Humanitarian engineering and vulnerable communities: hydropower applications in localised flood response and sustainable development

Schismenos, Spyros; Stevens, Garry; Emmanouloudis, Dimitrios; Georgeou, Nichole; Shrestha, Surendra; Chalaris, Michail

doi:10.1080/14786451.2020.1779274

Cited by 8 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…For this study, communities defined as vulnerable to WD have one or more of the characteristics presented below. A higher number of such features is associated with greater vulnerability (Schismenos et al 2018 , 2020 ): Reside in remote, rural areas (small settlements such as villages or towns) Low/lower-middle income (based on minimum wage, purchasing power per capita, etc.) Reside in riparian or deltaic ecosystems Experience power insufficiency (off-grid and/or unstable power supply) High flood risk probability Insufficient flood early warning (minor or no EWS or other warning mechanisms) Poor telecommunications (no mobile phones or landlines in residencies) Mono-economy.…”

Section: Understanding Vulnerability and Capability Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Significant input in community capability levels : Both the OGRES and EWS can contribute to EWE resilience, conflict prevention, and socio-economic growth, if they are designed to be anthropocentric and useful in more than one area (e.g., disaster response, agriculture, and ecotourism) (Howells et al 2017 ; Schismenos 2017 ; Schismenos et al 2020 ).…”

Section: Devising Vcm and Its Metricsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Standard action process : Both OGRES and EWS have standard action processes, regardless of their type or complexity. Figure 1 draws information from Waidyanatha ( 2010 ) and Schismenos et al ( 2020 ), and presents these processes.

Fig.…”

Section: Devising Vcm and Its Metricsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In general, OGRES are either: (i) conventional (e.g., portable diesel generators, firewood), or (ii) renewable energy systems (e.g., wind, hydro, and solar power). Basic EWS can either be: (i) indoor systems (e.g., radio, television, phone, computer connected to the internet), (ii) outdoor systems (e.g., sirens, lights, LED signs), or (iii) portable/other (e.g., smartphone, tablet) (Schismenos et al 2020 ).…”

Section: Devising Vcm and Its Metricsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These include traditional means and ‘know-how’ or improvised systems made from readily sourced materials. These solutions are usually do-it-yourself and easy-to-deploy-and-operate (Jaglin 2019 ; Schismenos et al 2020 ; Smith 2011 ).…”

Section: Devising Vcm and Its Metricsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Humanitarian engineering at the sustainability-development nexus: mapping vulnerability and capability factors for communities at risk of water-based disasters

et al. 2021

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Access to resources that is equitable and sustainable provides a critical foundation for community harmony and development. Both natural and human-induced disasters present major risks to sustainable development trajectories and require strategic management within regional and local plans. Climate change and its impacts, including intensified storms, flash floods, and other water-based disasters (WD), also pose a serious and increasing threat. Small, remote communities prone to weather extremes are particularly vulnerable as they often lack effective early warning systems and experience energy insufficiency. Humanitarian engineering provides a transdisciplinary approach to these issues, supporting practical development resources such as renewable energy, which can also be adapted for disaster response. This study details an exploratory investigation of community vulnerability and capability mapping (VCM) that identifies communities with high WD risk and limited response capability which may benefit from risk reduction engagement and program co-development. By presenting criteria appropriate for VCM, we highlight the anthropocentric characteristics that could potentially be incorporated within community-led action as part of a comprehensive scheme that promotes sustainable development.

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