30 April 2011
NTS Perspectives (Issue No. 6 – Apr 2011) | (Un)natural Disasters: Health Responses after Natural Hazards in Southeast Asia
Abstract
Southeast Asia is certainly no stranger to natural hazards, having experienced some of the world’s worst. This paper argues that the occurrence of a natural hazard does not inevitably lead to a natural disaster. Whether a disaster results largely depends on pre-existing conditions, such as a country’s level of development and infrastructure, its social stability, and the availability and accessibility of healthcare facilities, as these are critical to the effectiveness of health responses.
Abstract
Southeast Asia is certainly no stranger to natural hazards, having experienced some of the world’s worst. This paper argues that the occurrence of a natural hazard does not inevitably lead to a natural disaster. Whether a disaster results largely depends on pre-existing conditions, such as a country’s level of development and infrastructure, its social stability, and the availability and accessibility of healthcare facilities, as these are critical to the effectiveness of health responses.
