabella Fraser - The ’24 Hour Risk City’: Rethinking Everyday Risks and the Implications for Policy
Presenting author: Arabella Fraser, Open University UK
Further author(s): Nausheen Anwar, Gulnaz Anjum, Joe Mulligan, Allan Ouko K’oyoo, Danesh Jayatilaka, Viyanga Gunasekera
Abstract: The presentation will discuss research undertaken since 2021 in Nairobi, Kenya; Karachi, Pakistan; and Colombo, Sri Lanka to understand the compounding and cascading nature of everyday risks for low income populations. It focuses on the interlinkages between climate-related disaster risks, insecurities and rapid and unequal urban development faced by low income populations, and the gendered nature of these interactions. The research reveals the compounding nature of ‘vulnerability traps’ for marginalised groups but also how these are influenced by time, space and social identities – captured in our evocation of the ’24 hour risk city’ as a metaphor to understand this complex interplay. The research aims to advance our conceptual grammar of everyday risks and provide new understanding of multi-hazard and systemic risk environments grounded from the perspective of lived experience and vulnerability dynamics. Given the UKADR thematic for 2024, we welcome the opportunity to engage in wider discussion about the policy implications and tractability of the findings, which demand both holistic and inclusive approaches to planning in informal urban settlements. We discuss how research teams in Kenya, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have approached finding leverage for policy change, given the different politics of the different cities, and the different forms of opportunity this creates.- Georgina Clegg - Developing Local Disaster Risk Governance for Systemic Risk: Insights From the Core Project
Presenting author: Georgina Clegg, Global Disaster Resilience Centre, University of Huddersfield
Further author(s): Richard Haigh, Dilanthi Amaratunga, Malith Senevirathne
Abstract: Disaster risk governance (DRG) is essential for effective disaster risk reduction, but there are concerns over whether existing DRG arrangements will be able to cope with the changing and complex systemic risk landscape. The aim of the research was to identify ways forward for enhancing DRG in line with systemic risks governance needs, with a focus on how local government can be empowered to ensure successful implementation at the local level. The study was conducted as part of the CORE (sCience and human factOr for Resilient sociEty) project. Seven case studies of past natural and human disasters were analysed thematically using key themes from the DRG and systemic risk governance literature. The following were identified as key priority areas for local levels to improve governance while working towards systemic risk governance: The inclusion of diverse stakeholders, meaningful participation and engagement of the public, coordination and collaboration, building knowledge and competencies of actors, creating an enabling environment, and continuous and embedded risk discourse. Each priority area is accompanied by associated actions, which provide practical examples of how the priority areas may be achieved. The priority areas and associated actions will be of use to actors wishing to advance DRG to manage systemic risks better.- Adrian Bucher and Chantel Jones - Enhancing the Coherence and Collaboration of Research Funding in Climate Change and International Development
Presenting author(s): Adrian Bucher and Chantel Jones
Abstract: "Given the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to adopt coordinated approaches among research funders, the UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR) has successfully developed of a proof-of-concept for a tracker focusing on climate change research that addresses priorities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As part of UKCDR’s strategic pillar on data mapping and analysis, as well as building on the success of previous projects that track research investments, this work by UKCDR has involved the production of an interactive tool that collates and visualises grant data from funding organisations across the world, with a breakdown of these investments against geographies, timelines, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To develop the tool, UKCDR has worked collaboratively with its members and stakeholder organisations to collate and refine a database of thousands of relevant funded research projects.
With an enhanced understanding of the research funding landscape as it pertains to climate change and international development, the project intends to use evidence to complement existing coordination efforts by identifying potential areas of collaboration, avoiding the duplication of efforts, and maximising the coherence of the funding response to the challenges of climate change being faced in low-resource settings."
B – Natural Hazards and Risks
- Shreyasi Choudhury - Bayesian Belief Network Modelling for Landslide Hazard Assessment Using Probabilistic Estimates From Local People, Academics and Scientists (flash talk)
Presenting author: Shreyasi Choudhury, King's College London
Further author(s): Bruce D. Malamud (Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR), Durham University, UK) and Amy Donovan (Department of Geography, University of Cambridge)
Abstract: This study uses expert elicitation (EE) and Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) to analyse relative influences of human and natural factors on landslide occurrence probability in the Darjeeling Himalayas, India. EE provides a step-by-step procedure to quantify experts’ knowledge, incorporating local perspectives into natural hazard science. Experts here are individuals with in-depth experience on landslides or the study area, with or without academic background. BBN represents the data received from the EE procedure and uses Bayes’ theorem to provide a probabilistic outcome. Here we:- Identify 114 anthropogenic and environmental variables via literature review, interviews, and questionnaires, then select 20 key variables via expert judgement.
- Critically review 34 natural hazard-related EE literature to compare and select one EE procedure.
- Employ this EE procedure to obtain probabilistic estimates of the influence of each variable on landslide occurrence from ten experts.
- Design and quantify a BBN using the expert estimates to identify three individual variables and a combination of 20 variable states that most influence the landslide occurrence probability.
We finally list the challenges and provide suggestions in executing EE and applying an expert-elicitation-based BBN. We also discuss gaps in analysing human actions' influence on landslides.
