Disaster response and DRR in high-intensity conflict settings

While disasters are common in high-intensity conflict settings owing to high levels of vulnerability, disaster response and disaster risk reduction (DRR) tend to be overshadowed, with more international political and media attention focused on the conflict.

For this reason, DRR in high-intensity conflict settings is often seen as unfeasible. However, research demonstrates that it is feasible in geographically limited ways. By using data from South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Yemen, this research brief provides a summary of findings and recommendations about challenges, experiences and best practices for state, non-state and humanitarian actors working at the intersection of disaster and high-intensity conflict.

The research was done as part of the 5-year research Programme "When Disaster Meets Conflict" which focused on the nexus between humanitarian aid and disaster governance in three conflict-settings: high-intensity conflict, low-intensity conflict and post conflict.