Spatiotemporal Patterns of Cancer among Women in Central Serbia: Relevance for Risk-Informed Health Planning

Authors

Emina Kričković
Tin Lukić
Vladimir M. Cvetković
Zoran Kričković

Abstract

Malignant diseases are among the most prevalent health conditions affecting the female population in the Republic of Serbia. This study provides an overview of the most common malignant diseases – cancers in women in the central part of Serbia from 1999 to 2021, including breast, cervical, uterine, colorectal, bladder, ovarian, pancreatic, lung, and bronchial cancers from a geographic perspective. The spatial hot spots were identified using the well-known Getis-Ord Gi* statistic. New and consecutive hot spots for lung and bronchus cancer incidence were detected in Zlatiborski, Moravički, Mačvanski, and Beogradski counties, with oscillating and sporadic hot spots in the others. Consecutive hot spots for lung and bronchus cancer mortality were identified in Beogradski, Kolubarski, Podunavski, and Šumadijski counties, whereas oscillating hot spots were identified in Braničevski and Pomoravski counties. New hotspots for ovarian cancer incidence were concentrated in Zlatiborski and Moravički counties, whereas cold spots for uterine cancer incidence were identified in Kolubarski, Šumadijski, and Mačvanski counties. Pancreatic cancer incidence exhibited consecutive and sporadic patterns across multiple regions, while bladder cancer incidence showed widespread hot spots. The results provide valuable evidence on regions most severely affected and underscore the necessity of targeted preventive and intervention strategies. This analysis contributes to improving public health outcomes in Serbia and offers a model for similar studies in other countries.

Keywords: cancers; women; Central Serbia; Hot Spot Analysis

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 183-200.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/jp6s4065

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/203

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/203/208

Suggested citation

Kričković, E., Lukić, T., Cvetković, V. M., & Kričković, Z. (2026). Spatiotemporal Patterns of Cancer among Women in Central Serbia: Relevance for Risk-Informed Health Planning. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 183-200. https://doi.org/10.66050/jp6s4065

Volunteer-led emergency flood response in Bangladesh: Evidence for strengthening disaster-risk governance

Authors

Meherjan Islam
Md. Abidul Islam
Farzana Afroj
Afra Adiba Islam
Onamika Karmakar
Abdullah Al Mahmud Nayem
Md. Ahasanul Hoque

Abstract

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to floods, like natural disasters. Yet, contributions of volunteer-led non-profit organizations (NVOs) in emergency response remain underexplored. This paper investigates how an NVO responded to a flood, from rapid rescue to post-flood recovery, and evaluates the effects of its engagement on public health, organizational learning and growth, and community resilience. We applied a mixed-methods approach, combining organizational document reviews, structured interviews with seven key volunteers, direct field observations, and photographic documentation of relief and medical camp activities (21–28 August 2024). Quantitative data on reported illnesses were analyzed using STATA-18 and R through descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, post-hoc comparisons, and multinomial logistic regression. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis with a deductive coding framework. The NVO provided critical support through rapid rescue, targeted relief, and medical camps addressing integumentary (46.5%), respiratory (13.2%), skeletal (5%), gastrointestinal (2.6%), and other illnesses (32.7%). Thematic analysis highlighted organizational strengths, including field-level experience, decentralized leadership, adaptability, and strong collaborative capacity with government and other non-government actors. Despite resource constraints, the NVO demonstrated high operational effectiveness and recognition during the crisis. Formal integration of NVOs into national disaster coordination mechanisms is recommended. Institutional, technical, and financial support can strengthen disaster risk reduction, governance, and social development in resource-constrained settings. This study establishes novelty by linking health impact assessment with organizational learning in volunteer-led disaster response, combining quantitative outcomes and qualitative insights to show how grassroots organizations complement formal disaster management and provide actionable recommendations for integration into governance.

