Understanding Seismic Hazard Resilience in Montenegro: A Qualitative Analysis of Community Preparedness and Response Capabilities

Cvetković, V., Grozdanić, G., Milanović, M., Marković, S., Lukić, T. (2024). Understanding Seismic Hazard Resilience in Montenegro: A Qualitative Analysis of Community Preparedness and Response Capabilities. Open Geosciences, 16(1), 20220729. Research Article Vladimir M. Cvetković*, Goran Grozdanić, Miško Milanović, Slobodan Marković, and Tin Lukić Understanding seismic hazard resilience in Montenegro: A qualitative analysis of community preparedness and response capabilities https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2022-0729 received May 13, 2024; accepted October 15, 2024 Abstract: Enhancing resilience against seismic hazards in earthquake-prone regions is essential for reducing the devastating impacts of disasters. Seismic resilience refers to a community’s ability to withstand and recover from earthquake impacts, while preparedness gaps are the areas where current measures are insufficient to effectively respond to or mitigate earthquake damage. This study focuses on Montenegro – a region with frequent seismic activity – aiming to assess resili- ence levels, identify critical gaps in preparedness, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing response strategies. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, the research gathered insights from residents of Montenegro’s most vulner- able cities: Nikšić, Podgorica, Bar, Kotor, Cetinje, Budva, Herceg Novi, and Berane. Participants, chosen for their first-hand experience with significant earthquake impacts, provided valu- able perspectives on various aspects of resilience, from local  * Corresponding author: Vladimir M. Cvetković, Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vučića 50, 11040, Belgrade, Serbia; Safety and Disaster Studies, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversität of Leoben, Franz Josef- Straße 18, 8700, Leoben, Austria; Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia, e-mail: vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs, vladimir.cvetkovic@unileoben.ac.at Goran Grozdanić: Faculty of Philosophy, University of Montenegro, Danila Bojovića bb., 81400, Nikšić, Montenegro, e-mail: gorangr@ucg.ac.me Miško Milanović: Faculty of Geography, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 3/III, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia, e-mail: misko.milanovic@gef.bg.ac.rs Slobodan Marković: Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University […]

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Examining the impact of demographic and socio-economic factors on the level of employee preparedness for a disaster caused by fires: A case study of Electrical power distribution in Serbia

Cvetković, V., Marković, K. (2021). Examining the impact of demographic and socio-economic factors on the level of employee preparedness for a disaster caused by fires: A case study of Electrical power distribution in Serbia. International Scientific Conference 30 Years of Independent Macedonian State 13-15 September 2021, Ohrid EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIO- ECONOMIC FACTORS ON THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYEE PREPAREDNESS FOR A DISASTER CAUSED BY FIRES: A CASE STUDY OF ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION IN SERBIA Vladimir M. Cvetković Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Serbia International Institute for Disaster Research, Belgrade, Serbia vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs Kristina Marković Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Belgrade, Serbia krisbleka93@gmail.com Abstract This paper presents the results of quantitative research regarding the examination of the levels of efficiency of the fire protection system and the training of employees in Electrical power distribution of Serbia for fire protection, i.e., the analysis of the manner of implementation of fire protection measures, and determining whether these measures are adequately applied. Following the subject set in this way, the aim of the research was set, and that is the scientific analysis of the manner of application of fire protection measures. The results of this research showed that the employees of Elektrodistribucija Beograd (the electrical company of Serbia) perceive the preparedness of their company highly positively and certain socio-demographic characteristics also affect certain attitudes, especially those related to cases with fire, the knowledge of employees to react in cases of fire, and the choice of the appropriate response, assessment of the readiness of the company and the employees themselves. It was found that knowledge of how to react in case of fire is influenced by gender and level of education; the choice of one of the methods of action in case of fire is influenced by gender; the assessment of […]

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Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković – Disaster Risk Management

Examining the Impact of Demographic and Socio-Economic Factors on the Level of Employee Preparedness for a Disaster Caused by Fires: A Case Study of Electrical Power Distribution in Serbia

Cvetković, V., Marković, K. (2021). Examining the impact of demographic and socio-economic factors on the level of employee preparedness for a disaster caused by fires: A case study of Electrical power distribution in Serbia. International Scientific Conference 30 Years of Independent Macedonian State 13-15 September 2021, Ohrid. Vladimir M. Cvetković 12,*, Kristina Marković3, 1   Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vučića 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia; vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs 2   International Institute for Disaster Research, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, Belgrade, Serbia. 3   Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, Belgrade, Serbia; krisbleka93@gmail.com.   *  Correspondence: vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs; Abstract This paper presents the results of quantitative research regarding the examination of the levels of efficiency of the fire protection system and the training of employees in Electrical power distribution of Serbia for fire protection, ie the analysis of the manner of implementation of fire protection measures, and determining whether these measures are adequately applied. Following the subject set in this way, the aim of the research was set, and that is the scientific analysis of the manner of application of fire protection measures. The results of this research showed that the employees of Electro distribution Belgrade perceive the preparedness of their company highly positively and certain socio-demographic characteristics also affect certain attitudes, especially those related to the experience with fire, the knowledge of employees to react in case of fire, and the choice of the appropriate response, assessment of the readiness of the company and the employees themselves. It was found that knowledge of how to react in case of fire is influenced by gender and level of education; the choice of one of the methods of action in case of fire is influenced by gender; the assessment of the readiness of the employees themselves is influenced by the marital status; the […]

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Understanding seismic hazard resilience in Montenegro: A qualitative analysis of community preparedness and response capabilities

Enhancing resilience against seismic hazards in earthquake-prone regions is essential for reducing the devastating impacts of disasters. Seismic resilience refers to a community’s ability to withstand and recover from earthquake impacts, while preparedness gaps are the areas where current measures are insufficient to effectively respond to or mitigate earthquake damage. This study focuses on Montenegro – a region with frequent seismic activity – aiming to assess resilience levels, identify critical gaps in preparedness, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing response strategies. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, the research gathered insights from residents of Montenegro’s most vulnerable cities: Nikšić, Podgorica, Bar, Kotor, Cetinje, Budva, Herceg Novi, and Berane. Participants, chosen for their first-hand experience with significant earthquake impacts, provided valuable perspectives on various aspects of resilience, from local government response to individual preparedness. This research revealed significant disparities in resilience across communities: for instance, approximately 62.5% of the respondents highlighted inadequate education as a barrier to effective earthquake preparedness, and only 37.5% reported awareness of basic earthquake response procedures. Furthermore, while some communities, such as urban areas with accessible services, reported higher preparedness levels, rural areas showed deficiencies, with 50% of the respondents from these areas identifying a lack of organized drills and limited public awareness initiatives. These findings underscore the urgent need for community-specific preparedness programs and enhancements in both structural resilience and public education to bolster community readiness effectively. Also, findings highlight the need for customized preparedness programs tailored to specific community needs, alongside improvements in structural safety measures and educational outreach. The study underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach involving detailed risk assessments, community-focused preparedness training, and stronger public awareness initiatives. Furthermore, the study calls for enhanced local government capabilities to sustain proactive response measures, including rapid mobilization of emergency resources and regular disaster simulations, to […]

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