bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bereavement and mourning after a shipping disaster: The case for intervention
Authors: Sharlin Shlomo A. , Mor‐Barak Michal
Published: December 2007

This paper describes the help given by the social services department of a shipping company to bereaved families following a shipping disaster. In the absence of clear, factual and prompt information from an authoritative source, there is a tendency for bereaved individuals to deny their loss and thereby delay the process of mourning and eventual recovery. Appropriate intervention and support can help to overcome this tendency as was seen in the Madasa case.
Health implications of the Tumaco earthquake, Colombia, 1979
Authors: Gueri M. , Guerra E.S. , Gonzalez L.E. , Martinez N.A. , Olivares A.V. , Rosero E. , de Goyet C. de Ville
Published: December 2007

A retrospective study of the effects of the Tumaco earthquake of 1979 shows a smaller number of deaths and injuries than in earthquakes of similar magnitude that have occurred elsewhere, which is probably related to the type of building. Most of the deaths were caused by a tsunami. Proportionally the mortality was higher in the 0 to 4 age group. Among the injured, most of the lesions were minor. Morbidity was higher in the over 45 years age group, and lower among the “under‐fives.” There was an evident need for a simple “disaster medical record card.” Coordination among the different relief agencies could have been better.
Is the environment becoming more hazardous?—A global survey 1947 to 1980
Authors: Shah Bindi V.
Published: December 2007

This paper examines the assertion that natural disasters are increasingly destructive using evidence from disaster reports during the period 1947–1980. The criteria for judging the impact of a given natural disaster are chiefly loss of life and the extent of the geographical area affected. In spite of uneveness and bias in the reporting of sudden impact disasters the conclusions are that both the frequency of disasters and number of people killed are increasing. Further research into the social consequences of disasters and the need for disaster preparedness training programmes are recommended.
Tsunami caused by the Japan Sea earthquake of 1983
Authors: Shuto Nobuo
Published: December 2007

The Japan Sea coast of Hokkaido and northern parts of the mainland were attacked by tsunamis (seismic sea‐waves) and one hundred lives were lost, following the earthquake of May 1983. No tsunamis had previously been captured on so many photographs and video‐cameras as this one. This note briefly describes the main features of this event.
Public health aspects of volcanic hazards; Evaluation and prevention of excessive morbidity and mortality due to natural disasters
Authors: Bernstein Robert S. , Buist A. Sonia
Published: December 2007

This is a summary of the proceedings of sessions on Volcanic Hazards at the First International Symposium on Public Health in Asia and the Pacific Basin, held 3–11th March 1983, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Symposium was sponsored by the Association of Schools of Public Health, the U.S. Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the South Pacific Commission, and the East–West Center of the University of Hawaii. The full proceedings are being prepared for publication. The Symposium was supported in part by: The Pan American Health Organization and The Amoco Foundation.
The disaster warning process: A study of the 1981 Gujarat cyclone
Authors: Sinha Arbind K. , Avrani Shirish U.
Published: December 2007

This paper reports on the channels through which warning of the impending disastrous cyclone of October–November 1981 was received and disseminated in the districts and villages of Gujarat in Northwest India. The process is slow and laborious, and efforts are in hand to improve the speed and efficiency of warning methods. Some of the problems likely to be encountered are discussed.
Community response to hazard information
Authors: McKay Jennifer M.
Published: December 2007

The impact of flood hazard information on public acceptance of a selected flood mitigation strategy was assessed by an analysis of the content of newspaper reports of community reaction and letters to the editor. The impact of personal delivery of a flood hazard map on individual perception of risk and attitude to such information was assessed using personal interviews. The results indicated that media coverage of the flood hazard information reduced public criticism of the works. This result must be partially attributable to the dramatic style of media coverage and the fact that the media only emphasized the positive value of the works. The interview demonstrated that personal delivery of the information raised perception of risk, improved comprehension of flood risk, had no impact on acceptability of risk but discouraged some respondents from seeking such information in the future. Factors to explain the last negative change were identified to be the format of the map sheet and low salience of flood hazard. On the basis of all results, methods to improve community response to hazard information are provided.
Australia's organized response to natural disaster: Background and theoretical analysis
Authors: Britton Neil R.
Published: December 2007

