Bibliographic details: (APA)

Bruins, H. J. (2000). Drought hazards in Israel and Jordan. Drought: a global assessment, 178-193.

Abstract:

 An analysis is made of drought hazards in Israel and Jordan in relation to climate and water resources management. The definition and classification of dry climates and drought are treated in detail. Suggestions are made for a scientifically accurate, convenient, and globally comparable system to classify bioclimatic aridity, which is useful on a local and global scale. The following drought types are distinguished: meteorological drought; agricultural drought; pastoral drought; hydrologic drought; socio-economic drought; and, human-made calamity drought. Information is provided on the geography, climate, land use, and water resources in both countries. Policy recommendations to reduce and mitigate potential drought disasters are provided and the importance of regional development co-operation is highlighted. Other subjects include: the National Water Carrier system in Israel; large-scale desalinization of seawater and brackish groundwater for the domestic sector; the development of an additional water supply system based on regional groundwater and floodwater resources; the treatment of sewage to prevent groundwater pollution; and, the hazard of famine in relation to the import of "virtual water" in the form of staples.

Bibliographic details: (APA)

Bruins, H. J. (1996). A rationale for drought contingency planning in Israel. The Mosaic of Israeli Geography, Beersheva: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Press, The Negev Center for Regional Development, 345-353.

Abstract:

During the past decade many countries in the world have experienced droughts, with severe impacts on water urban supply systems. Because droughts are natural phenomena, water utilities must design and implement drought management plans. This topic was selected for the International Course on Drought Management Planning in Water Supply Systems, which took place in Valencia, Spain, on 9-12 December 1997, and was hosted by the Universidad Internacional Menéndez y Pelayo (UIMP).
The contributions in this book have been carefully selected and presented in four sections:

• Introduction
• Water Supply Systems Modernization
• Drought Management in an Urban Context
• Practical Cases (Israel, USA, Italy, Spain)

To achieve a well-balanced approach, authors were invited from academia as well as from consultancies and water utilities, and have wide experience in the subject. The book is mainly aimed at water supply engineers, working in utilities and consultancies.

Bibliographic details:  (APA)

Bruins, H. J., Akong’a, J. J., Rutten, M. M., & Kressel, G. M. (2003). NIRP Research for Policy Series 17.

Abstract:

This study deals with problems of drought and drought-coping mechanisms among pastoralists living in arid zones in Kenya and the Negev (Israel). Its final objective is to provide input and formulate policy recommendations for the development of integrated drought contingency planning. The results are based on a cooperative effort by Kenyan, Israeli and Dutch researchers carried out under the NIRP programme between 1994 and 1999. NIRP aims to encourage development-related research focused on socioeconomic and cultural change. Being policy-oriented in nature, NIRP aims to make the results of research accessible to anyone interested in solving the problems investigated. The target groups for such knowledge include policy makers, representatives of non-governmental and donor organisations, and the scientific community. With this aim in mind, the Publication Board has launched the NIRP Research for Policy Series as a channel for the publication of “user-friendly” summaries of more than 30 scientific reports. The Publication Board wishes to thank Dr. Mirjam A.F. Ros-Tonen for editing the summary on which this monograph is based. Thanks are also due to Howard Turner for revising the English. Last but not least, the Publication Board wishes to thank the research team for the successful completion of this study. It would like to pay particular tribute to Mr. Francis M. Ndaraiya, who made valuable contributions during the conception of the project, while on a training visit in Israel, at the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research. He played a key role in Kenya in the logistical execution of the project, particularly with regard to communication, transport and field visits. He conducted pioneering rainwater-harvesting field trials in Kajiado District, in cooperation with the local Maasai, but disease prevented him from continuing and concluding these experiments. He nevertheless collected a significant amount of important data during 1995, 1996 and 1997. He passed away after a severe illness on 18 December 1998.

Vött, A., et al (2019). Publicity waves based on manipulated geoscientific data suggesting climatic trigger for majority of tsunami findings in the Mediterranean–Response to 'Tsunamis in the geological record: Making waves with a cautionary tale from the Mediterranean' by Marriner et al.(2017). 

