Opportunities for improving disaster management in Chile: a case study

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to propose measures to improve management of rainfall-related disasters in Chile. Design/methodology/approach – This research was carried out as a case study in the semi-arid region of Chile where above-normal rainy events occur once or twice during some rainy seasons. Measures to improve management are suggested based on theory, field data, and community participation. The method was based on a review of both the scientific literature and the local media; and a semi-structured survey that was applied to local parties, including the population affected by past disasters. Also, some participatory activities (i.e. workshops) were organized in order to include the community opinions. Findings – Results show that there have been significant advances during the last decade in Chile regarding disaster management. Yet, improvements need to be done at the local level in order to achieve a holistic, proactive and integrative management, including community participation and sharing responsibilities. A key element is increased coordination and cooperation. Practical implications – Benefit the communities and public agencies associated with disaster management, through practical recommendations based on theoretical issues and findings derived from fieldwork. Originality/value – This is one of the very few scientific research efforts done in Chile based on a case study that includes social aspects (e.g. community participation, social vulnerability) and disaster management

Chilean Disaster Response and Alternative Measures for Improvement

“…The future structure aims to decentralize public administration to facilitate appropriate planning that addresses the specific needs of each level within public agencies. This includes enhancing community participation, defining the responsibilities of various actors, and standardizing risk assessment and the essential components of emergency plans (Aldunce and León 2007). At the local level of administration, there is potential for promoting a horizontal approach to DRM, fostering a collaborative relationship between civil protection agents and the vulnerable population, and encouraging community participation (Ribeiro 2017;Uddin et al 2021).…”

Diálogos: Investigación y sociedad.Reflexiones desde la Historia y la Historia del Arte

“…En primer lugar, recientemente se ha desarrollado una sociología de las sensibilidades y el desastre, entre los cuales se encuentran algunos trabajos enfocados en el gran incendio de Valparaíso de 2014 (Campos, 2014a; Campos, 2014b), o el de Angelcos y Campos (2017). Una segunda línea, orientada desde la prevención, administración y reducción del riesgo de desastres (Aldunce, 2007;Castro, Ibarra, Lukas, Ortiz y Sarmiento, 2015;Martínez Reyes, 2014;Esteban et al, 2013;Muñoz-Gómez, 2016;Felix, Gain, Paiva y Whitney, 2013), se caracteriza por estudiar dichos fenómenos con el propósito de crear un marco teórico y práctico para generar sugerencias de acción orientadas a la creación y consolidación de emprendimientos económicos privados y públicos. Estas dos líneas generan un aporte importante respecto de las formas de acción de la sociedad actual ante los riesgos y desastres.…”

Una aplicación web, para asignación y ruteo de vehículos en caso de desastres

“…La simulación es un recurso tanto didáctico como logístico, dado que permite adquirir enseñanzas a los participantes, Chile al tener una cultura sísmica, aprendizaje en casos de maremotos y erupciones volcánicas recurrentes, actualiza sus protocolos y se prepara para este tipo de situaciones, ya sea mediante simulacros o herramientas de simulación especializadas [9]. Sin embargo, existen lineamientos básicos a nivel paramericanos para estos casos [10] en Chile corresponde a la Oficina Nacional de Emergencias de Chile (ONEMI) adaptarlas a la realidad país.…”