Keywords: Bangladesh; community resilience; disaster response; flood; public health; volunteer-led emergency response

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 163-182.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/jf110s44

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/168

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/168/209

Suggested citation

Islam, M., Islam, M. A., Afroj, F., Islam, A. A., Karmakar, O., Nayem, A. A. M., & Hoque, M. A. (2026). Volunteer-led emergency flood response in Bangladesh: Evidence for strengthening disaster-risk governance. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 163-182. https://doi.org/10.66050/jf110s44

Regulating Emerging Technologies in Disaster Management: A Comparative Analysis of Security Governance and Legal Liability in India and Serbia

Authors

Manindra Singh Hanspal
Vladimir M. Cvetković
Milan Lipovac
Dejana Jovanović Popović

Abstract

The integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, IoT sensors, big data, and blockchain is revolutionizing disaster management by enhancing response speed and effectiveness. However, these advancements introduce significant challenges in security governance and legal liability, particularly around accountability, data protection, algorithmic bias, and the resilience of critical infrastructure. This comparative study examines how India and Serbia regulate the use of these technologies in disaster management, incorporating legal analysis, policy review, and expert insights. The findings highlight that while India focuses on national frameworks, particularly through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Serbia aligns its disaster management approach with European Union standards and emphasizes regional cooperation. Both countries face common challenges, including the attribution of liability for autonomous decision-making, cybersecurity risks, and cross-border coordination. To address these issues, the study proposes a hybrid governance model that combines adaptive regulation, multi-stakeholder partnerships, liability-sharing mechanisms, and technology-neutral legal frameworks. The research argues that effective regulation must balance operational efficiency with security, legitimacy, and human rights protection, ultimately fostering public trust and enhancing disaster resilience.

Keywords: disaster management; emerging technologies; security governance; legal liability; cybersecurity; critical infrastructure

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 147-162.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/5jedtn66

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/206

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/206/207

Suggested citation

Hanspal, M. S., Cvetković, V. M., Lipovac, M., & Popović, D. J. (2026). Regulating Emerging Technologies in Disaster Management: A Comparative Analysis of Security Governance and Legal Liability in India and Serbia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 147-162. https://doi.org/10.66050/5jedtn66

Strategic Risks of AI-Enabled Automation: Implications for Crisis Management and Systemic Resilience

Authors

Dejan Vuletić

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in military decision-making systems, transforming not only operational performance but the structural conditions under which risk is produced and governed. This article develops a conceptual socio-technical analysis of AI-enabled automation through the lenses of systemic risk, risk governance, and resilience. Rather than treating AI as a discrete tool, the paper conceptualizes automation as a structural intervention in high-risk decision infrastructures. Four analytical findings are advanced. First, AI-mediated workflows redistribute practical control by shaping what information is salient, how threats are classified, and which actions appear feasible. Second, automation compresses decision time, reducing space for deliberation and increasing reliance on algorithmic outputs under uncertainty. Third, tighter coupling and accelerated interaction across domains enable localized errors or manipulations to propagate into broader escalation dynamics. Fourth, distributed human–machine architectures contribute to responsibility diffusion, weakening the alignment between accountability and effective decision influence. The article argues that prevailing “human-in-the-loop” safeguards are insufficient when control is reduced to technical override rather than institutional capacity for judgment and accountability. Effective integration of AI in high-risk environments requires governance arrangements that preserve human judgment as a strategic resource for crisis management and systemic resilience.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; military decision-making; risk governance; socio-technical systems; escalation risk

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 131-146.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/xhmjy003

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/198

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/198/206

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Vuletić, D. (2026). Strategic Risks of AI-Enabled Automation: Implications for Crisis Management and Systemic Resilience. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 131-146. https://doi.org/10.66050/xhmjy003

Site Suitability of Evacuation Centers in Zamboanga City, Philippines using GIS: Assessing Safety and Accessibility in Hazard-Prone Areas

