INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCE

Insan Akademika Publications

P-ISSN: 2301-4458 E-ISSN: 2301-8038 Vol. 01, No. 02 Oct 2012

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Social Workers and Rescue Forces in Disaster

Mohammad Reza Iravani1, Hossein Ghazanfarpour 2, and Mohsen Pourkhosravani 3
1

Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Islamic Azad, University Khomeinishahr Branch, Daneshjou Blvd, Iran. iravani@iaukhsh.ac.ir Assistant Professor, Department of Geography Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Kerman Iran ma1380@mail.uk.ac.ir
2

PhD Student of Geomorphology in College of Geographical Science and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan Iran mohsen_pourkhosravani_2007@yahoo.com

Key words
Social Work, Risk, Earthquake, Disasters, Hazards, Relief

Abstract:
We worked tirelessly to save lives. Completely overshadowed in the immediate reconstruction. Given the scale of destruction, it is a big job. Currently, demand for rehabilitation of earthquake-stricken people is low, We need to rebuild schools and hospitals, and rebuild our public infrastructure, We deserve to rebuild and repair homes. We have announced a series of programs for economic reconstruction and livelihood restoration. The social workers in these programs and services to help people in earthquake-stricken areas are reviewed. Earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural forms and Man-made disasters seem to be increasing in frequency. This can lead people to experience anger, loss, fear, grief and a host other emotions. Event, the earthquake that devastated Iranian city of Bam on December 26, 2003, shattered thousands of Lives, helping professionals, including social workers, joined the rescue in an attempt was made. We discovered this article in its interventions and that social workers identify the skills needed to help those survive a catastrophic situation.
2012 Insan Akademika All Rights Reserved

Introduction

Earthquake is a disaster that makes people experience loss, grief and the problems simultaneously, Thus, many of them need support until they can solve their problems, relax and do your daily activities. One problem is how to help customers effectively?. This led to the tsunami, however, that most of the damage. North East, Japan, destroyed, leaving thousands dead or missing, and hundreds of thousands homeless or evacuated. In addition, various electrical generators failed. Some of the older nuclear power stations and radioactive leaks and explosions are endangered. The workers fought for weeks to try and bring the situation under control. Radioactive material is to be shown immediately.

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This becomes particularly important for the Iranian society, as the prospect for a major earthquake in Tehran with potential casualty rates in the hundreds of thousands creates a sobering wake-up call for government officials to take a more proactive stance. The functions and service programs of social workers from both public and private sectors fall into two phases: rescue and resettlement, and reconstruction. Dodds and Nuehring (1996), Webster (1995), and Banerjee and Gillespie (1994) have identified that social workers have important roles to play in all phases of the disaster management cycle. These include formulating and/or implementing preparedness plans, response plans, recovery plans and mitigation planning. Social workers carry a major responsibility for addressing the special needs and the relief needs of vulnerable groups, including those living in temporary shelters during the response period (Cherry and Cherry, 1996; Phifer and Norris, 1989; Seroka et al., 1986; Shahar, 1993; Webster, 1995; Zakour, 1996).

2.

Social Workers in Disaster of the Earthquake

Based on the experiences of working with parents who had lost their children during the Bam earthquake, this paper explores the constraints and difficulties social workers had to confront when working as mediators by default when the tension between the local government and the parents reached boiling point. It concludes that despite such constraints and limited success, there is still room for social workers to work as conflict mediator.

2.1

Social and Community Development

Reconstruction of hospitals, community health centers, primary health centers primary health sub-centers reconstruction and repair of primary and secondary schools social protection for orphans, widows, handicapped and marginalized groups repair and reconstruction of institutions of higher education and technical Improved infrastructure rehabilitation of buildings and private conservation and heritage buildings.

