Management of disaster victims and rehabilitation of uprooted communities

The natural disasters which have so far dominated world attention are the least important in terms of number of victims. By far the most important problems, affecting tens of millions of people in non-industrialized countries, are the creeping and recurrent disasters, generally made and/or aggravated by man. Subsequent deprivations frequently lead to the process of uprooting. While a well organized and economically strong community can suffer severe set-backs from a disaster it will not be permanently disrupted. On the other hand, an uprooted community is by definition seriously disrupted by upheaval or crushing of its social system, leading to disorganization, disheartedness and dependence. This affects, to varying degrees, communities which have fled across ethnic or political borders and found themselves in a minority situation; as well as communities whose mode of life has been made obsolete or impossible by abrupt or slow ecological etc changes destroying their economy. The phenomenon of uprooting poses particular problems demanding particular attention. It is especially important to stop and reverse the process. This calls for adequate preparedness, and for relief and rehabilitation without delays and frustrations which will aggravate the uprooting. The planning should normally aim for balanced integration, and always avoid over- and under-aid. Also, in order to make the victimized communities self-reliant, it is crucial to assist them in the reconstruction of their social systems. Finally, the planning necessary for disaster preparedness coincides closely with what is needed for planning of development activities.