Stray Dogs in Urban Bangladesh: A Zoonotic Disaster Risk and Policy Challenge

Authors

Ritesh Karmaker

Abstract

This study examines the challenges posed by stray dogs in urban Bangladesh, focusing on societal attitudes, public health risks, and policy responses within the framework of disaster risk reduction. Stray dogs, often marginalised in urban settings, represent a critical intersection of public health, animal welfare, and urban vulnerability to zoonotic disease outbreaks. Using qualitative methods, this research examines public perceptions of stray dogs, with a focus on rabies as a public health concern. It evaluates the effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Act of 2019. Findings reveal a dichotomy in public attitudes: while many view stray dogs as a health threat, others recognise their ecological roles. Despite legislative efforts, persistent issues such as inadequate shelter, weak law enforcement, and limited public awareness continue to hinder effective management. The study highlights the importance of developing integrated strategies that balance public health concerns with animal welfare, emphasising community resilience, sustainable urban planning, and preparedness for zoonotic disease outbreaks. Recommendations include enhanced public education, humane management practices such as mass vaccination and sterilisation, and stronger policy enforcement to mitigate risks and improve coexistence. This research contributes to the broader discourse on disaster risk reduction by highlighting the role of animal welfare in urban resilience and public health security.

Keywords

stray dogs, urban Bangladesh, public health, disaster risk reduction, rabies, Animal Welfare Act 2019, zoonotic diseases

Publication Details

Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Management
Year: 2025
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Pages: 65-90
Published: 2025-06-16

DOI and Full Text

DOI: View DOI record
Article Page: View article page
PDF: Download full-text PDF

Suggested Citation

Karmaker, R. (2025). Stray Dogs in Urban Bangladesh: A Zoonotic Disaster Risk and Policy Challenge. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 65-90. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.5

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Rescue Light Communication System (RLCS): Enhancing Emergency Signaling in Crisis Situations

Authors

Ivo Baćilo

Abstract

Effective communication during disasters remains a challenge, mainly when traditional methods become impractical. The Rescue Light Communication System (RLCS) is a new, colour-based signalling method integrated into the Krizor mobile application, aiming to resolve this issue. RLCS utilises an extended RYB colour model, with the addition of white, to visually represent an individual’s status during emergencies. By assigning specific meanings to each colour (for example, green for “I am okay.” and red for “I have severe injuries.”), RLCS offers a straightforward and intuitive method for non-verbal emergency signalling. Although currently in an alpha trial phase, RLCS is designed to work offline and can be adapted for both digital and physical signalling. This paper explains the rationale behind using the extended RYB model, reviews relevant literature on colour perception, emergency communication, and standardisation, and outlines potential applications and future research directions.

Keywords

Communication, Emergency Response, Disaster Risk, RLCS, Color Signaling, Mobile Application

Publication Details

Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Management
Year: 2025
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Pages: 55-64
Published: 2025-06-16

DOI and Full Text

DOI: View DOI record
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Suggested Citation

Baćilo, I. (2025). Rescue Light Communication System (RLCS): Enhancing Emergency Signaling in Crisis Situations. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 55-64. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.4

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Network Structure in Disaster Response: The Mediating Role of Coordination Within a Humanitarian Organizational Network in Uganda

Authors

Ayub Kutosi Masaba, Wilbroad Aryatwijuka, Joseph M. Ntayi, Vincent Bagire

Abstract

There is limited academic endeavour to study the mediating role of coordination in the relationship between network structure and disaster response in the context of humanitarian organisations. Furthermore, much of the research focuses on identifying challenges rather than offering deeper insights about this study. Moreover, most disaster management research centres on Western countries with well-established response systems and planned coordination. This overlooks the unique realities of less developed countries, such as Uganda, where humanitarian contexts are more complex and response systems are less organised. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, utilising quantitative methods. A survey was conducted using questionnaires administered to seventy (70) humanitarian organisations, particularly those that participated in the three (3) Ugandan disasters highlighted in this study. Findings suggest that the structure of the humanitarian organisational network impacts disaster response, and coordination mediates the relationship between network structure and disaster response. The study concludes that disaster response is dependent on a well-structured humanitarian organisational network, and without coordination, disaster response efforts are likely to be ineffective. This study further provides both theoretical and practical implications, especially for disaster scholars and practitioners in developing countries.

