The role of nongovernmental organizations in earthquake disaster management: An Asian perspective

The involvement of NGOs in earthquake disaster management is most critical, where occurrences are not as frequent as in other disasters. NGOs can play a very vital and responsible role at every stage of the disaster cycle. Search and rescue operations need technical skills, relief needs coordination, rehabilitation needs commitment, and preparedness needs cooperation. But the most important element is that it should be a multidisciplinary action, involving different stakeholders. Addressing the needs of people, cooperation with government sectors, linking the efforts to development practices, and professionalism and motivation are all key issues for the sustainability efforts of NGO involvement.