WEDC Guide No. 2: Disasters and emergencies: definitions, impacts and response

The number of reported natural disasters is increasing and there is an apparent ongoing need to provide international humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict and war. Understanding the factors that influence the decision to intervene is important in the management of disaster relief and in the prevention of future crises. This guide examines the key issues, sets out the definitions of disasters and emergencies, briefly looks at the changing causes and consequences of disasters and discusses some of the factors that influence people in deciding if they should respond to the need for help.

© WEDC, Loughborough University, 2011

Text: Brian Reed Edited by Lee Bosher and Rod Shaw

Illustrations: Rod Shaw

Quality assurance: Andrew Cotton

Designed and produced by WEDC Publications