Keywords

risk, humanitarian, network structure, coordination, disaster response

Publication Details

Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Management
Year: 2025
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Pages: 39-54
Published: 2025-06-16

DOI and Full Text

DOI: View DOI record
Article Page: View article page
PDF: Download full-text PDF

Suggested Citation

Masaba, A. K., Aryatwijuka, W., M. Ntayi, J., & Bagire, V. (2025). Network Structure in Disaster Response: The Mediating Role of Coordination Within a Humanitarian Organizational Network in Uganda. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 39-54. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.3

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Retrogressive or Misplaced Priorities? An Assessment of Public Expenditure for Food Security and Disaster Risk Reduction in Uganda

Authors

Gerald Tushabe, Peter Milton Rukundo, Archileo Natigo Kaaya, Aziiza Nahalomo, Nancy Catherine Nateme, Per Ole Iversen, Bard Anders Andreassen, Archangel Byaruhanga Rukooko

Abstract

The article argues that a rights-based approach to public investment and expenditure in agriculture and disaster risk management is a viable pathway for Uganda to realise the right to adequate food and sustainable development in line with the government’s national and international human rights commitments. This study employed a qualitative research paradigm to examine both primary and secondary data on public investment and expenditure in food security and disaster risk reduction in Uganda. Fifty-six key informant interviews were conducted with purposively selected officials at national and Local Government levels. Data and insights obtained were analysed using thematic and rights-based budget analyses. There is minimal application of rights-based approach principles in the budgeting for food security or disaster risk reduction in Uganda. Public expenditure in the agriculture sector and disaster risk management is inadequate to meet the increasing disasters in the country or to effectively protect the right to adequate food of vulnerable communities in disaster-prone regions. As a State Party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Uganda is obligated to protect and fulfil the right to adequate food for vulnerable communities in the event of disasters. This will require increased public and private investment in the agriculture sector and strengthening the disaster risk financing mechanisms at both national and Local Government levels.

Keywords

disaster risk financing, rights-based budget analysis, food security, disaster risk reduction, vulnerability

Publication Details

Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Management
Year: 2025
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Pages: 15-38
Published: 2025-06-16

DOI and Full Text

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Suggested Citation

Tushabe, G., Rukundo, P. M., Kaaya, A. N., Nahalomo, A., Nateme, N. C., Iversen, P. O., Andreassen, B. A., & Rukooko, A. B. (2025). Retrogressive or Misplaced Priorities? An Assessment of Public Expenditure for Food Security and Disaster Risk Reduction in Uganda. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 15-38. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.2

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Nature and Extent of Flood Risk Downstream of the Kubanni Dam, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Authors

Musa Inusa, Emeribe Chukwudi Nnaemeka, Jeb David Nyomo, Iguisi Edwin Osawe, Yusuf Yakubu Obadaki, Abubakar Ismail, Muhammad Isma’il, Abubakar Abdullahi Bichi

Abstract

Several communities reside downstream of Kubanni Dam, thereby making them vulnerable to flood. However, the levels of vulnerability, areas, households, and buildings at risk of flooding downstream of Kubanni Dam remain unknown.  This study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to identify areas and buildings at risk in the event of a breach of the Kubanni Dam. Areas liable to flood were delineated using ArcGIS software. Findings from the study revealed that in the event of any flooding due to the breach of the Kubanni Dam, the most affected areas would be Tudun Jukun, with about 2,699 buildings (25%), Gyallesu with about 2,180 (20.2%), Tudun Wada with about 1,851 buildings (17.2%), Hanwa with 984 buildings (9.1%), parts of Sabon Gari with about 918 buildings (8.5%), Zango with about 845 buildings (7.8%) and the Government Reserved Area (GRA) with about 772 buildings representing 7.2% of the total numbers likely to the affected. The results further showed that the Tudun Jukun area, with a population of 38,622, is located in a flood-risk area, followed by Tudun Wada, with a population of 26,487, which is also at risk. It was also found that the PZ area, with 4,997 households and 1,851 houses at risk of flooding, has the highest average number of persons per Hectare (68902.02) at risk of loss in the event of flooding. This study has demonstrated the effectiveness of GIS techniques in flood risk and vulnerability analysis as well as its potential in guiding physical planning and flood disaster risk reduction.