An analysis of organizations involved in response to disaster within Australia is offered. The location of these key organizations within the existing institutional framework, and a discussion of the functions of each, together with the relationships between them is provided. Particular emphasis is placed on the location and role of the State and Territory Emergency Service organizations (S/TES's) within this organizational network. The paper suggests there are a number of constraints that operate upon the S/TES's which prejudice both the effectiveness of this organizational type and that of the entire organizational network. These constraints are analyzed in terms of power and influence variables. The outcome of this discussion is the development of a taxonomy of Australia's counter‐disaster organizations that is based on: (1) the ability of individual organizations within the network to determine the role which it will perform; and (2) the potential of the organization to influence the direction of the network.
Malnutrition and anaemia among Somali refugee children in long term camps
Authors: Dunbar Sally
Published: December 2007

In a long term Somali refugee camp where nutritional and general health status of children is now considered satisfactory and stable, a randomized community based survey of 300 children under five years was undertaken. Results indicate that the prevalence of protein‐energy malnutrition is rising again: 17.3% of children are <80% median weight/height and 1.7% are <70%median weight/height. In addition, there is a high prevalence of anaemia: 50.5% have a haemoglobin level <9g% and 10.8%≤6g%. This cannot be explained by chronic malaria as the spleen rate is only 2%. Stool examination of 161 children show 29.8% to have evidence of Giardia Lamblia infection but this is not statistically correlated with either anaemia or with protein‐energy malnutrition. Other potentially pathogenic parasites are uncommon and no hookworm is seen. Examination of blood films of anaemic children shows hypochromia as a striking feature.

It is concluded that nutritional deficiencies are a likely major factor in the aetiology of the anaemia. Both protein‐energy malnutrition and anaemia seem related to the weaning period. Food rations for refugees, although adequate for short term needs, may be qualitatively deficient for long term subsistence, especially as regards young children.
A multi‐hazard history of Antigua*
Authors: Lewis James
Published: December 2007

Antigua experiences earthquakes, droughts and hurricanes. To isolate for study each of these as they occur, would be to over simplify the inter‐relationships between the aftereffects of one and the occurrence and the effects of the next. Moreover, there will be conditions arising from factors outside the natural disaster spectrum which bear upon, and are themselves affected by, all of these phenomena.

This interplay of events and conditions is readily illustrated in the case of island countries, which have a natural and clearly defined containment. Such interrelationships suggest a complex human‐ecological system which must be recognized if environmental balance and compatability are to be maintained – particularly in respect of hazards. This documentary analysis of the colonial era in Antigua, has to conclude for the time being with questions concerning the environmental effectiveness of imported systems of administration which, with no knowledge of comparable natural hazards, assumed sectoral separation.
Training Community Health Workers in refugee camps: A case study from Pakistan
Authors: Cutts Felicity
Published: December 2007

In October 1983 a training programme for refugee community health workers was begun as the major part of a primary health care programme for Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The programme began with a pilot period in Badaber camp, situated near to Peshawar. The general issues involved in training auxiliary health personnel were answered by the use of a “knowledge, attitudes and practices survey” and involvement of the refugees from the beginning of the programme. The development of the training programme is discussed with reference to these issues and the constraints arising from the special circumstances of the refugees, in addition to those common to most national training programmes, are reviewed.
Shelters from the storm: A note on the geography of hurricane shelters in Barbados, 1982
Authors: Scantlebury Michael G.
Published: December 2007

Barbados, a small island of 166 square miles in the Caribbean, with a population of 246,416 persons, has a total of 177 emergency shelters with a known capacity of 20,623 persons. The average shelter capacity is 117 persons and the total known shelter capacity represents 8.4% of the population.

The spatial arrangement of the grade I shelters, as seen relative to the 1980 population census map by grouped enumeration districts, reveals that there are many areas and persons, who, in time of emergency, will not be able to avail themselves of the protection of a shelter.
Hurricanes and agriculture: Losses and remedial actions*
Authors: Hammerton John L. , George Calixte , Pilgrim Ronald
Published: December 2007

Hurricanes cause serious and long‐term damage to the Agricultural sectors of Caribbean countries. Bananas and tree crops are defoliated, snapped or uprooted and food crops may be flooded or washed away. Recovery takes time and money as both the production bases and the infrastructure are damaged or destroyed. National economies do not have the resources to expedite recovery without aid. An account is given of the actions taken to estimate losses and prepare rehabilitation plans after Hurricanes David (1979) in Dominica and Allen (1980) in St. Lucia and St. Vincent.

