IDRiM Podcast

IDRiM Society

The IDRiM Podcast covers all things related to disasters. Whether it’s reviewing current and past disasters, exploring the latest research, providing a platform for young researchers to present their findings, or featuring senior researchers sharing their life stories and career journeys, the podcast delves into a wide range of topics in the field of disaster risk management. The IDRiM Society is a global network of experts, practitioners, and researchers dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management. The Society is based at Kyoto University, Japan.

  1. 4d ago

    #62 - Post Earthquake Recovery in Suzu City: Evaluating Temporary Shelter Conditions, Policy-Driven Inequities, and 3D-Printed Reconstruction for Rural Communities. Part 1

    Abstract: The increasing severity of natural disasters, combined with aging and depopulation in rural Japan, has revealed critical shortcomings in current recovery frameworks. Focusing on the built environment and architectural dimensions of post-disaster recovery, this paper examines the structural, institutional, and social conditions affecting disaster recovery in Suzu City following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Drawing on ten days of qualitative field research conducted in March 2025, including site surveys, spatial observations, policy analysis, and semi-structured interviews with 30 residents and local stakeholders, this study investigates how temporary housing programs, geographic isolation, demographic decline, and administrative rigidity shape recovery trajectories in aging rural communities. While temporary shelter initiatives prioritize rapid deployment and uniformity, they often neglect the psychosocial needs, spatial habits, and autonomy of elderly residents. Many residents are facing layered challenges rooted in architectural deficiencies: inadequate thermal insulation, poor soundproofing, spatial inefficiencies, and a lack of secure, functional areas for daily tasks. These limitations disrupt routines, erode dignity, and delay emotional recovery, leading to prolonged displacement and deepened vulnerability. The findings reveal that administrative inflexibility, labour shortages, and logistical constraints further delayed reconstruction and reinforce patterns of social exclusion, particularly for elderly women and low-income households. In response, the study also examines grassroots recovery initiatives and assesses the viability of alternative architectural solutions, such as 3D-printed housing. Though not yet used as formal shelters, these customizable, cost-effective, and scalable models demonstrate potential for supporting localized reconstruction and economic revitalization. By centering the lived experiences of older individuals and the spatial realities of post-disaster shelter, this study redefines recovery as a socially embedded process and calls for site-sensitive, demographically responsive, and design-integrated recovery strategies. Link to the paper: https://www.idrimjournal.com/article/160672-bridging-the-gap-strengthening-student-disaster-resilience-towards-sustainable-policy-and-practice Guests: Dr. Takudzwa Chikwanha (Kyushu University, Japan) Hosts: Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

    28 min
  2. May 14

    #61 - Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Student Disaster Resilience Towards Sustainable Policy and Practice

    Abstract: Disaster resilience starts where preparedness and awareness converge, giving students the skills to respond effectively to crises. This research investigates the gaps in student disaster awareness and preparedness, identifying challenges and seeking solutions to improve disaster resilience through the creation of the Integrated Student Disaster Resilience Framework (ISDRF). This qualitative research study utilizes a perspective approach drawn from a combination of literature reviews, expert analyses, and case studies to comprehensively examine resilience-building measures. Analyses show that although students are aware of disaster risks, they tend to lack hands-on response capabilities, institutional support mechanisms, collaborative partnerships for disaster preparedness, and access to localized preparedness planning. Addressing these shortcomings necessitates an integrative approach focusing on disaster education enhancement, the development of community partnerships, and the inclusion of technology-driven solutions within preparedness initiatives. This research contributes to establishing a sustainable and resilient culture, ensuring increased awareness and empowering students as responders in disaster situations. Link to the paper: https://www.idrimjournal.com/article/160672-bridging-the-gap-strengthening-student-disaster-resilience-towards-sustainable-policy-and-practice Guests: Ms. Kimberly M. Casanillo (Bacnotan National High School, Philippines)Dr. Jomar L. Aban (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Philippines)Ms. Geezel Rosvie V. De Torres (Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology Bangued Campus, Philippines)Prof. Randulph I. Navasca (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Philippines) Hosts: Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

    1h 12m
  3. Apr 27

    #59 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Canadian Chapter

    Summary: The interview features Dr. Ranjan Tata from the Canada chapter of the Avoidable Deaths Network, who focuses on disaster research through the lens of Indigenous and community led knowledge. He highlights the importance of centering the perspectives of Indigenous, racialized, and marginalized communities in understanding avoidable deaths, emphasizing that solutions should come from within communities rather than being imposed externally. The Canada chapter has developed through collaboration between students, academics, and community members, creating space for dialogue that connects lived experiences with broader issues such as climate change, forest fires, and inequality. As part of the global campaign, activities focused on interactive discussions and reflective learning, encouraging students to relate disaster risk to their own lives and communities. A key message is the need to rethink conventional approaches by recognising Indigenous knowledge as valid science and essential to prevention efforts, while future goals focus on influencing policy and practice through approaches that are rooted in community needs, self awareness, and long term sustainability. ADN website Link: https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/ Guests: Dr. Ranjan Datta (Mount Royal University, Canada) Co-Hosts: Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

