Disaster research

Lavin and Rever (eds), Veenem lead writer.

The National Commission on Children and Disasters (“the Commission”) was established pursuant to the Kids in Disasters Well-being, Safety and Health Act of 2007 as provided in Division  G, Title VI of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008.
The Commission’s status as an independent Federal Advisory Committee was clarified in Division A, Section 157 (b) of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009.
The Commission shall conduct a comprehensive study to independently examine and assess the needs of children (0-18 years of age) in relation to the preparation for, response
to and recovery from all-hazards, including major disasters and emergencies, by building upon the evaluations of other entities and avoiding unnecessary duplication by reviewing
the findings, conclusions and recommendations of these entities. In addition to this Interim Report, the Commission will submit a Final Report to the President and Congress no later than October  14, 2010.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030's (SFDRR) framing moved away from disaster risk as a natural phenomenon to the examination of the inequality and injustice at the root of human vulnerability to hazards and disasters. Yet, its achievements have not seriously challenged the long-established capitalist systems of oppression that hinder the development leading to disaster risk creation. This article is an exploratory mapping exercise of and a collective reflection on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and SFDRR indicators-and their use in measuring progress towards disaster risk reduction (DRR). We highlight that despite the rhetoric of vulnerability, the measurement of progress towards DRR remains event/hazard-centric. We argue that the measurement of disaster risk could be greatly enhanced by the integration of development data in future iterations of global DRR frameworks for action.

Can you predict and "communicate" an earthquake? How can we face seismic risk in Italy nowadays? Which role do scientific and academic communities have in seismic risk reduction by developing information tools and structural and non-structural measures? Starting from these questions, this book suggests possible scientific and cultural "mediations", with an interdisciplinary perspective (from seismology to cultural anthropology, from history to risk communication, from engineering to geography, architecture and pedagogy). This volume was conceived as a multi-stakeholders dialogue and a tool for the promotion of DRR practices before the seismic event occurs, questioning who should act, how, and with what responsibilities.
Chapters by Dario Albarello, Lina Calandra, Gianni Silei, Fabio Mugnaini, Mattia Bertin, Ivana Marino, Silvia Nanni, Fabrizia Petrei


È possibile prevedere e comunicare un terremoto? Com'è possibile affrontare il rischio sismico in Italia oggi? Quale ruolo hanno la comunità scientifica e quella accademica nella prevenzione e nell'elaborazione di strumenti di informazione e di azione? Prendendo spunto da queste domande, il volume suggerisce possibili mediazioni scientifiche e culturali, con un’ottica interdisciplinare (dalla sismologia all'antropologia culturale, dalla storia alla comunicazione del rischio, dall'ingegneria alla geografia, dall'architettura alla pedagogia). Il testo vuole quindi essere uno strumento di dialogo e condivisione per l’attivazione di buone pratiche di prevenzione prima che l’evento sismico si verifichi, interrogandosi su chi è chiamato ad agire, con quali forme e con quali responsabilità.

Con saggi di Dario Albarello, Lina Calandra, Gianni Silei, Fabio Mugnaini, Mattia Bertin, Ivana Marino, Silvia Nanni, Fabrizia Petrei

A disaster event is an opportunity for researchers to inform recovery efforts and to learn more about disaster impacts, response and recovery. It is also an important time to reflect on how well the research community is working together to inform policy and practice to reduce the impacts of future disaster events. Following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, social science researchers and disaster management practitioners gathered from across New Zealand to discuss these issues. Participants identified immediate needs in collecting perishable data related to understanding earthquake impacts, recovery best practice, and collaboration and engagement practices. They also identified the need for the social science community to improve their effectiveness in a post-disaster environment, to maximise impact and minimise community disruption. A set of principles for best practice post-disaster research have been proposed.

This study examines risks associated with climate change on the lives and the livelihood opportunities of communities based in north-eastern, rural Rajasthan. Structured interviews, focused group discussions and participatory rural appraisal tools (such as historical transect, seasonality diagramming) were used to collect data with 50 households. The study was supported, conducted and drafted by Economic Justice department, CECOEDECON Rajasthan, India in 2011-2012.