Search Results (89)

This research paper presents an assessment of geohazards on Lefkas Island, Greece, using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to map risk and enhance public awareness through an interactive web application. Natural hazards such as landslides, floods, wildfires, and desertification threaten both the safety of residents and the island’s tourism-dependent economy, particularly due to its seismic activity and Mediterranean climate. By combining the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction with GIS capabilities, we created detailed hazard maps that visually represent areas of susceptibility and provide critical insights for local authorities and the public. The web application developed serves as a user-friendly platform for disseminating hazard information and educational resources, thus promoting community preparedness and resilience. The findings highlight the necessity for proactive land management strategies and community engagement in disaster risk reduction efforts. This study underscores GIS’s pivotal role in fostering informed decision making and enhancing the safety of Lefkas Island’s inhabitants and visitors in the face of environmental challenges. Full article

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) education is considered increasingly necessary, particularly for children. DRR educational interventions aim to enhance knowledge and attitudes related to self-protective capacity. However, comparative studies on students in areas prone to different disasters and comprehensive criteria covering both knowledge and attitudes toward behavior remain limited. A short DRR course was developed for primary schools across three regions (mountainous, low-lying, and coastal) in Hue City, one of Vietnam’s most vulnerable areas to extreme weather events. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate student performance by applying Bloom’s taxonomy and treatment-control pre-post-follow-up design with panel analysis methods. From December 2022 to September 2023, three surveys, involving 517 students each, were conducted in six schools (three schools received the course and surveys, while the other three only participated in surveys). The intervention revealed similarities and differences between the groups. The course positively impacted on some elements of knowledge and preparedness intentions in students from low-lying and mountainous regions (including ethnic minorities). Higher-grade students in the mountainous region showed improvement in intentions, but not in attitudes toward self-protection. No gender differences in intentions were found. Although limited overall improvements, the study’s various methods, approaches and continuous assessment can be applied globally to design, implement, and assess DRR education courses effectively. Full article

Background: Disasters pose significant challenges to public health by disrupting essential services, especially during mass gatherings such as the Hajj pilgrimage. These complex events demand swifts coordinated action from healthcare professionals. However, many remain insufficiently equipped for large-scale emergencies due to gaps in triage training, disaster knowledge, and established response protocols—issues that are particularly critical in high-risk settings. Aim: This systematic literature review aims to explore the clinical insights of registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in disaster preparedness and response during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive database search was performed across CINAHL, Scopus, Medline, Embase, and APA PsycINFO, focusing on studies published between 2012 and 2025. Eligible studies addressed disaster nursing education, preparedness, and response. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used for quality assessment. Results: Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Three main themes emerged: disaster preparedness, experiences and challenges in disaster response, and education and training. The review revealed lack in nurses’ readiness, policy awareness, and real-world disaster experience. Training and curriculum improvements are essential to enhance disaster response capabilities. Conclusions: This review highlights the urgent need for standardized disaster nursing curricula to enhance preparedness and response competencies. Incorporating structured disaster training into nursing education will strengthen healthcare system resilience. Future research should adopt qualitative methods to capture healthcare professionals lived experiences during the Hajj. Including diverse participants and focusing on the unique cultural context can enhance disaster preparedness and response strategies. Full article

Natural and human-made disasters can severely impact communities and can result in high numbers of human injuries and deaths. Animals, both companion and livestock, are often injured as a result of these disasters and require veterinary care. Veterinarians are not only involved in providing care for these animals but also play important roles in planning and preparedness functions that occur before a disaster strikes. There are several examples of the use of multi-user virtual environments (MUVE) to provide human health care workers with valuable training centered on disaster response and disaster medicine. This communication provides a thorough review of a clinical rotation, as part of a professional veterinary curriculum, that uses a combination of classroom and experiential learning via an MUVE, Second Life^®. This rotation has provided more than 1800 senior veterinary students at a veterinary school in the United States with experiential learning opportunities focused on veterinary disaster preparedness, planning, and response training. The authors have prepared this communication to provide other institutions and educators with information on the practical implementation of Second Life^® in teaching and to offer recommendations based on our institutional experience. Full article