    24 min
  4. Apr 27

    #58 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Creative Art/Literature + Bangladeshi Chapter

    Summary: The first interview explores how creative expression, particularly poetry, storytelling, and other artistic forms, is used to raise awareness about avoidable deaths across sub–Saharan Africa. Patience Andrew, a leader within Custodians of African Literature and an advisory board member for the Avoidable Deaths Network, explains how campaigns have engaged young creatives through spoken word, short stories, photography, and performance to highlight issues such as maternal mortality, conflict, and public health risks. By combining creative literature with wider artistic practices, the initiative aims to humanise statistics, amplify lived experiences, and encourage young people to take part in advocacy and social change. Overall, it highlights the power of creative arts to educate, connect communities, and inspire action on important global challenges. The second interview focuses on how awareness, education, and early warning systems are being used in Bangladesh to reduce avoidable deaths caused by natural hazards. Fatima Akter, a lecturer in meteorology and regional coordinator for the Avoidable Deaths Network, explains how the Bangladesh chapter works through universities to educate students, who then share this knowledge within their communities. Activities include public campaigns, media outreach, student marches, and practical support during disasters such as floods, where relief, health guidance, and safety information are provided. Emphasis is placed on forecasting, preparedness, and community engagement, with the aim of improving understanding of risks and ultimately reducing loss of life through informed action and local participation. ADN website Link: https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/ Guests: Ms. Patience Andrew (Custodians of African Literature, Nigeria)Prof. Fatima Akter (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh) Co-Hosts: Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

    34 min
  5. Apr 3

    #57 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Creative Arts + Indian Chapter

    Summary: The first interview explores the role of creative arts within the Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN), featuring Winifred Ekezie from Aston University. While positioned within the UK chapter, the discussion centres on how creative approaches, such as poster campaigns, blogs, and planned creative health initiatives, are used to communicate evidence on avoidable deaths in more engaging and accessible ways. Through annual campaigns, students research and visually present the top avoidable causes of death across different regions, transforming complex public health data into compelling, audience-friendly outputs. This creative process not only raises awareness but also helps translate research into practical understanding, showing how preventable risks, often health-related, can be reduced through informed action at individual and community levels. The second interview shifts to the India chapter, led by Dr. Pinnamaneni and Dr. Jena, and highlights its recent launch and early activities. As a university-hosted initiative, the chapter prioritizes building future leaders by engaging students, NGOs, and policymakers in understanding and addressing avoidable deaths. Key efforts include relaunch events, international conference participation, quiz competitions, and collaborative discussions with grassroots organizations and global partners such as UN agencies. The chapter aims to act as a platform that connects research, policy, and practice, encouraging multi-sector collaboration and translating evidence into real-world impact. Looking ahead, their goals focus on strengthening partnerships with government bodies, supporting disaster risk reduction efforts, and ensuring long-term capacity building to tackle avoidable deaths across India. Link: https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/Guests: Dr. Winifred Ekezie (Aston University, United Kingdom)Dr. Ramya Pinnamaneni (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, India)Dr. Pratap Kumar Jena (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, India) Co-Hosts: Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

    31 min
  6. Apr 3

    #56 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Taiwan Chapter

    Summary: This episode introduces the launch of the Taiwan chapter of the Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN), marking a new milestone in the global campaign for the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths (IAD4AD). The initiative builds on Taiwan’s long-standing experience with natural hazards such as earthquakes, typhoons, landslides, and flooding. To celebrate the launch, a seminar will bring together local communities, educators, disaster risk experts, and government representatives to discuss preparedness and share experiences in reducing disaster-related risks and casualties. The Taiwan chapter aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, local governments, and communities while promoting disaster risk awareness and education. Key efforts include translating the concept of avoidable deaths into Mandarin to make it more accessible locally, sharing knowledge from international partners, and supporting vulnerable groups such as children and older adults through disaster risk education. By connecting local initiatives with global knowledge, the chapter hopes to advance practical actions that help communities better prepare for hazards and reduce avoidable deaths. Guests: Prof. Jie-Ru Chen (National Chi Nan University, Taiwan)Prof. Yi-Tzu Lin (National Chi Nan University, Taiwan) Co-Hosts: Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom)Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

    25 min

About

The IDRiM Podcast covers all things related to disasters. Whether it’s reviewing current and past disasters, exploring the latest research, providing a platform for young researchers to present their findings, or featuring senior researchers sharing their life stories and career journeys, the podcast delves into a wide range of topics in the field of disaster risk management. The IDRiM Society is a global network of experts, practitioners, and researchers dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management. The Society is based at Kyoto University, Japan.