2.2

Crisis management

Emergency preparedness and response hazard mapping and monitoring community-based disaster risk reduction relief is a complex task that is related to emergency services. In addition, disaster intervention is always part of social work education. Damage assessment conducted in depth, the government is committed and comprehensive damage assessment of all houses, buildings and public infrastructure in the earthquake-stricken areas. Provide more accurate damage assessment account of the rehabilitation needs, and formed the basis of large-scale engineering and building strategy. A social impact assessment, the government has long assess the social impact of the earthquake. This provides a measure of vulnerability family and community level actions, and that to help communities deal with, and recover from disaster. The participation of the private sector and state government recognizes the power private sector and NGOs in dealing with the enormous challenges of reconstruction. Extensive collaboration with key institutions of civil society, based on mutual trust and relationships is an integral feature of the rehabilitation program. To encourage the construction of the shaft resistance and the risk of government Owner actively promoted the construction of seismic resistant technology. The communities in the actual process of construction, including the induction sense of security and confidence among them, which is very important for their social and psychological recovery. The local knowledge base and capacity for expansion implementing a program of this magnitude. The creation of mechanisms to facilitate community participation and decision-making community, the value of the crucial role played by formal and Informal processes of community participation in rural and urban centers. Government in an effort to encourage this process, which enables communities. Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the policy decisions Framework and ensure probity and accountability in implementation.

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2.3

Information about rehabilitation programs and entitlements of people

The government is organizing a campaign to disseminate information about T the different packages of support and entitlements. It is important to recognize Community outreach for the use of technology in riskresistant construction and Peoples participation in rehabilitation programs. The government also sought to include elected representatives, media, and universities, rehabilitation programs through Outreach and education programs It also recognizes the importance of women's participation.

Figure 1. The historic citadel of Bam before and after the earthquake 2.4 Characterization and Structural Setting of the Region

Geological mapping of an area is the first step towards the surface and subsurface investigation of a region. The accuracy of these investigations decides the prediction accuracy before an earthquake and also the post earthquake control and reduction measures. The arrival of GPS has the capability of recording spatial co-ordinates with accuracy level up to millimeter. Remote sensing and air photogrammetric is of immense potential at the reconnaissance stage of the mapping. Now it is possible to map the inaccessible regions through the satellites. Structural setting indicates the future earthquake by giving enough information regarding the palaeoseismology of the area. It is also helpful in the hazard mapping of the area to take preventive and control measures. "Earthquake doesnt kill people, but the unsafe building". Carrying out systematic litho logical mapping of the terrain can very well minimize the magnitude of seismic destruction. It has been observed that the structures on a consolidated foundation, e.g. igneous and metamorphic rocks, are safer than those on unconsolidated basements, viz. Alluvial, sand and loamy soil. Different surface materials behave differentially in response to seismic shaking of various frequencies. Unconsolidated earth materials (mud alluvium and bedrock) vibrate more in compare to hard bedrock. Therefore an area sensitive to earthquake hazards must be mapped for it to be available to land-use decision maker.

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Figure 2. Map of Bam fault zone

2.5

Urban Rehabilitation

Land in these cities for a different strategy is called for rebuilding the city. Congested inner cities will be redeveloped, and residents will be given the option Moved. A number of residents living in multi-storey buildings will be asked to make new house plot, the new town planning rules, regulations, development, and reduced floor space index. Although communities will decide about the shift or in situ construction, remodeling homes in the new parts in the new expedited development of rules inevitably lead to the development of urban places. Package for the city provides a number of incentives for decongesting the city and developing better urban landscape. In some cities, will benefit from the options new homes to be built by a government agency.

2.6

Social and Community Development

Government of Gujarat for a rebuilding program implementation social capital and social services and social reconstruction in the earthquake-affected Areas. The service was very badly hit by the earthquake, and the full restoration this service is vital to develop a sense of well being within communities. Program, however, the opportunity to promote the rehabilitation of social services use In health, education and women's development. Provide better social Protection through initiatives in health, education and other social services, with Special focus on women, the empowerment of people rebuild their lives. Less than ten days ago, a deadly earthquake devastated the Iranian city of Bam, killing more than 30,000 people and injuring another 50,000. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern Iranian history, and similar in destruction to the roudbar earthquake in northern Iran in 1990.Historical information and all available records show that approximately 130 large earthquakes have taken place in most parts of Iran. Considering the high seismi city of Iran, a comprehensive hazard reduction program was launched in Iran in 1991, but the effectiveness of the measures have been limited by lack of adequate funding and institutional coordination. There is no lack of probabilistic studies on the seismicity of the country as well as fault studies.