The implementation of funding agency‐assisted agricultural rehabilitation programmes is also described. Some steps that farmers can take to reduce loss of food are suggested.
Relief workers and violations of humanitarian law: Some legal considerations
Authors: Meyer Michael A.
Published: December 2007

This paper examines the various legal constraints upon action by relief workers when faced with violations of human rights or of humanitarian law. The unique status of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and its delegates is explained and contrasted with the position of relief organizations and their personnel under the Geneva Conventions 1949 and their Additional Protocol I 1977. Proposals are made for the establishment of guidelines for action by relief workers when confronted with atrocities and for the training of relief workers in the relevant laws and procedures.
The politics of drought: The pauperization of lsiolo Boran
Authors: Hogg Richard
Published: December 2007

Isiolo Boran are becoming a population of permanent paupers. During the colonial period they were protected from Somali incursions, and their way of life preserved. Since Independence, however, largely as a result of increasing government intervention and market integration, they have become caught in a vicious spiral of poverty and decline.
Snow avalanche hazards in the Glen Nevis and Glen Coe areas of Scotland
Authors: Heywood D.I. , Tufnell L.
Published: December 2007

Until quite recently, snow avalanches in Britain had caused only a few deaths and the occasional destruction of property. Since about 1950, however, the number of people involved in avalanche accidents has risen sharply, particularly in Scotland. The main reason for this has been the growing popularity of mountaineering. This paper examines the situation in the Glen Nevis and Glen Coe areas of the Western Highlands. The types of avalanche occurring at these localities are briefly discussed and relationships between avalanche characteristics and accidents are examined. Mountaineers are the group chiefly responsible for the increase of avalanche deaths and injuries in the Glen Nevis and Glen Coe areas. Responses to the hazard are considered and these are shown to be inadequate. As elsewhere in Scotland, much more research is needed if a further worsening of the problem is to be avoided.
The responses of professional fire‐fighters to disaster
Authors: Innes J.M. , Clarke Adrienne
Published: December 2007

This paper reports the results of a survey of the physical and mental reactions of a group (N= 72) of members of the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) who were engaged in fighting the bushfires close to Adelaide, 16th‐19th February 1983. A questionnaire, designed to elicit reports on both physical and mental reactions to exposure to the fire, as well as perceptions of several measures of social strain and social support, was administered to the firefighters when they came off duty. The results reported show the possible influence of role strain factors in predicting mental reactions, and also demonstrate what may be mediating effects of perceived social support. The paper also discusses methodological problems affecting this and other studies of the reactions of emergency service personnel to disaster.
The Manchester earthquake of 14th September 1111: A re‐appraisal of contemporary reports
Authors: Melville C.P.
Published: December 2007

In September 1777 a strong shock of earthquake was widely experienced in the Manchester area. Thanks largely to the density of population in this area and to the fact that the shock occurred on a Sunday morning when many people were in church, the earthquake attracted considerable attention; despite its modest size, it is one of the best documented earthquakes recorded before the 19th century. Analysis of contemporary literature of the event reveals something of the outlook of the society affected and suggests how circumstances of time and place influence the level of information available about early earthquakes. The earthquake caused minor damage but no loss of life. It is nevertheless shown to be a larger event than previously identified.
The impact of refugees on the health status and health services of host communities: Compounding bad with worse?
Authors: Dick Bruce
Published: December 2007

Although there have been a number of recent developments in our understanding of refugee health problems that have influenced policies and action, the effects of refugees on the health status and services of host communities remain relatively neglected. This article sets out to explain why this is an important issue with implications for policy, planning surveillance and evaluation, training and research.

The first sections outline some of the problems facing host governments and communities in Africa and discuss the changing rhetoric between the first and second International Conferences for Assistance to Refugees in Africa. A number of possible ways in which refugees could affect the individual, agent and environmental causes of disease are considered, as are the characteristics of the refugees, the host communities and the response which may all modify this impact.

Policy implications of the impact of the refugees, both negative and positive, are discussed, and detailed consideration is given to the pros and cons of integrated and parallel approaches to health care provision. The need to monitor carefully the health status and services of host communities is emphasized and recommendations are made for this and other essential developments relating to training and research.
The politics of disaster – Nicaragua
Authors: Bommer Julian
Published: December 2007

The occurrence of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, are, in themselves, beyond oar control. However, careful preparation before such events, and the correct management of the problem once it occurs, can both lead to major redaction of the suffering involved.

Disaster preparation and emergency planning are both inextricably linked to politics and economics, both on a national and an international scale. Disasters themselves raise a number of issues of a political or economic nature, and die response to a natural disaster both in the short and the long term is largely determined by the political relations within a country, and between that country and the international community.