Bibliographic details:

Vött, A., Bruins, H. J., Gawehn, M., Goodman-Tchernov, B. N., De Martini, P. M., Kelletat, D., ... & Willershäuser, T. (2019). Publicity waves based on manipulated geoscientific data suggesting climatic trigger for majority of tsunami findings in the Mediterranean–Response to'Tsunamis in the geological record: Making waves with a cautionary tale from the Mediterranean'by Marriner et al.(2017). Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie, Supplementary Issues, 62(2), 7-45.

Abstract:

This article is a response to the publication by Nick Marriner, David Kaniewski, Christophe Morhange, Clément Flaux, Matthieu Giaime, Matteo Vacchi and James Goff entitled "Tsunamis in the geological record: Making waves with a cautionary tale from the Mediterranean", published in October 2017 in Science Advances. Making use of radiometric data sets published in the context of selected palaeotsunami studies by independent research groups from different countries, Marriner et al. (2017) carried out statistical and time series analyses. They compared their results with an assessment of Mediterranean storminess since the mid-Holocene that was previously published by Kaniewski et al. (2016) based on a single-core study from coastal Croatia. Marriner et al. (2017) now present "previously unrecognized" 1500-year "tsunami megacycles" which they suggest correlating with Mediterranean climate deterioration. They conclude that up to 90% of all the 'tsunamis' identified in original tsunami papers used for their study are "better ascribed to periods of heightened storminess". In this response, we show that (i) the comparison of statistical data describing storm and tsunami events presented by Marriner et al. (2017) is incorrect both from a geographical and a statistical point of view, (ii) the assumed periods of central Mediterranean storminess published by Kaniewski et al. (2016) are missing convincing geological and geochronological evidence and are statistically incorrect, (iii) the palaeotsunami data that was originally collected by different groups of authors were manipulated by Marriner et al. (2017) in a way that the resulting data set – used as a benchmark for the entire study of these authors – is wrong and inaccurate, and that (iv) Marriner et al. (2017) did not address or even negate the original sedimentological studies' presentation of comparative tsunami versus storm deposits for the selected individual localities. Based on a thorough and detailed evaluation of the geoscientific background and the methodological approach of the studies by Kaniewski et al. (2016) and Marriner et al. (2017), we conclude that there is no serious and reliable geoscientific evidence for increased storminess in the (central) Mediterranean Sea between 3400 – 2550, 2000 –1800, 1650 –1450, 1300 – 900 and 400 –100 cal BP. The impact of those storms in the Mediterranean, producing geological traces somewhat comparable to those caused by tsunamis, is insignificantly small. For the period 1902 – 2017, Mediterranean tsunamis make up 73 – 98 % of all combined extreme wave events (EWE) leading to coastal flooding and appeared up to 181 times deadlier than comparable storm effects. This is the reason why coastal Mediterranean research has focused on Holocene records of the tsunami hazard, while research on comparable storm effects is of lower significance. The validity of geological evidence for Mediterranean EWE and their interpretation as caused by palaeotsunami impacts thus remains untouched. Tsunamis, in most cases directly and indirectly induced by seismo-tectonics, have always been a much greater threat to Mediterranean coastal regions than comparable storm effects. ' Tsunami megacycles' as expressions of a 1500-year periodicity centered on the Little Ice Age, 1600 and 3100 cal BP that were correlated with questionable storm data do not exist. Cause and effect relationships work the other way round: Major tsunami events, testified by historical accounts, such as those that occurred in 1908 AD, 1755 AD, 1693 AD and 365 AD, induced numerous studies along Mediterranean coasts. These investigations resulted in a large number of publications that specifically focus on those time periods, suspected by Marriner et al. (2017) to bear signs of increased storminess, namely 200 – 300 BP and 1600 BP. The Mediterranean tsunami record cannot be ascribed to periods of increased storminess. On the contrary, the tsunami record as interpreted by the authors of the original papers cited by Marriner et al. (2017), is due to the outstandingly high seismo-tectonic activity of the region. Mediterranean tsunamis are mostly triggered by earthquakes or by earthquake-related secondary effects such as underwater mass movements. The study by Marriner et al. (2017) is also problematic because it includes simple basic statistical mistakes and major methodological inconsistencies. The geomorphological and sedimentary back-ground of EWE deposits was not taken into account. The 'broad brush' approach used by Marriner et al. (2017) to sweep sedimentary deposits from tsunami origin into the storm bag origin, just on the basis of (false) statistics coupled with very broad and unreliable palaeoclimatic indicators and time frames, is misleading. The distortion of original data collected and interpreted by other research groups by Marriner et al. (2017) is particularly disturbing. Their publication is also bound to question in this case the effectiveness of scientific quality assurance in modern publishing commerce. Marriner et al. (2017: 7) talk down the considerable risk to human settlements and infrastructure along Mediterranean coasts in relation to tsunami and earthquake hazards. Their conclusion is not only wrong as a result of their incorrect data mining and analyses, it is also irresponsible with regard to national and international efforts of tsunami and earthquake risk mitigation.

