The Disaster Cycle

Adapted from J Twigg, (2004) Disaster Risk Reduction,
Good Practice Review No. 9, Humanitarian Practice Network, ODI

Consider all phases of the disaster cycle to link short term humanitarian activity with longer term recovery needs.
Take measures to reduce disaster risk at every phase, where possible.
Disaster phases and preparedness, response and recovery needs will vary from one location or affected group to another.
In complex emergencies, there may be multiple crises, each at a different stage of development.
Only ‘life-saving’ activities are likely to be funded in the response phase.

Stages after disaster

RESPONSE	RECOVERY
Short term provision of emergency services during a slow onset emergency (e.g. conflict, drought) or immediately after a sudden-onset disaster (e.g. earthquake, industrial accident). High risk of mortality. Affected population are often the first responders. Immediate RELIEF focuses on saving lives e.g. search and rescue, critical medical care, food, drinking water. Ongoing RESPONSE focuses on reducing vulnerability and meeting basic needs e.g. family tracing, food, nutrition, health care, sanitation, water, shelter.	Longer term support in restoring ‘normal life’. Local ownership and participation of affected populations is critical to recovery. Important in linking humanitarian activity with longer term development plans. REHABILITATION focuses on public and social services, livelihoods, education and making changes needed due to the disaster impact e.g. protection measures. RECONSTRUCTION seeks to re-establish and improve infrastructure, housing and pre-disaster services and social conditions.

MITIGATION	PREPAREDNESS
Lessens the impact of hazards and related disasters. Important in disaster and conflict-prone settings. MITIGATION measures include public awareness and training, environmental and land use controls. PREVENTION measures include reinforced structures, physical barriers, restrictions and regulations.	Provisions to reduce vulnerability and increase government and civil society capacity to anticipate, respond to and recover from the impact of disasters. EARLY WARNING measures are important for natural disasters. Other measures: risk/vulnerability assessments, preparedness or CONTINGENCY PLANNING, public information /communication systems, stockpiling, designated shelters.

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Complex emergencies

Complex emergencies involve some form of conflict, which is often politically motivated.
They may be characterized as ‘slow-onset’ but there can be rapid escalation in a crisis and frequent repetition between the response and recovery phases due to intermittent periods of peace, minor and major violence.
The response phase may involve acute conflict and chronic instability/ fragility, followed by post-war restoration in the recovery phase.
Careful consideration needs to be given to conflict sensitivities, reaching the most vulnerable and civil military liaison needs.

‘Natural disasters’ occur due to natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, etc.
They may be ‘sudden’ or ‘slow onset’ emergencies
Some locations and populations are more vulnerable due to their geography, degree of poverty, environmental degradation, etc.
There is a strong focus on ‘recovery’ and a return to ‘normal life’.
All forms of disaster leave those affected more vulnerable to the impact of subsequent natural or man-made hazards.

Disaster mitigation – United Nations Disaster Management Training Programme USA 1994 [full details]

Handbook for Emergencies – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Switzerland 2007 [full details]

Manuel des situations d'urgence – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Switzerland [full details]

This page was last updated on 24 June 2011