This paper examines these issues by taking the examples of the earthquake of Managua, Nicaragua in 1972 and the flooding that occurred in Nicaragua in 1982. These two natural disasters occurred under different administrations in Nicaragua, and tills allows some interesting comparisons.
Prospects for improved hurricane protection on oceanic islands: Hawaii after Hurricane Iwa *
Authors: Mitchell James K.
Published: December 2007

Hurricane Iwa (23rd November 1982) produced Hawaii's costliest natural disaster and revealed serious flaws in the area's hurricane preparedness, response and mitigation programs. Twenty‐eight months later, a follow‐up study showed that impacted communities and facilities had been reconstructed with only selective and limited attention to mitigating future coastal storm hazards. Prospects for the reduction of hazard vulnerability on oceanic islands through post‐disaster mitigation measures are assessed in the light of Hawaii's experience.
Recovery following the Gediz earthquake: a study of four villages of western Turkey
Authors: D'Souza Frances
Published: December 2007

This paper is the result of a social and economic survey of four villages in the Gediz region of South West Anatolia, Turkey, which was undertaken in two phases, October/November 1982 and March/April 1984. The specific aims of this survey were to define what was perceived as recovery in the local social, cultural and economic context and to measure recovery in communities which had suffered different degrees of distress and loss following the earthquake and, consequently, had received different amounts and kinds of assistance from the government. Essentially, therefore, the survey sought to answer the question – how far did the government programme of assistance promote recovery and over what period of time? The implications of such an inquiry concern what constitutes appropriate assistance following earthquake in rural communities. It is hoped that studies of this kind can help to guide decision making of both national governments and international humanitarian organizations on the role of material aid in the process of recovery. This is particularly urgent in view of the fact that preliminary investigations of other small rural and under‐developed communities struck by earthquake suggest that material aid may actually preclude recovery in the longer term.
A building education programme in North Yemen
Authors: Leslie Jolyon
Published: December 2007

In December 1982 the central highlands of the Yemen Arab Republic suffered an earthquake that caused extensive damage to traditional buildings in the area. In the aftermath of the relief effort for victims of the disaster, a project was set up to provide local builders with simple information about the means of strengthening homes. This education programme has now been running for almost three years. This report describes the activities of the project, and assesses some of the issues that emerge from this kind of education work, and the methods that have been used.
Toxicological mass disaster management – a hospital deployment scheme
Authors: Baniel J. , Ram Z. , Kami A. , Schindel D.
Published: December 2007

Toxicological mass disasters have occurred frequently in past years and constitute a permanent threat in urban areas. From the standpoint of hospital planning, special consideration is required to treat a large number of poisoned casualties in a relatively short period. Several unique medical aspects characterize toxicological mass disasters: casualties present a single disease entity with many “borderline” cases, most medical personnel are unfamiliar with the problem and casualties present a potential contamination hazard to the hospital. A hospital deployment scheme is presented recommending Decontamination, Triage and simple Treatment Algorithms to meet the medical and organizational challenge of such a mass casualty situation. A further specific deployment scheme for treatment of organophosphorus agents poisoning is described to illustrate the principles presented.
The development of aid agency policy on the use of imported biscuits in emergency relief
Authors: Young Helen
Published: December 2007

During 1985 more than 5,000 tonnes of biscuits consisting of twenty‐eight different brands were sent to Ethiopia and Sudan for emergency relief feeding. They were freely available to recognized agencies operating feeding programmes. Biscuits were popular with programme supervisors as few resources (fuel, staff and personnel) were required for their preparation and distribution. They were also popular with beneficiaries.

Different aspects of biscuits were examined and characteristics considered important included: nutritional composition, acceptability to beneficiaries, packaging, the biscuit dimensions, shelf‐life and accompanying information (nutritional composition, ingredients and guidelines for use).

The results of a field study indicated that biscuits have a limited, but useful, role to play in the early stages of emergency relief. Based on the study, guidelines for both donors and users, on the use of food aid biscuits were developed, which emphasize their joint responsibility in minimizing the misuse of biscuits.
Food aid and food crisis in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Statistical trends and implications*
Authors: Benson Charlotte , Clay Edward J.
Published: December 2007

This paper documents the rapid expansion and changes in food aid flows to Sub‐Saharan Africa up to mid‐1985.

Trends for Sub‐Saharan Africa as a whole and for the more seriously affected countries are examined, as are the comparative experiences of food aid of individual countries in the region. Table 11 lists the Sub‐Saharan African countries and indicates the most seriously affected food‐short countries, as defined by the WFP/FAO task force.

