Weaknesses during the disaster response management resulting from war operations and terrorism in Iraq

Abstract

Weaknesses in responding to disasters can increase the vulnerability of the people and cause damages to the property. Before tackling such weaknesses, it is important to identify these weaknesses in order to improve the immediate response process which will ultimately minimise the loss of lives and damage to property, and will in turn enhance disaster response practices. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the weaknesses of disaster response management in the context of Iraq. This paper presents the findings of an evaluation conducted on the disaster response management resulting from war operations and terrorism in Iraq. Both primary and secondary data have been reviewed through a multi-method qualitative research approach. Primary data has been gathered through intensive interviews with executives responsible for disaster response in the Iraqi General Directorate of Civil Defence, which is the main organisation responsible for responding to disasters in Iraq. Eleven weaknesses are identified in this paper, and linked to the four key components of effective disaster response management; namely, policy and administrative decisions, actors, operational activity, and technologies. The weaknesses identified are related to lack of resources, poor planning and coordination, poor distribution of resources, lack of awareness and education, unplanned development and attitudes and culture of local citizens. Weaknesses of disaster response lead to delays in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, hence the response is often fragmented, inefficient and ineffective leading to increased number of casualties and deaths.