Every year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is exposed to different natural hazards. However, flash floods have been the most common hazard during the previous few decades. Between 2000 and 2020, over 1,000 people lost their lives from flash floods, resulting in an economic loss amounting to billions of US dollars. By focusing on flash floods, a systematic review of the extracted data was conducted. They were analyzed based on the suitability of their content and data for emergency planning requirements and disaster management challenges in the KSA. A total of 104 articles, papers, and plans were reviewed, of which only 18 complete papers met the inclusion criteria, including one plan and the General Directorate of Civil Defense (GDCD) website. The author has concluded that: 1) the essential requirements for emergency planning in the KSA include: conducting studies that show potential natural hazards, their locations, and their implications, and taking appropriate measures that reduce the possible causes of natural hazards; 2) The challenges facing the disaster management in the KSA are: lack of policies; the ambiguity of legislation and plans; poor coordination between stakeholders; lack of databases. This is the first investigation into emergency planning requirements and challenges of disaster management in the KSA. Furthermore, a scientific consensus predicts an increase in the frequency and magnitude of flash floods in the KSA. Therefore, the gaps need to be addressed in order to reduce the impact on inhabitants and infrastructure.
This qualitative study aimed to undertake a critical examination of the models by thematic analysis to determine their contribution to disaster management. A review and analysis of the literature were used. The models were studied to explore their contribution to disaster management and to identify any significant constraints or challenges which could limit the ability of the models to carry out appropriate disaster risk reduction actions. The study found that such models are indispensable because they simplify and improve disaster management. Additionally, they may support planners, managers, and practitioners in reaching proper decisions, making them valuable and necessary decision-making support tools. The study also found that the four key phases of disaster management – mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery – constitute the basis of the majority of models. The study also showed that each model has an advantage that distinguishes it from the other models. The findings also confirmed the doubts raised about the limitations and concerns associated with the models. Concerns included future disasters’ unpredictability, the models’ prescriptive nature, and the impact on businesses. The findings also indicated that certain planners, managers, and practitioners had a limited understanding of the use of models in disaster management. As such, they appear to have overlooked the use of models while dealing with disasters. Hence, the study recommends that the models should be employed in all disaster management phases. The study also recommends that the findings are utilized as a basis for further research into the potential use of disaster management models.
The paper aims to explore the social and economic factors influencing the flood preparedness of Zhengzhou, China and Leeds, United Kingdom residents. As one of the chosen areas, Zhengzhou experienced a terrible flood with an inaccurate weather forecast and little pre-flood preparedness in July 2021. On the other hand, Leeds has a long history of frequent floods. Wetter winters and stormy weather caused by climate change led to increased floods in Leeds. The consistent seasonal floods keep damaging residents and their properties, leading to economic losses. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with residents who experienced floods in Zhengzhou and Leeds. Comparative parameters included economic and social, as these factors are hugely different in the study areas. The results showed that factors like education influence the households’ flood preparedness; likewise, economic factors like disposable income also affect the willingness of residents to spend on flood preparedness. Furthermore, the results revealed that with proactive flood management, both communities progressed in minimising the post-adverse effects of floods.
Every year, flash floods hit many cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Saudi Arabia) leading to many injuries and deaths as well as a huge amount of damage to infrastructure. Risks of frequent flash floods have been linked to a lack of emergency planning. This paper presents a systematic review of emergency planning for flash floods response currently in place in Saudi Arabia. Collected information was analysed based on the suitability of content and data for emergency planning in flash floods response. Aspects of the dominant approach of emergency planning and the community-based approach are examined and considered against applications in Saudi Arabia. A case study is used about flash floods in Jeddah in 2009 and 2011 to consider these approaches. This may be the first systematic review of emergency planning for flash floods response in Saudi Arabia and shortcomings listed may lead to improvements in policy, planning and training, particularly given the scientific consensus of an increase in the frequency and magnitude of flash floods in Saudi Arabia.
Emergency agencies can use emergency management models to enable them to better prepare for and respond to emergencies. This qualitative study aims to undertake a critical examination of emergency management models by thematic analysis to determine their significance to emergency management. A review and analysis of the existing literature were used in the study. The models were studied to explore their role in emergency management and to identify any significant constraints or challenges which could limit the ability of the emergency management model to carry out appropriate actions. The study found that such models are indispensable because they simplify and improve emergency management. Additionally, they may support planners, managers, and practitioners in reaching proper decisions, making them a valuable and necessary decision-making support tool. The study also showed that each model has an advantage that distinguishes it from the other models. Consequently, a comprehensive emergency management model should be designed to suit all cases and circumstances. The findings also confirmed the doubts raised about the limitations and concerns associated with the models. Concerns included future events’ unpredictability, the models’ prescriptive nature, the event’s cultural context, and the impact on businesses. The findings also indicated that certain planners, managers, and practitioners had a limited understanding of the use of models in emergency management. As such, they appear to have overlooked the use of models while dealing with emergencies. Hence, the study recommends that the models should be employed in all emergency management activities. The study also recommends that the findings are utilized as a basis for further research into the potential use of emergency management models.
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