Nirupama Agrawal
School of Administrative Studies
Professor
Office: Atkinson College, 234
Phone: 647-923-2143
Email: nirupama@yorku.ca
Primary website: Textbook - Disaster risk management in Canada
Secondary website: Research Profile
Attached CV
Media Requests Welcome
Accepting New Graduate Students
Dr. Nirupama Agrawal is a Professor and a founding faculty member at York University's Disaster and Emergency Management since 2005. She has a PhD in Water Resources Engineering from Kyoto University and over 35 years of professional experience. Her wide-ranging research includes threat assessment from potential natural, intentional, and technological hazards, public safety, disaster resilience in a changing climate, and the application of geospatial technologies for decision-making. Her textbook, "Natural Disasters and Risk Management in Canada: An Introduction," published by Springer, is one of the most used textbooks in emergency management. Dr. Agrawal is an adjunct professor at the United Nations University -Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and the University of Manitoba.
Degrees
Dr Eng Water Resources Engineering, Kyoto University, JapanMaster of Hydrology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
MSc Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
Professional Leadership
• Moderator, Panel on Canada's Civil Defence, Canadian International Council 2025 • Technical committee, 10th International Conference on Flood Management, Canada 2025 • Technical Committee Lead, Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, Canadian Standards Association 2025 • Planning Committee, Disaster & Emergency Management Conference (2023-24) • Reviewer, BC Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness report • Reviewer, Heat-health messages, Health Canada • Reviewer, Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment, Emergency Management Ontario 2024.
Community Contributions
• Engagement luncheon with Director General Engagement and Director General Issues, Department of National Defence 2025 • Engagement with Journalism students, Humber College on flood mitigation 2023 • Engagement with Climate Crisis Connect Hub, founded by Ontario university students 2021 • Disaster Resilience and Security Advisory Table, Public Safety Canada 2021
Research Interests
- Dean's Award for Excellence in Research - 2019
- Merit Award for Excellence in Research - 2007, 2009, 2014
Current Research Projects
-
Summary:
- Dean's Award for Excellence in Research - 2019
- Merit Award for Excellence in Research - 2007, 2009, 2014
The research project will evaluate the accessibility of emergency management measures in Canada and of the standards that guide preparations for and responses to emergency situations. The project will generate a targeted and widely adaptable set of best practices for emergency management codes and standards, including target areas for further study, which will inform future standards development.
Description:PI Dr. Boris Vukovic, Director Accessibility Institute, Carleton University
Start Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2024
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2027
Funders:
Accessibility Standards Canada
-
Summary:
A few key research areas are i) What are the local and sub-regional institutional capacities to prepare for, respond to and recover from large-scale extreme events? ii) What are the current arrangements and practices in multi-level and cross-sectoral institutional coordination and communication? iii) What is the current level of, and how can knowledge and practice of cultural humility and safety be improved at all pertinent institutional levels? How can the prevention and mitigation measures be improved by applying both new technologies, education and awareness, and social learning? What can we learn about the role of armed forces from other comparable countries by studying contemporary emergency cases?
https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/natural-disaster
Start Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2022
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2025
Collaborator: Emdad Haque
Collaborator Institution: University of Manitoba
Collaborator Role: Co-Director
Funders:
DND/CDSN MINDS
-
Summary:
To explore the public perception of weather-related risk communications issued by the Meteorological Services of Canada (MSC) and their effectiveness in Ontario. To develop an effective severe weather public alerting tool based on people’s perceptions and the severity of the impacts of these events.
- Month: Apr Year: 2022
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2024
Collaborator: Jennifer Spinney
Collaborator Institution: York University
Collaborator Role: Co-investigator
Funders:
SSHRC Explore
-
Summary:
To offer evidence-based new insights on the risk of coronaviruses and recommendations for a paradigm shift towards adaptive strategies for multi-faceted disasters such as COVID-19. The response to COVID-19 in Canada and worldwide will be critically examined through the lens of disaster theories to support the study's outcome and validity.
- Month: Apr Year: 2021
End Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2023
Funders:
York University Minor Research Grant
-
Summary:
A better understanding of the complex relationship between disasters and the human population is vital for bringing change in the current system of disaster and emergency management in Canada. We explored past events of select disaster types and their impact on people, the economy, and the environment since the 1900s. We set out to examine the movement of the population in disaster-prone areas in order to better understand the long-term consequences of major disasters. The aim is to advance knowledge in this area to assist practitioners in developing effective policies and measures to mitigate the adverse impact and build capacity.
Start Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2019
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2020
Collaborator: Nathan Yiu
Collaborator Institution: York University
Collaborator Role: Research Assistant
Funders:
York University
-
Summary:
The research will be guided by the following questions: Why is access to environmental information important? How can such information be better managed for effective dissemination? What is the role of environmental information in public participation and decision making processes? How can environmental information be presented as a necessary component in building policy for socio-ecological resilience in India?
- Month: Apr Year: 2018
End Date:
- Month: Aug Year: 2019
Collaborator: Sabuj Choudhary
Collaborator Institution: University of Calcutta
Funders:
Shastri Mobility Programme
-
Summary:
To establish a comprehensive understanding of the effects of climate change on the Rideau Canal Skateway of Canada, the longest natural skating rink in the world.
Start Date:
- Month: May Year: 2017
End Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2018
Funders:
York University
-
Summary:
A new approach has been proposed to integrate quantitative and qualitative methods to estimate disaster resilience by incorporating public perception. Resilience is determined based on objective and subjective point of views and used to develop disaster risk reduction methodology.
Description:With Dr. Slobodan Simonovic as PI
Start Date:
- Month: Sep Year: 2016
End Date:
- Month: Aug Year: 2017
Funders:
NSERC CREATE ADERSIM
-
Summary:
The project has two main objectives: i) to set-up a prototype training facility which will allow students to be trained in simulation of emergencies and the on-scene response and evacuation; ii) use spatial analysis and modeling leading to effective communication for situation visualization awareness, understanding, decision making, and resource allocation.
