Myths Related to Disaster Response

O'Shea, Thomas

Abstract

When disasters happen, it isn't like what you read or hear about. The findings of scientific research indicate that many things that are believed, or assumed, about how people behave during disasters are contrary to actuality. Disaster myths evolve from these assumptions and beliefs, acting to extend the negative impacts of disaster far beyond the event itself, enmeshing communities in a negative cycle of vulnerability and risk and diminishing their capacity for resilience to future recurrences of disaster. This chapter draws on recent and historical examples to examine the origins and media of these myths. It elucidates myriad ways in which disaster myths have perpetuated vulnerability and risk, negatively affecting our means of response during disasters. Outlined also are how the negative impacts of such myths have been surmounted to enable reorientation towards more effective responses during times of pressing need.

• Online Publication Date: Mar 25, 2025
• Publication Date: Mar 25, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 28, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 26, 2026
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 14
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Book Title: The Routledge Handbook of Disaster Response and Recovery
• Chapter Number: 15
• ISBN: 9781003414834
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003414834
• Publisher URL: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003414834/routledge-handbook-disaster-response-recovery-bimal-kanti-paul-luke-juran?refId=6063a631-f37f-4986-b60e-6ec7b2c403a5&context=ubx
• Other Repo URL: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003414834-21/myths-related-disaster-response-thomas-evan-shea?context=ubx&refId=70891893-cda0-4938-92a0-85f9aae4f04b