Avoiding Disaster Deaths

This book presents an ‘avoidable deaths systems’ approach to disaster and risk reduction and management.  Professor Nibedita S. Ray-Bennett ably presents a novel analysis of disaster risk management (DRM) by presenting cogent arguments rooted in solid theory and up to date literature reviews, complemented by a wealth of data and analysis from the Indian Covid 19 experience. The first three chapters deconvolute various approaches to DRM, with numerous references to international agreements such as the Sendai Framework.  Key questions that are asked concerning disasters include: how many people die? what are the causes and circumstances of every death? how can deaths be classified?  Two approaches are advocated to further develop DRM: 1) a complex systems approach; and 2) an avoidable deaths system approach.  Complex Systems approaches attempt to take account of the numerous societal and systems factors that can lead to death in disasters including poverty, levels of nutrition, the state of health services, governance and administration.  An Avoidable Deaths Systems approach first asks the question: was a particular death unavoidable or avoidable? and then subdivides the ‘avoidability’ in terms of amenability (e.g. absence of timely health care), preventability factors analysis, and governance related issues.  The statistical knowledge of the whole picture that surrounds deaths within a disaster context in the shorter and longer term is stressed as vital to any analysis.Three chapters use the case study of Covid-19 in India as a ‘testing ground’ for the avoidable deaths systems approach.  A range of data sources from government, media, and interviews are used to elucidate key learnings of the Indian case study.  Some of the case study learnings include: 1) aspects of the initial forceful nature of the lockdown approach; 2) a deep analysis of the ‘Three C’s’ DRM approach: communication, collaboration and coordination; 3) a thorough examination of the complexity of governance and administration within a huge country based on federal, state, and inter-governmental actors; and 4) the use of illustrative case studies of avoidable deaths to highlight potential better ways forward. The book ends by summarising key aspects of the book, emphasising the importance of public health and governance as two key elements in DRM and reducing avoidable deaths, and recommending that the Sendai Framework can change emphasis on deaths to one that also includes avoidable deaths.  The book includes a range of tables and diagrams that crystallise approaches and practices useful for policy makers and practitioners alike.  The book is highly informed, well written, accessible, practical and useful, with an optimal mix of strong, well-tested academic theory, and important recommendations that demand serious consideration by all involved and interested in disasters.  A spur to action and inspiration.  Michael G Petterson Professor of Geology, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology See:  Hagen, K., Petterson, M. G., Humphreys, D., & Clark, N. (2021). Why Disaster Subcultures Matter: A Tale of Two Communities: How and Why the 2007 Western Solomon Islands Tsunami Disaster Led to Different Outcomes for Two Ghizo Communities. Geosciences, 11(9), 387. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11090387As an example of my work that helps illuminate aspects of the Avoidable Deaths Systems approach In her book titled Avoiding Disaster Deaths: Why Do Many People Die; Professor Nibedita S. Ray-Bennett examines avoidable and unavoidable deaths. Her focus is confined to disaster deaths in India, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that she originates from India strengthens the book because she is able to draw upon extensive field experience. This book provides a novel approach given that most of the existing literature focuses on direct and indirect mortality resulting from extreme natural disasters. The book contributes to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Sendai for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. This notable book will encourage further research into natural disaster deaths among  managers, practitioners, teachers, and students alike.   Bimal Kanti Paul,Professor of Department of Geography & Geospatial Analysis, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA. Author of the book Disaster Deaths: Trends, Causes and Determinants (2021, Routledge).