Articles - Basic needs of victims after natural disasters: How to help most effectively
27th September 2023

Basic needs of victims after natural disasters: How to help most effectively

Natural disasters are destructive phenomena in their nature and magnitude that threaten people's health and lives. In addition, they cause significant material damage and are not subject to any human control. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, avalanches, forest fires, tropical cyclones, hurricanes and others are classified under the definition of 'natural disaster'. In some cases it is possible for one natural disaster to trigger another. Examples of this are earthquakes, which are the result of volcanic eruptions or tsunamis, and floods, which are the result of an earthquake.

What measures are taken after a natural disaster

The extent of losses in natural disasters generally depends on how prepared people are for them and their ability to respond promptly and adequately to the situation. The measures taken depend mainly on effective emergency management at all levels and the involvement of all governmental and non-governmental organizations. Responsibility for managing public emergencies usually lies with civil protection agencies or emergency services. International humanitarian associations, such as the Red Cross, provide assistance to victims of natural disasters worldwide.

People's responsibility and commitment

Natural disasters are, by definition, tragic phenomena that often result in major losses not only of property but also of human life. Disaster empathy and relief is truly our responsibility, as no one is insured not to suffer in a natural disaster. Therefore, it is important to be united in such situations and remember that together we can get out of any situation much faster and easier than alone. Let's take a look at what are the basic needs of victims after natural disasters and how to help most effectively.

Basic needs of victims after a natural disaster

Every natural disaster brings with it massive losses in terms of destroyed housing and road infrastructure, limited or no food and clean drinking water, medical services, etc. The basic needs of victims of natural disasters are temporary shelter, food, water, medicine, clothing, shoes, medical assistance, etc.

Disaster relief

The management of natural disasters is highly dependent on the economic and social conditions arising from the emergency or disaster. The management cycle in these cases must include long-term work on infrastructure, public awareness and victim assistance. The emergency management process for natural disasters includes several phases: mitigation, preparedness, response, and others.

Mitigation and containment

The mitigation phase differs from the other phases in that it focuses on long-term measures to reduce or eliminate risk. The implementation of various strategies is part of the recovery process if they are implemented after a disaster has occurred.

Preparedness

Preparedness is that phase in the management process where action plans are developed when a natural disaster occurs. Common preparedness measures include communication of plans as well as coordination and incident management. Proper maintenance and training of emergency responders are also important. The development and implementation of plans to provide shelter and necessities are particularly important. The survival of victims after a natural disaster also depends on stockpiling inventory and supplies, in the quantities needed.

Voluntary assistance

Another preparedness measure is to develop a campaign to recruit volunteers from the civilian population. Because a volunteer response is not as predictable and coordinated as a professional response, volunteers are most effectively deployed on the periphery of an emergency. Their assistance to the victims of natural disasters consists of placing people in temporary shelters, procuring all the necessities such as food supplies, drinking water, medicines, clothing, etc. Volunteers may also be involved in cleaning up riverbeds, in case of flooding, clearing debris, in case of earthquake, transporting the injured to hospital, etc.

Fundraising

Fundraising is another way to effectively help people affected by a natural disaster. One of the main methods is by organizing or participating in charity campaigns as a donor.

Fundraising through donation campaigns

When a natural disaster occurs, the main things people need are shelter, clothing, food and water. The BRC is an organization that creates donation campaigns to raise these. Apart from it, there are many other foundations and societies in our country that organize or participate in charity, in the form of donations in the form of humanitarian aid, volunteering, medical services, cash, etc. You can start a fundraising campaign either as an individual or on behalf of the organization you represent. The amount raised will be transferred to the appropriate emergency management agency to help victims after natural disasters.

Organise an event

The idea of organizing a fundraising event for those affected by natural disasters is a way for participants to experience the loss that has changed the lives of those affected. The event that you aim to promote your ideas for charity can be a concert, sporting event, exhibition, etc. Whichever option you choose, the main goal is to raise enough money to provide needed resources in the areas affected by a natural disaster.

Fundraising through the media

Charity fundraisingcampaigns can also be successfully organized online. Setting up a donation website or using an existing donation platform will help you reach as many people as possible very quickly who can help you with funds or ideas for charity.

How we at the Pavel Andreev Foundation can help

The Pavel Andreev Foundation is one of the few charities that participates and organizes charity campaigns to help areas affected by natural disasters. Through our donation site you can get involved in various initiatives or organize a donation campaign together with us. Pavel Andreev Foundation has the ability to reach a large number of people and manages to raise enough funds for each cause and in the shortest possible time. The organization, in the person of Pavel Andreev , organizes various charity events, such as concerts, sales, competitions, marathons and various educational events to attract donors.

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