Religion Influence on Disaster Risk Reduction: A case study of Serbia

Abstract

Human perception of nature and God have always been inextricably linked. In order to understand nature and its inherent processes, including various natural hazards, the reasons for their origin were often attributed to God's will, suffering for sin and the similar. Fear of material and human losses prompted a man to pray and offer sacrifices/gifts and other rituals to appease the "wrath of the gods". The progress of civilization and technology has not alleviated the destruction and trauma that natural disasters inflict on all aspects of social life. A major obstacle to this is the exponential population growth in vulnerable areas. The frequency of natural disasters and the fatalistic attitudes that limit the effective fight against them have motivated religious communities and individuals to cooperate with international and international organizations and institutions to reduce the risk of local disasters. Believers thus receive the necessary psychological and financial assistance and support from religious communities during all phases of disaster management. Therefore, the subject of this paper is a comprehensive examination relationship between the degree of religiosity of the population and how this connection impacts the policy of reducing disaster risk. The aim of the research is to scientifically describe the nature of the relationship between the degree of religiosity of citizens and different segments of disaster risk reduction.

In-Depth Analysis of Disaster (Risk) Management System in Serbia: A Critical Examination of Systemic Strengths and Weaknesses

“…This escalating trend underscores the imperative of bolstering effective disaster risk management strategies [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. Spanning from natural hazards like floods, earthquakes, and droughts to technological mishaps, industrial accidents, and man-made hazards such as pandemics, terrorist strikes, and climate shifts, these events underscore the urgent need for resilient disaster management systems capable of navigating the evolving challenges of contemporary society [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. Within this context, it becomes evident that Serbia is not shielded from disaster risks and confronts a unique array of challenges [26].…”

Empowering the Regional Network of Experts for Disaster Risk Management in the Western Balkans by the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management

“…The Western Balkans region faces persistent challenges related to disaster risk management, characterized by a complex interplay of natural hazards, inadequate infrastructure, and limited institutional capacities [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The Southeast European countries, constituting the Western Balkans, are persistently vulnerable to an array of disasters, ranging from earthquakes and floods to snowstorms, droughts, and forest fires [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. Crucially, these disasters do not respect geopolitical boundaries, making collaborative efforts among nations imperative [9,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26].…”

“…This interconnectedness strengthens regional resilience by leveraging the collective expertise and resources of neighbouring nations. Ultimately, the creation of a network of experts for disaster risk management is not just a procedural step; it is a strategic necessity to fortify the Western Balkans' preparedness and resilience against potential disasters [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]42].…”

Seismic Hazard Resilience in Montenegro: A Comprehensive Qualitative Analysis of Local Preparedness and Response Mechanisms

“…Seismic resilience forms a core pillar of disaster management, focusing on improving readiness and the ability to respond in earthquake-prone areas [14]. Research in this area highlights the necessity of assessing and enhancing resilience through diverse strategies [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. For instance, an innovative assessment framework was unveiled in Taipei City, evaluating earthquake risks and resilience in the power infrastructure based on criteria like Robustness, Rapidity, Redundancy, and Resourcefulness [22].…”