ABSTRACT
Disasters, both natural and human induced, affect many countries of the world. The nature of the disaster, losses suffered, whether human or material or both, the physical hurt, the displacement from a known environment, and the degree of trauma experienced, all provide clues to the social work response that is called for. To begin the process of relief and rehabilitation, it is necessary to involve people in the process of decision-making. when people feel most vulnerable, they need correct information especially to stop the rumour mills and provide details of the rehabilitation packages and the rules and procedures for obtaining them. Participatory Rapid Appraisals (PRAs) were undertaken when the government required specific information on various aspects in the process of rehabilitation. Much work was done with the Government of Maharashtra on the rehabilitation policy for those affected by the earthquake and other disasters, and some of the suggestions TISS made were accepted.
