The Basics of Managing Emergencies

The current challenges in humanitarian action are diverse, plentiful and sometimes daunting in nature. In many cases, only parts of needs and their root causes can be addressed. This includes the provision of drinking water in a water-scarce area, where the team leader of a humanitarian mission tolerates water tankering as a temporary solution. A well-communicated goal and an action-oriented approach contribute to optimising the outcome (in the case above, lower mortality) of actions taken. Managing emergencies further requires special organisational arrangements. For example, in flood-prone areas where the establishment of special water-borne equipment (boats for rescue and relief purposes) is crucial, the provision of adequate staff, team composition and specially trained personnel are necessary. This, in turn, will have positive implications for aid organisations both in regard to availability of resources (time, personnel and finances) and organisational set-up.