Natural Disaster Management Research Paper

NATURAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT
At regular but unpredictable intervals, people around the world are affected by natural hazards. These may be caused by climate (eg drought, flood, cyclone), geology (eg earthquake, volcano, tidal wave, landslide), the environment (eg pollution, deforestation, desertification, pest infestation) or combinations of these. Hazards become disasters when people 's homes and livelihoods are destroyed. Poverty, population pressures and environmental degradation mean that increasing numbers of people are vulnerable to natural hazards. Increasing population and urbanization is increasing the world 's exposure to natural hazards, especially in coastal areas (with greater exposure to floods, cyclones and tidal waves). Although

types of food, clothing, shelter); Limiting the effects of aid on the local economy; Training people, organizations and communities to manage development fairly; Prioritizing the distribution of limited supplies; Gaining and funding for long-term redevelopment and disaster preparedness, rather than simply responding to the current emergency situation. In the chaos of a disaster, the pressure to make quick decisions and balance the specific interests of victims, governments, Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and donors may mean that best practice standards are not always achieved. Disaster recovery: Once the immediate danger is over, people may need assistance to rebuild their lives and their livelihoods. Communities may need to rebuild their social and physical infrastructure and revitalise the economy. It takes time and money to plan and ensure that long-term redevelopment and future disaster preparedness are appropriate for everyone. Damaged structures and services may not necessarily be restored in their previous locations or forms as the disruptions can be an opportunity to make improvements. Seasonal factors must be considered; for example, seeds need to be distributed during the planting season and the type of temporary shelter used will depend on the climate and season. Disaster preparedness: Much can be done to prepare for future

Aid is given regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse distinction of any kind. Aid priorities are calculated on the basis of need alone. Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint. We shall endeavor not to act as instruments of government foreign policy. We shall respect culture and custom. We shall attempt to build disaster response in local capacities. Ways shall be found to involve program beneficiaries in the management of relief aid. Relief aid must strive to reduce future vulnerabilities to disaster as well as meeting basic needs. We hold ourselves accountable to both those we seek to assist and those from whom we accept resources. In our information, publicity and advertising activities, we shall recognize disaster victims as dignified human beings, not hopeless objects. Source: http://www.ifrc.org/publicat/conduct/ In 2000 the Sphere Project took these principles further and outlined minimum standards for the key aid delivery areas. A meeting held in Stockholm in 2003 brought together donor countries, United Nations (UN) agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Its deliberations are outlined in the Principles and good practice of humanitarian donor ship. Ethics of Aid: The Red Cross World Disaster Report 2003 identified several major concerns