Authors

Mary Joanne C. Aniñon
Andres Winston C. Oreta

Abstract

Climate change is a present-day problem, making areas previously unaffected by natural hazards now vulnerable to disasters. Building resilient cities involves ensuring effective disaster response, which includes providing safe and accessible evacuation centers (ECs). This study evaluates the suitability of ECs in Zamboanga City, Philippines, by assessing their safety and accessibility. Using QGIS, the exposure of ECs to various natural hazards was analyzed. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to determine the weights for each criterion. Results revealed that most of the ECs are moderately suitable in terms of safety, with a few highly suitable. However, accessibility ratings varied, highlighting the need for improvements in infrastructure in certain areas. The study emphasizes the reality that not all safe ECs are accessible, and not all accessible ECs are safe.

Keywords: site suitability; evacuation center; natural hazard; safety; Zamboanga; GIS; AHP

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 103-130.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/xmwvws10

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/170

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/170/205

Suggested citation

Aniñon, M. J. C., & Oreta, A. W. C. (2026). Site Suitability of Evacuation Centers in Zamboanga City, Philippines using GIS: Assessing Safety and Accessibility in Hazard-Prone Areas. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 103-130. https://doi.org/10.66050/xmwvws10

Disaster Recovery and Data Integrity in Odisha: Institutional Corruption, Crop Loss Mismatches, and the Case for District-Level Destruction Scorecards

Authors

Jeevan Nayak
Manas Ranjan Nayak

Abstract

Odisha’s globally recognised disaster preparedness has not been matched by equivalent integrity in post-disaster recovery, where systemic fraud undermines the effectiveness of relief and fiscal stability. This study investigates how temporal and spatial loopholes in crop loss compensation and paddy procurement systems are exploited through false damage claims, stored grain fraud, partial damage manipulation, and ghost beneficiaries, often enabled by verification lapses, procurement manipulation, and political shielding. Using state budget data from 1999-2025, official procurement and compensation records, and a detailed case study of Bhadrak district’s 2024 unseasonal rain event, the analysis quantifies fiscal leakage and its macroeconomic implications, estimating potential annual losses in the hundreds of crores. The paper proposes a five-part reform package- Destruction Scorecard Framework, Digital Farmer Registry, season-linked procurement protocols, community-led audit panels, and an integrated Relief–Procurement Dashboard supported by a feasibility and cost–benefit assessment projecting savings exceeding ₹450 crore per year. Policy recommendations include enacting a Disaster Recovery Accountability Bill and advocating for national replication to improve the accuracy of agricultural GDP estimates and strengthen governance credibility. The findings position Odisha to lead in transparent, data-driven disaster recovery, offering a replicable model for other high-risk states in India.

Keywords: post-disaster recovery; fiscal leakage; destruction scorecard; disaster risk governance; Odisha

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 91-102.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/53hznm05

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/139

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/139/204

Suggested citation

Nayak, J., & Nayak, M. R. (2026). Disaster Recovery and Data Integrity in Odisha: Institutional Corruption, Crop Loss Mismatches, and the Case for District-Level Destruction Scorecards. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 91-102. https://doi.org/10.66050/53hznm05

Terrorism and Destructive Cults as Sources of Societal Disruption: Conceptual Delineation for Effective Risk Management

Authors

Marko Gnjatović
Slađan Milosavljević
Miraš Milašinović
Milica Bošković
Nenad Putnik
Emilia Alaverdov
Miranda Gurgenidze