This study introduces a novel framework with the use of extended reality (XR) systems in hydrology, particularly focusing on immersive visualization of hydrologic data for enhanced environmental planning and decision making. The study details the shift from traditional 2D data visualization methods in hydrology to more advanced XR technologies, including virtual and augmented reality. Unlike static 2D maps or charts that require cross-referencing disparate data sources, this system consolidates real-time, multivariate datasets, such as streamflow, precipitation, and terrain, into a single interactive, spatially contextualized 3D environment. Immersive information systems facilitate dynamic interaction with real-time hydrological and meteorological datasets for various stakeholders and use cases, and pave the way for metaverse and digital twin systems. This system, accessible via web browsers and XR devices, allows users to navigate a 3D representation of the continental United States. The paper addresses the current limitations in hydrological visualization, methodology, and system architecture while discussing the challenges, limitations, and future directions to extend its applicability to a wider range of environmental management and disaster response scenarios. Future application potential includes climate resilience planning, immersive disaster preparedness training, and public education, where stakeholders can explore scenario-based outcomes within a virtual space to support real-time or anticipatory decision making. Full article

Objective: To explore the possible association and trends between individual-level disaster preparedness status (for natural, technological, and human-caused hazards) and the level of pandemic preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults in the U.S. from 2021 through 2023. Methods: Multivariate logistic regression was conducted using data from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) annual National Household Survey (NHS) from 2021 to 2023 to identify statistically significant variables associated with personal pandemic preparedness behavior among participants of the nationally representative survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Overall, the results showed that the proportion of respondents that were considered prepared for a pandemic peaked in 2021 (54.0%) and steadily decreased in the following years (2022: 43.3%; 2023: 41.3%) highlighting the need for pandemic preparedness resources and educational campaigns to be available prior to a pandemic occurring. The final multivariate logistic regression models featuring consistent significant covariates demonstrated a highly statistically significant relationship between individual-level disaster preparedness and pandemic preparedness across all three study years (2021: odds ratio (OR): 21.35, standard error (SE): 2.59, p < 0.001; 2022: OR: 9.26, SE: 0.87, p < 0.001; 2023: OR: 6.75, SE: 0.59, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The significant results suggest individuals who are prepared for a disaster have higher odds of being prepared for a pandemic. These findings support the continued increase in collaboration between emergency management and public health entities to jointly support the development of evidence-based resources to increase personal preparedness for both disasters and pandemics. Full article

Rural areas face increasing threats from water-related disasters yet often lack the infrastructure and resources available in urban areas for effective disaster response and recovery. Understanding and improving rural resilience—the ability to withstand and recover from disasters—is critical for sustainable rural development, especially under pressures from the climate. This study introduces a practical, indicator-based framework to evaluate rural resilience by analyzing five key aspects: stability, hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and adaptability. Using Zhejiang Province in China as a case study, we examined changes in rural resilience from 2000 to 2020. Our findings reveal that regions with a strong economic foundation, diversified livelihoods, and well-developed healthcare and education infrastructure exhibit higher resilience, while those with high exposure to hazards and economic dependency on agriculture remain vulnerable. The study highlights the crucial role of adaptive capacity in driving long-term resilience, emphasizing targeted investments in rural healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic diversification. By providing data-driven insights, this research contributes to SDG 11 by offering practical strategies for policymakers and local communities to enhance disaster preparedness and rural sustainability. Moreover, the framework developed here can be adapted and applied to other rural regions facing similar hazards globally, enhancing disaster preparedness and promoting sustainable rural development. Full article