- Salma Al Zadjali - The Assessment of the Cloud Seeding Project in Northern Oman on Rainfall Enhancement (flash talk)
Presenting author: Salma Al Zadjali, UCL Institute of Risk and Disaster Reduction
Further author(s): Peter Sammonds, Simon Day, Ting Sun
Abstract: A cloud seeding project using ground-based ionisation techniques has been implemented over the Al Hajar Mountains of Northern Oman since the summer of 2013 to boost rainfall amounts and mitigate the increasing water demand. However, severe floods have become more frequent in recent years, as witnessed by Oman and UAE on 16th April 2024. Although different factors could contribute to the disastrous events, coupled with climate hazards, the long-term impacts of cloud seedings on climate are not yet determined. This study evaluates the feasibility of cloud seeding operations in Oman, considering the impact of climate variability represented by teleconnection patterns. The analysis is conducted using daily precipitation records from rain gauges and collated satellite data (NASA GPM IMERG Final Precipitation L3 1 day 0.1 degree x 0.1 degree V06) from 2013 to 2019. These data are tested under two scenarios: unseeded days and seeded days. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H tests and post hoc Tukey tests are employed to quantify precipitation variability during seeded and unseeded days and to identify cases of extreme precipitation ≥ 50 mm. A randomized crossover design test is used to assess the effectiveness of rainfall enhancement by ground-based seeding operations. The results of this study will provide valuable insights into cloud seeding in Oman and its potential for mitigating water scarcity and the associated flood risks.- Serhan Kirlangic - A Data-driven Non-destructive Technique for Efficient Seismic Risk Assessment of Building Stocks in Istanbul to Strengthen Earthquake Resilience (flash talk)
Presenting author(s): Serhan Kirlangic, Teesside University
Abstract: Turkey is a seismically vulnerable country with multiple cities located very close to major fault lines, coupled with poor quality building stocks. The recent twin Kahramanmaras Earthquakes in 2023 caused 227,000+ buildings to either collapse or be severely damaged, resulting in the loss of over 53,000 lives and millions of tons of debris, which ended up in open landfills, causing massive environmental impact. A similar catastrophic event in Istanbul, is predicted to result in 17% of its building stock to suffer moderate to severe damage based on 7+ magnitude earthquake. Improving earthquake preparedness in the city will reduce destruction, and its environment impact. This requires performing rapid and reliable seismic risk assessments for tens of thousands of residential buildings to achieve urban transformation within a reasonable timeframe. However, destructive tests cause a loss of valuable time and resources in achieving earthquake preparedness. The proposed project aims to develop a data-driven non-destructive tool capable of performing rapid and accurate determination of in-situ concrete strength to eliminate the need of core-sampling, resulting in shorter risk assessment processes. The time and cost saved will speed up the transformation of vulnerable buildings, eventually leading to less destruction and loss of lives.- James Christie - Mountain Aglow: Evaluation of a Novel Co-created Science- and Arts-based Volcanic Risk Communication Initiative on the Island of Montserrat
Presenting author(s): James Christie, University of East Anglia
Further author(s): Jenni Barclay (University of Bristol), Teresa Armijos (University of Edinburgh), Karen Pascal (Montserrat Volcano Observatory)
Abstract: Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives can be enhanced by co-creation and local experiential knowledge of environmental risks. Here we discuss 'Mountain Aglow', a collaboration between UK- and Montserrat-based volcanologists and artists, with participation from Montserratian public authorities and individuals. This co-created science-/arts-based volcanic risk communication project sought to entwine scientific information with complementary knowledge relating to the lived experience of the eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. The aims of this project were to 1) enhance the repertoire of disaster risk education (DRE) resources available to local disaster managers; 2) increase the relevance of, and subsequent engagement with, DRE materials by the public by encouraging experience sharing and story-telling; and 3) gain insights into how the co-creation process may benefit both the typical recipients of risk communications (i.e., the public), as well as those who tend to issue communications (i.e., scientists, authorities), via co-learning. An essential aspect of any public engagement initiative is the evaluation of its success and the identification of opportunities for improvement. Here we introduce the project and provide an evaluation and reflection on the success of the project itself and the co-creation process on which it was built.- Rachana Upadhyaya - Flood Risk in Hydro-Social Riverbanks of Kathmandu Valley
Presenting author(s): Rachana Upadhyaya, University of Bristol
Abstract: Due to their proximity to the rivers, the riparian informal settlements in Kathmandu Valley are most vulnerable to the monsoon floods. The same settlements are also home to the migrant urban poor population. Despite the recurring monsoonal floods and everyday risk of riparian living, the national disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) policies fail to recognize and mitigate flood risks of the riparian settlers. The migrant status of the informal settlers disqualifies them from the local DRRM governance and risk reduction priorities. My analysis from a localised socio-spatial condition of a riparian settlement in the banks of Manohara River in Kathmandu reveals that the DRRM policies and practices, at national and local levels, need to recognise the socio-material formation of the riverbanks. Emphasis on the hydrology of the riverbanks cast the riparian informal settlers as ‘encroachers’ and disqualifies their risk. Drawing from the literature on critical disaster studies, and geography I argue i) the riverbanks in the Kathmandu valley aren’t hydrological but hydro-social spaces, and ii) recognition of hydro-social formation and the existence of the riverbanks can open possibilities for the inclusion of riparian informal settlers in the local DRRM governance regime, and thereby reduce recurring flood risks.- Mutu Tantrige Osada Vishvajith Peiris - Impact of Land Use Change on Urban Flood Resilience: A Spatiotemporal Assessment for Colombo City, Sri Lanka
Presenting author(s): Mutu Tantrige Osada Vishvajith Peiris, The University of Hong Kong
