Foreigners and tourists as vulnerable groups in a disaster

Another group identified by Maltese participants as potentially more vulnerable during disasters were foreigners and tourists In particular, they felt that foreigners may lack the required local knowledge and experience.

Cultural Factors: Local knowledge

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Response

Types of Actors Concerned: Local authorities

Recommendations:

• Develop guidelines for disaster practitioners that take into consideration the different needs of and approaches to different ethnical groups
• Consider vulnerable groups when designing and implementing disaster response measures