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This paper examines the vital importance of infrastructure protection and risk management in the context of the devastating 2023 earthquake in Turkey, which resulted in over 50,000 deaths and left 1.5 million homeless. Highlighting the consequences of inadequate infrastructure and government failure to enforce building standards, the study stresses similar risks in countries like Kosovo and North Macedonia. It argues for enhanced government regulation, improved urban planning, and robust international collaboration in disaster response to better prepare for and mitigate future seismic events. Through a detailed analysis of the Turkey earthquake, the paper provides essential insights into creating more resilient and disaster-ready communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western Balkan states, among them Kosovo and North Macedonia, joined others from around the world in offering aid to Turkey, which, along with Syria, was hit by two deadly earthquakes on February 6, 2023. The epicenter of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake was in Kahramanmaras province near the border with Syria. As a result of the earthquakes, there were 50,783 deaths, 297 missing and 107,204 injured across 11 of the 17 affected provinces of Turkey. At least 15.73 million people and 4 million buildings were affected. About 345,000 apartments were destroyed. Over 1.5 million people were left homeless. Over 100 nations and 16 international organizations offered aid to the earthquake victims in Turkey. In addition, 11 countries contributed search and rescue teams accompanied by specially trained dogs to locate survivors trapped in the rubble. In contrast, aid to Syria was comparatively less, primarily due to Western sanctions on the nation and government-imposed restrictions on humanitarian organizations operating beyond their controlled regions. The paper conducts an analysis of ten existing international response organizations, examining their agreements and procedures in disaster response efforts. It investigates the history and effectiveness of these organizations in managing disaster situations, with a specific focus on their roles in addressing the Turkey and Syria disasters. The paper assesses their effectiveness in the context of the February 2023 earthquake. Furthermore, the paper explores the concept of mutual aid mechanisms, which are commonly utilized by countries worldwide for disaster response. These agreements, whether bilateral or multilateral, are typically established at different levels of government, ranging from local to national and even international. While the specifics of these agreements may vary among nations, the overarching goal is to create a framework for sharing resources, personnel, and expertise during times of emergency. Additionally, the paper discusses the response efforts of two Balkan countries, Kosovo and North Macedonia, which provided assistance such as search and rescue teams, handlers with dogs, and material aid like blankets and stretchers. Notably, these nations offered their support independently, without being part of any international organization. Their response was established through direct communication with Turkey. It was characterized by its immediacy and sincerity, Finally, the paper draws conclusions based on an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of existing response systems, offering recommendations to policymakers to enhance overall disaster response procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the Maidan Revolution in 2014, the competing interests of the main actors in Ukraine and globally stalled the process of conflict resolution. The geopolitical view of the situation prevented focusing on the regional challenges such as the humanitarian situation and were unlikely to facilitate positive developments in the peaceful settlement of the conflict. The Minsk Agreements were questioned by both sides, although they were the only existing framework for the settlement of the conflict. The United Nations efforts in conflict management were limited due to controversial views between the West and Russia. This paper uses DIME conflict analysis to examine the various actors involved in the conflict between Ukraine and the separatist movements in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine from 2014 to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. DIME is an acronym for Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economic. The various parties and stakeholders involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine are listed and characterized under these four descriptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the current conflict and refugee situation in Ukraine, students may be concerned about their own safety in a world of turmoil, where there seems to be no end to the calamities they face. Life-coach Mark Shepherd uses the motto “If you are prepared, you need not fear” in leadership training. This theme is appropriate when teaching students about disasters and their impacts. This paper presents a curriculum and provides a list of resources that teachers can use in instructing students about disaster preparedness and evacuation readiness. It is divided into five topics or lessons. First, what is the nature and causes of crises, whether human-caused or natural disasters? Many disasters result from anthropogenic causes, whether because of the intersection of humans and nature or because of man’s carelessness and ignorance. On top of this war, greed, and power can play a role in creating crises and causing harm to humankind and the environment. Moreover, nature itself causes calamities, with good or bad results, that are short-term or long-term. Second, what are the social-economic, psychological, and physical impacts of the disasters and who are the most vulnerable populations? Studies have shown that disasters impact all ages, although differently. The effects are great on children and youth. This can be a concern and worry for young people, causing angst and upset in their lives. Harm can result that is socio-economic, psychological, and physical. Third, how to distinguish truth from falsehoods about disasters? Social media and the traditional news media can provide helpful but sometimes misleading information about disasters. They should provide information that helps people deal with disasters, but often the information they provide is overly dramatic and exaggerated to pique public interest and build audiences. Citizen reporters and witnesses on social media may only know half the story and so tell half-truths. Governments, celebrities, and globalists often have their own agendas and spread disinformation to achieve their aims. Fourth, what roles can individuals, communities, governments, non-profit organizations, and media play in providing relief from disasters? Young people can have a great impact in providing relief to people in disasters. They can often join with local communities and other individuals to help. This paper not only describes the roles of first responders, communities, and governments in providing relief, but also the kinds of things youth can do. Finally, how can individuals and households prepare for disasters and evacuations? The best remedy for dealing with the fears of young people may be to show them how to prepare themselves and their families for disasters and evacuations. Current studies about readiness are reported and concrete suggestions are made that can help individual and community preparedness and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training and exercises are commonly used among first responders to prepare them for disasters and other emergency situations. Emergency management students from Utah Valley University in the United States shared what they have learned about disaster preparedness and response with university students in the Balkans. The six students divided into teams of two and taught three groups of 15 students each. The Utah Valley University students trained 45 Macedonian students about disaster response principles, search and rescue, triage, and emergency medical care. The training was followed by three simulated exercises. The American students were interviewed about their experience. They reported a heightened cultural awareness and better understanding of the disaster response capabilities in the Balkans. They indicated that they gained greater respect for the differences that exist in handling disaster response and a greater appreciation of the culture of the people they met. In addition, they developed friendships with students and emergency personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]