Abstract: Floods are a critical natural disaster that cities face, causing severe economic damage and human loss. Disaster resilience is vital for any city to maintain the desired functions during a flood event and quickly recover with risk reduction strategies. However, a few studies used operational frameworks and urban system interactions to quantify flood resilience. This research used interactions between natural, built, and social subsystems to measure coping capacity and flood vulnerability, which defines Urban Flood Resilience (UFR). This framework was applied to Colombo City and the suburbs of Sri Lanka, with an extent of 1000 square kilometres and has recently experienced significant floods and rapid urban growth. Resilience parameters were quantified using machine learning models, flood inundation models, and spatial overlay methods, while maximum rainfall was used for the baseline flood scenario. The UFR Index was calculated from 2001 to 2021 and spatially classified from susceptible to responsive. Accordingly, 2% of lands with the lowest resilience in 2001 increased to 6% in 2021, while the urban built-up area increased from 6% to 28% in the same period. UFR is vital for decision-makers to identify spatial risks and plan flood management strategies while prioritizing disaster mitigation and adaptation in urbanizing cities.- Bruce D Malamud - A Systematic Overview of Natural Hazard Interrelationships in the Philippines
Presenting author(s): Bruce D Malamud (Institute of Hazard, Risk, and Resilience (IHRR), Durham University)
Further author(s): Richard L Ybañez, Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay (National Institute of Geological Sciences and UP Resilience Institute, University of the Philippines)
Abstract: This study systematically explores natural hazard interrelationships in the Philippines, specifically how one hazard might trigger or increase the probability of another. We consider 22 natural hazards that might influence the Philippines in the future. We critically review interrelationship pairs between these 22 natural hazards, such as earthquake-triggered floods. We find 250 sources from peer-reviewed and grey literature which are systematically compiled into a hazard interrelationships database containing 12 types of information, such as primary and secondary hazards, process, publication citation information, and reflections. We visualize the results on a 22x22 interaction matrix for primary hazards that could potentially trigger or increase the probability of secondary hazards. We identified 76 actual interrelationships out of a possible 484, with geophysical hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides frequent primary hazards in 34 of these interactions, often leading to other geophysical events, flooding, or shallow earth hazards. Additionally, tropical storms regularly trigger various secondary hazards such as landslides. This matrix continues to evolve as more literature is reviewed, providing essential insights and dynamic risk scenarios for scientists, policymakers, and emergency responders to better anticipate and mitigate secondary hazard impacts in a region prone to frequent disasters.- Harriet E. Thompson - Framing and Evaluating Hazard Impact Knowledge Using Newspaper Articles: an Application to Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Presenting author(s): Harriet E. Thompson, King’s College London
Further author(s): Faith E. Taylor (King’s College London), Bruce D. Malamud (Institute of Hazard, Risk, and Resilience (IHRR), Durham University), Joel C. Gill (Cardiff University), Robert Šakić Trogrlić (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)) and Melanie Duncan (British Geological Survey).
Abstract: Newspaper articles provide effective sources of natural hazard impact information and can act as a proxy for hazard impacts not widely reported by other sources, such as those on “marginalised communities”. Here we use newspaper articles to examine natural hazard impacts affecting squatter settlements in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. We use the LexisNexis online newspaper archive (1980s-2024) to systematically search for English language examples of different natural hazard events (e.g., flood, fire) and their impacts using Boolean searches. Results include hundreds of newspaper articles for each hazard (e.g., 155 articles for flood events). An analysis of impact keywords indicates a focus on quantifiable impacts (e.g., damage to infrastructure), usually those that are direct and tangible in nature, akin to other sources of impact information documented in disaster databases and grey literature. However, direct quotes from residents of squatter settlements (e.g., “Where to sleep, what to eat and how to spend the night?”) provide valuable qualitative impacts that may be overlooked in other source types, in addition to insights on risk drivers and the hazardscape context. The breadth of information captured in newspaper articles can complement other data sources and enrich existing impact databases, especially in more data-scarce regions.
C – Warning, Resilience and Finance
- Romain Clercq-Roques - Social Mechanisms of Community Resilience Building: Insights From the Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance (flash talk)
Presenting author: Romain Clercq-Roques, International Institute of Applied System Analysis (IIASA)
Abstract: Climate disasters dramatically impact health, individuals, and collective assets each year, and their impacts are expected to increase due to climate change and growing exposure of vulnerable communities. Disasters are especially damaging to low-income communities, notably by reversing development gains. Community resilience to climate disasters depends not only on tangible factors, such as physical protective measures and economic assets, but also on social factors, notably on communities’ ability to learn and self-organize. The Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance has spent the last 11 years fostering collaboration with communities and across sectors to assess and build community resilience. Community surveys and interviews of Alliance members provide new insights into social mechanisms impacting resilience. Two strategies have been key to its success. First, closely involving communities in participatory assessments and interventions helped develop community self-organization capacity by improving learning, empowering local champions, and mobilizing internal resources. Second, the Alliance has acted as a bridging organization, helping communities develop relations with external actors and mobilize external resources. Additionally, the alliance has fostered joint learning and experimentation across its member organizations. This approach can create co-benefits by improving resilience and further unlocking development potential in affected communities.- Aravindi Samarakkody - From Theory to Practice: Challenges in Operationalising Disaster Resilience Concepts in Smart Cities
Presenting author: Aravindi Samarakkody, University of Huddersfield
Further author(s): Dilanthi Amaratunga, Richard Haigh
