Evolving Disaster Response Practices during COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Disaster Management
• Public Health
• Emergency Response

Background:

• Single-hazard disaster response systems are inadequate for concurrent crises like pandemics.
• Experiences from the Philippines, India, Japan, and South Korea highlight the need for adaptation.
• Conventional approaches require integrating new measures for pandemic-related disasters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze evolving disaster response practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify how single-hazard approaches can transition to multihazard strategies.
• To build on reports from Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) member countries.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of reports from ADRC member countries.
• Analysis of case studies from the Philippines, India, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
• Identification of three key evolving disaster response practices.

Main Results:

• Three evolving practices: digitalization of disaster response, dispersed evacuations with health measures, and remote psychological first aid.
• Integration of COVID-19 handling skills for responders and updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Need for additional supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants.

Conclusions:

• Evolving practices show potential for transitioning from single-hazard to multihazard disaster response systems.
• Digitalization, dispersed evacuations, and remote support are key adaptations.
• The study provides insights for enhancing disaster resilience in the face of concurrent crises.