Pre-disaster and response activities in disaster management: Insights from an experts’ survey and document analysis

Emergencies, disasters, and catastrophes require urgent attention from communities and governments to both prevent and mitigate their impacts. Disaster management is a field of academic research and practical application that encompasses a comprehensive range of activities divided into three main phases: pre-disaster (preparedness and mitigation), response, and recovery. The pre-disaster phase includes efforts such as risk assessments as well as emergency planning and preparedness, while the response phase includes activities such as aid delivery. In this paper, the authors analyze how pre-disaster and response activities impact societies differently when facing various kinds of catastrophes. Specifically, scientific articles and official disaster management reports were reviewed to develop a document analysis that focuses on the pre-disaster and response operations performed in four different types of catastrophes: nuclear power plant accidents, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and landslides with distinct features around the world. Next, the study presents an experts’ survey and compares the findings with the document analysis. The results show that adequate and sufficient efforts in pre-disaster activities have a more significant impact on preserving lives and reducing the economic impact of catastrophes than response activities. Nevertheless, both pre-disaster and response activities are essential in confronting catastrophes and should be carried out. Operations managers working in humanitarian logistics should direct efforts and resources toward developing effective pre-disaster strategies in areas vulnerable to these risks.