Abstract: Smart city technologies offer numerous solutions to urban challenges, such as overpopulation, public safety, environmental pollution, etc. Compared to a basic city, the choice of a Smart City is a commitment which sometimes leads to overlooking critical aspects such as resilience to disasters. Like in many other cases, other competing Smart City goals such as economic growth and technological innovation often win out over disaster resilience because it requires a commitment of resources, effort, and sacrifice for long-term benefits. Existing settings and practices further exacerbate the challenges associated with making Smart Cities disaster-resilient. Thus, this research aims to investigate the challenges in creating resilience within Smart Cities. To achieve this aim, initially, a comprehensive literature review was carried out which was followed by 28 expert interviews. The findings suggest 23 key challenges out of which the most common were poor funding decisions, policy and regulatory barriers, digital inequalities, imbalances between the technology focus and human-centric approach, poor assessment of the technology choices, disregarding the cascading impacts. Two of the key recommendations to address the above issues were to develop a coherent policy framework to create synergies and to create a holistic assessment framework for the Smart City technology solutions.- Chamindi Malalgoda - Framework to Bridge Urban Resilience Implementation Challenges in Tackling Climate-related Disasters
Presenting author(s): Chamindi Malalgoda, University of Huddersfield
Further author(s): Nishara Fernando, Dilanthi Amaratunga, Richard Haigh
Abstract: There have been several calls to make cities resilient in the recent past, such as MCR2030 Making Cities Resilient, launched by UNDRR; Cities Race to Resilience, launched by UNFCC; Cities Solve, Cities Deliver, launched by Resilient Cities Network; and City Resilience framework by the Rockefeller Foundation. Though there have been many campaigns, tools, and frameworks for making cities resilient, urban resilience implementation in relation to climate-related disasters remains a challenge, especially for developing countries. Accordingly, this research aims to develop a framework to bridge urban resilience implementation challenges in tackling climate-related disasters. A desk review of global campaigns, tools, and frameworks for enhancing urban resilience to climate-related disasters in developing nations was conducted. Based on the desk review, a conceptual framework was developed to guide the data collection and analysis phase of the research. Sri Lanka has experienced severe impacts of climate change, including an increase in extreme weather-related events such as cyclones, droughts, monsoonal rain, and subsequent flooding and landslides. Data was collected via expert interviews and a case study in Sri Lanka to understand the challenges of urban resilience implementation. Based on the findings, a framework was developed to bridge the urban resilience implementation challenges in tackling climate-related disasters.- Rozana Himaz - Droughts, Floods and Within Household Resource Allocation Towards Schooling
Presenting author(s): Rozana Himaz, UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction
Further author(s): Mohammad Shamsudduha
Abstract: Severe droughts have increased in intensity and frequency in recent times and African nations are no exception, suffering particularly hard in the past decade. This paper looks at whether such droughts are associated with biases in investments in schooling within households among boys and girls aged 5-18 years of age in Malawi. The data come from the longitudinal Integrated Household Panel Surveys (IHPS) for Malawi for 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019 with an objective measure of relative dryness each child was exposed to, the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), derived using data from the Climatology Lab’s TerraClimate product. Using a panel fixed effects model, the paper finds that being female and exposed to severe drought significantly decreases the average probability of being enrolled in school by 9.8% for those 5-14 years of age. This is the age where children undertake compulsory schooling and possibly reflects that opportunities outside school dwindle in terms of paid work and/or agriculture. However, being male and having experienced a drought in the past 2 years significantly reduces the average probability of being enrolled at school by 6.2%. For those boys enrolled and who have experienced a drought in the past 2 years, the budget share of education spending is reduced significantly by 0.12%. Being male and experiencing flooding during the survey year also reduces the budget share of spending, by 0.2% So extreme weather events such as droughts can create new inequalities and biases in human capital accumulation with regard to school enrolment and spending on schooling. These results contrast with historical studies for Africa that have not shown biases in within household school enrolment and spending patterns for boys versus girls.- Thushara Kamalrathne - Constructivist Grounded Theory as a Critical Approach in Disaster Research: Methodological Viability for Qualitative Studies
Presenting author(s): Thushara Kamalrathne, Global Disaster Resilience Centre, University of Huddersfield
Further author(s): Dilanthi Amaratunga, Richard Haigh
Abstract: Grounded theory was initially introduced by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in 1967 in their book ‘The Discovery of Grounded Theory’. This method was derived from sociology schools as an empirical approach to discovering the theory from systematically collected and analysed data in social research. Constructivist grounded theory, introduced by Kathy Charmaz, provides relatively greater openness, grab, freedom and conceptualization, compared with Glaseraian and Straussian grounded theories. One key aspect of the constructivist version of the grounded theory in applying critical inquiries is acknowledging researchers’ contribution to the knowledge building, which is primarily the theorising process, instead of relying on data gathered. This approach allows the researcher to impart their knowledge on the study phenomena and their skills on conceptualization, as co-producer of the theory. This is very important in disaster research as researchers most often count on high-level conceptualizations based on data gathered through community studies, thus, exposure of the researcher in the field is also significant in theorising, which is most often overlooked. This paper aims to deliver a model of a research process developed based on the constructivist grounded theory, applied for a qualitative study on community participation and multi-hazard preparedness. The research focuses on exploring potential community-based interventions on pandemic preparedness that can be incorporated into local-level DRR planning. The model was developed by synthesising research literature and data collection and analysis protocol of the research.