Description:With Dr. Costas Armenakis as PI
Start Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2012
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2014
Funders:
Academic Innovation Fund York University
Agrawal, Nirupama (2018) Natural Disasters and Risk Management in Canada – An Introduction, Springer, Dordrecht, 366 pages. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1283-3
Nirupama, N., K. Ponnambalam, I. Nistor, and T.S. Murty. Atlantic Ocean Tsunami Travel Time Atlas. York University Press, p160, 2007.
Murty, T.S., U. Aswathanarayana, and N. Nirupama (Eds). Indian Ocean Tsunami. Balakema Publications, The Netherlands, p398, 2006.
Agrawal, Nirupama (2025). Is the Canadian Emergency Management System Prepared for Evolving Threats? In The Future of Canadian Security: Vital Insights from Women Experts, The University of Toronto Press. 125-137: 291p.
Rodríguez De Marco D, Porporato M, Agrawal N (2022). Man-made Disaster – A Case of Failed Governance in a Latin American Economy. In: Singh, A. (ed) International Handbook of Disaster Research. Springer.
Subbotina K. and Agrawal N. (2017) Natural Disasters and Health Risks of First Responders. In: Masys A., Lin L. (eds.) Asia-Pacific Security Challenges. Springer International Publishing.
Ballisario, L, J. McGee and N. Nirupama (2012). Emergency Management Education in Canada: A View from the Crossroads, In Disaster Risk and Vulnerability: Mitigation through Mobilizing Communities. Eds.: C.E. Haque and D. Etkin, McGill-Queen's University Press, Canada.
Nirupama, N., Disaster Risk Management, Invited chapter in Encyclopaedia of Natural Hazards, Peter Bobrowsky (ed.), Springer, 164-169, 1133p.
Murty, T.S., A.D. Rao, N. Nirupama, and I. Nistor. An Ideal Conceptual Tsunami Warning System for the Indian Ocean. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Eds: Murty, Aswathanarayana, Nirupama, A.A. Balkema Publication, The Netherlands, p455-474, 2006
Haque, C.E. and N. Nirupama. Nature Itself Does Not Cause a Disaster: The Role of Physical and Socioeconomic Variables in the Catastrophic Loss Due to the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 26 December 2004, In Natural Hazards and Disaster Management : Vulnerability and Mitigation, Ed: R.B. Singh, p79-103, 2006
Nirupama, N. Overview and Integration of Part 2. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Eds: Murty, Aswathanarayana, Nirupama, A.A. Balkema Publication, The Netherlands, p.209-212, 2006
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, A.D. Rao and I. Nistor. A Partial Explanation for the Initial Withdrawal of the Ocean during the Tsunami. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Eds: Murty, Aswathanarayana, Nirupama, A.A. Balkema Publication, The Netherlands, p73-80, 2006.
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, I. Nistor, and A.D. Rao. The Energetics of the Tsunami of 26 December 2004 in the Indian Ocean: A Brief Review. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Eds: Murty, Aswathanarayana, Nirupama, A.A. Balkema Publication, The Netherlands, p81-90, 2006
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, A.D. Rao and I. Nistor. Tsunami in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Oscillations of the First and Second Class. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Ed: V. Sundar, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India, p22-30, 2005
Ponnambalam, K., Nirupama and H. Venema. Wetlands Management using Geographical Information Systems and Multi-objective Decision Support System, Best Modelling Practices for Urban Water Systems Monograph 10, Ed. William James, 215-224, 2001.
Systems Approach to Management of Disasters: Methods and Applications (Simonovic, SP), Wiley, 2009, 308 pp, in Disaster Prevention and Management, Emerald, 20 (4).
Unnikrishnan P, Kumaraswamy P, Agrawal N, Karray F (2023). Joint flood risks in the Grand River Watershed, Sustainability SI Water-Related Disasters and Risks (submitted).
Ahmad K, Haque E, Agrawal N, Sakib S (2023). Nature-triggered disasters and the involvement of armed forces: exploring a civil-military collaborative framework, Canadian J Emergency Management (Accepted).
Regmi AD, Agrawal N (2022). A simple method for landslide risk assessment in the Rivière Aux Vases basin, Quebec, Canada, Progress in Disaster Science, 16 (2022) 100247 August.
Rajabali R, Agrawal N (2022). Taming the flow, then and now: A Canadian case of floodplain management, Front. Water, 08 July 2022 Sec. Water and Human Systems https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2022.931214
Haque CE, Berkes F, Fernández-Llamazares Á, Ross H, Chapin T, Doberstein B; Reed M, Agrawal N, Nayak P, Etkin D, Doré, M, Hutton D (2021). Social learning for enhancing social-ecological resilience to disaster-shocks: A policy Delphi approach, Disaster Prevention and Management, Emerald, November 2021.
Agrawal N, Adhikari I, Yiu N (2021). Disaster risk in Canada – a data-driven discussion, Canadian Journal of Emergency Management, 1(2): 1-19. https://cdnjem.ca/v1n2i/
Agrawal N, Elliott M, Simonovic SP. Risk and Resilience: A Case of Perception versus Reality in Flood Management. Water 2020, 12(5), 1254
Chondol, T., Panda, A.K., Gupta, A.K., Agrawal, N. and Kaur, A. (2020). The role of perception of local government officials on climate change and resilient development: a case of Uttarakhand, India, Int. J Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 12(2): 184-195 https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-01-2020-0003
Agrawal N, Cox R (2019) Natural disasters and 150th commemoration of Canada as a country, Natural Hazards, 98(1): 3-7.
Agrawal N, Jahanadish A (2018). Is climate change impacting Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's longest skating rink? Special Issue Natural Disasters and 150th Commemoration of Canada as a Country, Natural Hazards, Springer.
Dumbuya B, Nirupama N (2017). Disasters and long term economic sustainability: a perspective on Sierra Leone, Special Issue on Investments in Disaster Resilience, Int. J Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 8(1).
