Disaster Preparedness and Response - Lessons from Tsunami

The workshop “Lessons from Disaster & Disaster Preparedness” addressed the issue of humanitarian aid and Tsunami rehabilitation in the points that have become urgent in the last months: Successes and breakdowns of relief; the problem of assessment of concrete needs and identification of affected persons versus fast response; the crucial role of media in this catastrophe with new opportunities as well as dangers emerging for victims, NGO’s and
government, and - time and again - the difficulty of real “ownership” and involvement of the victims in all relief measures. Those affected most by disasters are the poor and socially disadvantaged – as they are the most vulnerable and least equipped to cope with the situation. Therefore disaster management and developmental action must merge.