Disasters: An Overview

Abstract

There have been numerous attempts to provide a universally accepted definition of a disaster. Any new definition is almost always accompanied by a challenge to its accuracy and widespread applicability.

However, whatever definition is chosen it always reveals a small number of key elements. Something happens, usually quite suddenly, but sometimes over time, that overwhelms the capacity of local agencies to cope. This failure to cope may be relatively short lived, for example, when several multiply injured patients present to an emergency department, or prolonged, for example, during continuing civil war in an impoverished society. With this in mind the response to a disaster will involve the best use of existing resources and the appropriate use of additional resources.

Including material from Kenneth I. Roberts, Rowland M.F. Gill and Eric K. Noji.