Defination of disaster cycle
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https://www.gdrc.org/uem/disasters/1-dm_cycle.html
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Here is a complete definition and explanation of the disaster cycle:
Definition of the Disaster Cycle
The disaster cycle (also called the disaster management cycle) is the ongoing, continuous process by which governments, organizations, communities, and individuals plan for and reduce the impact of disasters, respond when they occur, and take steps to recover and rebuild afterward - before starting the process again.
As defined by UNISDR (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction), disaster risk management is:
"The systematic process of using administrative decisions, organizations, operational skills and capacities to implement policies, strategies and coping capacities of the society and communities to lessen the impacts of natural hazards and related environmental and technological disasters."
- Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, p. 899
The word "cycle" is used because disasters are recurring events - the end of one disaster period feeds back into preparation for the next. The phases do not always occur in strict sequence; they often overlap, and the length of each phase depends on the severity of the disaster.
The Three Fundamental Aspects (Park's Classification)
Park's Textbook identifies three core aspects of disaster management that map onto the disaster cycle:
| # | Aspect | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| a | Disaster Response | During/immediately after the event |
| b | Disaster Preparedness | Before the event |
| c | Disaster Mitigation | Before (and after) the event |
The Four Classic Phases of the Disaster Cycle
Most international frameworks (including GDRC/UN) describe 4 main phases:
1. Mitigation (Pre-disaster)
- Definition: Activities aimed at minimizing or eliminating the risk and effects of a disaster before it happens.
- Examples: Building codes, zoning laws, flood barriers, dikes, dams, vulnerability analyses, public education.
- Goal: Reduce the likelihood or severity of a future disaster.
2. Preparedness (Pre-disaster)
- Definition: Planning and training to ensure an effective response if a disaster does occur.
- Examples: Disaster preparedness plans, emergency drills/exercises, early warning systems, stockpiling supplies.
- Goal: Ensure communities and responders are ready to act quickly and effectively.
3. Response (During/Immediately after disaster)
- Definition: Actions taken immediately before, during, and after a disaster to minimize its effects and save lives.
- Examples: Search and rescue, emergency medical care, triage, evacuation, emergency relief distribution.
- Goal: Minimize casualties and protect life and property.
4. Recovery (Post-disaster)
- Definition: Long-term efforts to restore and rebuild the community to normal (or better) functioning after a disaster.
- Examples: Temporary housing, grants and financial aid, medical care, infrastructure repair, psychological support.
- Goal: Return the community to pre-disaster conditions or improve upon them.
Why It Is Called a "Cycle"
The process is cyclical, not linear because:
- Recovery feeds into mitigation - lessons learned from one disaster reduce risk for the next.
- Mitigation leads to improved preparedness.
- Preparedness improves response.
- After every response, recovery begins, completing the loop.
The GDRC disaster management framework notes that the complete cycle includes shaping public policies and plans that either modify the causes of disasters or mitigate their effects on people, property, and infrastructure.
Summary Table
| Phase | When? | Key Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitigation | Pre-disaster | Reduce risk | Prevent or lessen impact |
| Preparedness | Pre-disaster | Plan & train | Ready the community |
| Response | During/after | Rescue & relief | Save lives |
| Recovery | Post-disaster | Rebuild | Restore normalcy |
The disaster cycle is the backbone of all national and international disaster management frameworks, including those of WHO, UNISDR, FEMA, and NDMA.
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