Here's how you can apply conflict resolution skills in natural disasters and emergency response.

One key factor I found is never wait for the emergency before addressing relationships. Molding relationships with key stakeholders starts when emergency response and management is recognized as a value. Quality exercises that are designed of quality and take time investments. We can start with a table top but must grown to 2 day exercises with ownerships of the decision makers.

Frustration and Disputes are the common issues during any Emergency/Disaster. This is not only found in victims of the Disaster but also in the responders and agencies assisting in the Emergency because we always see a big gap between the needs and the service provided. To deal with this gap we can use a method Called SOLER S - Sitting squarely O - Open Mind L - Lean forward E - Eye contact R - Relaxed Position This allows us to put ourselves in the shoes of the Parties to understand what they're going through. Results in better understanding of the Needs.

Empathy and Active Listening: Recognizing the needs of disaster-affected individuals fosters empathy and trust, which are crucial for effective conflict resolution. Understanding core issues can lead to more targeted and effective solutions. Holistic Solutions: Identifying underlying needs helps in developing holistic solutions that address the root causes of conflicts rather than just the symptoms. Applicability: This approach requires cultural sensitivity and the ability to understand diverse perspectives, which might be challenging in multicultural settings. It can be resource-intensive to actively listen to and understand the needs of a large number of affected individuals, especially in large-scale disasters.

Understanding the underlying needs of disaster-affected individuals is key to resolving conflicts. In emergencies, people may feel unheard or marginalized, leading to disputes. Actively listen and empathize to identify core issues and find common ground. This approach helps develop solutions that address the needs of all parties involved.

It is critical that each leader demonstrates the ability to communicate,they need to be visible to the team and set what short term goals need to be accomplished. Reassess the primary needs of the community work with other local leaders . There is always a need to move forward with your team. Always encourage the safety of your team.

Major communication issues we may face during any response: 1. Local Language - in a country where we have hundreds of languages and Dialects we may get in a situation where we could not communicate with the locals. 2. Poor communication skills - We may not be able to explain our perspective which may lead to conflict or misunderstanding. 3. Communication medium failure - Telephone and Internet may fall down during emergencies. So, using local people which can help us know the local culture, customs and work as a medium can help, experienced public dealing is required to minimize conflicts and radios/Hams are effective communication mediums during emergencies.

Clear communication is crucial during disaster response to prevent conflicts from misunderstandings or misinformation. Provide accurate, timely, and easily understandable information to all stakeholders to build trust and reduce confusion. Be patient and open to feedback, ensuring effective two-way communication.

Agree with others comments with issues with language and cultures. As an EM leader we must look for the opportunities to form relationships and trust. People do not trust someone because of their title. Continued relationship and communications in and outside the workplace add trust when the incident happens. Again making EM more than a mandated evacuation drill is critical. Bring your EM in front of operations and display where good planning and EM skills will keep an event from becoming a Crisis.

Usefulness: Reduces Misunderstandings: Clear communication minimizes the risk of misunderstandings, which are a common source of conflict in high-stress situations. Builds Trust: Transparent and timely information builds trust among stakeholders, which is essential for cooperation and effective response. Applicability: Technology and Infrastructure: Effective communication depends on the availability of technology and infrastructure, which may be compromised in disaster scenarios. Language Barriers: Communication can be hindered by language barriers, requiring interpreters or multilingual resources.

Since I had been during the havoc Tsunami, I observed many issues unpredictable as we expected only visualized at the time of disaster.For example, after the temporary settlements, so many associated helth issues arisen after a fortnight, one of them was fly nuisance was exorbitant and it was a great challenge till its source of breeding as decayed dry fishes in tons in the fishermen settlement.like sociological issues were arisen as child marriage soon after the Goverment came forward for bestowing houses only for married family. Hence confounding issues may lead when we concentrate major issues in full swing.

