Tackling Natural Hazards: A Scoping Evidence for Social Work Practice

Abstract

The sudden onsets of hazards produce panic and stressful environments for individuals and the masses. They affect people's capacity to restore and maintain everyday functioning. They may experience severe physical and psychological injuries, property destruction, loss of livelihood, displacement and social problems during the disaster. However, the magnitude of disaster impact depends on the people's exposure, vulnerability type and population demography. These lethal situations, triggered by natural or man-made causes, need a multi-sectoral response to reduce the impact. Therefore, the narrative review method highlighted the scope of social work interventions in disaster management. Their assertive involvement in disaster response, recovery and rehabilitation can alter the possible outcomes. They should be engaged in every phase of disaster to perform versatile roles and responsibilities like conducting risk assessments, strengthening early warning systems, preparing an emergency plan, providing psycho-social interventions, facilitating the resettlement and rehabilitation process and policy and program formulation.