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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the main prerequisites which are deemed for successful disaster mitigation activities in megacities by considering various aspects related to disaster risk reduction.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a general background with regard to the social and cultural patterns for involving local people to participate in the activities related to awareness raising before, and saving their lives and properties after the earthquakes. It then defines what is required for preparing disaster scenarios.FindingsPrerequisites of comprehensive response plans, to be used in the aftermath of earthquakes in large cities, are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a lack of complete information, with regard to various social, and cultural aspects of disaster mitigation, in developing countries, such as Iran.Practical implicationsBy following the steps mentioned and discussed in the paper for disaster mitigation planning and applying the proposed measures, the neighbourhoods in megacities can define and manage the activities better – which is crucial for saving lives in the aftermath of large earthquakes.Originality/valueThe paper details the requirements that are necessary for successful disaster mitigation activities in large cities and the difficulties and challenges which can be faced in encountering them.

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight the crucial role of decision makers and emergency managers in reducing the unpleasant consequences of disasters.Design/methodology/approachAn attempt has been made to clarify the measures for planning and implementation of training issues in earthquake emergency response for the emergency managers as an essential part at various managerial levels.FindingsThe paper reveals that, although the high‐level managers such as ministers are authoritative bodies for managing the routine problems of the country, in situations such as a "major emergency", specific knowledge and experience of emergency issues are required for the emergency management to be successful. It also explores the ways and opportunities for achieving successful training programmes for the emergency managers.Research limitations/implicationsThe existing challenges, including the lack of adequate background knowledge and experience in emergency management, insufficient time to train, the inadequacy of the required technical supporting tools, and other related issues, emerge, which need to be identified.Practical implicationsThe research can be practically useful for emergency managers who are involved in response activities in disasters by providing suitable and appropriate recommendations for efficient training.Originality/valueThere are only a few works on training of earthquake emergency managers, especially in developing countries such as Iran.

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a broad overview of the South Asian tsunami in relation to the development of the early warning system (EWS) as well as its integration within the seismic safety chain.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on social and administrative aspects that require detailed attention as key elements within the overall system. The observations grow from experience gained by Ian Davis from working on the UK IDNDR Flagship project Warnings and Forecasts from 1996‐9 and from participation in the Working Group advising Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on the development of warnings in preparation for the G8 meeting held in Scotland in June 2005.FindingsThe conclusions of the paper grow from variety of experiences that both the authors have gained in working for many years in the field of disaster management. A number of requirements emerge from the experience such as specific administrative measures, political will, scientific knowledge and the development of tsunami safety culture.Practical implicationsThe paper provides an overview of some of the social and administrative measures needed to enable scientific warnings to be disseminated and applied at every level to protect people and their property.Originality/valueThe message of this paper is an attempt to stress the importance of the totality of an effective warning system. At present, the scientific side has secured vital attention. But this has to be complemented with the social and administrative elements on which all scientific detection depends. The authors argue that these neglected safety elements require urgent attention if a full safety system is to function effectively.

AbstractIn this paper, the outline of national guideline for gender‐sensitive post‐disaster needs assessment (PDNA) that was developed based on the experiences of 2019 Iran floods is presented. Accordingly, at first, the baseline information on female‐headed households, elderly, disabled women and the employment situation of females that should be collected before the disaster is introduced. Then, the mechanism for evaluation the effects and impacts of disasters on women and girls is presented. Finally, considering the recovery strategies, their needs in recovery and reconstruction are addressed. The results can be used in other countries to develop the gender‐sensitive PDNA guidelines.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse some vital aspects of floods in Malawi by examining the case study of the Lower Shire River Valley. Whilst the world has many wars taking place and causing unbearable human suffering, natural disasters are also taking their toll on humanity in various ways. The threats of the flood hazard have become complex and interrelated whilst the number of the vulnerable is growing fast. Floods have not spared the peaceful country of Malawi. The whole of Malawi is virtually vulnerable to floods. However, the Lower Shire Valley has been one of the most affected parts of the country.Design/methodology/approachThe paper has focused on the extent of people's vulnerability to the flood hazard and the effectiveness of its management in the area. It has duly analysed the risk reduction measures in practice and identified the various political, social, and economic factors that influence the management of floods in this valley. The study exposes the Malawi strategy towards flood mitigation as well as the situation and attitudes of the flood victims pertaining to the policies and the measures being utilised to address the hazard.FindingsThe study confirms that floods can be an issue of broad security agenda. Despite the entanglement of financial constraints, the study recommends that policy makers should make more effort to alleviate the lamentable situation in this valley.Practical implicationsIt is a requisite to have a comprehensive approach and pragmatic policies as well as their implementation mechanisms. There is also a requirement for effective consultation, collaboration and coordination, progress monitoring and above all, the will.Originality/valueBoth the intensity and the frequency of floods are definitely indicating to be on the increase in the country while the capacity to contain them and to protect people to substantial levels is lacking. The paper indicates that the flood hazard has continuously made the habitants of flood plains in Malawi vulnerable and that the extent of vulnerability to the flood risk is very high in the Lower Shire Valley.

Equipping health care facilities for times of natural disasters especially earthquakes is of great importance all over the world, especially in developing countries such as Iran. In this paper, first the obtained research results are discussed with regard to the types of structures and the structural and non‐structural problems of 110 hospitals in the capital city of Tehran. The earthquake safety procedures for health care facilities, standards and criterion for their appropriate performance during natural disasters and the general requirements for structural design and strengthening methods are then considered. Finally, a disaster management plan and organisation is proposed for these centres.

PurposeIran is located among the top disaster‐prone countries in the world and, therefore, disaster management is considered to be one of the most important issues in this country. One of the existing and worldwide approaches for managing disasters is the so‐called community‐based disaster management (CBDM). Community participation means that people's contribution in the disaster management cycle can be started from the basic steps of a process and ends in the achievement and institutionalization in the community. The purpose of this paper is to make a comparative study on the CBDM in various selected countries in order to design a model for Iran.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive‐comparative study was undertaken through a methodology including six steps in which a few countries have been chosen based on their contribution to issues such as policy making, planning, coordination, and control and organizing of disasters as well as their experience in disaster management and access to related information.FindingsThe results of the study show that, in order to achieve a successful disaster management, there is a need for the participation of the community in various disaster management lifecycles. However, it is evident that the type of contribution may differ according to the characteristics of each specific country.Practical implicationsBy using the CDBM, it is hoped that, with updating and implementing this model, the government's capability enhances in order to encounter disasters more effectively in the future.Originality/valueOn the basis of these findings, a model was designed to use CDBM in Iran. The issue most emphasized by this model is the presence and contribution of community at the local level in villages and neighborhoods in a city.