ABSTRACT
To the sociological observer, viewing the event as collective behavior, several latent functions of disaster appear. It is suggested here that the storm, which descended upon the fringe of the city, appeared to provide thousands of spring-fever stricken citizens with recreation, occupation, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment. It is suggested that several distinct types of "fun" and "profit" behavior were exhibited during and immediately following the Kansas City tornado of 20 May 1957. Within a few minutes after the radio and television appeal for medical aid in Ruskin Heights, it became clear that a tornado had touched ground in that area, and mobile transmitters from local radio stations began relaying disjointed reports to the million people in the surrounding metropolitan area. Perhaps the most remarkable observation to be made regarding the restoration of order out of the chaos concerns the weakening of long-standing enmities. During the days immediately following the tornado, a carnival-like atmosphere pervaded the disaster scene.
