The 3Rs to Disaster Relief Missions Work

Relief effort can be loosely classified into 3 phases.

The author had helped raise funds for medical relief and the construction of houses (Padang and Yogyakarta Merapi) for the disasters in Aceh tsunami (Dec 2004), Yogyakarta earhtquake and Pangandaran tsunami (May and July 2006 respectively), Bangadesh Cyclone Sidr (Nov 2007), Myanmar Cyclone Nyargis (May 2008), Padang earhtquake (Sept 2009) and Yogyakarta Merapi volcanic eruption (Oct 2010).

1) Rescue (first 72 – 96 hours).

This is a government-to-government initiative. Red tape may cost lives. Quick action is needed. Usually foreign rescue teams will and should start arriving within the first 24 hours.

NGO is not able to maintain these highly trained and disciplined search and rescue crews with special equipment using listening and imaging devices. They will also come with K-9 units. These are dogs to sniff out trapped and still alive victims.

When the rescue phase is over, foreign search and rescue crews will pack up and leave.

2) Relief and Recovery.

Immediate needs after the disaster and till the next few months depending on situation. Big NGOs and foreign governments fly in relief supplies from dedicated warehouses in strategic locations as well as medical, nursing and other technical and engineering personnel.

- Medical relief for the injured. Different stations for various severity of physical injuries.

- Logistical issues need to be solved to mobilise, store and move supplies.

- Tents, clothing, blankets, food and water for the immediate physical needs for those who have lost their houses, belongings and livelihood. Needs of the dead must also to efficiently managed. Body bags must be made available asap to prevent diseases.

- Generators to power various machines for critical work.

- Heavy equipment for removal of debris and preparation for reconstruction.

- Spraying of disinfectant and sanitation to prevent diseases after rescue phase is over.

3) Rebuilding and Reconstruction – ongoing for up to 2 years or even more.

- Rebuilding of livelihood lost and capacity by replacing boats for fisherman, seeds for farmers, micro-business and credit etc.

- Rebuild lives physically, emotionally and spiritually.

- Reconstructing homes, community areas and infrastructure.