ALNAP review of lesson learned from responding to urban disasters

In November 2012, ALNAP produced a review paper that outlines key lessons related to the design and implementation of urban disaster-response programmes. It focuses particularly on the response and early recovery phases of an urban emergency, and on natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding. It is a field resource for people planning and implementing relief and early recovery operations in urban areas. It is specifically targeted at people working for international agencies but is also applicable to programmes implemented by local and national civil society organisations and by municipal and national government agencies.

Information is organised into nine lessons on topics such as programme design, needs assessment, and covers five sectoral interventions (rubble, debris and solid waste; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); food; health and protection) Many of the lessons - such as those around programme design and coordination - are applicable across all sectors.

The lessons in this paper derive from a literature review that considered evaluations, reviews, reports, lessons papers and existing best practice guidelines relating to urban humanitarian action. Most of these documents relate to urban disasters in lower-income countries, as this is where international humanitarian actors are most likely to be involved in disaster response. However, the review also covered documentation relating to disasters in G20 countries.

Access the report at: http://www.alnap.org/pool/files/alnap-lessons-urban-2012.pdf