The Armenia Earthquake: Grinding Out an Effective Disaster Response in Colombia’s Coffee Region
Pedraza Martinez, A. J., Stapleton, O., and Van Wassenhove, L. N.
INSEAD Humanitarian Research Group, France
Estrada Mejia, C.
School of Management, Univesidad de los Andes, Colombia
Volume 4: 2010, pp. 5-40; ABSTRACT
This article describes the initial 72 hours of humanitarian response activities following a large scale natural disaster. It uses the humanitarian relief supply chain framework (Fritz Institute, 2005) to identify nine stages in the relief chain and two integrating sets of activities. The stages and activities are described in detail to illustrate the operational challenges in responding to large-scale disasters. Taking the earthquake in Armenia as an example, we examine the main challenges involved in managing the relief supply chain and illustrate the key areas that disaster response systems should focus on in preparing for large scale disasters. Quotations from direct participants representing the national and local government as well as the Colombian Red Cross support the description.
