Title
Disaster Logistics Is About People. Lessons from 30 Global Emergencies
Record Type
Video
URL
https://youtu.be/340yfqgCCxg
Contact
Mike Sohm
Year
2,022
Publisher
Imara IHG

Summary
This lecture argues that disaster logistics depends on trust and local knowledge over speed. It explores how aid can dehumanize survivors, the importance of adaptive planning, and the "hidden costs" of response, like volunteer trauma and long-term community disillusionment.
Description
Disaster logistics is not just about moving supplies — it’s about people, relationships, and trust.

In this lecture, an experienced humanitarian practitioner shares hard-earned lessons from more than 30 disaster responses across the United States and around the world. Drawing on real cases — from refugee crises to hurricanes, earthquakes, and long-term recovery — this talk explores what actually determines whether aid helps or harms.

Topics include:

* Why local knowledge matters more than speed
* How well-intentioned aid can become dehumanizing
* Rapid assessments, mistakes, and adaptive planning
* Partnering with NGOs, faith-based groups, governments, and communities
* Volunteer burnout, trauma, and the hidden cost of response work
* Why recovery and disillusionment last far longer than the media cycle

This video is especially relevant for students, practitioners, emergency managers, humanitarian professionals, and anyone interested in how disaster response really works beyond the headlines.