Jahanadish A, Nirupama N (2017). Quantitative analysis of earthquake fatalities: case of Iran, Natural Hazards, 87: 567-579.
Irwin S, Schardong A, Simonovic SP, Nirupama N (2016). ResilSIM—A Decision Support Tool for Estimating Resilience of Urban Systems. Water 8(9): 377.
Agada, S., Nirupama, N. (2015) . A serious flooding event in Nigeria in 2012 with specific focus on Benue State, Natural Hazards, 77 (2): 1405-1414.
Daddar, S., Nirupama, N. (2015) . The potential of recurrent epidemics and pandemics in a highly mobile global society, Natural Hazards, 77 (2): 1395-1403.
Nirupama, N. (2015) . Understanding risk from floods and landslides in the Himalayan region: a discussion to enhance resilience. planet@risk, Global Risk Forum, 3 (2): 231-235.
Armenakis, C., Nirupama, N., Zalidid, G., Alexandridis, T. (2014) . Degradation of Coastal Wetlands using Examples from Greece and Canada: A Review, International J Ecology and Development, 29 (3):87-109.
Nirupama, N., Armenakis, C., Montpetit, M. (2014) . Is flooding in Toronto a concern? Natural Hazards, 72(2): 1259-1264.
Armenakis, C., Nirupama, N. (2014) . Urban impacts of ice storm – Toronto 2013, Natural Hazards, 74(2): 1291-1298.
Armenakis, C., Nirupama, N. (2014) . Flood risk mapping for the city of Toronto, Procedia Economics and Finance, Elsevier, 18: 320-326.
Nirupama, N., Adhikari, I., Sheybani, A. (2014) . Natural hazards in Ontario Canada – taking stock for mitigating disasters, Procedia Economics and Finance, Elsevier, 18: 55-61.
Sharma, R., Verma, K., Panigrahi, S. Nirupama, N. (2014) . A multi-tier hazard-Part II: meteorological Analysis, Natural Hazards 76 (1): 271-281.
Nirupama, N., Sharma, R., Verma, K., Panigrahi, S. (2014) . A multi-tier hazard-Part I: description of the event, Natural Hazards. 76 (1): 259-269.
Nirupama, N. (2013) . Is it possible to rank hurricanes in a unique manner? Natural Hazards. 67: 963-968.
Nirupama, N. and Maula, A. (2013) . Engaging Public for Building Resilient Communities to Reduce Disaster Impact, Special Issue on Sociological Aspects of Natural Disasters Springer, Natural Hazards. 66:51-59.
Nirupama, N. (2013) . Vertical evacuation during cyclones: suitable for developing countries. Natural Hazards. 69:1137-1142.
Armenakis, C. and Nirupama, N. (2013) . Estimating spatial disaster risk in urban environments, Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, Taylor & Francis, 4 (4): 289-298.
Nirupama, N. (2013) . Tsunami versus storm surge: a brief review. Natural Hazards. 69:1123-1130.
Nirupama, N. (2012) . Risk and Vulnerability Assessment – A Comprehensive Approach, International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Emerald, 3:2.
Nirupama, N. and Etkin, D. (2012) . Institutional Perception and Support in Emergency Management in Ontario, Canada, Disaster Prevention and Management, Emerald, 21(5): 599-607.
Khalafzai, AK and Nirupama, N. (2011) . Building Resilient Communities through Empowering Women with Information and Communication Technologies: A Pakistan Case Study, Sustainability 3(1), 82-96.
Nirupama, N. Analysis of the Global Tsunami Data for Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Natural Hazards, 48 (1), 11-16, 2009.
Nirupama, N and Etkin, David. Emergency Managers in Ontario: An Exploratory Study of Their Perspectives, Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: 6 (1), 2009.
Nirupama, N. Socio-economic Implications based on Interviews with Fishermen following the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Natural Hazards, 48 (1), 1-9, 2009.
Tsasis, P. and N. Nirupama. Vulnerability and Risk Perception in the Management of HIV/AIDS: Public Priorities in a Global Pandemic, Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 1, 7-14, 2008.
Nirupama, N. and S.P. Simonovic. Increase of Flood Risk due to Urbanisation: A Canadian Example, Natural Hazards, Springer, 40, 25-41, 2007
Garnett, R.E., N. Nirupama, T.S. Murty, and C.E. Haque. Correlates of Canadian Prairie Rainfall-Implications for Crop Yield, Climate Research, 32, 25-33, 2006
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, I. Nistor, and A.D. Rao. Persistent High Water Levels around Andaman & Nicobar Islands following the 26 December 2004 Tsunami, Science of Tsunami Hazards, 24 (3), 183-193, 2006.
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, I. Nistor, and A.D. Rao. The Energetics of the Tsunami of 26 December 2004 in the Indian Ocean: A Brief Review, Marine Geodesy, 29 (1), 39-48, 2006.
Teller, J.T., T.S. Murty, N. Nirupama, and P. Chittibabu. A Possible Tsunami in the Labrador Sea Related to the Drainage of Glacial Lake Agassiz ~8400 Years B.P., Science of Tsunami Hazards, 23 (3), 3-16, 2005.
Simonovic, S. and Nirupama. A Spatial Multi-Objective Decision Making under Uncertainty for Water Resources Management, Journal of Hydroinformatics, 7 (2), 117-133, 2005
Murty, T.S., N. Nirupama, I. Nistor, and A.D. Rao. Leakage of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Energy into the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, Recorder of Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists, December, 33-36, 2005.
Murty T.S., N. Nirupama, I. Nistor and S. Hamdi. Why the Atlantic Generally cannot Generate Trans-Oceanic Tsunamis, J. Indian Society of Earthquake Technology, 42 (4), 227-236, 2005.