Recent major disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic and floods in Europe, highlight the unpredictability of crises and the necessity for systemic preparedness at all levels of crisis management, including pre-hospital emergency medical services. Paramedics observed, under these challenging conditions (but not exclusively during them), cases of insufficient knowledge and skills in providing pre-hospital medical care, which lead to inadequate or prolonged decision making in delivering assistance. For this reason, the authors aimed to determine the extent to which such situations occur and to examine their causes, focusing on potential gaps and shortcomings in the education of paramedics. This study examines the impact of educational systems on the professional preparedness of paramedics in V4 European countries (the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland) during pre-hospital care through a questionnaire survey. A survey involving over 1600 respondents revealed significant disparities in perceived knowledge and skill gaps, with Poland demonstrating the highest deficiencies (78%) and the Slovak Republic the lowest (57%). Key factors influencing these gaps included the frequency of external educational and training activities, years of experience, and expertise in managing critical conditions. The findings underscore the importance of innovative technologies, such as simulations and virtual reality, in enhancing paramedic training, along with integrating digital solutions across all phases of disaster management. Recommendations focus on strengthening system resilience, fostering interdisciplinary approaches, and improving system sustainability and adaptability. By using the results obtained and leveraging technological advances, the study aims to contribute to more effective crisis preparedness, population protection, and sustainable development goals (SDGs), namely (3, 4, 9, and 11), especially in the field of crisis management. This reinforces the broader role of SDGs in building more robust, future-ready disaster management frameworks. Full article

Based on the results of the nuclear accident response education questionnaire, we use system dynamics to develop a nuclear accident response education effectiveness evaluation model. A questionnaire survey was conducted for the pre- and post-tests of the course to understand course effectiveness and explore the interactive relationship between factors. The system dynamics is used to develop a nuclear accident response education effectiveness evaluation model. Age and education are significantly related to education and training experience (number of times), and the age, occupation, and education level are significantly related to individuals’ experience (number of times) of participating in a nuclear accident evacuation exercise. In the workshop courses, the public’s awareness of self-protection against nuclear accidents was significantly improved. Experience in educational training was significantly related to evacuation exercises. Individuals’ age and experience of participating in education and training can be used to predict their willingness to participate in evacuation exercises. Using systems thinking and analysis, an evaluation model for nuclear incident response education effectiveness is constructed as a reference for evaluating effectiveness. The designed education and training courses can increase public participation in nuclear accident response education and strengthen the cognitive benefits of response protection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Climate change increases the vulnerability of regions, communities, and individuals, stressing the urgent requirement to prepare health professionals in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. To foster sustainable and resilient communities, it is essential to integrate disaster preparedness into health education and practice. By equipping nurses with essential knowledge and skills, healthcare systems can be better prepared to respond to the challenges of climate change and disasters, contributing to safer and more resilient urban environments. This study aims to identify the factors that determine nurses’ preparedness for disaster situations. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted through digital platforms among 230 nurses across the Azores to assess their preparedness for disaster management. A structured questionnaire, adapted from the validated Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET©), was administered to registered nurses affiliated with the Nursing Council. The sample was chosen for convenience, and data were analyzed using IBM^® SPSS Statistics, employing descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha for measuring internal consistency, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA for comparative analysis. Ethical oversight was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Azores, ensuring confidentiality and the voluntary nature of participation. Results: The findings revealed concerns about nurses’ disaster response, with 70% of participants indicating low ability. While knowledge was relatively strong (M = 5.50, SD = 1.07), practical competence showed a moderate score (3.51, SD = 1.797). Additional education is necessary in areas such as family preparation (M = 2.58, SD = 1.569), patient management during responses (M = 3.43, SD = 1.312), disaster-specific knowledge (M = 2.95, SD = 1.45), and recovery management (M = 2.53, SD = 1.363). Conclusions: Despite increased knowledge and awareness of climate change and its global impact, there is a need for more meaningful nursing interventions to minimize the impact of climate change on the community. This study highlights that nurses have an in-depth knowledge of communities’ needs, which puts them in a unique position to influence disaster preparation and response. By developing these strategies, nurses contribute significantly to communities’ resilience in climate change, improving society’s ability to respond and adapt to these challenges. Full article

