Disaster management in developing countries: The case of Villahermosa, Mexico

Abstract

Natural disasters are a relevant issue for developing countries, in which the protection of vulnerable population becomes of paramount importance. The purpose of this research is to analyse the disaster preparedness and response measures employed in Mexico by examining the decisions made in the flood of Villahermosa in 2007, the most catastrophic flood experienced in the country. This analysis includes real data about the participation of different governmental and non-governmental organisations using a coordinated approach. The results show the need to focus on the mechanisms for facility location, stock prepositioning, collaboration and coordination in the country.