Inadequate disaster rescue and relief

As world population increases, disasters, both natural and man-made, show a correspondingly greater toll of human lives. Existing rescue services are inadequate with regard to major disasters. They are unable to centralize and secure the relevant expertise and to control all rescue operations involving the movement of men, materials and messages within the disaster area. Immediately after the disaster strikes, the problem of the logistic mobilization of resources and coordination of rescue, first aid and relief work emerges as a first priority. Associated with this activity may be the prevention of secondary effects such as flood, fire or explosion which are also liable to trap and kill people. Lack of coordination in relief operations has a detrimental effect on longer term reconstruction. Misdirected relief operations may also deter the less skilled yet able-bodied from participating in reconstruction. Unless there is adequate planning in the situating of relief stores, camps and emergency housing, they may be placed in areas essential for early reconstruction or in areas liable to flooding or difficult to service with water and sewage disposal.