Inequalities caused by disasters

It is well known that disasters do not affect people equally and some people are more vulnerable than others. Some of the more vulnerable people in disaster situations appears to be women, the elderly, children, the disabled, ethnic minority groups and recent migrants. These individuals are “at risk mainly due to lack of access to resources and lack of choices, rather than lack of knowledge”.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Access and use of infrastructure/services, Social exclusion, Socio-economic status, Ethnicity, Age-related roles, Gender roles, Customs/traditions/rituals, Norms/values

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, All disaster phases

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Consider vulnerable groups when designing and implementing disaster response measures