#65 - Special Episode - 2026 Venezuela Earthquake

#65 - Special Episode - 2026 Venezuela Earthquake

Summary: In this special episode, we explore the science and wider impacts of the 2026 Venezuela Double Earthquake, looking beyond the initial headlines to understand what made this event so unusual. The discussion examines how two powerful earthquakes occurred within seconds of each other, how stress can transfer between faults, and why scientists are still trying to answer fundamental questions about how earthquakes begin, grow, and eventually stop. Through seismic observations, satellite technology, and ongoing research, this episode highlights how major earthquakes provide important insights into the dynamic forces shaping our planet. However, earthquakes are not only geological events, their impacts are shaped by the communities and environments they affect. This episode also explores the human side of the disaster, from aftershock risks and damaged infrastructure to the challenges of recovery and rebuilding. The conversation reflects on how science, preparedness, and resilience can help societies better understand earthquake hazards and reduce the consequences of future events. Guest: * Dr. Ekbal Hussain (British Geological Survey, United Kingdom) Host: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University,United Kingdom) Image / Video: Images and videos used in this episode are sourced frompublicly available archives, public domain collections, and/or materials made available under their respective usage licences. Further copyright and licensing information can be found on each original source page. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edif%C3%ADcios_colapsados_e_danificados_em_Los_Palos_Grandes,_2026-06-26.png [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edif%C3%ADcios_colapsados_e_danificados_em_Los_Palos_Grandes,_2026-06-26.png] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781949/lcf-24-ground-zero [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781949/lcf-24-ground-zero] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784428/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784428/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784439/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784439/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781656/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781656/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784431/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784431/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784441/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784441/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://presidenciacr-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/fotografias_2022-2026_presidencia_go_cr/IgB-NrVC7QVYR7W9A_PYHJK6AXhnxeW7pgTvEzXHC4_jo70?e=sqdTpt [https://presidenciacr-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/fotografias_2022-2026_presidencia_go_cr/IgB-NrVC7QVYR7W9A_PYHJK6AXhnxeW7pgTvEzXHC4_jo70?e=sqdTpt] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9782036/depertment-state-urban-seach-and-rescue-assist-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9782036/depertment-state-urban-seach-and-rescue-assist-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781665/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781665/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781658/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9781658/lcf-24-mrf-search-rescue-efforts-venezuela] https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784426/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela [https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9784426/lcf-24-mrf-search-resue-la-guaira-venezuela] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terremoto_de_Venezuela_en_el_exterior.webm [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terremoto_de_Venezuela_en_el_exterior.webm] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terremoto_en_La_Pastora.webm [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terremoto_en_La_Pastora.webm] Some visual information in this episode is provided by theU.S. Department of War. The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visualinformation does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement. Music: Gustav Mahler – Symphony No. 5, IV. Adagietto, performed by the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. Source: Wikimedia Commons / Internet Archive. Licensed under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

#64 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Summary of IAD4AD 2026

Summary: This podcast episode focuses on the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths 2026 global campaign aimed at reducing preventable deaths associated with disasters, public health failures, accidents, and other avoidable risks. The discussion reviews the campaign’s recent activities, including awareness events, educational initiatives, student engagement projects, and the launch or relaunch of country chapters in multiple locations. The speakers emphasize that “avoidable deaths” extend beyond traditional disasters to include issues such as drowning, road traffic incidents, snakebites, suicide, and failures in healthcare systems. They highlight the importance of involving local communities, students, public agencies, emergency responders, and universities in identifying risks and developing practical solutions. A recurring theme is the need to adapt the concept of avoidable deaths to different cultural and linguistic contexts so that local communities can better understand and address the risks they face. The conversation also celebrates achievements from the campaign year, including a public “Hero Award” recognizing individuals who have taken action to prevent deaths in their communities, the publication of a youth-led magazine featuring stories from regions affected by climate and disaster risks, and activities that encouraged participants to identify preventable deaths reported in local newspapers. The speakers reflect on how these initiatives have empowered students and young people to become more engaged, analytical, and active in promoting safety and resilience. Overall, the episode highlights the value of public awareness, local leadership, education, and community participation in preventing deaths that might otherwise be accepted as inevitable. Links: * https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/ * https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/documents-and-publications/raising-awareness-23-avoidable-deaths Guests: * Prof. Nibedita Ray-Bennett (University of Leicester, United Kingdom) * Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita (Kansai University, Japan) Host: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#63 - Post Earthquake Recovery in Suzu City: Evaluating Temporary Shelter Conditions, Policy-Driven Inequities, and 3D-Printed Reconstruction for Rural Communities. Part 2

