Getting On-Line in Emergencies: A Guide and Directory to the Internet for Agencies involved in Relief and Rehabilitation

The myriad of networks that comprise the Internet represent one of the most extensive and fastest information resource mediums available today. The collective wealth of knowledge covers a range of interests from the obscure to the most commonplace.

As Network Paper 13 shows, there is an ever-growing representation of organisations relevant to humanitarian assistance and disaster management. The adoption of this new technology by organisations involved in the provision of humanitarian assistance is undoubtedly a sign of the times, but it is also a vote of confidence in the Internet’s potential for early warning and the promotion and dissemination of good practice.

The ability to disseminate information on a global scale (albeit only to those who have access to the Internet, although this is a rapidly growing number), in a timeframe that is virtually instantaneous, has enormous potential for organisations that work with, or seek to mediate in, natural disasters and complex emergency situations. Not only can vital information be disseminated quickly, but it can be done in a context which encourages cooperation, coordination and prompt response. The Internet offers all organisations working in this field, from whichever perspective, the opportunity to improve both their working practices and their awareness of situations on the ground.

This Network Paper, published in early 1996, offers a short and accessible introduction to the potential uses of the Internet – especially the WorldWideWeb – for humanitarian organisations, notes and tips on the different mechanisms and costs of accessing information in terms of hard- and software and, a list of more than 300 sites relating to natural disasters and complex emergencies and their Internet addresses.

One of the drawbacks of such a publication is that one of the principal advantages of the WorldWideWeb – the rapid and continual expansion and updating of information posted in this way – also means that almost as soon as information on sites is documented, it changes. However, many addresses for sites remain correct and where changes or updates to sites have been made, visitors to the WorldWideWeb using the addresses in this booklet will usually be redirected to the new or improved sites.