Disaster Management
Introduction
Crisis consists of a series of event that affects human life and can become a threat to its existences. A crisis can be caused by natural disasters beyond human control, but they can also be consequences of human action. Victims of this crisis are left venerable, and their lives put to danger, and this is where the humanitarian sector comes in. The humanitarian industry is an institution that solemnly assists in offering mitigation to people affected by crisis. This is through providing relief goods and services to the victims to cater to their basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.
Evolving Causes of Crisis and ways to mitigate them
Food insecurity, climate change has been one of the main cause of the crisis in the modern world. It has resulted in food shortages in so many parts of the world. This has slowed down agriculture and economic activities. Most people don’t have the knowledge and the resources to practice sustainable agriculture. Food insecurity has also been brought along by other factors such as war, they disrupt peace. When people’s lives are in danger, it becomes difficult for them to get involved in economic activities. Inviting Donors, for more financial support can help contain the food shortage challenge. Most of the camps are usually overpopulated and getting extra funds would certainly solve some problems.
Security issues, human rights and humanitarian protection, this has become an emerging challenge in humanitarian zones. Humanitarian services are highly needed in a region considered as ‘Red Zones’ where disease outbreaks and insecurity are one of the significant challenges. Humanitarian officers are exposed to these environments, sometimes without security support from the involved government. Insecurity has resulted in loss of life of humanitarians in missions to save the world. NGO and Government partnerships can help in solving most of the insecurity and human rights issues. When a humanitarian agency collaborates with the government, they are likely to benefit government resources such as security and logistics. In cases where the security of humanitarian agents is not guaranteed, remote management can be applied. Local staffs are allowed to operate from the ground while someone from the outside oversees the whole operation.
Ethical and legal considerations in humanitarian missions these become a bugging issue. Some humanitarians tend to pick sides on who to offer assistance and who to deny. Humanitarian officers should be neutral and should not feelings cloud their judgment. Help should be offered to people in need and not people who they think they are on the right side. Qualified staff should be hired to conduct this mission, people with knowledge, and experience in disaster management. Extra training and refreshers should be offered regularly to the employees involved.
Food, water, sanitation in relief camps, most of the relief camps have been set in remote areas with very power infrastructure hence making access to these areas a big challenge. This has resulted in shortage of basic supply and health care into the refugee camps. These may jeopardize public health, leading to exposure to disease outbreaks. Refugees’ camps are usually crowded, and in case of a disease outbreak, it becomes a challenge to control or contain it. When setting up relief camps, one should consider the accessibility of the camp. This can help the organization to supply relief commodities and services to the victims easily and also quick response during emergency cases.