It should be borne in mind that some practical problems exist in compiling data on food aid. These include lack of availability of reliable data, especially of most recent data; lack of common terminology and definitions; and different accounting systems. These data problems are sometimes a source of confusion. However, the basic facts are clear: food aid gradually emerged during the early 1980s as a resource too often of considerable significance to many countries of Sub‐Saharan Africa. These trends were only accelerated with the crisis of 1984–1985. These facts provide a point of reference for further analysis of the sources of the crisis, its actual dimensions and consequences.
Agricultural and non‐agricultural settlements for drought‐afflicted pastoralists in Somalia
Authors: Hitchcock Robert K. , Hussein Hassan
Published: December 2007

The severe drought of 1973–1975 in Somalia had major impacts on pastoral populations, many of whom moved into specially established camps where food, water and medical assistance were provided by the government and international agencies. At the end of the drought it was decided to settle the remaining 120,000 people in six settlements, three of which were agricultural and three oriented towards fishing. This paper analyzes these settlements, with particular attention paid to agricultural systems, organization and socioeconomic characteristics. Some of the problems facing the settlements included their location, administrative structure and relative overemphasis on social services as opposed to development of production and income generating activities. It is shown that the socioeconomic viability of settlements would be enhanced if careful studies were undertaken beforehand and if a diversified development strategy were employed.
Snow‐avalanche hazards, Southern Glacier National Park, Montana: The nature of local knowledge and individual responses
Authors: Butler David R.
Published: December 2007

A survey was conducted of well‐educated residents of East Glacier Park, Montana, who are frequently isolated by snow avalanches. It showed that people in this area do not alter driving habits during times of avalanche danger, are not aware of the local avalanche warning system, and have not efficiently garnered information about the avalanche hazard.
Disaster preparedness and regional training on nine Caribbean islands: A longterm evaluation
Authors: Toulmin Llewellyn M.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents an analysis and evaluation of emergency preparedness and regionalized training on nine Caribbean islands during the period of 1980 to 1985. Preparedness on the islands is measured in numerous ways, including the existence and comprehensiveness of the disaster plan; existence and adequacy of district organizations; existence of an emergency operations centre; frequency of drills; adequacy of communications; and various other indicators. The regionalized training, which was provided out of a small, internationally‐funded unit in Antigua, is evaluated in terms of the contribution it made to Caribbean preparedness during the period. Various management difficulties are analyzed and recommendations made for future, similar programs.
Post‐disaster behavior of some communicable diseases
Authors: Gomez Ney Guzman , de Sarmiento Ninfa
Published: December 2007

The surveillance of communicable diseases after a natural disaster reflects the permanent state of effectiveness of the health services and the adverse factors of the natural, physical and family environments. Diarrhoeal diseases may be the best indicator of a community's period of recovery. The return of these diseases to endemic levels means that the pre‐disaster situation has been reestablished.
Injury prevention in natural disasters. A theoretical framework
Authors: Noji Eric K. , Sivertson Keith T.
Published: December 2007

A theoretical framework for conceptualizing injury patterns in natural disasters is described. In this conceptual framework, natural disasters are divided chronologically into predisaster, disaster and postdisaster phases. Within each phase, four factors (human, engineering/technological, physical environmental and socioeconomic) are identified that play an important role in the causation of injury. By combining these phases and factors into a three by four matrix, one may begin to identify points in the natural history or evolution of a disaster that may be amenable to therapeutic or preventive intervention. The application of this proposed three‐phase matrix model to a disaster will permit researchers to reduce a large, complex problem into more manageable, conceptually simpler parts. It may also be of value to disaster planners by suggesting preventive and mitigation measures, as well as aiding in the setting of priorities so that scarce resources can be allocated to achieve maximum reduction of injuries.
A Tribute to Chris, Clare, Tommy and Louise Rolf and Sally Rockett
Authors: COUNCIL BRITISH REFUGEE
Published: December 2007

Member agencies of the British Refugee Council have been shocked by the murder of their colleagues and two of their children in Khartoum in May. But all have stressed the need to continue with the work which is so desperately needed to assist refugees not only in Sudan, but in the Horn of Africa and the rest of the continent.
National Organizations and Famine Early Warning The Case of Mali1
Authors: KOENIG DOLORES
Published: December 2007

In the Sahelian countries of West Africa, the problems of drought and famine are sufficiently long term to justify the existence of permanent food security agencies. Yet donors are reluctant to fund these agencies when there is not a crisis, forcing poor countries to use their own resources for food security and famine early warning efforts. To make more effective use of limited resources and since the data needs for effective famine early warning are similar to those for basic rural development, information systems to provide data simultaneously for development projects and famine early warning should be developed and supported. In Mali, one of the larger and poorer countries of the West African Sahel, basic information systems which gather a range of appropriate data already exist, but there need to be improvements in the quality of design and the timeliness of analysis to make the information more useful for either development or famine early warning.
Natural Hazard Reporting in the UK Press
Authors: WRATHALL JAMES E.
Published: December 2007

