The 21st Century: Urban Disaster Response, 2012.
Courtney BrownDirector, Humanitarian Assistance, CHF International
In the 19th and 20th centuries, disasters disproportionately affected more families in rural areas than in urban areas. Characterized by sparse populations living in close proximity to their food sources, rural disasters presented unique challenges which led to the creation of a standard way of providing help to families in need. By handing out food, distributing tents and water to families, providing healthcare, and creating rudimentary
sanitation infrastructure, aid organizations were able to meet the basic needs of most families.
The 21st century urban disaster will present unique challenges to the traditional approaches to disaster response. We can break down the challenge into three primary areas:
- From household to neighborhood— the focus of assistance
- Urban livelihoods
- The importance of markets
