Strategies for Coping with Natural Disasters.A Study Of People’s And Government Adaptation Process To The Flood In Poland

Yıl 2017, Cilt: 3 Sayı: 3, 18 - 26, 01.10.2017

Slawomir Wilk

Öz

The article will describe the results of the research conducted in 2013 on the
people who suffered in the floods of 2010 in Poland. Within the frame of
research 500 flood victims were surveyed and 25 individual in-depth interviews
with the victims and support providers (mainly social workers) were carried
out. The issues covered in the article refer to the description of the floods, i.e.
difficulties associated with the occurrence of the disaster, the description of the
received aid, the ways to get help - resourcefulness of the victims, etc. The
obtained data show that the greatest financial support was provided by the
representatives of local and government administration, whereas informational
and emotional support was offered mainly by family and closest friends. People
experiencing a natural disaster who had broader social support networks,
stronger ties and more contacts received more help. The obtained data indicate
that the flood victims are forced to demonstrate resourcefulness in three key
points: 1) the evacuation, 2) the reconstruction of a household, and 3) getting
control of their own and their families’ mental condition. In addition, the author
will present the results of social research carried out in 2016 on the operation
of the administration during the crisis (flood).

Anahtar Kelimeler

Floods in Poland, natural disaster, support, local government

Kaynakça

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