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Figure 3. Map of the Bam earthquake

2.7

Education

The social worker gives clients information, recommendations, explanations that enable them to design daily plans and activities during the crisis (Chen, 2000). The appropriate use of personal and social resources is crucial to effective problem solving. Social workers can use sound assessments to identify a variety of methods for using resources and preparing clients for undertaking relevant activities and taking control of their lives. In addition, they can help clients express their feelings about situations and be encouraged to become more positive about their future potential (Shahar, 1993). Professional relationship terminates, this should take place when the client has found the solution to the problems identified and has learnt new functional modes of performance (Eghlima, 2003). Social workers also worked with many professionals and organizations that were active in disaster aid services. Thus, the coordination or case management skills of social workers that can be applied to disaster aid procedures (Gillespie, 1991; Wenger, 1978). social workers able to act as critical reflexive practitioners can deal with changing phenomena during emergencies and be stimulated to new learning, creative thinking, innovation and productive activities, particularly during the rescue stage. Individual social workers have to strengthen their knowledge of the impact of disasters on the victims and a communitys capacity to respond during the post-disaster period (Shahar,1993). Social workers need to help settle vulnerable people, including in making their daily life arrangements, offering guidance, grief therapy, counseling and life care, integrating nongovernmental resources into their interventions, improving community cohesion, and rebuilding families and communities (Sadrolsadat, 2005).

2.8

Role of Social Work

Between people in need and social workers can begin early. Some started in place. The initial deal was made during an emergency can help us (Stroke et al, 1986) to develop cases, the cause of the disaster that has become a partner. In fact, the question is often raised is whether people will accept the interference of social workers in emergency situations. Dealing with crisis counseling, Stewart (1989) on issues related to the sale of social work to society. Traditionally, with a low social status is associated with failure those who work
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with disaster survivors must deal with this defect. However, in emergencies, people may approach social workers, or to accept their assistance. Of these efforts after the Lockerbie disaster (1988), despite the tragic circumstances residents does not understand social work, and aware of the stigma attached to using social services had argued. Such reactions are controlled by Iran. Iran's experience shows that professional social workers to the best prepared to deal with complex situations resulting from emergency situations. First, their basic training to enable them to meet the needs of individuals, families and groups concerned. Second, most social workers have some knowledge and experience in crisis intervention, and loss of family dynamics. Third, working in a wide variety of agencies, including hospitals, schools, public and private facilities, and even social work, social workers can easily audience, becoming a support network is invaluable. Participation in the formation of such a network to facilitate professional, comprehensive emergency relief, it is. This network is based on formal and informal relationships between members are professionals who know and trust each other. When this case, even sensitive and confidential information can be exchanged, formally and informally, within the network. A social worker may be located in an area as the partners and their contact with the relatives of the partner concerned. A person with a reassuring and helpful. To share more personal information, the device also acts as a cell phone. As a result, social workers can share information and contact with people personally. It is important to us that social workers are helping to collect and share personal concerns and worries. They also support each other when the social workers to help them feel anxious and depressed. Social workers are engaged in the disaster recovery plans, including at the micro, mezzo, and macro-levels, organizing a communitys recovery, searching out benefit programs, writing grants and advocating for government programs (Cooke, 1993; Dodds and Nuehring, 1996; Dufka, 1988; Sundet and Mermelstein, 1996). Yueh (2003) stated social work functions in disaster aid have been summarized as follows: 1. Supporting individual and families. In Bam this included: providing emotional support, grief counseling and post-disaster support (PTSD) for vulnerable groups like people with disabilities, children and elderly people; motivating victims to join activities; providing emotional support for families in shelters; helping families to arrange for funerals and build tents; visiting homes; and interviewing families of the victims. 2. Linking individual needs with resources and helping people tom access resources. This included facilitating contact between local government and voluntary groups; linking social services with the needs of the people; identifying vulnerable people; linking family needs with resources and finding these; collecting donations; collecting, delivering and distributing food and materials; and registering the needs of victims for central government officers. 3. Preventing severe physical and mental problems. These included therapeutic interventions for survivors, including various types of counseling, e.g. grief counseling and post-relief counseling, linking patients to therapists and therapeutic centers. 4. Preventing individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities from breaking down. This included providing accommodation, information and support to individuals and families who were homeless; reducing survivors lack of interest in life, and feelings of powerlessness and despair; coordinating and organizing responses to groups, agencies and communities effectively. 5. Intervening to change micro and macro systems to improve client well-being. This included advocating for change in governmental programs; developing volunteer services; conducting needs assessments; improving service programs; providing distribution centers for the victims; changing welfare policies and recovery programs to improve a communitys ability to meet peoples needs; developing the capacity of systems to improve the inferior structural status of earthquake victims.

