Volunteering in a multi-hazard environment
November 3, 2023
St Vincent and the Grenadines is prone to a wide range of natural hazards which include hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, droughts and landslides. In 2021, the National Society and their volunteers were asked to bolster the national disaster management system before and after the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano. Staff and volunteers were placed on the frontline again after the passing of Hurricane Lisa in 2022. Both these responses were needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to understand how national societies can provide national assistance while also ensuring the welfare of their volunteers in a multi-hazard environment.
This research paper was co-authored by Kathy Badenock, MDisMgt, School Safety and Research, Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.