Webpage

Bibliographic details:

Marriner, N., Kaniewski, D., Morhange, C., Flaux, C., Giaime, M., Vacchi, M., & Goff, J. (2017). Tsunamis in the geological record: Making waves with a cautionary tale from the Mediterranean. Science advances, 3(10), e1700485.

Abstract:

From 2000 to 2015, tsunamis and storms killed more than 430,000 people worldwide and affected a further >530 million, with total damages exceeding US$970 billion. These alarming trends, underscored by the tragic events of the 2004 Indian Ocean catastrophe, have fueled increased worldwide demands for assessments of past, present, and future coastal risks. Nonetheless, despite its importance for hazard mitigation, discriminating between storm and tsunami deposits in the geological record is one of the most challenging and hotly contended topics in coastal geoscience. To probe this knowledge gap, we present a 4500-year reconstruction of “tsunami” variability from the Mediterranean based on stratigraphic but not historical archives and assess it in relation to climate records and reconstructions of storminess. We elucidate evidence for previously unrecognized “tsunami megacycles” with three peaks centered on the Little Ice Age, 1600, and 3100 cal. yr B.P. (calibrated years before present). These ~1500-year cycles, strongly correlated with climate deterioration in the Mediterranean/North Atlantic, challenge up to 90% of the original tsunami attributions and suggest, by contrast, that most events are better ascribed to periods of heightened storminess. This timely and provocative finding is crucial in providing appropriately tailored assessments of coastal hazard risk in the Mediterranean and beyond.

Webpage

Bibliographic details:

Shapira, S., Aharonson‐Daniel, L., Clarfield, A. M., & Feder‐Bubis, P. (2019). Giving a voice to medically vulnerable populations: A mixed‐methods investigation of their unique perceptions and needs in emergency situations. Health & Social Care in the Community.

Abstract:

Older adults in poor health represent a growing sector of the population worldwide. These medically vulnerable individuals often tend to be ill‐prepared for emergencies. In times of crisis they are at higher risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes and are liable to place an additional burden on health and social care services. The aim of this study was to explore the unique perceptions and diverse needs of community‐dwelling medically vulnerable individuals in Israel in order to gain insights that could be used to promote future preparedness. A mixed methods design was employed that included 16 in‐depth interviews, followed by a quantitative survey of 179 participants. Data were collected between 2016 and 2017. The analysis process included thematic analysis for qualitative data. Quantitative data analysis focused on estimating associations between preparedness levels and participants’ characteristics and perceptions. The results indicated low levels of preparedness—only 13.5% of participants reported having prepared a full emergency kit with supplies. Family members played a key role in almost every dimension related to emergency preparedness; alongside certain authorities perceived by the participants as responsible for initiating the preparedness process. Additional issues that emerged were related to information and communication and to the logistics of medication handling and special nutrition. The findings suggest that it is vital to adopt a proactive approach to the problem of preparedness in this population. This conclusion should be of value to health and social care practitioners in the community as well as to family members and caregivers. Practical and simple recommendations for enhancing preparedness based on these findings are provided. Viewing preparedness as a process that is the joint responsibility of the individual, the family, caregivers, and community health and social welfare services could contribute to maintaining continuity of care among vulnerable populations and mitigate adverse health outcomes in future events.