Nirupama N, Simonovic SP, Elliott M (2017). Disaster adaptiveness, resilience, and capacity building by accounting for people’s perception: a Canadian case study, 7th Int. Conference on Flood Management (ICFM7), 05-07 September 2017, University of Leeds, UK.
Subbotina K, Nirupama N (2016). Health risk analysis of internationally deploying first responders following a natural disaster, 6th International conference on Building Resilience, University of Auckland, New Zealand, Sep 7-9, 2016.
Nirupama N, Jubril J (2016). Social capital and disaster resilience: A Canadian case study, Proceedings of the 6th International Disaster and Risk Conference, IDRC Davos, Switzerland, Aug 28-Sep 01, 2016, p 464-467.
Dumbuya B, Nirupama N (2016). Disasters and Long Term Economic Sustainability: A Perspective on Sierra Leone, Proceedings of the 6th International Disaster and Risk Conference, IDRC Davos, Switzerland, Aug 28-Sep 01, 2016, p 191-194.
Nirupama, N., Hebert, L., Jubril, J. (2015). Urban heat island effect in metropolitan cities: taking stock, 5th Building Resilience Conference, Newcastle, Australia, 15-17 July 2015.
Armenakis, C., Nirupama, N. (2014). Flood risk mapping for the city of Toronto, 4th International Conference on Building Resilience, Salford, UK, Sep 8-11, 2014.
Nirupama, N., Adhikari, I., Sheybani, A. (2014). Natural hazards in Ontario Canada – taking stock for mitigating disasters, 4th International Conference on Building Resilience, Salford Quays, UK, September 9-11 2014. Best paper award.
Nirupama, N. (2014). Risk from a three tier multi hazard in Uttarakhand region of India, Global Risk Forum, Davos, Switzerland, Aug 24-28, 2014.
Nirupama, N. (2013). Role of Social Resilience in Mitigating Seismic Disasters, International Conference of the International Institute for Infrastructure, Renewal and Reconstruction (IIIRR) Brisbane, Australia, July 7-10, 2013.
Armenakis, C. and Nirupama, N. (2013). Spatial risk estimation for technological hazards, Int. Conference on Earth Observation for Global Changes and 2013 Annual Conference of The Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG), Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 5-7 June 2013.
Nirupama, N. (2012). A Reasonable Success Story of Vertical Evacuation against Tropical Cyclones in India, Global Risk Forum, Davos, Switzerland August 26-Sep 1, 2012.
Nirupama, N. and Murty, TS. (2012). Similarities and Differences in Tsunamis and Storm Surge Mitigation, International Conference on Disaster Resilience, Kumamoto, Japan, August 24-26.
Armenakis, C and N. Nirupama (2009). Vulnerability Assessment using GIS: Toronto Propane Explosion, CRHNet Symposium, Edmonton Nov 23-26.
Nirupama, N and T.S. Murty (2007). Aliasing and Fuzzy Mathematics in Natural Marine Hazard Mitigation. Fourth Indian National Conference on Harbour and Ocean Engineering, NIT, Surthkal, India, Dec 12-14, 2007.
Ballisario, L, J. McGee and N. Nirupama (2007). Emergency Management Education in Canada: At a Crossroads, In: Building Partnerships for Risk and Hazards Mitigation and Response, Eds.: C. Emdad Haque and D. Etkin, McGill-Queen's Publishers, Canada, Nov 17-19, 2005.
Nirupama, N. and T.S. Murty. Fuzzy Mathematics and Aliasing in Natural Hazard Mitigation, Indian Civil, Hydraulic and Oceanographic Engineers (INCHOE) Conference, Mangalore, India, December 12-14, 2007
Murty, T.S. and N. Nirupama. Tsunamis and storm surges in Indian Ocean, 12th Pacific Congress on Marine Science and Technology (PACON), Myanmar, Thailand, June 11-15, 2006
Nirupama, N. Evaluation of Disaster Impacts Using GIS and Remote Sensing Technique, International Conference on Marine Hazards & Opportunities, Chennai, India, July 3-5, 2006
Nirupama, N. International Perspective of Disaster Principles, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Emergency Management and Homeland Security/Defence Higher Education Conference, Emmitsburg, Maryland, U.S.A., June 6-8, 2006
Nirupama, N and T.S. Murty. Analysis of the Travel Times of the Tsunami of 26 December 2004 in the Indian Ocean, Canadian Coastal Engineering Conference, Halifax, N.S., Nov 7-9, 2005
Logan, L., K. Ponnambalam, N. Nirupama, and H. Belore. Evaluating Performance Sensitivity of a Water Balance Model, Proc. Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Conference, Burlington, Ontario, October 22-24, 2003
Nirupama, N. Disaster Risk Management: Theory, Practice and Policy. Report prepared for Public Safety Canada, Government of Canada, Ottawa, December 2008.
Nirupama, and S.P. Simonovic. A Spatial Fuzzy Compromise Approach for Flood Disaster Management, Institute of Catastrophic Loss Reduction, London, Ontario, 2002
Nirupama, and S.P. Simonovic. Role of Remote Sensing in Disaster Management, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, London, Ontario, 2002
Guest Editor (with Parera et al.) (2023) Special Issue, Water-related disasters and risks, Sustainability, mdpi.com/si/108031
Approach to Teaching
GS/DEMS 7701 Research and Practice in Disaster and Emergency Management (Upcoming W26), GS/DEMS 5040 Natural Hazards (current), GS/DEMS 5080 Disaster & Emergency Management Practicum (current), GS/DEMS 5081 Applied Topics in DEM (2012), GS/DEMS 5053 Topics in Business Continuity (2011), GS/DEMS 5050 Qualitative Research Methods in Disaster Management (2007), AP/DEMS 4708 Seminar in Disaster & Emergency Management, AP/DEMS 3701 Disaster Risk Management (2005-2017), AP/DEMS 3703 Business Continuity Planning (2007-2010)
Upcoming Courses
| Term | Course Number | Section | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2026 | GS/DEMS5080 6.0 | M | Disaster &Emergency Management Practicum | PRAC |
Dr. Nirupama Agrawal is a Professor and a founding faculty member at York University's Disaster and Emergency Management since 2005. She has a PhD in Water Resources Engineering from Kyoto University and over 35 years of professional experience. Her wide-ranging research includes threat assessment from potential natural, intentional, and technological hazards, public safety, disaster resilience in a changing climate, and the application of geospatial technologies for decision-making. Her textbook, "Natural Disasters and Risk Management in Canada: An Introduction," published by Springer, is one of the most used textbooks in emergency management. Dr. Agrawal is an adjunct professor at the United Nations University -Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and the University of Manitoba.