Important sources of information concerning world natural hazards are provided by the mass media, especially newspapers. The nature, depth and consistency of the reporting, however, varies considerably depending upon the journalistic approach of the newspaper and on the perceived ‘newsworthiness’ of a disaster. Intensive events are much more likely to receive attention than pervasive hazards but other contributory factors play a part, such as the day, time, severity in terms of damage and loss of life, and location of the event. This paper reflects on the reporting of natural hazards in UK newspapers and is based on an analysis of press cuttings taken over a period of twelve months. The survey indicated that there is a very uneven coverage of world disasters, that location maps are scarce, and that valuable follow‐up reporting is minimal.
Evaluative Research in a Refugee Camp: The Effectiveness of Community Health Workers in Khao I Dang Holding Center, Thailand
Authors: KELLER SHERYL , MONGKOLPUET LISA POLLEY
Published: December 2007

An evaluation of Khmer refugee public health services found a strong cultural preference for older females as Community Health Workers (CHWs), in contrast to the young males employed. Class conflicts were identified between educated, upper‐class CHWs and the uneducated camp majority. Poor community acceptance of the CHWs impaired their effectiveness, and was attributed to age, sex and socioeconomic barriers. Based on these evaluation findings, the refugee health program was restructured to include a preponderance of female workers. A repeat survey demonstrated enhanced program effectiveness following this change.

Selection of refugee health workers should be based on intrinsic community roles, taking age, sex, socioeconomic and other group distinctions into account. Additional research is needed on the adaptation of community health principles to the refugee context.
Limitations of Anthropometry During Acute Food Shortages: High Mortality Can Mask Refugees' Deteriorating Nutritional Status
Authors: Nieburg Phillip , Berry Angela M. , Steketee Richard W. , Binkin Nancy J. , Dondero Timothy J. , Aziz Nabil
Published: December 2007

Longitudinal comparison of anthropometric data from cross‐sectional surveys is commonly used to assess nutritional status in relief operations. In a refugee camp in Sudan, assessment indicated a high level of childhood malnutrition, but nutritional status appeared relatively unchanged between cluster sample surveys in January (26.3% below 80% of median weight‐for‐height) and March 1985 (28.4% below 80% of median weight‐for‐height). However, in this interval, which was marked by irregular food supplies and relatively low energy (calorie) intake as well as by a high incidence of diarrhoeal disease and measles, nearly 13% of all children in the camp died. This deceptive appearance of stability in nutritional status in the face of high mortality may be explained by ongoing nutritional deterioration (“replacement malnutrition”) among surviving children. These findings demonstrate that collection and analysis of mortality data are essential for the correct interpretation of anthropometric results during periods of uncertain food supply.
Tuberculosis in a Refugee Camp: A campaign to reduce transmission
Authors: TOSCAN LETIZIA , RICHARD MICHELLE
Published: December 2007

In November 1985, tuberculosis was highly prevalent among the 6,250 Tigrayan refugees ofFau I camp in Eastern Sudan. It was therefore decided to launch an active case‐finding campaign aimed at decreasing transmission, to be carried out by primary health care workers. The entire population of the camp was screened for symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis and the sputum of people with productive cough was examined by direct microscopy. However, it was considered that this examination was insufficiently sensitive in the camp situation. For this reason, people with non‐productive cough or sputum‐negative were enrolled in a follow‐up program whose length was determined by the severity of their symptoms.

The campaign was interrupted by circumstances that are typical of refugee situations. On the basis of results obtained a few conclusions can nonetheless be made on the appropriateness of introducing an active screening program in situations where a stable refugee population has good access to basic health care of good quality.
The Spatial and Temporal Variability of Residential Real Estate Values in Response to Flooding
Authors: MONTZ BURRELL E. , TOBIN GRAHAM A.
Published: December 2007

A relationship between residential property values and the incidence of flooding is represented, using a case study of two Californian communities that were flooded following a levee break. Analysis of the real estate market before and after the flood shows that the flood was capitalized into housing values, whereby both list and selling prices dropped immediately and have recently begun to recover. However, recovery of the market is not uniform throughout the floodplain. Houses that suffered eighteen inches of water recovered to near pre‐flood values in less than one year. In contrast, houses that had approximately ten feet of water in them have not recovered to the same extent, indicating that capitalization and recovery do not occur evenly. These findings suggest that policies and programs should address these spatial and temporal differences in recovery, which are expected to vary with different flood frequencies and magnitudes.
Surveillance for Adverse Health Effects Following a Chemical Release in West Virginia
Authors: BARON ROY C. , ETZEL RUTH A. , SANDERSON LEE M.
Published: December 2007

