Top 10 Myths of Disaster Relief
Aid Groups Address Public Stereotypes About Overseas
Disasters
Jan. 2, 2005
World Vision
SEATTLE -- As they fight to save lives in
the wake of the Asia disaster, aid workers also must address myths
about disaster relief among the American public. Rich Moseanko, a
relief director for World Vision, the Christian relief and development
organization, explains the truth behind the top 10 myths of disaster
relief.
1. Americans can help by collecting
blankets, shoes and clothing
The cost of shipping these items – let alone the time it
takes to sort, pack and ship them – is prohibitive. Often, those items
are manufactured for export to the U.S. from these same countries. It
is far more efficient to purchase them locally. Cash is the better
solution.
2. Helping the living always has
priority over burying the dead
In refugee camps and epidemic situations where people
die of diseases, it is essential to dispose of the bodies within a
short period of time. If they died of other causes such as drowning,
they are less of a health risk but pose an impediment to relief efforts
and delay the mourning process.
3. The United States must airlift food
and medicines to the disaster site
Food is virtually always available within a day's drive
of the disaster site. Purchasing the food locally is more
cost-efficient, and it ensures that the food is appropriate to local
residents’ tastes and religious requirements. Medicines are often
available within the country, too. India, for example, has a large
pharmaceutical industry. Because medicines are high-value, low-weight
commodities, in some cases they can and must be airlifted in to save
lives. In massive disasters, it sometimes is necessary to airlift other
supplies as well.
4. If I send cash, my help won't get
there
Reputable agencies send 80 percent or more of cash
donations to the disaster site; the rest goes for administration,
operating expenses and monitoring the efficiency of their own
operations. Donors have a right and a responsibility to ask aid groups
how they will be using those donations, and what will be done with
donations raised in excess of the need.
5. Once someone survives the immediate
disaster, he or she is safe
The immediate catastrophe kills quickly; survivors can
face a slower death from hunger, disease and even criminal predators.
While emergency medical teams certainly are needed for people injured
in a disaster, the best way to keep survivors healthy is to provide
clean water and adequate sanitation. Cholera and dysentery can result
from drinking contaminated water; malaria-spreading mosquitoes breed in
standing water.
6. Developing countries depend on
foreign expertise
While specialized assistance is always welcome, most
relief and recovery efforts are accomplished by local aid groups,
police, firefighters and neighbors before international teams arrive.
Also, in recent years most governments have established disaster
preparedness plans.
7. Relief needs are so intense that
almost anyone can fly to the scene to offer help
Professionals with specialized skills and overseas
disaster experience are often deployed to disaster sites. Volunteers
without those skills can do more harm than good, and siphon off
critical logistics and translations services. Hiring qualified disaster
survivors is much more cost efficient and provides much needed
employment.
8. Survivors feel lucky to be alive
Shock, trauma and the mourning for loved ones who died
are common among disaster survivors. Often, they wish it was they who
died instead of their loved ones. Treating these emotional needs is an
essential component of relief efforts.
9. Insurance and governments can cover
losses
The vast majority of the world's population has never
heard of an insurance policy. Further, governments of poor countries
can barely meet ongoing social service needs, let alone provide a
safety net like FEMA. Disaster survivors must bear these costs alone.
10. People are helpless in the face of
natural disasters
The United States is proof that tougher building codes,
early warning and disaster preparedness can save lives. Even in poor
countries, communities are taking steps to mitigate the loss of life in
future emergencies.
For more information on World Vision's response, or on ways the public
can help, please visit www.worldvision.org,
or phone 888-56-CHILD.
World Vision is a Christian relief
and development organization dedicated to helping children and their
communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes
of poverty.
Contact:
Sheryl Watkins (253) 815-2246 (office); (888) 787-3056 (pager)
Brian Peterson, (407) 445-6484 (office); (407) 491-2399 (cell)
Steve Quant, (253) 815-2652 (office); (206) 910-5949 (cell)
Dean R. Owen, (253) 815-2103 (office); (888) 734-8938 (pager)
Amy Parodi, (253) 815-2386 (office); (253) 709-3190 (cell)
.