Degrees
Dr Eng Water Resources Engineering, Kyoto University, JapanMaster of Hydrology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
MSc Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
Professional Leadership
• Moderator, Panel on Canada's Civil Defence, Canadian International Council 2025 • Technical committee, 10th International Conference on Flood Management, Canada 2025 • Technical Committee Lead, Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, Canadian Standards Association 2025 • Planning Committee, Disaster & Emergency Management Conference (2023-24) • Reviewer, BC Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness report • Reviewer, Heat-health messages, Health Canada • Reviewer, Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment, Emergency Management Ontario 2024.
Community Contributions
• Engagement luncheon with Director General Engagement and Director General Issues, Department of National Defence 2025 • Engagement with Journalism students, Humber College on flood mitigation 2023 • Engagement with Climate Crisis Connect Hub, founded by Ontario university students 2021 • Disaster Resilience and Security Advisory Table, Public Safety Canada 2021
Research Interests
Awards
Current Research Projects
-
Summary:
The research project will evaluate the accessibility of emergency management measures in Canada and of the standards that guide preparations for and responses to emergency situations. The project will generate a targeted and widely adaptable set of best practices for emergency management codes and standards, including target areas for further study, which will inform future standards development.
Description:PI Dr. Boris Vukovic, Director Accessibility Institute, Carleton University
Project Type: FundedRole: Co-PI
Start Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2024
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2027
Funders:
Accessibility Standards Canada
-
Summary:
A few key research areas are i) What are the local and sub-regional institutional capacities to prepare for, respond to and recover from large-scale extreme events? ii) What are the current arrangements and practices in multi-level and cross-sectoral institutional coordination and communication? iii) What is the current level of, and how can knowledge and practice of cultural humility and safety be improved at all pertinent institutional levels? How can the prevention and mitigation measures be improved by applying both new technologies, education and awareness, and social learning? What can we learn about the role of armed forces from other comparable countries by studying contemporary emergency cases?
Project Type: FundedRole: Co-Investigator
Start Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2022
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2025
Collaborator: Emdad Haque
Collaborator Institution: University of Manitoba
Collaborator Role: Co-Director
Funders:
DND/CDSN MINDS
-
Summary:
To explore the public perception of weather-related risk communications issued by the Meteorological Services of Canada (MSC) and their effectiveness in Ontario. To develop an effective severe weather public alerting tool based on people’s perceptions and the severity of the impacts of these events.
Project Type: FundedStart Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2022
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2024
Collaborator: Jennifer Spinney
Collaborator Institution: York University
Collaborator Role: Co-investigator
Funders:
SSHRC Explore
-
Summary:
To offer evidence-based new insights on the risk of coronaviruses and recommendations for a paradigm shift towards adaptive strategies for multi-faceted disasters such as COVID-19. The response to COVID-19 in Canada and worldwide will be critically examined through the lens of disaster theories to support the study's outcome and validity.
Project Type: FundedStart Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2021
End Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2023
Funders:
York University Minor Research Grant
-
Summary:
A better understanding of the complex relationship between disasters and the human population is vital for bringing change in the current system of disaster and emergency management in Canada. We explored past events of select disaster types and their impact on people, the economy, and the environment since the 1900s. We set out to examine the movement of the population in disaster-prone areas in order to better understand the long-term consequences of major disasters. The aim is to advance knowledge in this area to assist practitioners in developing effective policies and measures to mitigate the adverse impact and build capacity.
Project Type: FundedRole: Faculty Supervisor
Start Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2019
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2020
Collaborator: Nathan Yiu
Collaborator Institution: York University
Collaborator Role: Research Assistant
Funders:
York University
-
Summary:
The research will be guided by the following questions: Why is access to environmental information important? How can such information be better managed for effective dissemination? What is the role of environmental information in public participation and decision making processes? How can environmental information be presented as a necessary component in building policy for socio-ecological resilience in India?
Project Type: FundedStart Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2018
End Date:
- Month: Aug Year: 2019
Collaborator: Sabuj Choudhary
Collaborator Institution: University of Calcutta
Funders:
Shastri Mobility Programme
-
Summary:
To establish a comprehensive understanding of the effects of climate change on the Rideau Canal Skateway of Canada, the longest natural skating rink in the world.
Project Type: FundedRole: PI
Start Date:
- Month: May Year: 2017
End Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2018
Funders:
York University
-
Summary:
A new approach has been proposed to integrate quantitative and qualitative methods to estimate disaster resilience by incorporating public perception. Resilience is determined based on objective and subjective point of views and used to develop disaster risk reduction methodology.
Description:With Dr. Slobodan Simonovic as PI
Project Type: FundedRole: co-PI
Start Date:
- Month: Sep Year: 2016
End Date:
- Month: Aug Year: 2017
Funders:
NSERC CREATE ADERSIM
-
Summary:
The project has two main objectives: i) to set-up a prototype training facility which will allow students to be trained in simulation of emergencies and the on-scene response and evacuation; ii) use spatial analysis and modeling leading to effective communication for situation visualization awareness, understanding, decision making, and resource allocation.
Description:With Dr. Costas Armenakis as PI
Project Type: FundedRole: Co-PI
Start Date:
- Month: Apr Year: 2012
End Date:
- Month: Mar Year: 2014
Funders:
Academic Innovation Fund York University
All Publications
Agrawal, Nirupama (2025). Is the Canadian Emergency Management System Prepared for Evolving Threats? In The Future of Canadian Security: Vital Insights from Women Experts, The University of Toronto Press. 125-137: 291p.
