What are the phases of disaster relief?
Phases of disaster relief include: • Preparation, which often involves evacuation if advance warning is given • Search and rescue efforts • Immediate medical, sanitary and food relief • Damage assessment • Short and long-term recovery and reconstructionIn the case of the 2004 tsunami, there were no advance warnings, so people had no time to prepare or evacuate. Search and rescue efforts began almost immediately, though it took several weeks for relief teams to reach affected areas. As governments, non-profits and other groups began rushing aid to the affected regions, a lack of centralized coordination became a challenge, and no one entity led the relief operations. As such, some areas got more help while others went unassisted. After the initial surge of aid, groups began to improve communications and coordination with local governments.