On 11 August 1985, a large inadvertent release occurred from a chemical manufacturing plant in Institute, West Virginia. The emission was related to overheating of a storage tank that contained chemicals for the production of aldicarb, a cholinesterase inhibiting pesticide. As a result of this emission, 136 persons were treated in five local emergency rooms, 29 of whom were hospitalized for one or more days, mostly for observation. No fatalities resulted. Interviews with treated persons and non‐treated community residents confirmed that the health effects were transient and compatible with exposure to irritating vapors rather than with exposure to methyl isocyanate (a chemical used in the process) or to aldicarb. Only 5% of the treated persons and 5% of the community residents surveyed were adequately warned of the emission by the plant siren. Because persons in the nearby community are potentially vulnerable to chemical injury, we recommend the development of an improved warning system, a formal evacuation procedure, and other measures to limit exposure of persons in this area in the event of a future release.
Patterns of Giving and Receiving Help During Severe Winter Conditions: A Research Note
Authors: NEAL DAVID M. , PERRY JOSEPH B. , GREEN KEN , HAWKINS RANDOLPH
Published: December 2007

Severe winter conditions and blizzards may cause persons to be stranded, unable to move from one place to another. Being stranded under such conditions can be life‐threatening and often requires help. This is a study of giving and receiving help among people who were stranded during severe winter conditions and blizzards in Bowling Green, Ohio, USA and the surrounding countryside in 1976–1977. Mail questionnaire data were collected from the Bowling Green, Ohio telephone directory which included listings from both rural and urban areas. The family, followed by friends and neighbors, were most important in the giving and receiving of help. There was little difference between the responses of rural and urban residents. Propinquity was found to be an important intervening variable.
Agriculture and Food Security in Ethiopia
Authors: WINER NICHOLAS
Published: December 2007

Food security in Ethiopia is discussed in the context of the repeated famines and the international responses both to them and to the socialist agricultural policies being pursued by Ethiopia. Increasing concern has been expressed by the international donor community regarding the ability of Ethiopia to absorb development funds without a major shift in emphasis in agricultural policy‐making. The background to Ethiopia's present vulnerability is shown both in terms of the size of the vulnerable population and in terms of the poor performance of the agricultural sector in the last decade. The author looks at the present agricultural and marketing policy reforms and questions whether they are sufficient to generate the sort of international response needed to create the level of food security that would be required to avert future famines.
Determining the Future Policies for Disaster Management in the Southwest Pacific
Authors: OLIVER JOHN
Published: December 2007

There are still deficiencies in the delivery of disaster aid and the overall policies need further re‐examination. This paper looks at the particular circumstances of the island nations of the Southwest Pacific. In their context, dependence on outside help for counter‐disaster management is recognised, but in the light of the present economic, social, cultural and political characteristics of these countries, it is concluded that aid donors should shift the emphasis of their activities to the promotion of a greater self‐help approach in the individual countries, as against the provision of emergency material aid from outside. The extent to which this policy could be adopted depends on the local resource base. Rather than relying mainly on emergency ad hoc aid delivery following each disaster, it is considered that donors would improve the disaster response through the previous provision of advice, training and funds. This would facilitate the growth and development of internal counter‐disaster organizatons, and assist countries to make their own decisions on the timing and nature of the aid required. Such a policy could also meet concerns that arise about external interference.
Post‐Disaster Housing Reconstruction and Social Inequality: A Challenge to Policy and Practice
Authors: OLIVER‐SMITH ANTHONY
Published: December 2007

In post‐disaster reconstruction the social aspects of housing provision are important for the success of both emergency shelters and permanent housing, particularly in settlements that have been permanently relocated or entirety rebuilt. The social dimensions of housing reconstruction after disaster are discussed in the context of the long‐term effects of reconstruction after the Yungay, Peru Earthquake‐Avalanche of 1970. Consideration of these issues presents questions regarding the tension between continuity and change in affected populations, the importance of pre‐disaster socio‐economic patterns for reconstruction and the criteria used for assessing the success of post‐disaster reconstruction and development projects. The author contends that post‐disaster housing reconstruction must avoid rebuilding structures which reflect, sustain and reproduce patterns of inequality and exploitation.
The Uses of Satellite Technology in Disaster Management
Authors: WALTER LOUIS S.
Published: December 2007

