The Human Being in Disasters: A Research Perspective

Many groups and agencies have a vital need of accurate informa tion on how people behave during disasters. This article presents information which seems to have particular pertinence for disaster preparedness, control, and amelioration. Among the subjects discussed are the problem of how to make disaster warnings effective, behavior during disasters and in the subsequent emer gency period, the problem of people's flocking into the area, the need and diffi culties of co-ordination and control of rescue and relief activities, the traumatic effects of disaster on its victims, and the sources of possible conflicts between rescue and relief agencies and their clients.—Ed.