Wednesday afternoon
- Session A: Conflict and Migration (Room 739)
- Session B: Natural Hazards and Risks (Room 642)
- Session C: Warning, Resilience and Finance (Drama Room)
A – Conflict and Migration
- Zerong (Chelsea) Li - Investigating How an Ethnic Group Is Integrated in Its Host City (flash talk)
Presenting author(s): Zerong (Chelsea) Li, UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction
Abstract: Residential segregation of ethnic minorities already represents an undesirable side effect of rapid globalisation and urbanisation. While Chinatowns are relatively positive examples, not every ethnic minority settlement is well-integrated into its host city. In this context, this research examines the social-spatial configuration of a typical Chinatown, specifically London Chinatown, and explores urban design and city planning insights by using London Chinatown as the case study area. This research aims to establish a novel analytical framework for historical, social, and geographical research. This framework integrates qualitative social characteristic data obtained from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, along with quantitative morphological data from space syntax analysis employed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This approach will enable better quantification and visualisation of the interaction between the spatial configuration defining the spatial structure within three-dimensional spaces and human social behaviour. This framework provides a tool to extend spatial configuration studies to a more systematic analysis of how spaces, people, and social factors interact. Four research questions are posed in this study: (i) To what extent do Chinese immigrants, especially undocumented ones, subsist and adapt to their host country? (ii) Over the past nearly 300 years (1746-2023), in what ways did Chinatown gradually develop and integrate with its host city, ultimately becoming a thriving community, and to what extent does modern Chinatown integrate within the internal environment and interact with the host society? (iii) Considering that the formation of immigrant settlements often arises from the interplay of long-term historical, social, and spatial factors, how can we identify analytical methods tailored to address the social-spatial-temporal relations in ethnic enclaves systematically? This study has completed the social factor analysis and part of the spatial configuration analysis.- Dean Anderson - The Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective: Novel Cross-Sectoral Collaborations Between Humanitarian Mine Action and Health Stakeholders (flash talk)
Presenting author(s): Dean Anderson, University of Washington (Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective)
Further author(s): Rebecca Brown, Jack Denny
Abstract: Exemplified by the current wars in Gaza and Ukraine, 21st-century armed conflict is characterized by the use of a wide variety of explosive weapons (EW). The indiscriminate effects of EW have a disproportionate impact on civilian populations and cause complex, multidimensional injury patterns. In many places where such injuries occur, health systems are weakened by conflict and resource limitations. Humanitarian mine action (HMA) is the section of the Global Protection Cluster within the humanitarian system tasked with mitigating harm from explosive ordnance (EO), including clearance of landmines and explosive remnants of war, explosive ordnance risk education, and assistance to victims of EO incidents. HMA actors have a well-established presence in many conflict and post-conflict settings with significant medical capability in their demining teams. Yet at present, there is limited engagement between HMA stakeholders and local health systems or care of civilian casualties of EO. To address this gap and to reduce preventable death and disability among civilian casualties of EO and EW, we formed the Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (EXTRACCT), a novel collaboration between health and protection actors now conducting numerous research studies around incendiary weapons, injury prevention, and other issues affecting civilians affected by explosive threats in conflict.- Lisa Guppy - Water Crisis in Rural Yemen - Is It Inevitable?
Presenting author(s): Lisa Guppy, UCL
Further author(s): Nabil Al Areeeq
Abstract: Water poverty, water-related local conflict and absolute scarcity are approaching or manifest risks across may rural areas of Yemen. With a conflict-affected context, divided authority, weak governance and low rainfall, the opportunity for solutions at scale seem few. In some rural areas, agriculture has already been abandoned, for reasons that include water poverty and drought, alongside conflict and economic poverty. Is an absolute water crisis in rural Yemen inevitable?- Kaori Kitagawa - Researcher Positionality in Participatory Action Research for Climate Justice in Indigenous Communities
Presenting author(s): Kaori Kitagawa, UCL Institute of Education
Abstract: This paper discusses researcher positionality in the studies of indigenous communities in the context of the Transforming Universities for a Changing Climate project. The paper is specifically associated with the project’s participatory action research strand, which aims to design and implement interventions relating to mitigation and adaptation to climate change, involving local communities and universities in the countries. Despite an increase in the number of social scientists engaging in climate-change-related research, discussion on researcher positionality is still limited. The paper intends to fill this gap by analysing the empirical data collected from partner researchers who were asked about their own positionalities. Utilising the ‘four hyphen-spaces’ framework proposed by Cunliffe and Karunanayake, the paper identifies commonalities and variations in terms of the researchers’ reflections on their positionalities. The paper concludes by addressing the complex aspects of ‘insiderness’ that have implications for participatory action research.- Charles Parrack - Shelter and Settlements Assistance in Afghanistan, A 20-Year Review
Presenting author(s): Charles Parrack, Oxford Brookes University
Further author(s): Fiona Kelling, Sonial Molina
Abstract: The Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP) at Oxford Brookes University with research partner CARE International UK conducted a review of Shelter and Settlements programming in the long-term, conflict-related context of Afghanistan from 2002 to 2021. The aim was to document and learn from the challenges and successes of two decades of USAID humanitarian shelter & settlements responses in Afghanistan. The review used mixed methods to collect and analyse data and derive findings and recommendations on shelter & settlements responses in this and similar contexts. The research methodology focused on documentation review combined with key informant interviews with implementing partners and other shelter actors in Afghanistan. Findings include: the importance of land rights, community engagement and flexible finding; urban development potential through humanitarian settlements support; and the potential of area based initiatives to significantly increase positive outcomes and nexus linkages.
