@article {bnh-7817, title = {The lived experience of disadvantaged communities affected by the 2015 South Indian Floods: Implications for disaster risk reduction dialogue}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, year = {2021}, month = {01/2021}, abstract = {

Poverty and discrimination compound vulnerability to disasters. Yet, people who experience these are some of the least involved groups in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) dialogue and research. This study aims to fill that gap by narrating the lived experience of underprivileged flood-affected communities. We conducted in-depth interviews (N=48) with community members (n=36) and staff members of collaborating non-governmental organisations (n=12). We also conducted focus group discussions with staff members of the same NGOs. The results describe how systemic issues entrenched with socio-economic and cultural factors impact a community{\textquoteright}s ability to prepare for floods. These communities received no warning or timely evacuation messages, and perceived the received support as inadequate and unfair. Communities recovered through their resourcefulness and thoughtfulness. They resented the government for its lack of action throughout the disaster cycle. Priorities for future efforts involve actively engaging these vulnerable groups and tailoring DRR activities for them.

}, keywords = {Discrimination, DRR, Flood, Poverty, Social Vulnerability, Vulnerability}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102046}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420921000121}, author = {Revathi Krishna and Kevin Ronan and Caroline Spencer and Eva Alisic} } @article {bnh-5103, title = {Children in the 2015 South Indian floods: community members{\textquoteright} views}, journal = {European Journal of Psychotraumatology}, volume = {9}, year = {2018}, month = {06/2018}, abstract = {

Little is known about children{\textquoteright}s experiences and involvement in disaster preparation and recovery, in particular in low- and middle-income countries. Eliciting community members{\textquoteright} perspectives on the 2015 floods in Tamil Nadu, India, may generate useful insights for improving services in low-resource settings. This qualitative study aimed to understand how children in Chennai experienced the floods, as reported by the adults in their community, and to explore children{\textquoteright}s involvement in disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts as reported from the adults{\textquoteright} perspective. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews (N\ =\ 48) with family members (n\ =\ 36), and with staff of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (n\ =\ 12) who actively participated in relief and recovery efforts. We also conducted two focus group discussions (n\ =\ 14) with NGO staff about a year after the 2015 South Indian floods in Chennai, India. Six broad themes regarding children{\textquoteright}s experiences and behaviours during and after the floods emerged: (1) unexpectedness of the floods; (2) children{\textquoteright}s safety {\textendash} barriers and facilitators; (3) parents{\textquoteright} reactions {\textendash} helplessness, fear and pride; (4) children{\textquoteright}s reactions {\textendash} helping hands, fun and fear; (5) barriers to a return to {\textquoteleft}normal{\textquoteright}; and (6) a determination to be prepared for next time. Children and families were deeply impacted by the floods, in part owing to a lack of preparation, as perceived by the study participants. It was also clear from the data analysis that caste and socioeconomic status played an important role in the families{\textquoteright} ability to evacuate safely. Helplessness on the part of the parents was apparent, as was children{\textquoteright}s concern over recurrence of the flood. Similarly, gender appeared to affect child safety, recovery and other outcomes such as continued education. Priorities for future efforts involve the development and evaluation of child-centred education about flood awareness, child participation and safety.

}, doi = {https://dx.doi.org/10.1080\%2F20008198.2018.1486122}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6038026/}, author = {Revathi Krishna and Kevin Ronan and Eva Alisic} } @article {bnh-5129, title = {Coping with disasters while living in poverty: a systematic review}, journal = {Journal of Loss and Trauma}, volume = {23}, year = {2018}, month = {01/2018}, abstract = {

This review synthesizes the literature on how Asia-Pacific children and families living in poverty cope with disasters. A systematic search yielded 26 studies from six low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in the region. Findings emphasized the role of socioeconomic factors, sociocultural factors, and indigenous knowledge. Coping strategies related to finances were most prominently described in the studies, in contrast to health and psychosocial strategies. Substantial gender issues were identified. The review highlights gaps regarding child involvement in research and coping strategies used by children living in poverty.

}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2017.1415724}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15325024.2017.1415724?journalCode=upil20}, author = {Revathi Krishna and Saadia Majeed and Kevin Ronan and Eva Alisic} }