Case Studies into disasters

Reference:

Coles, J. B., Zhuang, J., & Yates, J. (2012). Case study in disaster relief: A descriptive analysis of agency partnerships in the aftermath of the January 12th, 2010 Haitian earthquake. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 46(1), 67-77. doi:10.1016/j.seps.2011.08.002

Theme: By working together, agencies that respond to disasters can make a real difference in the country affected.

Summary:

• A case study after the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake in Hati
• A summary of the disaster relief efforts by 18 different relief agencies
• Paper reviews the formation and maintenance of partnerships after the earthquake
• The paper talks about the cooperation and understanding that were the result of the agencies responding to the call for help
•  Findings from the agencies interviewed found that the agencies that had no partnerships or presence in Haiti prior to the earthquake were the ones who built new clinics, orphanages, and schools.
• Agencies were more likely to develop some new partnerships because of new contacts rather than old, non active contacts.
• This paper discovered the partnerships between local and international agencies, was less stable than partnerships between international agencies
•  This paper wanted to increase understanding of the research and how it could be applied in disaster relief networks.
• This paper wanted to provide a new perspective into how agencies work together.

Application to the lesson topic: After a significant disaster, it is important to evaluate how emergency responses responded and acted. After the analysis, things may be put into place to help in the next disaster.

Application to emergency services: These studies may help emergency personnel in other parts of the world lean what works and doesn't in an emergency situation. These studies may help emergency personnel save lives.