Geographies of community networks and a missing link for an efficient disaster response process: a case study on community first responder systems in Japan and Sri Lanka.
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Authors
Tillekaratne, H.
Karunarathne, A.
Aota, R.
Nilmalgoda, H.
Werellagama, I.
Madduma-Bandara, C.
Bandara, T.
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Issue Date
2024-08
Peer-reviewed status
Type
Conference paper
Abstract
Households in a particular census block are considered as the Micro Geographical Network Response Units (MGNRU) which expand to form a Community Network Census-Block (CNCB) in a particular geographic area. Funeral Aid Societies (FAS) (Maranadhara Sangam) in a CNCB in Sri Lanka is considered as one of cardinal hubs of social capital mobilization, functioning as self-help voluntary system that has been operating for over three centuries, dating back to the colonial era. FAS provides cash and various forms of assistance to manage traditional funeral rites continuously for up to seven days. Similarly, Bokomi is Disaster-Safe Welfare Community initiated by the Kobe city, Japan and is associated with the fire units of respective wards. Working modality of Bokomi is based on trust, mutual help, voluntarily community welfare, and community disaster prevention activities. The common activities of Japan's Bokomi and Sri Lanka’s FAS serve as social capital resources with strong networks that may enhance community resilience through voluntary mutual help as a soft measure in disaster management. Empirical data on social networking for different phases of flooding disaster events, were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. A mixedmethod research approach was employed for data analysis. Results reveal that, community resilience is crucial for minimizing the impacts of hazards by enhancing the capacity to absorb impacts, recover from disaster events, and adapt to changing conditions. FAS should be recognized by granting them authority to release disaster relief cash grants to the relevant beneficiaries. Legalizing FAS, developing their capacity, and providing proper recognition as a response governance body at the grassroots level are essential steps.
Citation
Tillekaratne, H. I., Karunarathne, A. Y., Aota, R., Nilmalgoda, H. H., Werellagama, I., Madduma-Bandara, C. M., & Bandara, T. W. M. T. W. (2024, August). Geographies of community networks and a missing link for an efficient disaster response process: a case study on community first responder systems in Japan and Sri Lanka. [Paper presentation]. Environmental Hazards in Asia conference, National University of Mongolia.