Various kinds of Satellites, including communications, meteorology, remote sensing and geophysics satellites, are, or may become, useful tools in disaster prevention, preparedness and relief. They already provide operational capability for storm warnings and search‐and‐rescue efforts. Other capabilities, such as improved flood prediction and global mobile communications during relief, are close within reach. Still others, such as earthquake prediction, require considerable research. Close cooperation and communication between space technologists and disaster‐management specialists will be needed in guiding research and designing and testing satellite systems. It is hoped that the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction can provide a framework for such activities.
Towards the Evaluation of Natural Resource Management Projects in the Sahel
Authors: SKINNER J.R.
Published: December 2007

Recent drought in the Sahel has focussed attention on the important role played by natural resources in the rural economy and, together with the increasing environmental awareness of donors, has spawned a series of field projects aimed at improving the management of existing natural resources. This paper is a working document; a contribution to the discussion of how to evaluate the success or failure of natural resource management projects and of whether important components of successful projects can be replicated elsewhere.
Pastoral and Environmental Security in East Africa
Authors: ORNAS ANDERS HJORT AF
Published: December 2007

The most vulnerable people in Third World countries are often accused of destroying forests and fragile ecosystems and of practising destructive forms of agriculture and animal husbandry. The key to environmental sustainability, however, lies in more reliable production and food security at the local level. This article focuses on individual and household security amongst dryland herders in East Africa. The most crucial aspect of pastoral viability is the maintenance of a balance between family herd and size of household. Risk‐spreading, through dependence on relatives, the borrowing of animals, redistribution through marriage etc. is a general principle of social behaviour amongst these peoples. Consideration of local‐level security, furthermore, reveals the connection between ecological stress and political conflict. Only by establishing secure access to food for individuals and families can sustainable development and political security, not only at the local but also at the national and international levels, be achieved.
Monitoring and Responding to Famine: Lessons from the 1984 – 85 Food Crisis in Kenya
Authors: DOWNING THOMAS E.
Published: December 2007

The geographic and temporal scale of institutional responses to food crises suggests three levels of food information or famine early warning system: a seasonal national food balance, baseline data on household food poverty and estimates of vulnerability to climatic and economic variations, and targeted interventions based on individual entitlements and food deprivation. Stimulating the demand for food information, beyond the need to forecast famines, is a crucial factor in the adoption of improved monitoring systems. Issues in the design of food information systems are illustrated by the experience in Kenya in 1984–85. The government of Kenya responded to the 1984 drought and ensuing food crisis to prevent widespread famine, largely through timely commercial imports of yellow maize. Although qualified by the nature of the drought and Kenya's economic development, this success story emphasises the need to improve food information systems.
A Pattern of Disasters and Victims
Authors: TAYLOR ANTONY J.
Published: December 2007

Two three‐dimensional conceptual models are presented that should help those concerned with disasters and disaster victims to integrate the numerous studies on the topic. The first, concerning disasters, involves matters ecological, technological and social scientific. It covers the elements earth, air, fire, water/liquid, and people. It includes the time dimensions of preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. The second introduces a six‐fold classification of victims, together with dimensions to cover the methods and kinds of delivery of different interventions that might be made available to help them. The suggestion is that, were the appropriately noted victim model placed within the larger disaster model according to the types of disaster study being examined, there might be useful academic, political, and professional implications.
Planning for Chemical Disasters in Greece
Authors: PSOMAS STILIANOS
Published: December 2007

A mathematical model named DISASTER was applied in the Thessaloniki area for the assessment of potential hazards resulting from major accidents in local chemical industries. Some of these hazards are too severe to ignore and immediate measures are therefore required. Such measures need to comply with the EEC Directive 82/501/EEC on major accidents. The implementation of the Directive by the Greek authorities is examined and discussed.
Successes and Failures in Post‐Disaster Resettlement
Authors: OLIVER‐SMITH ANTHONY
Published: December 2007

In this article I examine the problem of the resettlement of populations after disaster. After considering the complexity of the resettlement process in general and the reasons resettlement is often chosen by authorities following disaster, I discuss a theoretical perspective from development project resettlement which may have relevance for disaster research. This is followed by an examination of those factors in post‐disaster resettlement projects which have proved important in affecting successful or unsuccessful outcomes. Site, layout, housing and popular input are presented as crucial issues in the determination of success or failure in post‐disaster resettlement. Case material from Turkey, Iran and Peru is presented to illustrate how failure to attend to these issues produces unsuccessful resettlement villages. Case material from Turkey is used to illustrate how attention to these factors improves chances of success in resettlement. Material from cases of voluntary, spontaneous post‐disaster resettlement in Guatemala is also presented to underscore the importance of popular participation for successful resettlement despite insufficiencies in design and material inputs. The article ends with a brief consideration of resistance to resettlement and alternative policies.