2.9

Operation modes of social work practice involved in disaster relief

The social ethics of relief giving (the bases on which relief ought to be given) in natural disaster situations are explored through a case study of public reactions to Red Cross activities. Red Cross policies and public reactions to them are reviewed, and survey data pertaining to attitudes toward the Red Cross and toward relief giving in natural disasters of residents of a western NY county are presented. Specifically, public satisfaction with present Red Cross distribution policies is explored, and public perceptions of "loss vs need" as bases for relief giving are examined. Although there are some qualifications, findings show a large
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segment of the public supporting bases other than "need" for the distribution of disaster aid. Implications are that the public does not always support are distributive role for relief giving, but in some cases, with some populations, expects relief giving to reinforce the status quo. However, the sense of national solidarity reported in the Iranian media was only temporary and gradually the survivors began to feel disenfranchised and mistrustful of relief efforts coordinated by non-Bamis. Before the earthquake, Bamhad been an affluent city, the regional centre for date growing and packing. Yet in the space of just a few minutes, this physical capital was destroyed and the people of Bam were dependent on others to assist them. Genuine survivors of the earthquake found that their immediate needs were not being met because of the rapid poor people from the surrounding unaffected area claiming relief food and goods. Due to the poor construction of the buildings in Bam, there were few human survivors, but even so, there were insufficient tents and blankets to protect them from the severe cold of the Iranian winter. Donated tents subsequently arrived, but many survivors preferred to remain among the debris of their former home to protect it from looting. The key social capital ingredients of trust, mutuality and reciprocity present previously in the city of Bam were becoming less evident in the region at both micro and meso levels. Individuals were needed at this stage to bridge communitiesand link survivors in an organized fashion with those from outside Bam who were in a position to help.

3.

Conclusion

During the earthquake in Bam in 2003, many social workers involved in providing disaster assistance, especially during the immediate after the first two weeks. Unfortunately, more social workers involved in emergency response with limited disaster relief training. Social workers need to deal with job-related stress, including exposure to a traumatic event. Cornerstone of the effectiveness of mental health support in theater of operations, creating a friendly relationship between mental health teams and the command staff, the rescue team managers and social workers. Disaster workers' deep commitment to working long hours without rest can be saved and will facilitate coalition building. Social workers often have a high capacity for trust between each other, but they tend to be cautious about the qualifications of individuals who are as out. The psychological sequel of this magnitude of disaster may alter the individual and social character of a whole generation of children and their families, and PTSD rates may reach epidemic proportions. Chronic, severe and high prevalence rates of PTSD found in this study of Turkish children support this conclusion. Moreover, professional help was also limited; 69 percent reported that they had not received any psychological or educational debriefings or any type of individual or group counseling, and 45 percent felt they might need counseling. Survivor children developed earthquake related cognitive and physical avoidance: Traumatized children did not want to go to places which reminded them of the earthquake and did not want to see people or survivors who would talk about earthquakes.

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