Sanitation in an Emergency Situation: A Case Study of the Eruption of Mt Merapi, Indonesia, 2010

Abstract

Abstract-Sanitation is a critical, though often forgotten or neglected determinant for survival in the initial stages of a disaster or an emergency situation. Global stakeholders have developed guidelines and created minimum standards required for a disaster relief situation but unfortunately, the lessons learned from previous experience indicates a persistent range of problems, such as damaged sanitation systems, inadequate assessment mechanisms, inappropriate technology choices and the lack of health promoting behaviours. This paper addresses sanitation issues in the context of the 2010 Mt Merapi eruption in Indonesia and describes the specific characteristics of this natural disaster and the affected population. It reviews how the relevant stakeholders addressed problems and issues affecting sanitation. It identifies opportunities and challenges relevant to sanitation in emergency situations and proposes recommendations for appropriate practices in the future. Keywords-Sanitation; Disaster; Emergencies; Mt Merapi; Indonesia