B – Natural Hazards and Risks
- Bill Flinn - Impact Evaluation of USAID Shelter Projects – Emerging Themes from Nepal
Presenting author(s): Bill Flinn, CARE International UK
Further author(s): Sue Webb, Janina Engler-Williams, Charles Parrack
Abstract: At the end of an 18-month project that evaluated humanitarian shelter response activities in three contexts, are there some overarching themes, lessons and recommendations that can be drawn? USAID funded programmes after the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal, after the 2013 super-typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and over two decades in Afghanistan. We will introduce our research and present thematic priorities that emerged, with a focus on Nepal: the inevitable gap between emergency provision and a permanent home; the danger of exacerbating the debt burden of people affected by the disaster; and the opportunities for supporting self-recovery. This was an unusual opportunity to look back on a major disaster with the benefit of almost ten years’ hindsight. The presentation will include findings from a recent field visit to Nepal, including the site of the November 2023 earthquake in Jajarkot. We are a multidisciplinary team from CARE International UK and Oxford Brookes University. Through the network of CARE country offices and other INGO partners, this study is focused on learning from the past and informing future humanitarian responses. Climate change and a squeeze on humanitarian resources makes it imperative to increase the coverage of humanitarian shelter projects and better understand their impact.- Davide Di Marcoberardino - How Cascading Effects Are Perceived After Disasters? Evidence From the 2022 Marche Flood
Presenting author(s): Davide Di Marcoberardino, Università Politecnica delle Marche
Abstract: This study examines the cascading effects of two flood events that struck Italy's Marche region in 2014 and 2022. While cascading effects in disasters have been researched extensively, a gap remains in understanding how individuals and institutions perceive these consequences. To address this gap, we employ a mixed-method approach, gathering data from both citizens and institutions. Online surveys capture the experiences of residents directly affected by floodwater and mud inundation in 2022. In contrast, semi-structured interviews delve into the strategic perspectives of local administrators, civil protection officials, and relevant associations. This dual approach facilitates a holistic understanding that incorporates the subjective experiences of citizens alongside the informed viewpoints of institutional actors. This research offers new empirical insights into cascading effects and citizen perceptions. The findings can contribute to raising public awareness of these complex disaster risks and inform strategies to improve preparedness and response at both individual and community levels.- Roquia Salam - Application of Deep Learning Method in Automatically Detecting Rainfall-Induced Shallow Landslides in a Data-Sparse Context
Presenting author(s): Roquia Salam, UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction
Further author(s): Filiberto Pla, Bayes Ahmed, Marco Painho
Abstract: Automatically, detecting rainfall-induced shallow landslides in data-sparse contexts is crucial for a comprehensive landslide disaster management plan. Previous works mostly focused on detecting deep-seated earthquake-triggered landslides. To address this gap, the present study has utilized the deep learning-based U-net Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model for automatically detecting rainfall-induced shallow landslides from multi-temporal; very high-resolution (VHR) PlanetScope (3m of spatial resolution) and medium-resolution (MR) Sentinel-2 (10m of spatial resolution) imageries; and ALOS-PALSAR-provided digital elevation model (DEM). Four different datasets were created. Datasets A and B comprised PlanetScope, and Datasets C and D comprised Sentinel-2 imagery. Datasets B and D included DEM as well. Manually 181 landslide polygons have been created, to use as landslide ground truth masks, from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. Each dataset has been experimented with 4 different trials utilizing the repeated stratified hold-out validation method. Datasets A and B were found as the best. The best mean precision, recall, F1 score, loss, and accuracy were 1, 0.625, 0.625, 0.380, and 0.999, respectively (same in both Datasets A and B). Overall, this study indicates that the U-net model can be used to detect rainfall-induced shallow landslides across similar geographic regions and temporal contexts worldwide.- Lauren McMillan - Reviewing Risk Management of High Impact Low Probability (HILP) Events
Presenting author(s): Lauren McMillan, UCL
Further author(s): Gianluca Pescaroli, Mhari Gordon
Abstract: This talk presents a critical examination of risk management of high impact low probability (HILP) events, drawing insights from a systematic review encompassing academic and grey literature. With a focus on existing and developing theories regarding HILPs, this research seeks to comprehensively understand the landscape of HILPs, identifying key characteristics and dynamics of HILP events in risk management. The implications and challenges posed by HILPs for emergency planning and management are explored, shedding light on effective strategies and potential shortcomings. The outcomes of the review highlight common/single points of failures inherent in HILPs, providing valuable insights for risk mitigation efforts. Finally, methodologies for HILP modelling and analysis are discussed, paving the way for innovative approaches to risk assessment and management. By incorporating diverse sources and perspectives, this research aims to enrich our understanding of HILPs and enhance preparedness for managing their potential impacts.- Virginia Murray - Are the UNDRR/ISC Hazard Information Profiles Usable, Useful and Used? Feedback from Users
Presenting author(s): Virginia Murray, UKHSA
Further author(s): Jacot Des Combes, H; Murray, V; and Mayer, J
Abstract: The UNDRR/ISC Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs) provide information on 302 hazards organized into 8 groups (Meteorological and Hydrological, Extraterrestrial, Environmental, Geological, Chemical, Biological, Technological and Societal) and 48 clusters. Released in 2021, they were designed to support the countries in addressing the multi-hazard approach of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 by providing a common, standardized reference for the hazards countries face and helping them to monitor and record events and plan for disaster risk reduction. A recent survey of 154 users from 60 countries indicated different types of uses among a broad range of sectors and types of organizations. Most of the answers cite research (27.4%), training/education (24.7%) and disaster risk reduction planning (17.2%). Other uses include disaster risk monitoring (11.3%), Disaster response planning (10.2%) and other (9.1%). More than 88% of the respondents considered the content of the HIPs useful and more than 73% considered their structure clear and helpful. Additional feedback on the content and the format of the HIPs are taken into account in the ongoing light-touch review process.- Nahin Rezwan - UAV-Based Quantification of Channel Response to 100-Year Flood Event: Example From Illanz (flash talk)
