Disaster risk reduction at the Bolivarian University of Ecuador

Abstract

In higher education institutions, whether public or private, disaster risk management is essential to boosting the resilience of the university community and thus ensuring the institution's operational continuity in the face of the potential for hazardous events. The objective of this study is to analyze disaster risk management at the Bolivarian University of Ecuador during the 2020-2024 period, focusing primarily on earthquake preparedness. A mixed methodology was used, combining a documentary analysis of the institution with surveys and interviews with staff, administrators, faculty, and students. This allowed for the assessment and quantification of the institution's level of preparedness, the identification of strengths and vulnerabilities, and the proposal of seismic resilience actions. The results demonstrated progress in regulations, while also revealing a lack of staff training, the dissemination of emergency plans, and a strengthening of the operational capacity of services in response to critical situations. Although the University has worked on strengthening its risk management framework, there is still a need to optimize training, update emergency plans, maintain infrastructure based on seismic vulnerability detection, and raise awareness about the development of earthquake-resistant structures.