Abstract: The increasing severity of natural disasters, combined with aging and depopulation in rural Japan, has revealed critical shortcomings in current recovery frameworks. Focusing on the built environment and architectural dimensions of post-disaster recovery, this paper examines the structural, institutional, and social conditions affecting disaster recovery in Suzu City following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Drawing on ten days of qualitative field research conducted in March 2025, including site surveys, spatial observations, policy analysis, and semi-structured interviews with 30 residents and local stakeholders, this study investigates how temporary housing programs, geographic isolation, demographic decline, and administrative rigidity shape recovery trajectories in aging rural communities. While temporary shelter initiatives prioritize rapid deployment and uniformity, they often neglect the psychosocial needs, spatial habits, and autonomy of elderly residents. Many residents are facing layered challenges rooted in architectural deficiencies: inadequate thermal insulation, poor soundproofing, spatial inefficiencies, and a lack of secure, functional areas for daily tasks. These limitations disrupt routines, erode dignity, and delay emotional recovery, leading to prolonged displacement and deepened vulnerability. The findings reveal that administrative inflexibility, labour shortages, and logistical constraints further delayed reconstruction and reinforce patterns of social exclusion, particularly for elderly women and low-income households. In response, the study also examines grassroots recovery initiatives and assesses the viability of alternative architectural solutions, such as 3D-printed housing. Though not yet used as formal shelters, these customizable, cost-effective, and scalable models demonstrate potential for supporting localized reconstruction and economic revitalization. By centering the lived experiences of older individuals and the spatial realities of post-disaster shelter, this study redefines recovery as a socially embedded process and calls for site-sensitive, demographically responsive, and design-integrated recovery strategies. Link to the paper: https://www.idrimjournal.com/article/160672-bridging-the-gap-strengthening-student-disaster-resilience-towards-sustainable-policy-and-practice Guest: * Dr. Takudzwa Chikwanha (Kyushu University, Japan) Host: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Picture: ©Google (2024) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#62 - Post Earthquake Recovery in Suzu City: Evaluating Temporary Shelter Conditions, Policy-Driven Inequities, and 3D-Printed Reconstruction for Rural Communities. Part 1

Abstract: The increasing severity of natural disasters, combined with aging and depopulation in rural Japan, has revealed critical shortcomings in current recovery frameworks. Focusing on the built environment and architectural dimensions of post-disaster recovery, this paper examines the structural, institutional, and social conditions affecting disaster recovery in Suzu City following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Drawing on ten days of qualitative field research conducted in March 2025, including site surveys, spatial observations, policy analysis, and semi-structured interviews with 30 residents and local stakeholders, this study investigates how temporary housing programs, geographic isolation, demographic decline, and administrative rigidity shape recovery trajectories in aging rural communities. While temporary shelter initiatives prioritize rapid deployment and uniformity, they often neglect the psychosocial needs, spatial habits, and autonomy of elderly residents. Many residents are facing layered challenges rooted in architectural deficiencies: inadequate thermal insulation, poor soundproofing, spatial inefficiencies, and a lack of secure, functional areas for daily tasks. These limitations disrupt routines, erode dignity, and delay emotional recovery, leading to prolonged displacement and deepened vulnerability. The findings reveal that administrative inflexibility, labour shortages, and logistical constraints further delayed reconstruction and reinforce patterns of social exclusion, particularly for elderly women and low-income households. In response, the study also examines grassroots recovery initiatives and assesses the viability of alternative architectural solutions, such as 3D-printed housing. Though not yet used as formal shelters, these customizable, cost-effective, and scalable models demonstrate potential for supporting localized reconstruction and economic revitalization. By centering the lived experiences of older individuals and the spatial realities of post-disaster shelter, this study redefines recovery as a socially embedded process and calls for site-sensitive, demographically responsive, and design-integrated recovery strategies. Link to the paper: https://www.idrimjournal.com/article/160672-bridging-the-gap-strengthening-student-disaster-resilience-towards-sustainable-policy-and-practice Guests: * Dr. Takudzwa Chikwanha (Kyushu University, Japan) Hosts: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#61 - Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Student Disaster Resilience Towards Sustainable Policy and Practice

Abstract: Disaster resilience starts where preparedness and awareness converge, giving students the skills to respond effectively to crises. This research investigates the gaps in student disaster awareness and preparedness, identifying challenges and seeking solutions to improve disaster resilience through the creation of the Integrated Student Disaster Resilience Framework (ISDRF). This qualitative research study utilizes a perspective approach drawn from a combination of literature reviews, expert analyses, and case studies to comprehensively examine resilience-building measures. Analyses show that although students are aware of disaster risks, they tend to lack hands-on response capabilities, institutional support mechanisms, collaborative partnerships for disaster preparedness, and access to localized preparedness planning. Addressing these shortcomings necessitates an integrative approach focusing on disaster education enhancement, the development of community partnerships, and the inclusion of technology-driven solutions within preparedness initiatives. This research contributes to establishing a sustainable and resilient culture, ensuring increased awareness and empowering students as responders in disaster situations. Link to the paper: https://www.idrimjournal.com/article/160672-bridging-the-gap-strengthening-student-disaster-resilience-towards-sustainable-policy-and-practice Guests: * Ms. Kimberly M. Casanillo (Bacnotan National High School, Philippines) * Dr. Jomar L. Aban (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Philippines) * Ms. Geezel Rosvie V. De Torres (Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology Bangued Campus, Philippines) * Prof. Randulph I. Navasca (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Philippines) Hosts: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.