This study advances emergency management research by systematically examining the dynamic evolution of core–periphery structures in disaster response networks using the 2022 Luding earthquake as a case study. Unlike prior work focused on static comparisons of centralized versus decentralized networks, we employ longitudinal social network analysis to reveal how core–periphery configurations shift across disaster phases—a methodological innovation that captures real-time adaptation. Our findings demonstrate that effective emergency networks require phase-specific structures: highly centralized cores dominate rescue operations for rapid coordination while specialized, resource-controlling nodes emerge during recovery. In the case study, only three organizations maintained core status across both stages, highlighting the fluidity of network roles and challenging assumptions about fixed hierarchies. This study identifies an optimal balance between core dominance and peripheral flexibility, with excessive centralization or fragmentation impairing performance. These results provide empirical support for adaptive governance approaches and offer practical strategies for designing flexible emergency systems, including phase-sensitive resource allocation and dynamic role transition protocols. By bridging theoretical gaps in network evolution and delivering actionable insights, this research contributes to more resilient disaster response frameworks.

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