ABSTRACT
The international community – inclusive of countries, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector organizations – has increasingly provided active support to countries affected by large-scale natural disasters. Obviously, support activities and agendas vary depending on how much time has elapsed since the natural disaster in question. The response stage, the period immediately after a disaster, is the most urgent and important because disaster victims may be at high risk for disease and injury and may have lost their homes and other assets. Thus, at this stage in particular, the international community provides support based on the principles of humanitarianism.