Rodríguez De Marco D, Porporato M, Agrawal N (2022). Man-made Disaster – A Case of Failed Governance in a Latin American Economy. In: Singh, A. (ed) International Handbook of Disaster Research. Springer.
Subbotina K. and Agrawal N. (2017) Natural Disasters and Health Risks of First Responders. In: Masys A., Lin L. (eds.) Asia-Pacific Security Challenges. Springer International Publishing.
Ballisario, L, J. McGee and N. Nirupama (2012). Emergency Management Education in Canada: A View from the Crossroads, In Disaster Risk and Vulnerability: Mitigation through Mobilizing Communities. Eds.: C.E. Haque and D. Etkin, McGill-Queen's University Press, Canada.
Nirupama, N., Disaster Risk Management, Invited chapter in Encyclopaedia of Natural Hazards, Peter Bobrowsky (ed.), Springer, 164-169, 1133p.
Murty, T.S., A.D. Rao, N. Nirupama, and I. Nistor. An Ideal Conceptual Tsunami Warning System for the Indian Ocean. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Eds: Murty, Aswathanarayana, Nirupama, A.A. Balkema Publication, The Netherlands, p455-474, 2006
Haque, C.E. and N. Nirupama. Nature Itself Does Not Cause a Disaster: The Role of Physical and Socioeconomic Variables in the Catastrophic Loss Due to the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 26 December 2004, In Natural Hazards and Disaster Management : Vulnerability and Mitigation, Ed: R.B. Singh, p79-103, 2006
Nirupama, N. Overview and Integration of Part 2. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Eds: Murty, Aswathanarayana, Nirupama, A.A. Balkema Publication, The Netherlands, p.209-212, 2006
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, A.D. Rao and I. Nistor. A Partial Explanation for the Initial Withdrawal of the Ocean during the Tsunami. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Eds: Murty, Aswathanarayana, Nirupama, A.A. Balkema Publication, The Netherlands, p73-80, 2006.
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, I. Nistor, and A.D. Rao. The Energetics of the Tsunami of 26 December 2004 in the Indian Ocean: A Brief Review. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Eds: Murty, Aswathanarayana, Nirupama, A.A. Balkema Publication, The Netherlands, p81-90, 2006
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, A.D. Rao and I. Nistor. Tsunami in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Oscillations of the First and Second Class. In Indian Ocean Tsunami, Ed: V. Sundar, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India, p22-30, 2005
Ponnambalam, K., Nirupama and H. Venema. Wetlands Management using Geographical Information Systems and Multi-objective Decision Support System, Best Modelling Practices for Urban Water Systems Monograph 10, Ed. William James, 215-224, 2001.
Systems Approach to Management of Disasters: Methods and Applications (Simonovic, SP), Wiley, 2009, 308 pp, in Disaster Prevention and Management, Emerald, 20 (4).
Agrawal, Nirupama (2018) Natural Disasters and Risk Management in Canada – An Introduction, Springer, Dordrecht, 366 pages. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1283-3
Nirupama, N., K. Ponnambalam, I. Nistor, and T.S. Murty. Atlantic Ocean Tsunami Travel Time Atlas. York University Press, p160, 2007.
Murty, T.S., U. Aswathanarayana, and N. Nirupama (Eds). Indian Ocean Tsunami. Balakema Publications, The Netherlands, p398, 2006.
Unnikrishnan P, Kumaraswamy P, Agrawal N, Karray F (2023). Joint flood risks in the Grand River Watershed, Sustainability SI Water-Related Disasters and Risks (submitted).
Ahmad K, Haque E, Agrawal N, Sakib S (2023). Nature-triggered disasters and the involvement of armed forces: exploring a civil-military collaborative framework, Canadian J Emergency Management (Accepted).
Regmi AD, Agrawal N (2022). A simple method for landslide risk assessment in the Rivière Aux Vases basin, Quebec, Canada, Progress in Disaster Science, 16 (2022) 100247 August.
Rajabali R, Agrawal N (2022). Taming the flow, then and now: A Canadian case of floodplain management, Front. Water, 08 July 2022 Sec. Water and Human Systems https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2022.931214
Haque CE, Berkes F, Fernández-Llamazares Á, Ross H, Chapin T, Doberstein B; Reed M, Agrawal N, Nayak P, Etkin D, Doré, M, Hutton D (2021). Social learning for enhancing social-ecological resilience to disaster-shocks: A policy Delphi approach, Disaster Prevention and Management, Emerald, November 2021.
Agrawal N, Adhikari I, Yiu N (2021). Disaster risk in Canada – a data-driven discussion, Canadian Journal of Emergency Management, 1(2): 1-19. https://cdnjem.ca/v1n2i/
Agrawal N, Elliott M, Simonovic SP. Risk and Resilience: A Case of Perception versus Reality in Flood Management. Water 2020, 12(5), 1254
Chondol, T., Panda, A.K., Gupta, A.K., Agrawal, N. and Kaur, A. (2020). The role of perception of local government officials on climate change and resilient development: a case of Uttarakhand, India, Int. J Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 12(2): 184-195 https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-01-2020-0003
Agrawal N, Cox R (2019) Natural disasters and 150th commemoration of Canada as a country, Natural Hazards, 98(1): 3-7.
Agrawal N, Jahanadish A (2018). Is climate change impacting Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's longest skating rink? Special Issue Natural Disasters and 150th Commemoration of Canada as a Country, Natural Hazards, Springer.
Dumbuya B, Nirupama N (2017). Disasters and long term economic sustainability: a perspective on Sierra Leone, Special Issue on Investments in Disaster Resilience, Int. J Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 8(1).
Jahanadish A, Nirupama N (2017). Quantitative analysis of earthquake fatalities: case of Iran, Natural Hazards, 87: 567-579.