Presenting author(s): Nahin Rezwan, Imperial College London
Further author(s): Fritz Schlunegger, David Mair, Alex Whittaker
Abstract: Alluvial-bedrock channels in Alpine regions provide natural laboratories for studying the sensitivity of channel morphology to centennial flood events. This work focuses on quantifying the extent to which channel and bar morphology are controlled by river discharge and extreme flow events. Using UAV images, we demonstrate the channel's response to flood events. We also quantify the processes controlling bar morphology using the Dem of Difference (DoD). Data from three different field campaigns provide insights into the seasonal variability of channel dynamics. We obtain high-resolution grain size distributions using a machine learning-based image segmentation tool. Additionally, we show how grain size is sensitive to the magnitude of floods. We also quantify sediment flux using a self-similarity-based grain size model.- Rozana Himaz, Short and Medium-Run Effects of the Indian Ocean Tsunami on Health Costs in Indonesia
Presenting author(s): Rozana Himaz, Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction
Further author(s): Daim Syukriyah
Abstract: This paper looks at the direct and indirect health-related monetary costs that households incurred in the short and medium terms because of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. The paper uses three rounds of a longitudinal household survey of Aceh and North Sumatera where data were collected 5-17, 18-30, and 31-40 months after the event. The results show that direct costs, measured by out-of-pocket health expenses, increased significantly by a third (35%) compared to pre-tsunami spending, for households living in heavily damaged areas. This effect, however, was seen only in the short-term, 5-17 months after the tsunami struck, and did not persist to the later years. The tsunami had significant effects on mental wellbeing as measured using the post-traumatic stress reaction score (PTSR). Among men, these changes to mental wellbeing were associated with a 4% fall in wage earnings two years after the tsunami. Physical health also worsened according to self-reported measures, and this was associated with a 34% fall in men’s earnings three years after the tsunami. Thus, although the direct costs of the tsunami in terms of increasing household out-of-pocket health spending were seen only in the short term, the indirect costs via effects on mental and physical health were apparent two to three years after the event.
C – Warning, Resilience and Finance
- Mary Rose Fitzgerald - Fire: Evacuation of Wexford General Hospital (flash talk)
Presenting author(s): Mary Rose Fitzgerald, Health Service Executive
Further author(s): David O'Sullivan
Abstract: An overview of the challenges and triumphs experienced by the Regional Emergency Management Office of the Irish health service during the full evacuation of Wexford General Hospital in March 2023. The evacuation of the hospital would not have been possible without the support of the Voluntary Emergency Services, Private Ambulance Providers, Wexford Local Authority and An Garda Síochána (Irish Police Force). While the hospital evacuation was challenging on its own, the collaboration to deliver healthcare services until the reopening of the ED 149days forged new ways of working across healthcare services. The experience has resulted in many lessons learned in particular around the use of emergency management structures to support response and recovery and risk assessment in the pre planning stage.- Mawitigodage Nesha Nayomi Ranaweera - Challenges Associated with Tsunami Evacuation in Urban Areas (flash talk)
Presenting author(s): Mawitigodage Nesha Nayomi Ranaweera, Global Disaster Resilience Centre, University of Huddersfield
Further author(s): Dilanthi Amaratunga, Richard Haigh
Abstract: Tsunamis are among the world's deadliest disasters. There are 570 coastal cities worldwide, accommodating more than 700 million people who are vulnerable to tsunamis. Between 1998 -2017, tsunamis have killed over 250,000 people and cost more than $14 trillion. Given coastal cities' vulnerability, the Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme recommends that all coastal cities have tsunami evacuation plans to mitigate tsunami impacts. However, as urbanisation grows, evacuation planning in coastal cities has become increasingly challenging, resulting in various cascade effects in tsunamis, including flooding and critical infrastructure damage. In this context, addressing the challenges associated with tsunami evacuation planning is essential for developing effective strategies. Therefore, this study undertakes a systematic literature review to further identify and synthesise the challenges of tsunami evacuation in coastal urban areas. The study used the PRISMA systematic approach and examined 48 papers in total. The study's key findings show several challenges in coastal cities, such as higher density levels and inadequate integration of urban planning with tsunami evacuation planning, which are significant in tsunami evacuation in coastal cities. Therefore, the study findings highlight the need for integrating urban planning and evacuation planning to minimise the challenges of tsunami evacuations in coastal cities.- Jessie Hamill-Stewart - Investigating National Resilience Measures for Space Infrastructure (flash talk)
Presenting author(s): Jessie Hamill-Stewart, University of Bath and University of Bristol
Further author(s): Andre Barrinha
Abstract: Space infrastructure has become instrumental to many sectors, including energy, finance and communications. Investment in space infrastructure is also expanding and as the sector grows, it becomes more vulnerable to a variety of cyber threats. This has made cyber-resilience of space infrastructure vital. Existing literature considers the approaches of multiple states to secure space infrastructure against cyber attacks, and highlights specific challenges, including the lack of specific regulations for security of space infrastructure. However, research lacks systematic analysis of individual state approaches to the challenge based on the nuances of their governing system. We build upon existing research by considering how the UK’s values and institutions shape their use of anticipatory and adaptive governance as mechanisms for implementing resilience of space infrastructure and maintain national security of critical systems. Documents relating to the UK’s approach to securing space infrastructure are analyzed between 2014 and 2024 , and are contextualised with comparison to Japan and US. This research furthers existing work to establish in depth empirical analysis which considers how a state’s governance structure impacts the approach to improving the resilience of space infrastructure.- Gihan Badi - Disaster Risk Management in the Wake of Derna Flooding: Addressing Challenges and Implementing Solutions in Libya
Presenting author(s): Gihan Badi, The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