Keywords

disaster, security, extent, flood risk, downstream, Kubanni Dam, GIS

Publication Details

Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Management
Year: 2025
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-14
Published: 2025-06-16

DOI and Full Text

DOI: View DOI record
Article Page: View article page
PDF: Download full-text PDF

Suggested Citation

Inusa, M., Chukwudi Nnaemeka, E., Nyomo, J. D., Osawe, I. E., Obadaki, Y. Y., Ismail, A., Isma’il, M., & Abdullahi Bichi, A. (2025). Nature and Extent of Flood Risk Downstream of the Kubanni Dam, Kaduna State, Nigeria. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.1

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Bridging Defense Studies and Disaster Risk Reduction: Comparative Perspectives from the Former Yugoslavia

Authors

Vanja Rokvić
Ivan Dimitrijević

Abstract

In contemporary crises that threaten lives, infrastructure, and the functioning of states, armed forces have become central actors in disaster response. As their roles expand beyond traditional defense, the question arises: how prepared are they—educationally—for these responsibilities? Higher education plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) by developing knowledge, institutional capacity, and trained professionals. In particular, defense studies programs are essential for embedding DRR as a strategic competency. This paper examines the integration of DRR into defense education across the successor states of the former Yugoslavia. Drawing on the shared legacy of Total People’s Defense education in Yugoslavia, the research uses qualitative curriculum analysis to compare institutional frameworks and course content across selected universities and military academies. The analysis covered seven higher education institutions across five countries, providing comparative insight into how DRR principles are embedded in defense education. The findings suggest that credible defense education depends on the integration of DRR principles, positioning disaster preparedness and resilience as core competencies for defense graduates. The paper argues that aligning defense education with DRR is essential for building national resilience, enhancing civil–military cooperation, and preparing future professionals for complex 21st-century security environments.

Keywords: defence studies; disaster risk reduction; emergencies; armed forces; education

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 7, No. 2 (2025), pp. 65-86.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.5

Read the full open-access article:
https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/141

Download PDF:
https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/141/144

Suggested citation

Rokvić, V., & Dimitrijević, I. (2025). Bridging Defense Studies and Disaster Risk Reduction: Comparative Perspectives from the Former Yugoslavia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 65-86. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.5

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Authors

Vanja Rokvić
Ivan Dimitrijević

Abstract

In contemporary crises that threaten lives, infrastructure, and the functioning of states, armed forces have become central actors in disaster response. As their roles expand beyond traditional defense, the question arises: how prepared are they—educationally—for these responsibilities? Higher education plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) by developing knowledge, institutional capacity, and trained professionals. In particular, defense studies programs are essential for embedding DRR as a strategic competency. This paper examines the integration of DRR into defense education across the successor states of the former Yugoslavia. Drawing on the shared legacy of Total People’s Defense education in Yugoslavia, the research uses qualitative curriculum analysis to compare institutional frameworks and course content across selected universities and military academies. The analysis covered seven higher education institutions across five countries, providing comparative insight into how DRR principles are embedded in defense education. The findings suggest that credible defense education depends on the integration of DRR principles, positioning disaster preparedness and resilience as core competencies for defense graduates. The paper argues that aligning defense education with DRR is essential for building national resilience, enhancing civil–military cooperation, and preparing future professionals for complex 21st-century security environments.

Keywords: defence studies; disaster risk reduction; emergencies; armed forces; education

Publication details

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM), Vol. 7, No. 2 (2025), pp. 65-86.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.5

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/141

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https://internationaljournalofdisasterriskmanagement.com/index.php/Vol1/article/view/141/144

Suggested citation

Rokvić, V., & Dimitrijević, I. (2025). Bridging Defense Studies and Disaster Risk Reduction: Comparative Perspectives from the Former Yugoslavia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 65-86. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.5