What is disaster relief, and why is it important? Provide at least one example. Then, discuss the relationship between disasters and economic development.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
1. Define disaster relief.
2. Explain why it is important. For instance, it is important because disasters can wipe out years of progress in economic development in a single blow, and the costs of such assistance are relatively modest and the benefits visible and dramatic.
3. Provide an example of disaster relief, such as assistance following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, which showed the progress and the limitations of international relief efforts.
4. Discuss the relationship between disasters and economic development. Students might emphasize that it is a complex relationship; that appropriate responses vary according to location, type and size of disaster, and phase of recovery; and that responses that are too small in scale or too short-term may fail to meet critical needs, but those that are too large or prolonged can overwhelm the local economy and create dependency.
5. Offer a concise summary and effective conclusion.