Abstract: The catastrophic flooding in Derna serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust disaster risk management strategies in Libya. This study examines the aftermath of the Derna flooding, highlighting a myriad of challenges, including unplanned urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources. In response to this disaster, there is a critical need to reassess existing approaches to disaster risk management in Libya and implement effective solutions to mitigate future risks, drawing upon lessons learned from the Derna tragedy. Employing a qualitative analysis approach, this study draws upon data sourced from diverse media outlets, reputable articles, and government reports related to the Derna flooding. The aim is to understand the complexities of disaster risk management in Libya. The outcome of this research provides a roadmap for short and long-term strategies for improvement, including enhancing drainage infrastructure, implementing floodplain management techniques, establishing early warning systems, and strengthening emergency response and coordination between government, local authorities, and local communities. Moreover, the research underscores the importance of capacity building, ongoing research endeavors, and nurturing resilience within local communities. Through collaborative efforts and a multi-dimensional approach, this research endeavors to pave the way for a more resilient Libya in the face of future natural disasters.- Shavindree Nissanka - Challenges and Prerequisites in Providing Financial Incentives for Disaster-Resilient Housing
Presenting author(s): Shavindree Nissanka, University of Huddersfield
Further author(s): Dilanthi Amaratunga , Richard Haigh
Abstract: Damage to the housing sector accounts for a significant proportion of the losses caused by natural hazards and their aftermath. In the face of changing climatic conditions and increasing disaster risks, enhancing the housing sector's disaster resilience is mandatory. The competing demands and financial constraints necessitate the provision of financial incentives to motivate homeowners and connected stakeholders to take up resilience measures in the housing sector. This study highlights the challenges and prerequisites for identifying and promoting efficient and effective financial incentive mechanisms. The main challenges are fitting and aligning the different incentives with multistakeholder interests and avoiding the receptive mentality of the communities. However, poorly planned incentives can create market failures and waste of resources. In addressing these challenges, the incentive plans must be sustainably supplemented by a combination of incentives and aids, supportive laws, and technical expertise. Furthermore, the incentives should be tailored for both upcoming and existing developments. Additionally, incentive strategies should vary through the changing landscapes of resilience and actively address discriminatory social norms. Finally, input from a broad stakeholder basis, correct flow of information, and proper valuation mechanisms to capture the costs and benefits are significant for successful implementation, which promises a more resilient and secure future.- Eleni Kotsira - Disaster Survivors as (Missing) Numbers: Challenges in Data Mapping and Availability
Presenting author(s): Eleni Kotsira, Alma Economics
Abstract: Critical to disaster recovery, and to an extent to establishing resilience to similar events in the future, is being able to effectively record the population affected and the needs and challenges resulting from a particular disaster. Yet, recording methods and data availability remain inconsistent, at times leading to conflicting figures and a lack of understanding of population needs, thus not providing clear messaging for policy design and implementation. This talk will illustrate this issue by discussing challenges currently faced in data and record gathering for internally displaced populations following two large-scale and high-impact environmental disasters that occurred in Greece in 2023: the wildfire around the city of Alexandrúpolis. N. Greece (also acknowledged as the largest wildfire in the EU since 2000), and the consecutive floods in the region of Thessaly, between Central and Northern Greece (see: https://www.weathermatters.net/we-either-burn-or-flood-chasing-the-clima...).- Mirianna Budimir - Working Collaboratively With Researchers for Impact: Practical Action Perspectives
Presenting author(s): Mirianna Budimir, Practical Action
Abstract: In a changing climate and increasing impacts to the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, particularly the Global South, more is needed to harness limited resources to achieve real impact. The research community has a wealth of expertise that can provide evidence and solutions to the challenges people experience in the face of disasters. The UK Disaster Risk Reduction research community has demonstrated significant interest to use this expertise in an applied way. Practical Action is an international non-profit development organisation working with communities and in-country stakeholders across Latin America, Africa and South Asia. It has a long history of working with researchers, including the UK Disaster Risk Reduction community, to answer questions and co-develop solutions to the challenges people face in developing contexts. This session will share examples of how Practical Action has worked with researchers and in-country stakeholders to tackle these issues. It will reflect on challenges, lessons, and opportunities from across a range of examples and contexts. It will share recommendations for how researchers can work with practitioners and others to ensure research is addressing the real challenges on the ground, generates learning that is relevant and actionable, and has a sustainable legacy beyond project funding cycles.- Ian Greatbatch - Exploring the Patterns and Implications of an Aging Population From a UK Fire Service Perspective
Presenting author(s): Ian Greatbatch, West Midlands Fire Service
Further author(s): Chris Hands, Zach Pescod-Everiss
Abstract: Although fire and road traffic collision (RTC) numbers have shown a continuous downturn over the last 20 years, they are still common enough that most people will have experienced in some way a fire, road traffic collision or other fire-service-related emergency. In addition, many global populations are ageing, bringing new dimensions to the risks facing those populations, new dimensions in the planning process to prepare emergency services for these incidents, and the requirement on the responding services to develop techniques training and preparedness to ensure that any response is adequate and appropriate. West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km2 and covering seven local authority areas: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It serves a diverse and multi-cultural population of more than 2.9 million people, living in 1,190,943 homes, 101,760 non-domestic properties and includes areas with the highest risk in England outside of London, presenting a range of socio-economic and health and wellbeing challenges. This paper will discuss changing patterns of the type, frequency, and characteristics of fire service incidents, with reference to the WMFS operational area, but also to England and Wales. It will then highlight areas for discussion relating to issues of an aging population, and present policy and operational tactical considerations.