An integrated approach to natural disaster management

Purpose With an aim to develop an integrated approach for effectively managing natural disasters, this paper has three research objectives. First, it provides a framework for effective natural disaster management from a public project management perspective. Second, it proposes an integrated approach for successfully and effectively managing disaster crisis. Third, it specifies a set of critical success factors for managing disaster related public projects. Design/methodology/approach A detailed case study of the tsunami was carried out to identify specific problems associated with managing natural disaster in Thailand. Findings The investigations reveal that the country lacked a master plan for natural disaster management including prediction, warning, mitigation and preparedness, unspecified responsible governmental authority, unclear line of authority, ineffective collaboration among institutions in different levels, lack of encouragement for participation of local and international NGOs, lack of education and knowledge for tsunami in potential disaster effected communities, and lack of information management or database system. Research limitations/implications This study identifies the specific problems associated with natural disasters management based on a detailed case study of managing tsunami disaster in Thailand in 2004. Practical implications The proposed integrated approach which includes both proactive and reactive strategies can be applied to managing natural disasters successfully in Thailand. Originality/value This paper highlights the importance of having proactive and reactive strategies for natural disaster management.