Irwin S, Schardong A, Simonovic SP, Nirupama N (2016). ResilSIM—A Decision Support Tool for Estimating Resilience of Urban Systems. Water 8(9): 377.
Agada, S., Nirupama, N. (2015) . A serious flooding event in Nigeria in 2012 with specific focus on Benue State, Natural Hazards, 77 (2): 1405-1414.
Daddar, S., Nirupama, N. (2015) . The potential of recurrent epidemics and pandemics in a highly mobile global society, Natural Hazards, 77 (2): 1395-1403.
Nirupama, N. (2015) . Understanding risk from floods and landslides in the Himalayan region: a discussion to enhance resilience. planet@risk, Global Risk Forum, 3 (2): 231-235.
Armenakis, C., Nirupama, N., Zalidid, G., Alexandridis, T. (2014) . Degradation of Coastal Wetlands using Examples from Greece and Canada: A Review, International J Ecology and Development, 29 (3):87-109.
Nirupama, N., Armenakis, C., Montpetit, M. (2014) . Is flooding in Toronto a concern? Natural Hazards, 72(2): 1259-1264.
Armenakis, C., Nirupama, N. (2014) . Urban impacts of ice storm – Toronto 2013, Natural Hazards, 74(2): 1291-1298.
Armenakis, C., Nirupama, N. (2014) . Flood risk mapping for the city of Toronto, Procedia Economics and Finance, Elsevier, 18: 320-326.
Nirupama, N., Adhikari, I., Sheybani, A. (2014) . Natural hazards in Ontario Canada – taking stock for mitigating disasters, Procedia Economics and Finance, Elsevier, 18: 55-61.
Sharma, R., Verma, K., Panigrahi, S. Nirupama, N. (2014) . A multi-tier hazard-Part II: meteorological Analysis, Natural Hazards 76 (1): 271-281.
Nirupama, N., Sharma, R., Verma, K., Panigrahi, S. (2014) . A multi-tier hazard-Part I: description of the event, Natural Hazards. 76 (1): 259-269.
Nirupama, N. (2013) . Is it possible to rank hurricanes in a unique manner? Natural Hazards. 67: 963-968.
Nirupama, N. and Maula, A. (2013) . Engaging Public for Building Resilient Communities to Reduce Disaster Impact, Special Issue on Sociological Aspects of Natural Disasters Springer, Natural Hazards. 66:51-59.
Nirupama, N. (2013) . Vertical evacuation during cyclones: suitable for developing countries. Natural Hazards. 69:1137-1142.
Armenakis, C. and Nirupama, N. (2013) . Estimating spatial disaster risk in urban environments, Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, Taylor & Francis, 4 (4): 289-298.
Nirupama, N. (2013) . Tsunami versus storm surge: a brief review. Natural Hazards. 69:1123-1130.
Nirupama, N. (2012) . Risk and Vulnerability Assessment – A Comprehensive Approach, International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Emerald, 3:2.
Nirupama, N. and Etkin, D. (2012) . Institutional Perception and Support in Emergency Management in Ontario, Canada, Disaster Prevention and Management, Emerald, 21(5): 599-607.
Khalafzai, AK and Nirupama, N. (2011) . Building Resilient Communities through Empowering Women with Information and Communication Technologies: A Pakistan Case Study, Sustainability 3(1), 82-96.
Nirupama, N. Analysis of the Global Tsunami Data for Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Natural Hazards, 48 (1), 11-16, 2009.
Nirupama, N and Etkin, David. Emergency Managers in Ontario: An Exploratory Study of Their Perspectives, Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: 6 (1), 2009.
Nirupama, N. Socio-economic Implications based on Interviews with Fishermen following the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Natural Hazards, 48 (1), 1-9, 2009.
Tsasis, P. and N. Nirupama. Vulnerability and Risk Perception in the Management of HIV/AIDS: Public Priorities in a Global Pandemic, Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 1, 7-14, 2008.
Nirupama, N. and S.P. Simonovic. Increase of Flood Risk due to Urbanisation: A Canadian Example, Natural Hazards, Springer, 40, 25-41, 2007
Garnett, R.E., N. Nirupama, T.S. Murty, and C.E. Haque. Correlates of Canadian Prairie Rainfall-Implications for Crop Yield, Climate Research, 32, 25-33, 2006
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, I. Nistor, and A.D. Rao. Persistent High Water Levels around Andaman & Nicobar Islands following the 26 December 2004 Tsunami, Science of Tsunami Hazards, 24 (3), 183-193, 2006.
Nirupama, N., T.S. Murty, I. Nistor, and A.D. Rao. The Energetics of the Tsunami of 26 December 2004 in the Indian Ocean: A Brief Review, Marine Geodesy, 29 (1), 39-48, 2006.
Teller, J.T., T.S. Murty, N. Nirupama, and P. Chittibabu. A Possible Tsunami in the Labrador Sea Related to the Drainage of Glacial Lake Agassiz ~8400 Years B.P., Science of Tsunami Hazards, 23 (3), 3-16, 2005.
Simonovic, S. and Nirupama. A Spatial Multi-Objective Decision Making under Uncertainty for Water Resources Management, Journal of Hydroinformatics, 7 (2), 117-133, 2005
Murty, T.S., N. Nirupama, I. Nistor, and A.D. Rao. Leakage of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Energy into the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, Recorder of Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists, December, 33-36, 2005.
Murty T.S., N. Nirupama, I. Nistor and S. Hamdi. Why the Atlantic Generally cannot Generate Trans-Oceanic Tsunamis, J. Indian Society of Earthquake Technology, 42 (4), 227-236, 2005.
Nirupama N, Simonovic SP, Elliott M (2017). Disaster adaptiveness, resilience, and capacity building by accounting for people’s perception: a Canadian case study, 7th Int. Conference on Flood Management (ICFM7), 05-07 September 2017, University of Leeds, UK.
