Disasters

Disasters affect humankind on a permanent basis. Millions of people have been affected during the last few decades. More and more people are suffering from the consequences of the particular type of disasters called "complex emergencies" (mainly the consequences of civil strife, terrorism, wars, and similar conflicts). Indeed the total number of refugees around the world is increasing and the number of civilians affected by complex emergencies is very high. Man's experience down through the ages has frequently been attended by disasters of one kind or another. Our ancestors were tested by naturally occurring disasters, whereas their modern descendants are also exposed to man-made hazards. In addition to loss of life and permanent disability of the victims, disasters produce considerable material damage. It is difficult to evolve a meaningful definition of the word disaster. Most dictionaries identify this as a calamity or major accident and, while this is correct, such a definition fails to reveal why a calamity or major accident should be a disaster. From a medical point of view it is important to construct a simple definition for a disaster and, at the same time, to outline the criteria for its classification. Definition, classification, and measurement creates a foundation for that part of medicine called disaster medicine