Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: ReflectionsOnce again, with the recent earthquakes in Ecuador and Japan, we are reminded of the unpredictable nature of lifehow everything can change without a moment's notice.We are also reminded of disaster responses, the need to be prepared, the need for cooperation and collaboration across disciplines and international borders, and the need for resilience.On April 16, 2016 (Japanese Standard Time, JST), an earthquake measuring 6.2 struck near Ueki City, Japan.Within days, a second, more powerful quake hit near the city of Kumanoto, "toppling buildings and bridges, shredding sections of landmarks into pieces of debris, and sending frightened residents fleeing from their homes into the night" (Oguro, Park, Wakasuki, & Sanchez, 2016).That same day, (Ecuador Time, ECT), a devastating earthquake that had a 7.8 magnitude hit coastal Ecuador, killing hundreds, injuring thousands, and leaving many more homelesssome sleeping in shelters, others outside.Aftershocks, destroyed bridges, and landslides now obstruct transportation to devastated areas.Victims, grateful to have survived, are uncertain about what to do now (Shoichet, Romo, & Pearson, 2016).When the earthquakes hit, military units, firemen, and search teams were mobilized in both countries to dig through the wreckage.In Ecuador, in addition to local response teams, humanitarian groups, including such organizations as Andrean Health, Pan American Health, Samaritans Purse, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, among numerous others, joined in a global response.In Japan, where focus has been placed on emergency response over the last 5 years since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku, the Japanese Red Cross Society provided extensive support through its 500 medical teams located in branches all over the country.They distributed thousands of blankets, family emergency kits, tarpaulins, and sleeping mats to the homeless (Gudjonsson, 2016).Always, and of necessity, focus is on immediate rescue and life-saving interventions.Often unrecognized because emergencies
Authors: Arlene W. KEELING, Barbra Mann WALL
Institution: University of Virginia
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,500
OpenAlex ID: W4249687603