Subbotina K, Nirupama N (2016). Health risk analysis of internationally deploying first responders following a natural disaster, 6th International conference on Building Resilience, University of Auckland, New Zealand, Sep 7-9, 2016.
Nirupama N, Jubril J (2016). Social capital and disaster resilience: A Canadian case study, Proceedings of the 6th International Disaster and Risk Conference, IDRC Davos, Switzerland, Aug 28-Sep 01, 2016, p 464-467.
Dumbuya B, Nirupama N (2016). Disasters and Long Term Economic Sustainability: A Perspective on Sierra Leone, Proceedings of the 6th International Disaster and Risk Conference, IDRC Davos, Switzerland, Aug 28-Sep 01, 2016, p 191-194.
Nirupama, N., Hebert, L., Jubril, J. (2015). Urban heat island effect in metropolitan cities: taking stock, 5th Building Resilience Conference, Newcastle, Australia, 15-17 July 2015.
Armenakis, C., Nirupama, N. (2014). Flood risk mapping for the city of Toronto, 4th International Conference on Building Resilience, Salford, UK, Sep 8-11, 2014.
Nirupama, N., Adhikari, I., Sheybani, A. (2014). Natural hazards in Ontario Canada – taking stock for mitigating disasters, 4th International Conference on Building Resilience, Salford Quays, UK, September 9-11 2014. Best paper award.
Nirupama, N. (2014). Risk from a three tier multi hazard in Uttarakhand region of India, Global Risk Forum, Davos, Switzerland, Aug 24-28, 2014.
Nirupama, N. (2013). Role of Social Resilience in Mitigating Seismic Disasters, International Conference of the International Institute for Infrastructure, Renewal and Reconstruction (IIIRR) Brisbane, Australia, July 7-10, 2013.
Armenakis, C. and Nirupama, N. (2013). Spatial risk estimation for technological hazards, Int. Conference on Earth Observation for Global Changes and 2013 Annual Conference of The Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG), Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 5-7 June 2013.
Nirupama, N. (2012). A Reasonable Success Story of Vertical Evacuation against Tropical Cyclones in India, Global Risk Forum, Davos, Switzerland August 26-Sep 1, 2012.
Nirupama, N. and Murty, TS. (2012). Similarities and Differences in Tsunamis and Storm Surge Mitigation, International Conference on Disaster Resilience, Kumamoto, Japan, August 24-26.
Armenakis, C and N. Nirupama (2009). Vulnerability Assessment using GIS: Toronto Propane Explosion, CRHNet Symposium, Edmonton Nov 23-26.
Nirupama, N and T.S. Murty (2007). Aliasing and Fuzzy Mathematics in Natural Marine Hazard Mitigation. Fourth Indian National Conference on Harbour and Ocean Engineering, NIT, Surthkal, India, Dec 12-14, 2007.
Ballisario, L, J. McGee and N. Nirupama (2007). Emergency Management Education in Canada: At a Crossroads, In: Building Partnerships for Risk and Hazards Mitigation and Response, Eds.: C. Emdad Haque and D. Etkin, McGill-Queen's Publishers, Canada, Nov 17-19, 2005.
Nirupama, N. and T.S. Murty. Fuzzy Mathematics and Aliasing in Natural Hazard Mitigation, Indian Civil, Hydraulic and Oceanographic Engineers (INCHOE) Conference, Mangalore, India, December 12-14, 2007
Murty, T.S. and N. Nirupama. Tsunamis and storm surges in Indian Ocean, 12th Pacific Congress on Marine Science and Technology (PACON), Myanmar, Thailand, June 11-15, 2006
Nirupama, N. Evaluation of Disaster Impacts Using GIS and Remote Sensing Technique, International Conference on Marine Hazards & Opportunities, Chennai, India, July 3-5, 2006
Nirupama, N. International Perspective of Disaster Principles, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Emergency Management and Homeland Security/Defence Higher Education Conference, Emmitsburg, Maryland, U.S.A., June 6-8, 2006
Nirupama, N and T.S. Murty. Analysis of the Travel Times of the Tsunami of 26 December 2004 in the Indian Ocean, Canadian Coastal Engineering Conference, Halifax, N.S., Nov 7-9, 2005
Logan, L., K. Ponnambalam, N. Nirupama, and H. Belore. Evaluating Performance Sensitivity of a Water Balance Model, Proc. Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Conference, Burlington, Ontario, October 22-24, 2003
Nirupama, N. Disaster Risk Management: Theory, Practice and Policy. Report prepared for Public Safety Canada, Government of Canada, Ottawa, December 2008.
Nirupama, and S.P. Simonovic. A Spatial Fuzzy Compromise Approach for Flood Disaster Management, Institute of Catastrophic Loss Reduction, London, Ontario, 2002
Nirupama, and S.P. Simonovic. Role of Remote Sensing in Disaster Management, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, London, Ontario, 2002
Guest Editor (with Parera et al.) (2023) Special Issue, Water-related disasters and risks, Sustainability, mdpi.com/si/108031
Approach to Teaching
GS/DEMS 7701 Research and Practice in Disaster and Emergency Management (Upcoming W26), GS/DEMS 5040 Natural Hazards (current), GS/DEMS 5080 Disaster & Emergency Management Practicum (current), GS/DEMS 5081 Applied Topics in DEM (2012), GS/DEMS 5053 Topics in Business Continuity (2011), GS/DEMS 5050 Qualitative Research Methods in Disaster Management (2007), AP/DEMS 4708 Seminar in Disaster & Emergency Management, AP/DEMS 3701 Disaster Risk Management (2005-2017), AP/DEMS 3703 Business Continuity Planning (2007-2010)
Upcoming Courses
| Term | Course Number | Section | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2026 | GS/DEMS5080 6.0 | M | Disaster &Emergency Management Practicum | PRAC |
Keele, Glendon and Markham Campus
Contact
(416) 736-2100
Campus Maps