Disaster Relief and Debris Removal Process

Debris recovery occurs throughout the disaster relief process, but may be especially critical during the early phases, as clearing out debris rapidly aids in the recovery process, facilitates new construction, and prevents health hazards. As Singh (2015) points out, when debris is permitted to accumulate unfettered, poisonous substances like asbestos may seep into the environment leading to long-term health issues among the population. Similarly, debris provides a "breeding ground for rodents, insects, and microorganisms," (Singh, 2015, p. 1).

However, the debris collection and processing procedure is complicated in disaster areas, especially those that are hard hit like Haiti. Between 20 and 60 million tons of debris accumulated in Haiti during the 2010 earthquake there (Karunasena, Amaratunga & Haigh, 2012). Haiti is far from being a global role model in disaster management. Poverty, poor governance, poor infrastructure, rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and civil strife are a few of the hindrances to debris collection (Karunasena, Amaratunga & Haigh, 2012). Collapsed buildings and their contents form the bulk of post-disaster debris (Singh, 2015).

Debris is "unavoidable," in a disaster scenario but should not be taken lightly because of this (Karunasena, Amaratunga & Haigh, 2012). Moreover, debris is generally "mixed," comprised of soil or sediment, building rubble, personal effects of people, vegetation and organic matter, hazardous material, and even human or animal waste, making it fall outside of the province of material typically defined as waste (Karunasena, Amaratunga & Haigh, 2012, p. 457). Quantities of debris can be huge and overwhelming for disaster relief crews.

Before moving debris, it is necessary to ascertain waste disposal resources, including availability of landfill space and special requirements for debris identified as being hazardous (Karunasena, Amaratunga & Haigh, 2012). As with all phases of disaster relief, debris management occurs in stages. The first focuses on removing debris from key access and transport routes, in order to prevent impedances to rescue and recovery efforts. The focus of debris removal is generally on residential and commercial areas at this stage.

Next, a more long-term focus is developed, during which site-specific plans related to minimizing health and environmental hazards become clarified. When debris has been identified as hazardous, disposal methods narrow. Landfills may not be available to accept hazardous waste, and alternative methods need to be assessed. Air quality, water quality, and other factors must be taken into account as well, as debris frequently contaminates these vital resources.

Establishing waste recycling facilities in disaster zones may be an effective means of addressing proper debris management, especially when hazardous materials have been identified. Yet even when the debris consists of innocuous waste materials, recycling can prove highly effective at lowering costs and improving the efficiency of recovery and rebuilding efforts. For example, Singh (2015) points out that asphalt pieces can be reused when rebuilding roads in disaster areas, and similarly, building materials can be used again when reconstructing houses.

Given that construction and building materials comprise the bulk of all residential and commercial structures, crews need to remain dedicated to discovering methods of adequate resource recycling (Singh, 2015). Organic materials can also be recycled creatively, as the means by which to generate temporary sources of fuel or energy (Singh, 2015). Countries like Haiti that lack infrastructure are faced with tremendous challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles in dealing with debris removal and recycling. A lack of human resources means inadequate assessment of waste quantities and strategies for removal.

Likewise, there are few storage facilities available and few stakeholders willing to undergo the difficult work of reclaiming the waste and recycling it. Additional Q: What happens when no insurance coverage is available? Whether the family didn't have insurance at all, or if the property simply wasn't covered for that particular hazard, this happens quite a lot. How can the different agencies listed as part of the Housing RSF help with that problem? Section 504 of the Stafford Act indicates that federal aid is available during times of emergency.

The aid may be issued in conjunction with, or in substitution for, private insurance. However, these government resources are not unlimited and they are also constrained by tort and statutory law designating the particular responsibilities of homeowners for debris removal (Phillips, n.d.). Much of the aid is considered more of a last resort rather than a primary means of acquiring funding or manpower for debris removal.

For example, an absent homeowner with a tenant must be in charge of debris removal except in cases when the debris presents a clear and present safety incursion to public health, safety,.