Peacemaking, Complex Emergencies, and Disaster Response: What Happens, How Do You Respond?
Published Date: February 1, 1999
As part of a larger project for Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet examining the ability of afloat naval forces to respond to disasters and other emergencies in the CINCPACFLT area of interest, this paper looks at some of the requirements for disaster relief operations. It examines what disasters are likely to occur in the area of interest, how these disasters evolve, what response is required, and who meets these requirements when the military does not show up. Almost every type of disaster occurs in CINCPACFLT's area of interest, ranging from natural disasters to complex emergencies. Disasters evolve along a well-known trajectory, and the paper looks at timelines for the various types. Requirements for disaster response can vary widely according to the type of disaster, but vary less between events of the same general type. Another consistent fact we find in examining disaster relief operations is the growing capability of the non-government and international communities to respond.
