Review of Publications

The books referred to below have been abstracted from review copies received from the publisher by the Editor of this Newsletter. Except where noted otherwise, none of the books are available front PA HO. The publisher and the list price (it-hen available) are included at the end of the abstracts for readers who are interested in purchasing the books.

Air Disaster Response Planning: Lessons for the Future. Eugene E. Grollmes. FEMA Monograph Series 1985, Volume 2, No. 5, 15 pp. (English)

Written for emergency management and allied professionals, this monograph analyzes the effectiveness of the disaster response when two skywalks collapsed at a crowded hotel, resulting in more than 100 deaths. It documents the comprehensive recommendations of both rescue workers and survivors concerning disaster management training, public information, identification of key personnel and equipment, and community planning committees. These recommendations are then applied to developing a strategy for an integrated air disaster response plan.

- Free. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Publications Office, 500 C Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20472 U. S. A.

The Electronic Media and Disasters in the High-Tech Age. James L. Holton. FEMA Monograph Series, Volume 2, No. 4, 30 pp., 1985 (English)

This monograph examines the relationship between governments and the news media during emergencies and the ways recent changes in communications technology and attitudes have affected this relationship. It explores the growth of the electronic media and raises questions about its effects on the population, primarily - has television caused a shift away from self-reliance to a total dependence on television as the ultimate source for dependable information and guidance during disasters? Interesting reading for those who may find themselves in contact with the media and for all interested in this phenomenon.

- Free. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Publications Office, 500 C Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20472 U. S. A,

Medical Consequences of Natural Disasters. Lazar Beinin. 160 pp. 45 figs. 40 tables Extensive refs. 1985 (English)

This book reviews the possible health consequences of major natural disasters. It provides an excellent compilation of historical data on both the disaster and the human response. Most of the data and case studies presented are in the immediate aftermath of World War II in the U.S.S.R. It constitutes an unmatched source of information and data from reports and publications in Russian normally unexplored by researchers. The nature of the problems experienced in the post-war era makes most of the conclusions historically important but of limited application to modern-day natural disasters. An epidemiological approach to the analysis of the data should have prompted the author question, in several instances, the scientific validity of available administrative statistics on communicable diseases and casualties. Readers interested in detailed data on historical natural disasters, and especially their health impact on a society recovering from a devastating war, will find that this book provides the best compilation ever published in the English language.

- U.S. $39.00. Springer-Verlag, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10010, U.S.A.

International Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief Actions in International Law and Organization. Peter Macalister-Smith. 244 pp. Extensive refs. 1985 (English)

Discusses the relationship between humanitarian assistance and international law and organization and how the latter can contribute to changing the context in which humanitarian problems and responses are set. Chapters deal with relief actions for refugees and during armed conflict, and discusses the role of the Red Cross, the United Nations and other organizations involved in this issue. Useful for those organizations or individuals wishing to gain greater understanding of international relief organization and international law.

- Orders in the U.S. and Canada US$45.00. Kluwer Academic Publishers, 190 Old Derby Street, Hingham, Massachusetts, 02043, U.S.A. Orders from other countries: Kluwer Academic Publishers Group, Distribution Center, P.O. Box 322, 3300 AH Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

Visual Material

The National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) of the U.S. Department of Commerce is making available a Natural Hazards Photograph Catalog which describes each of some 2,000 photos of the damaging effects of geologic phenomena worldwide. Requests for photos of specific disasters or specific types of damages can be filled. The catalog is free. Photos are available for a nominal reproduction cost. In addition, NGDC also has prepared special slide sets on earthquakes and tsunami. For a copy of the catalog write: The National Geophysical Data Center, NOAA, Code E/GC11, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80303 U.S.A.