Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
before funds are released. Also it must be emphasized that the effectiveness of the
allocation of funds for disaster risk reductions often depends upon the degree of
corruption in government. In far too many countries, especially in the developing
world, funds and resources are stolen by corrupt politicians, bureaucrats or business-
men overcharging for work or materials. This means that the money is not spent for
the intended purpose, resulting in greater death rates and property damage from the
natural hazards. Indeed, Escaleras and colleagues ( 2007 ) have shown that there is a
direct and linear relationship between the level of losses from natural disasters and
corruption. So the reduction of corruption and more transparency in government are
vital components in the implementation of effective risk reduction policies.
9.7.5
Aftermath of Hazard Disasters
In the immediate aftermath of some natural disaster there are usually major require-
ments to rescue people, treat injuries, provide water and food, often through mobile
units, and shelter, usually in temporary structures. It is also vital to provide security
to prevent looting and bodily harm to the shocked and debilitated victims. Access
to the areas affected via road clearance and bridge reconstruction must be re-estab-
lished, along with repairs to port, rail and airport facilities to ease the flow of goods
and personnel into the areas affected. In addition it is important to quickly provide
alternative clean water supplies as well as sanitary facilities to prevent diseases,
for water is often contaminated. It is also necessary to rapidly repair power lines or
provide alternative energy sources. Increasingly, military helicopter surveillance of
the areas affected is being used to quickly judge the extent of devastation so that
priorities in assistance can be created. Since children especially are more at risk and
may have lost their parents, they need to be especially cared for and their routines
re-established. One approach is to quickly open schools, even if they have to be in
the open air in warm climates initially. Help in identifying and burying the dead is
also a priority, but without upsetting local spiritual beliefs. International agencies
have been prominent in recent years in providing DNA testing to establish identities
of the victims, using test information from survivors. The rapid creation of local
bulletin boards to act as contact points is crucial, as are communication facilities to
allow people to establish contacts with family and friends, even if in other parts of
the world, for these can often provide moral and also financial support. In the less
developed world many of these tasks need to be assisted by local members of the
community, or those familiar with the culture. Such people provide what amount to
'local culture-brains' to assist outsiders in understanding local mores and making
the victims feel more comfortable with the foreign assistance.
Many of these tasks are usually beyond the resources of the area affected by a
major natural hazard event. The region requires outside help to provide these func-
tions, as well as heavy equipment to move damaged structures and repair infrastruc-
ture. So it is imperative that national emergency teams have plans to quickly re-
spond, with help from specialist personnel from surrounding areas and local militia
groups or armed services. In addition the full involvement of senior political leaders
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