Webpage: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/hsc.12911

Bibliographic details:

Shapira, S., Feder-Bubis, P., Clarfield, A. M., & Aharonson-Daniel, L. (2019). Bridging information gaps: The path to optimal care for medically vulnerable populations following large-scale public health emergencies. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 41, 101319.

Abstract:

Medically vulnerable individuals such as the frail elderly and the chronically ill are at particular risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes especially during and following emergencies. In crisis situations the healthcare system is expected to be overwhelmed by an influx of casualties while also facing a shortfall of resources, impeding its ability to maintain continuity of care for frail individuals. This study identified potential gaps in the interface between vulnerable individuals' needs following emergencies, and local healthcare and municipal resources and plans to meet them. In order to bridge these gaps and improve response capacity, an information sharing model linking local institutions was constructed using a GIS-based tool. The model offers a rapid and efficient framework for managing data flow regarding the location and needs of vulnerable populations, enabling a proactive approach in post-disaster care and implementation of targeted relief tasks. Additionally, it can serve as a tool for decision makers in emergency planning and for resource control and allocation. Maintaining continuity of care for vulnerable individuals is a universal concern; the suggested model can be adapted by communities around the world in order to ensure the welfare and safety of vulnerable individuals in times of crisis.

Webpage: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420919301669

Bibliographic details:

Finkelstein, A., & Finkelstein, I. (2018). Emergency preparedness–The perceptions and experiences of people with disabilities. Disability and rehabilitation, 1-11.

Abstract:

Background: A population well-prepared for mass emergencies will respond better in real-time crisis and will be less exposed to the negative effects caused by the event. Our aim was to learn about the ways in which people with disabilities perceive emergencies and to understand their needs in preparing for these situations.

Methods: Sixteen semistructured in-depth interviews were held with 17 people with disabilities (motor, sensory or mental) (One interview was with a pair who chose to be interviewed together). The analysis was conducted using the phenomenological approach.

Results: Participants had not made any particular preparation for managing emergencies. Their approach was fatalistic, given their strong dependence on people and machines. They expressed their general distrust of the authorities’ ability to address their needs in an emergency. Even individuals with the same disability presented a variety of needs.

Conclusions: To properly address the vulnerability of people with disabilities in emergencies, professionals need a better understanding of their individual way of life in routine times and to find ways to empower them to become involved in their own emergency preparedness. The needs of people with disabilities should be considered in terms of space and time, as well as by categories of disability.

PDF : http://www.kshalem.org.il/uploads/Finkelstein%20and%20Finkelstein%20(2019)_%20Emergency%20preparednessThe%20perception___.pdf.pdf

 קמחי שאול, מרציאנו הדס ואשל יוחנן - המרכז לדחק וחוסן, החוג לפסיכולוגיה, המכללה האקדמית תל-חי; עדיני ברוריה - החוג לניהול מצבי חירום ואסון, בית הספר לבריאות הציבור הפקולטה לרפואה ע"ש סאקלר, אוניברסיטת תל-אביב 

תקציר:

