The 6 February 2023 earthquakes caused catastrophic losses across 11 provinces of T & uuml;rkiye. To meet urgent shelter needs, extensive tent and container settlements were rapidly established; over time, however, these sites proved highly vulnerable to multi-hazard events. This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution and impacts of fires, floods, and storms on temporary shelters over a two-year period following the earthquakes. In total, 306 events were identified across eight provinces - 155 fires, 147 floods, and 4 storms - damaging 5,075 containers and 420 tents, and causing 16 deaths and 67 injuries. Seasonal factors played a critical role of these hazards. As the earthquakes occurred during winter, the region's cold, rainy conditions led to frequent flooding and numerous heating-related tent fires, particularly in winter and early spring. March recorded the highest number of events due to intense rainfall, storms, and elevated heating demand. Vulnerable groups - including children, workers, and refugees - were disproportionately affected, with children accounting for six fire-related fatalities. Overall, the results highlight the seasonal nature of multi-hazard events in temporary shelter areas and emphasise the need for climate-sensitive planning, hazard mitigation measures, and improved safety standards in post-disaster temporary settlements.
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Indonesia remains constrained despite formal decentralisation and clear legal mandates for local governments. Existing studies often emphasise technical capacity gaps, overlooking deeper institutional dynamics. This study examines how structural capacity, resource capacity, and community cognitive capacity interact to shape local disaster preparedness. A qualitative case study was conducted in three high-risk areas in West Sumatra Province: Padang City, Pariaman City, and Padang Pariaman Regency. The study draws on 28 semi-structured interviews with provincial and local disaster management officials, legislators, community preparedness leaders/NGOs, and community members across Padang City, Pariaman City, and Padang Pariaman Regency. The results show that disaster governance operates under conditions of partial decentralisation, where local governments remain dependent on central direction. Limited structural capacity constrains resource allocation, while weak political incentives lead to persistent underinvestment in preparedness. Community cognitive capacity remains low due to limited institutionalised engagement. These dimensions interact in a mutually reinforcing cycle, reinforced by institutional isomorphism, resulting in formalistic implementation of DRR. This study offers an integrative neo-institutionalist analytical framework linking institutional structures, resource dynamics, and community processes, and highlights the need for institutional reforms to strengthen local autonomy, realign incentives, and enhance community engagement.
Extreme heat is an increasingly serious public health and disaster risk concern in India, yet the mortality burden remains difficult to establish because heat related deaths are not recognised and recorded consistently. This paper examines officially reported heat and sunstroke deaths across India from 2013 to 2022 and considers their temporal and spatial distribution from a disaster risk governance perspective. The analysis draws on national administrative mortality records, death registration and cause of death reports, meteorological guidance, and official disaster management and public health documents. The series contains 10,635 reported deaths during the study period. Annual totals varied sharply and were highest in 2015. The geographical distribution was also concentrated: Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Bihar and Maharashtra together accounted for 72.36 per cent of the recorded total. These figures are not an estimate of the full heat attributable mortality burden. They record deaths for which heat or sunstroke was formally recognised within an administrative system. High counts may reflect severe exposure and vulnerability, stronger recognition and reporting, or both; low and zero counts cannot be treated automatically as evidence of low risk. The paper argues for regionally differentiated preparedness, stronger mortality surveillance, better cause of death certification, and closer coordination between meteorological warning and public health response.
