abstract
In order to address the human side of geohazards, we will examine disaster response, preparedness and mitigation. Using the 2004 Sumatra earthquake and tsunami as a guide, we will evaluate the process of disaster management and allocation of resources as well as the procedure for implementing technicalfindings into public education as well as government policy. Drs. Walker (Tufts) and McAdoo (Vassar) will take the lead on this research theme. Dr. McAdoo participated in a post-disaster reconnaissance to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Aceh after the tsunami and Dr. Walker has extensive experience in relief
missions to regions struck by natural disasters as well as experience in implementing institutional change to mitigate disasters (e.g., Walker et al. 2005). We propose that Drs. McAdoo and Walker return to the Indian Ocean region twice over the course of the project to evaluate the disaster management and allocation of resources. One of the most significant challenges in the relief effort for the 2004 Tsunami is the large amount of aid that must be distributed within the first year following the disaster. Effective use of aid money will be a significant challenge and should be evaluated. Drs. McAdoo and Walker will share their findings with the research team through project seminars. The research will focus on the countries of East Africa, primarily Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan, and will look at the institutions of major aid agencies such as USAID, World Vision, Oxfam and UNICEF. The research will build on the ongoing work of the Feinstein International Famine Center at Tufts, which has a long track record in East Africa and with major international aid agencies. In addition, a parallel study of the 2004 Tsunami relief effort will connect the prior work done by this center with the work on geohazards in this proposal. Dr. Walker (Tufts) will interact with Dr. Nadim at ICG on this theme. In addition, Dr. Walker has an extensive, worldwide network of contacts. We plan to work with the Asian Disaster Reduction Center, a multi-nation organization whose primary goal is to promote international collaboration in the mitigation of natural disasters and to facilitate the sharing of information and expertise across national boundaries.
