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In recent decades a convergence of factors such as growing population
density, climate change and environmental degradation have increased the
potential impact on both man and nature of natural disasters of all kinds. In
addition, the ready availability of weapons and explosives which are cheap, easy
to use and devastatingly powerful have increased the destructive effects of
political conflict. In effect, the world community is confronted with a
permanent emergency situation. This emergency is geographically mobile, has many
and diverse causes and very localised effects, but it is ever present. The
international response to this situation takes a number of different forms,
including:
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Emergency response (including reconstruction) is one of the most demanding
forms of activity in the contemporary world community because it operates in
conditions of uncertainty, often in remote locations and within severe time
constraints. It therefore tests the management and logistic capabilities of the
agencies involved to the limit.
Much of the international effort in emergency relief is now directed towards
mitigation measures which put in place physical infrastructure, organisational
planning at regional and local level and community awareness programs to reduce
the impact of emergencies when they occur. Advanced technology is also assisting
with the prediction of natural disasters such as cyclones or earthquakes, giving
affected communities valuable time for preparation.
The modern emergency relief industry requires a high level of professional
skill. While volunteers will always be important in diaster response operations,
staff involved in either planning or service delivery need to be equipped with
the technical and management skills required to participate in increasingly
complex programs.
The scale of disasters and emergencies means that even wealthy nation-states
can no longer rely exclusively on domestic resources to respond to major events.
Effective regional and global co-operation is therefore becoming increasingly
important in minimsing social and economic impact. | |
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