Rapid needs assessments in disasters caused by natural hazards
Citation: Bosmans MWG, Baliatsas C, Yzermans CJ, et al. A systematic review of rapid needs assessments and their usefulness for disaster decision making: Methods, strengths and weaknesses and value for disaster relief policy. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 2022;19:102807.
Language: Abstract and full text available in EN.
Free to view: Yes.
Funding sources: Nothing noted.
What is this? Rapid and effective humanitarian aid following disasters caused by natural hazards and major crises is imperative to ensure the health and safety of the affected populations.
In this systematic review, the authors searched in March 2019 for peer-reviewed studies on rapid needs assessments (RNAs) for adults and children who were exposed disasters caused by natural hazards. The authors restricted their searches to English and focused on assessments done within 14 days of the event. They did not include longer lasting incidents, such as wars, droughts, or pandemics. The authors found 45 studies on hurricanes (21), cyclones (1), tropical storms (1), typhoons (1), tornados (1). extreme weather incidents (1), floods (1), tsunamis (4), earthquakes (7), volcanic eruptions (1), terrorist attacks (3), oil spills (2), and wildfires (1).
What was found: The authors found that RNAs often measured a limited sample at a single time-point. RNAs frequently included medical care, food, shelter, utilities, communication, safety, or access to medication. Physical health focused on disaster specific injuries, chronic conditions, or types of treatments. Mental health needs focused on specific disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic distress. RNAs rarely measured information or emotional support.
Implications: The authors of the review recommend that disaster response authorities bolster their level of preparedness and conduct RNAs beyond the initial occurrence of disasters caused by natural hazards. The authors noted the potential value of creating a platform for RNAs to be shared globally.
Other considerations: The authors of the review did not discuss their findings in the context of issues relating to health equity.
This summary was prepared by Beirut Ibrahim, checked by Briann Mensour, and finalized by William Summerskill.