Disaster Readiness in the Hills: A Case Study of Uphill Schools' Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Programs

Background and Aim: Disaster preparedness in uphill schools focuses on mitigating the unique geophysical and environmental hazards they face; however, there remains a disconnect between students’ high theoretical awareness of disaster protocols and their ability to execute them effectively in actual emergencies.

Materials and Methods: This case study examines the disaster preparedness and risk-reduction management practices of uphill schools, which are uniquely vulnerable to geophysical and structural hazards. Through in-depth interviews with selected school administrators, DRRM coordinators, and teachers, the study reveals key aspects of the school’s disaster readiness, including the risks, preparedness measures, existing DRRM programs, perceived effectiveness, and challenges faced by these schools in the hills.

Results: Findings reveal that while schools employ proactive mitigation strategies through curriculum integration and regular disaster drills, stakeholders perceive significant implementation gaps that hinder the practical application of rehearsed protocols.

Conclusion: While theoretical awareness is high, the research concludes that the unique environmental and infrastructural challenges of uphill settings necessitate more context-specific DRRM approaches to bridge the gap between preparedness and actual resilience. This research provides practical evidence to advocate for infrastructure upgrades and specialized capacity-building for schools in high-risk geographic areas.