Rapid assessment and priority setting in emergencies

Natural and man-made disasters give rise to many unpredictable events and situations worldwide. The need for comprehensive but rapid assessment in the immediate aftermath of a disaster is often underestimated. Lack of adequate assessment is likely to lead to inappropriate priorities and emergency interventions, which may exacerbate, rather than alleviate, existing problems. This paper is based on research recently undertaken at the Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC), in collaboration with major international relief organisations, to develop guidelines for the planning and management of emergency sanitation programmes. The paper addresses the need for rapid, systematic and comprehensive assessment following disasters. The assessment process developed is based on the speedy collection of qualitative and quantitative data on services and facilities, and behavioural data. This information is analysed through comparison with internationally recommended standards or norms, and from this different needs and priorities are identified. Use of the process should lead to rapid appropriate intervention, more efficient resource use and improved public health. Recent field trials of the assessment process have demonstrated worldwide applicability and rapid, accurate identification of priorities. The post-disaster provision of sanitation services and facilities in refugee camps in Africa is given as an example of how this process can be used.