NGOs And Disaster Management

Anon-government organization has been defined as any non-profit, voluntary citizen's group, which is organized on a local, national or international level. However the diversity in task, goal and activities, strains any simple definition of NGO. The disaster management framework can be defined as different elements of the disaster cycle, which is composed of actions before disaster, actions immediately after disaster and long-term recovery process after disaster. Although it is more or less similar to different types of disasters, in the current discussion, specific emphasis will be given to the earthquake disasters. In disaster situations, a quick rescue and relief mission is inevitable, however considerable damage can be minimised if adequate preparedness levels are achieved. Indeed, it has been noticed in the past that as and when attention has been given to adequate preparedness measures, the loss to life and property has considerably reduced. Preparedness measures such as training of role players including the community, development of advanced forecasting systems, effective communications and above all a well-networked institutional structure involving the government organisations; academic and research institutions, the armed forces and the NGOs would greatly contribute to the overall disaster management of the region. The government's recent policy changes too reflect the changing approach from rescue and relief to preparedness. The book can be used as a ready reckoner/reference material for enlightening on the topics of concern for and NGO. The checklists, forms, specimens and formats can be used to a great extent.