Abstract

This article examines the conceptual boundary between terrorism and destructive cults as a critical precondition for effective risk management. While terrorism and cultic violence are commonly treated as analytically distinct phenomena, empirical evidence increasingly reveals overlapping organizational structures, leadership dynamics, and escalation pathways. Drawing on a comparative qualitative analysis of cases situated in the grey zone between terrorism and destructive cults, the study demonstrates that rigid classificatory distinctions obscure early warning signals and delay preventive intervention. The findings show that escalation toward outward-facing violence is driven less by ideological labels than by internal organizational dynamics, including charismatic authority, centralized decision-making, social isolation, and ideological absolutism. Destructive cults often generate high levels of latent risk despite limited external violence, while terrorist organizations with cultic characteristics exhibit intensified escalation potential. Hybrid organizations, in particular, demonstrate non-linear trajectories in which violence emerges abruptly without substantial organizational transformation. By reframing conceptual boundaries as tools of risk governance rather than static categories, the article advances a risk-oriented analytical framework that supports early detection and proportionate intervention. The study contributes to debates in terrorism studies, sociology of religion, and security policy by demonstrating that conceptual clarity is not an abstract theoretical concern, but a necessary condition for preventive risk management and effective security governance.

Keywords: terrorism; destructive cults; risk management; violent extremism; conceptual boundaries

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 77-90.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/mr67g835

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/167

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/167/202

Suggested citation

Gnjatović, M., Milosavljević, S., Milašinović, M., Bošković, M., Putnik, N., Alaverdov, E., & Gurgenidze, M. (2026). Terrorism and Destructive Cults as Sources of Societal Disruption: Conceptual Delineation for Effective Risk Management. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 77-90. https://doi.org/10.66050/mr67g835

Beyond the Original BRIC Model: Gaps, Limitations, and Adaptation of Community Resilience Indicators for Local Contexts

Authors

Dalibor Milenković
Vladimir Cvetković
Hatidža Beriša
Vladimir Jakovljević
Jasmina Gačić
Vanja Cvetković

Abstract

This paper reviews the development and adaptations of the BRIC (Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities) method for measuring local community resilience to disasters, grounded in the DROP (Disaster Resilience of Place) theoretical framework. The point of departure is the analysis of the DROP framework, which defines resilience as a dynamic process conditioned by pre-existing social, economic, institutional, and infrastructural conditions, as well as their interaction with natural systems. The first part of the paper discusses the theoretical value of this framework, as well as the practical challenges of its application arising from the limited availability of reliable data and the lack of standardized methodological approaches. The second part of the paper presents a detailed analysis of the development of resilience dimensions in contemporary literature, including socio-demographic structure, well-being and social capital, economic stability, institutional capacities, infrastructure, geographical and spatial characteristics, cooperation, and risk analysis. Through a comparative approach, it is shown that, although differently labeled, these indicators essentially converge on the same conceptual cores and reveal developmental discontinuities relative to the original DROP framework and the initial BRIC method. The central part of the paper examines the evolution of the BRIC method and its adaptations across different national contexts, including analyses of indicator applications in Norway, England, Nepal, Hungary, and Australia. Particular attention is paid to the role of the OECD methodological guidelines in indicator selection, with an emphasis on their frequent partial implementation, especially in areas related to handling missing data, reliability testing, and sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, the paper demonstrates that the BRIC method possesses high conceptual potential and broad applicability; however, without deeper contextual adaptation, stricter methodological discipline, and the integration of spatial and local approaches, its validity and operational usefulness in community resilience planning may remain limited.

Keywords: community resilience; BRIC method; DROP framework; resilience indicators; adaptation of the BRIC method; resilience measurement methodology

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 55-76.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/2tmggc50

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/174

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/174/200

Suggested citation

Milenković, D., Cvetković, V., Beriša, H., Jakovljević, V., Gačić, J., & Cvetković, V. (2026). Beyond the Original BRIC Model: Gaps, Limitations, and Adaptation of Community Resilience Indicators for Local Contexts. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 55-76. https://doi.org/10.66050/2tmggc50

Tracing Forty Years of Research on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Trends, Themes, and Future Directions

