Water and sanitation are, in addition to power supply, considered as the three top critical areas when a natural disaster hits. Decentralised water and sanitary systems are more resilient in stress situations (see also decentralised supply). Planning and implementation of resilient water and sanitary systems that, to a best possible degree, can withstand the climate challenges and effects of natural disasters, particularly for the poorer parts of the population, are therefore needed. The objective of this module is to provide knowledge and to be able to plan and prepare water and sanitation system for pre- and post-disaster situations. The module will help to assess and prioritise water and sanitation needs for a population in an emergency situation, how to be prepared for an emergency and how to take appropriate measures to prevent and control disease outbreak (see also sanitation in emergencies, water purification in emergencies, POU water purification in emergencies, and community and camp water supply).
Water and War
This publication looks at some vital issues associated with water and sanitation in conflict-affected countries where the ICRC is working.
ICRC (2009): Water and War. Geneva: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) URL [Accessed: 15.05.2012]Sustainable Sanitation for Emergencies and Reconstruction Situations - Factsheet of Working Group 8 (draft)
This well structured and informative factsheet from the SuSanA network deals with the planning of sustainable sanitation for emergencies and reconstruction situations in low- and middle-income countries.
JOHANNESSEN, A. BIKABA, D. (2009): Sustainable Sanitation for Emergencies and Reconstruction Situations - Factsheet of Working Group 8 (draft). Eschborn: Sustainable Sanitation Alliance SuSanA URL [Accessed: 23.04.2012]Design of a Portable Ecological Sanitation Toilet for Disaster Relief
A portable toilet appropriate for disaster response is presented in this report. The urine is diverted and the feces undergo a lactofermentation process. Biochar is added also to the feces to eliminate odor and facilitate the reuse of the excreta as a soil additive. The design, costs, logistics and expected challenges are discussed.
KINSTEDT, K. (2012): Design of a Portable Ecological Sanitation Toilet for Disaster Relief. Hamburg: Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection at the Technical University of Hamburg URL [Accessed: 09.06.2019]Technical Notes on Drinking-Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergencies
These technical notes are relevant to a wide range of emergency situations, including both natural and conflict-induced disasters. They are suitable for field technicians, engineers and hygiene promoters, as well as staff from agency headquarters.
WHO ; WEDC (2013): Technical Notes on Drinking-Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergencies. Geneva: World Health Organization (WHO) URL [Accessed: 27.08.2013]Haiti from Tragedy to Opportunity
The disaster of Haiti is not the earthquake. What we are seeing is what happens when an extreme natural event occurs in the lives of people who are already frighteningly vulnerable. The challenge is to help Haiti recover from the earthquake and to overcome its past deprivation. This is also a rare opportunity to effect large-scale change where it is desperately needed. It is also an opportunity to put power into the hands of the people affected by the disaster.
IFRC (2010): Haiti from Tragedy to Opportunity. Special Report, One Month on. Geneva, Switzerland: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) URL [Accessed: 29.11.2012]Ecosan Can Provide Sustainable Sanitation in Emergency Situations with Benefits for the Millennium Development Goals
This paper describes the potential of ecological sanitation (ecosan) to provide sustainable excreta disposal in emergency situations and in peri-urban areas or slums in developing countries. It proposes eight criteria for the applicability of ecosan based on analysis of three case studies representing different types of emergency situations.
MUENCH, E. von AMY, G. FESSELET, J.F. (2006): Ecosan Can Provide Sustainable Sanitation in Emergency Situations with Benefits for the Millennium Development Goals. London: IWA PublishingHumanitarian Crises and Sustainable Sanitation: Lessons from Eastern Chad
How important is sanitation during a humanitarian crisis? Why is it important to explore ecological and sustainable sanitation? Groupe URD looks at the case of Eastern Chad, an example of a major long-term crisis. From an acute emergency in 2003, the crisis has gone through a number of phases. The appropriateness of aid mechanisms is currently being questioned, with a particular focus on sanitation. Sustainable sanitation can help to improve the quality of life of refugees and IDPs as well as local populations. From this perspective, what lessons from Eastern Chad could be useful in other contexts?
U.R.D. (2012): Humanitarian Crises and Sustainable Sanitation: Lessons from Eastern Chad. Plaisians: Groupe URD (Urgence Réhabilitation Développement) URL [Accessed: 09.06.2019]Guidelines for Assessment in Emergencies
Assessments are key to understanding problems, their sources and consequences. As such, they are an essential basis for making decisions and planning any type of programme. The guidelines provide advice on how to conduct assessments, describing the different types and techniques, on data collection and analysis and, ultimately, on the decision to act or not. The handbook is designed as a companion for the Assessment Training Module.
ICRC ; IFRC (2008): Guidelines for Assessment in Emergencies. Geneva, Switzerland: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) URL [Accessed: 29.11.2012]Handbook for Emergencies. Third Edition
This extensive handbook from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on emergency responses reflects the multiple dimensions of an emergency response, ranging from emergency management to emergency operations and their support. The handbook mainly looks at emergencies where populations have been displaced from their former living environment.
UNHCR (2007): Handbook for Emergencies. Third Edition. Geneva: UNHCR Emergency Preparedness and Response Section URL [Accessed: 21.05.2019]