The communities of the Dandenong Ranges are still recovering from the devastating storms that occurred mid-2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While residents continue to deal with the impacts of the storm, researchers are seeking ways to improve communication before, during and after disaster.
The Dandenong Ranges storm was one example where a region experiences more than one disaster in a short time frame. This is also known as ‘compound natural hazards’.
With Deakin University researchers, the Natural Hazards Research Australia project Awareness, education and communication for compound natural hazards, defines and identifies the nature of compound disasters. Researchers want to learn from areas like the Dandenong Ranges that have experienced compounding hazards through community input to prepare and improve the response to these events in the future.
Lead researcher Dr Gabi Macotta says that these compound hazards are becoming more frequent across the country.
“Because the overlapping impacts of compound hazards can be so much more severe than when hazards happen separately, lots of research is now going into how to better understand compound hazards and how to prepare for them,” says Dr Macotta.
Storm Talk is an initiative between the Deakin researchers and local media outlet, the Ranges Trader, to discuss and improve on disaster management communication between emergency responders and the local community during natural hazards.
Local residents are invited to attend a community forum and participate in an online survey to share their insights and experiences from the storm such as where they received communication and how this process could be improved in the future. The Ranges Trader will run a series of articles to present these perspectives. Those interested in attending the forum can click 'Register for expressions of interest' on the right of the page. The community forum will be held 1:30pm-4pm Saturday 11 November.
Researchers are also exploring other case studies in Ayr, Queensland and Tenterfield, NSW in 2024. These locations similarly face the compounding effects of multiple natural hazards.
This research will establish a clear understanding for best-practice communication, education and awareness in relation to compound natural hazards, and the local lived experience of communication needs.
To register for the event or learn more about the project, click here or contact lead researcher Dr Gabi Mocatta: gabi.mocatta@deakin.edu.au.