בעקבות סבב "חגורה שחורה" שנערך ברצועת עזה, התקיים מחקר בקרב מדגם אקראי של 508 תושבי עוטף עזה במגמה לאמוד את החוסן הקהילתי והלאומי של תושבי האזור שהיו חשופים לנפילת טילים. הממצאים הושוו למחקרים קודמים שבוצעו בקרב מדגם ארצי (בשנת 2018) ומדגם אוכלוסיה במועצה אזורית גליל עליון (בשנת 2019). עיקרי הממצאים הראו כי: א. ממוצע החוסן הקהילתי במדגם תושבי עוטף עזה גבוה באופן מובהק בהשוואה לממוצע החוסן הקהילתי במדגם הארצי. ב. ככול שהנחקרים מדווחים על עמדות פוליטיות יותר שמאליות, גיל צעיר יותר, השתייכות לקהילה קטנה יותר, תחושה רבה יותר של מוגנות בבית, תחושות סכנה וחוסן לאומי גבוהים יותר, כך תפיסת החוסן הקהילתי גבוהה יותר. ג. בניגוד לחוסן הקהילתי הגבוה שנמצא בקרב תושבי הדרום, ממוצע החוסן הלאומי במדגם הדרום נמוך באופן מובהק, בהשוואה לממוצע החוסן הלאומי במדגם הארצי. ממצאי המחקר הנוכחי מראים שככול שהנבדק חש מוגן יותר בביתו, גילו גבוה יותר, מידת הדתיות שלו גבוהה יותר והוא נוטה יותר לעמדות פוליטיות יותר ימניות, כך תפיסת החוסן הלאומי גבוהה יותר. מעניין לציין, שמבין מנבאי החוסן הלאומי, תחושת המוגנות בבית היא המנבא השני הכי טוב מבין המשתנים שנכללו במשוואה. ד. תחושות הסכנה בקרב נחקרי מדגם הדרום גבוהות באופן מובהק מתחושות הסכנה במדגם הארצי. מעבר לכך, נמצא ככל שהפרט מתגורר בקהילה קטנה יותר (ובמידת מה גם שיתופית יותר), בעל תפיסת חוסן קהילתי גבוהה יותר ותפיסת חוסן לאומי נמוכה יותר, תחושת הסכנה נמוכה יותר, אף אם הוא מתגורר בישוב הקרוב יותר לגבול. ראוי לציין כי תחושות הסכנה הן המשתנה שבו נמצאו ההבדלים הגדולים ביותר בין תושבי עוטף עזה לבין תושבי מועצה אזורית גליל עליון והמדגם הארצי.

שתי שאלות נוספות נכללו במחקר זה: "באיזו מידה חשת, במהלך הסבב האחרון, שמדינת ישראל תומכת ועוזרת לתושבי הדרום שחוו ירי רקטות?" ו"באיזו מידה חשת שמדינת ישראל תומכת ועוזרת לתושבי הדרום בין סבבי הלחימה?" התוצאות הראו כי כשני שלישים מהנחקרים חשבו שרמת התמיכה בשני המקרים הייתה נמוכה או נמוכה מאד. ממצא מדאיג נוסף הראה כי ככול שהנחקרים מתגוררים בקרבה גדולה יותר לגבול, כך הם מדווחים על תחושה רבה יותר שאינם זוכים לתמיכה מהמדינה.

קישור

Bibliographic details:

FEMA, 2019 National Preparedness Report, US department of homeland security

Abstract:

The National Preparedness Report summarizes the progress made and challenges that remain in building and sustaining the capabilities needed to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats, hazards and incidents that pose the greatest risk to the Nation. As a requirement of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 and a key element of the National Preparedness System, this annual report offers all levels of government, the private and nonprofit sectors, and the public practical insights into preparedness that support decisions about program priorities, resource allocation, and community actions. The 2019 National Preparedness Report (2019 Report) presents an overview of the five preparedness mission areas—Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery— and describes major findings identified through community-wide research and engagement. The report covers calendar year 2018 and contains: An Introduction and Timeline of Incidents; ▪ A snapshot of preparedness grant allocations; ▪ Cross-cutting preparedness trends identified through community Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA)/ Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) submissions; ▪ Report Findings that assess mission area successes and challenges; ▪ Preparedness in Practice callouts that highlight real-world examples of whole community efforts; ▪ Actionable information to help individuals increase personal- and community-level preparedness; and ▪ A Conclusion that contains a discussion on the evolution of measuring preparedness and future assessment efforts.

Link: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_national-preparedness-report-2019.pdf