During emergencies we often see people only focus on the physical damage or safety of the victims. But, some times it extends beyond the physical injury. The psychological and emotional wellbeing of the parties are affected equally. Due to this psychological impact the parties go through acute stress reaction, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and grief, anxiety, etc. It is very important to manage this stress during emergencies. Few methods like psychological first aid, mental health support services, community engagement & support and few exercises like power breathing (Bhastrika pranyam) etc can enhance mental clarity, focus and concentration.

Stress management is crucial for conflict resolution during emergencies. High-stress levels can worsen conflicts and impair judgment. Encourage stress-reduction techniques like breaks and deep breathing to maintain a calmer environment, fostering rational decision-making essential in emergencies.

Managing stress helps in preventing the escalation of conflicts and ensures that individuals remain calm and rational. Lower stress levels lead to better decision-making, which is critical in emergency situations. Applicability: Training and Resources: Stress management requires training and resources, which may not be readily available in all disaster response teams. Individual Variability: Stress levels and coping mechanisms vary greatly among individuals, making it challenging to implement a one-size-fits-all approach.

Employ strerss management techniques to stay calm and composed, enabling clear decision-making and maintaining a positive environment.

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction provides a very effective system named IRS - (Incident Response System) which allows parties to Develop teams with specified roles and responsibilities during any emergency. This system reduces chances of Disputes and frustrations as everyone have their own set of responsibilities. This method can be applied in any Disaster/Emergency planning, Preparedness or Response with desired level of teams. When such knowledge is combined with Mockdrills and Experiences it can enhance the overall effectiveness of the response.

Promoting teamwork ensures a unified effort, which is essential for effective disaster response. Team-building activities and recognizing each member’s role can enhance morale and reduce the likelihood of internal conflicts. Nevertheless, pre-existing tensions or rivalries within a team can undermine efforts to foster teamwork. In fast-paced disaster scenarios, there may be limited time to invest in team-building activities.

Travailler en équipe nous permet d'obtenir des résultats efficaces et de développer une grande performance dans la gestion des projets et du temps. En plus, il nous permet de développer nos compétences relationnelles mais aussi de partager nos connaissances. Il contribue aussi à notre épanouissement dans le sens ou nous serons moins stressé.

Travailler en équipe est indispensable . Ensemble on est plus fort . Mais pas n’importe comment et avec n’importe qui. Il faut veiller à répartir les compétences de chacun pour que la prise en charge soit optimale. Communiquer entre les intervenants pour amplifier la qualité du travail à effectuer

Fair negotiation processes help maintain order and ensure that all parties feel their needs are considered. Things to watch out could be existing power dynamics and inequalities can complicate fair negotiations. Negotiations can be time-consuming too, which might delay critical decision-making and action in emergency scenarios.

En situaciones de desastre, los recursos suelen ser escasos, lo que da lugar a la competencia y al conflicto. Las habilidades de negociación justa son vitales para garantizar una distribución equitativa y evitar la escalada de disputas. Abordar las negociaciones con una mente abierta, estar dispuesto a comprometerse y esforzarse por encontrar soluciones que sean aceptables para todas las partes. Esta equidad es crucial para mantener la paz y el orden durante la gestión de emergencias.

Swift conflict resolution is vital in emergency management to prevent hindering response efforts and prolonging recovery. Address conflicts promptly using effective conflict resolution skills to improve disaster management outcomes.

La résolution rapide des conflits est capitale dans le sens ou elle permet de rester fixer sur les objectifs de la construction d'une paix durable.

Talk to parties first separatly then together to understand what is going on. Ask both parties how would they solve the matter in question. After they propose the soliution, try to offer a middle way solution faworing no one. It is suprising how often people in conflict offer middle way solutions when they are infront of each other.

We had a disaster which led to formation of several camps for internally displaced people.While we relied on chosen committees to resolve conflicts that ensued,it was discovered that a coordinator for each camp helped to reduce conflicts.Whileost conflicts were about food there was one conflict about whether to bring Condoms at camp unit or not which almost ignited a fight. Red cross volunteers were placed in all camps and they helped to resolve conflicts in liaison with relevant structures depending on types of conflicts.All in all quick decision making in an emergency situation is vital and protracted wrangles should be avoided.