Authors

Adarsh Thankappan
Haneena Sulthana Kuzhichalil Ponnambath

Abstract

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy stands as a defining moment in the history of industrial disasters, prompting ongoing global discourse on public health, environmental safety, and corporate accountability. This study aims to systematically map and evaluate the scholarly landscape of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy over 40 years (1984–2024), offering a longitudinal perspective on the evolution, diffusion, and thematic transformation of research in this critical area. A total of 301 documents were analyzed, revealing fluctuating yet enduring scholarly engagement, with notable publication peaks corresponding to key anniversaries of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The findings show a clear thematic evolution from early technical and toxicological investigations focused on chemical causes and health effects to more holistic perspectives encompassing industrial safety, environmental sustainability, and disaster governance. In recent years, research has increasingly integrated themes of public health, psychosocial resilience, and environmental justice, reflecting a shift from reactive crisis response to preventive and adaptive frameworks. Factorial analysis further identified three dominant thematic clusters: institutional and technical management of the disaster, long-term health and environmental outcomes, and occupational or exposure-related risks. The bibliometric insights derived from this study advance understanding of industrial disasters by illustrating how Bhopal-related research has transitioned from immediate impact analyses to broader explorations of systemic governance and resilience. The significant implication of this work is the highlighting of the growing incorporation of environmental regulation, community preparedness, and psychosocial recovery into disaster management frameworks. This evidence-based synthesis clarifies the field's intellectual structure. It provides actionable guidance for policymakers and safety professionals, emphasizing the need for stronger preventive strategies, inter-agency collaboration, and resilience-building initiatives in industrial risk governance.

Keywords: Bhopal gas tragedy; bibliometric analysis; industrial disaster; public health; research trends

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 31-54.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/k5sxgr16

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/184

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/184/201

Suggested citation

Thankappan, A., & Ponnambath, H. S. K. (2026). Tracing Forty Years of Research on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Trends, Themes, and Future Directions. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 31-54. https://doi.org/10.66050/k5sxgr16

Leveraging Social Media and Mobile Technology for Disaster Communication in Nigeria

Authors

Daniel Yamah
Tayo Folorunsho

Abstract

The qualitative and literature-based research presented here examines how Nigeria utilized social media and mobile phones for disaster communication between 2020 and 2025. To this end, it assesses the literature through a systematic review and narrative synthesis, as well as peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and policy documents. The research explores the evolving digital ecosystem of emergency management in Nigeria. The study's results indicate that the adoption of social media in disaster management in Africa has not yet reached the levels seen in countries such as the United States, Japan, and Australia in terms of initial uptake and the mainstreaming of the technology into disaster management processes. Even though as of January 2025, Nigeria has 107 million internet users (45.4% penetration rate) and 38.7 million active social media users (16.4% of the population) (Nyambo et al., 2024; Agbeyangi et al., 2024), significant challenges are still in place, such as a lack of infrastructure, rising misinformation, a low level of digital literacy, and distrust. One of the significant contributions highlighted by the study was that social media influencers, such as @Aproko_doctor, who had engagement rates comparable to the Nigerian Center for Disease Control but far greater interaction metrics, were the most public interactive during the 2020 Lagos lockdown for COVID-19 compared to official health authorities while still community leaders were the most preferred for flood risk communication (Akingbade, 2021; Marsh et al., 2024). The research examines the use of various platforms, the methods of disseminating early warnings, and the dual nature of digital technologies in Nigeria’s disaster communication scene, where they act as both facilitators and barriers. Among other things, the main recommendations include the need for integrated digital-traditional communication systems, digital literacy programs with improved outreach, and stronger public-private partnerships to establish an efficient, sustainable disaster communication infrastructure.

Keywords: social media; mobile technology; disaster communication; communicationNigeria; emergency management; digital infrastructure; early warning systems

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 8, No. 1 (2026), pp. 1-30.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.66050/x77jr639

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/154

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/154/203

Suggested citation

Yamah, D., & Folorunsho, T. (2026). Leveraging Social Media and Mobile Technology for Disaster Communication in Nigeria. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 1-30. https://doi.org/10.66050/x77jr639