ABSTRACT
International emergency management is as diverse as nations themselves. Natural disasters, accidents, and man-made events that significantly impact a population occur around the globe. Emergency management experts typically draw a distinction between humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. The difference usually lies in the degree of preparedness and response time involved. Disasters occur around the globe. The last several decades have witnessed disasters in Haiti, China, and New Zealand; earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan; the Bhopal chemical accident in India; and the Chernobyl nuclear accident in Russia. The international community has a stake in emergency management. The countries most affected by natural and man-made disasters are usually developing or third-world countries. Disasters have impacted mankind since before recorded history. Pandemics remain a great concern for many, including health-care and emergency management professionals.
