Response of Individuals, Community based groups & the Government
When any
natural disaster strikes and in particular earthquakes, it doesn’t just effect
the place directly hit. It affects the whole community, state, country and even
the entire globe and because of this there are always many people, groups, and governments
ready to lend a helping hand where ever and when ever needed.
Firstly, many individual people get involved- by donating much needed money, volunteering their own time to help clean up, and rebuild and most importantly showing there compassion and love towards all affected.
Secondly, many community groups get involved. Most places already have community groups where preparing and responding in the event of a natural disaster is their main focus- as the community will be the first responders in a situation and can help many people before the trained professionals arrive. Many emergency services such as the SES need volunteers, from surrounding communities to help them get their job done. Also, when those affected know they have the help from their community and surrounding communities it can help make their tough time, less tough knowing they have support from those around them.
Thirdly, all governments need to get involved as they play a very important role in getting the disaster struck areas back on track. The local, state/territory and national governments get involved in Australia. For example, through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) the Australian Government provides funding to help pay for natural disaster relief and recovery costs.
After the Newcastle Earthquake in 1989, many individuals, local communities and the governments rallied together in Australia to help restore the lives of those affected. The New South Wales Department of Community Services established an office in Newcastle to deal with problems that resulted from the earthquake. This involved processing applications for special earthquake assistance, and organizing funds and donations. Many volunteers helped clean up and rebuild the devastated city of Newcastle and many people donated goods and money- the State and Federal governments agreed to double every dollar that was donated. Support groups, and counsellors etc were contactable so extra support could be given to anyone in need. This system of financial and earthquake assistance and relief was kept in place for two years. Within the first nine months, the Department of Community Services had processed over 4,500 applications for assistance and $4,478,650 had been distributed to people affected by the earthquake.
*Below: a graph on total money spent in Australia on earthquakes during 1969-1999
Firstly, many individual people get involved- by donating much needed money, volunteering their own time to help clean up, and rebuild and most importantly showing there compassion and love towards all affected.
Secondly, many community groups get involved. Most places already have community groups where preparing and responding in the event of a natural disaster is their main focus- as the community will be the first responders in a situation and can help many people before the trained professionals arrive. Many emergency services such as the SES need volunteers, from surrounding communities to help them get their job done. Also, when those affected know they have the help from their community and surrounding communities it can help make their tough time, less tough knowing they have support from those around them.
Thirdly, all governments need to get involved as they play a very important role in getting the disaster struck areas back on track. The local, state/territory and national governments get involved in Australia. For example, through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) the Australian Government provides funding to help pay for natural disaster relief and recovery costs.
After the Newcastle Earthquake in 1989, many individuals, local communities and the governments rallied together in Australia to help restore the lives of those affected. The New South Wales Department of Community Services established an office in Newcastle to deal with problems that resulted from the earthquake. This involved processing applications for special earthquake assistance, and organizing funds and donations. Many volunteers helped clean up and rebuild the devastated city of Newcastle and many people donated goods and money- the State and Federal governments agreed to double every dollar that was donated. Support groups, and counsellors etc were contactable so extra support could be given to anyone in need. This system of financial and earthquake assistance and relief was kept in place for two years. Within the first nine months, the Department of Community Services had processed over 4,500 applications for assistance and $4,478,650 had been distributed to people affected by the earthquake.
*Below: a graph on total money spent in Australia on earthquakes during 1969-1999