Sequential ambiguity and uncertainty in the early stage of a disaster relief: A case study of the Bam earthquake

J Emerg Manag. 2020 Jan/Feb;18(1):75-79. doi: 10.5055/jem.2020.0451.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify issues that arose during the early response stage of the Bam earthquake as perceived by the aid workers. Eleven people who had been involved in the Bam earthquake response, and who were working for the Red Crescent in Iran or the Kerman University of Medical Science teams, were interviewed. These groups were two of the main organizations providing assistance to victims of the Bam earthquake. The authors used two nonrandom sampling methods, namely, purposive and snowball sampling. The interviewees identified two main barriers for achieving an effective response at the early stage aftermath of the earthquake, as follows: first, the lack of accurate information on the location and extent of the earthquake due to shortage in communication tools and, second, inadequate training on different challenges posed in relation to the disaster, before the earthquake occurred.

MeSH terms

  • Disaster Planning*
  • Disasters*
  • Earthquakes*
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Uncertainty*