Creating resilient communities globally is critical amid increasing disaster risks. The “Resilient Cities” program (RCP) is pivotal in mitigating these risks. Bairro Encosta Luz was surveyed to assess risk awareness among RCP communities, revealing significant gaps in respondent knowledge. Nearly half lacked preparedness training, compounded by vulnerabilities, such as advanced age and limited educational levels. Addressing these gaps is vital, necessitating policies and tools for risk management and social and structural adaptation within Bairro Encosta Luz. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident underscored the critical role of public health nurses (PHNs) in managing evacuees during nuclear emergencies. Despite their importance, PHNs often lack sufficient knowledge and experience, which may make them anxious about this role. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with PHNs’ anxiety about accepting evacuees and identify strategies to alleviate this anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 PHNs working in Oita Prefecture, Japan, a region designated to receive evacuees in the event of a nuclear disaster. Data were collected via an online questionnaire assessing radiation knowledge, workplace characteristics, and anxiety about accepting evacuees. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of anxiety. Results: PHNs working in prefectural offices were 3.4 times more likely to feel anxious about accepting evacuees than those in municipal offices (OR = 3.488, 95% CI = 1.236–10.963, p = 0.023). Awareness of evacuation site responsibilities significantly reduced anxiety (OR = 0.412, 95% CI = 0.134–1.211, p = 0.110). Overall, knowledge of radiation was low, with only 8% correctly identifying the differences between stochastic and deterministic effects. Online training was the preferred format for education. Conclusions: Workplace characteristics and knowledge of evacuation responsibilities significantly influence PHNs’ anxiety levels. Addressing knowledge gaps through tailored, accessible training programs, particularly in online formats, is essential. Strengthening preparedness among PHNs could enhance their confidence and ability to manage evacuees effectively during nuclear disasters. Full article

This work explores the transformative impact of 3D printing technology and disaster management within the context of smart cities. By evaluating various 3D printing technologies, such as desktop and large-scale printers, this research highlights their application in rapidly producing customized structures and essential supplies infrastructure components. Methods included the review of existing technologies, practical application in disasters scenarios. and the analysis of community engagement programs that enhance local preparedness and resilience through 3D printing. Case studies illustrate the significant benefits of integrating 3D printing technologies in disaster management. Findings indicate that while 3D printing offers rapid production and efficiency, disabilities such as high initial cost, regulatory issues, and the need for skilled operators must be addressed. This study concludes that with strategic collaboration and investment in the education and regulatory frameworks, 3D printing can significantly enhance urban resilience and sustainability, making it an invaluable tool for future smart cities. This research underscores the potential of 3D printing to significantly aid disaster management practices, fostering more adaptive and efficient urban environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: To explore how Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in Fukushima perceived their roles and activities as necessary or inadequate from the immediate aftermath through the long-term recovery of the nuclear disaster. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using a self-administered questionnaire with open-ended questions to capture the perceptions of PHNs across three disaster phases: peacetime; nuclear emergency; and recovery. Responses were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Results: PHNs’ needs and perceived inadequacies varied across the disaster phases. In peacetime, the emphasis was on education for disaster preparedness for both nurses and residents. During the nuclear emergency, the focus shifted to the need for PHN deployment and radiation screening systems, highlighting a significant gap in radiation knowledge. In the recovery phase, the importance of ongoing resident support, rumor management, and trust-building was emphasized, alongside an increased need for radiation education. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical need for phase-specific support systems and educational programs to enhance PHNs’ disaster response capabilities. It underscores the importance of preparedness plans and continuous training to improve PHNs’ effectiveness in addressing public health challenges during nuclear disasters. This study was not registered. Full article

Geography education plays an important role in the promotion of disaster resilience; however, the relationship between geography education and disaster resilience has failed to attract systematic attention in China and the United States (US). This study compares the contents regarding disaster risk reduction in secondary school geography textbooks in China and the US to explore the contributions of geography education to promoting disaster resilience. These textbooks are analyzed using content analysis based on the Sendai Framework with four actions. This study finds that geography textbooks in China and the US include disaster risk reduction content; however, the contents are unevenly distributed, with “understanding disaster risk” and “enhancing disaster preparedness” accounting for a higher proportion, whereas “strengthening disaster risk governance” and “investing in disaster risk management to enhance resilience” account for a lower proportion. The results indicate that geography education plays an important role in enhancing disaster resilience and can strengthen students’ understanding and preparedness for disaster risks. Meanwhile, this study points out the shortcomings in current disaster risk reduction education and provides a reference for improving educational practice and policy formulation. Full article