NH
Natural Hazards

Emergency response

From Classroom to Community: Bridging Disaster Risk Reduction Education with the Real World Through Service-Learning

October 27, 2025
From Classroom to Community: Bridging Disaster Risk Reduction Education with the Real World Through Service-Learning
Students exploring ideas for making uncertainties in natural hazards and risks more visible to the residents of Tübingen as part of a Service-Learning course at the University of Tübingen (Image credit: Iris Schneider)

This week, we turn our attention to education and collaboration in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Dr. Solmaz Mohadjer has been leading an innovative Service-Learning course that brings students together with non-profit organisations working at the forefront of risk reduction. The course not only introduces students to the complexities of disasters and resilience but also creates space for dialogue ...[Read More]

If a resilient city had a face: it might look like Kagoshima

August 4, 2025
If a resilient city had a face: it might look like Kagoshima
A view of Mt. Sakurajima from the city of Kagoshima (Image credit: Hedieh Soltanpour, June 2025)

As natural hazard scientists, we often emphasise the concept of exposure – how much people, infrastructure, and ecosystems are in harm’s way when close to natural hazard sources (e.g., floodplains, volcanoes, or fault lines). The closer you are, the higher the risk. Therefore, one of the main goals in natural risk assessment is to reduce exposure whenever possible. We advocate for informed plannin ...[Read More]

Be prepared, don’t be scared: Early Warning System Test during Thanksgiving on Cape Cod

May 26, 2025
Be prepared, don’t be scared: Early Warning System Test during Thanksgiving on Cape Cod
Photo credit: Google Earth Pro and icon generated with the help of AI.

This week I think back on my time in the United States of America, where I was able to spend the holiday season. In North America, “fall” marks the beginning of this holiday season, and symbolises a time filled with traditions of togetherness that transcends regions. In New England, particularly in the state of Massachusetts, the season is synonymous with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the celebr ...[Read More]

Education and Awareness as Pillars for a Disaster-Resilient Future – An Interview with Marina Morando, Programme Director at CIMA Research Foundation

October 14, 2024
Education and Awareness as Pillars for a Disaster-Resilient Future – An Interview with Marina Morando, Programme Director at CIMA Research Foundation
National Drill “Sisma dello Stretto", October 2022, Elementary School Drill in Bagnara Calabra (RC) - Photo courtesy of CIMA Research Foundation.

This year, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed on October 13th, emphasises the crucial role of education in mitigating disaster risks. In this insightful interview, we have the pleasure of discussing this important topic with Engineer Marina Morando, Programme Director at the CIMA Research Foundation in Italy. She brings extensive research and operational experience in civi ...[Read More]