The Republic of the Marshall Islands disaster management reference handbook 2019

The Disaster Management Reference Handbook Series is intended to provide decision makers, planners, responders and disaster management practitioners with an overview of the disaster management structure, policies, laws, and plans for each country covered in the series. Natural and man-made threats most likely to affect the country (such as the Republic of the Marshall Islands) are discussed.

The handbooks also provide basic country background information, including cultural, demographic, geographic, infrastructure, and other relevant data. Conditions such as poverty, water and sanitation, vulnerable groups, and other humanitarian issues are included. A basic overview of the health situation in the country and disease surveillance is also covered.

The handbooks include information on key national entities involved in disaster management, disaster response and preparation, and the military’s role in disaster relief. Information is also provided on United Nation agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), major local NGOs, and key U.S. agencies and programs in the country.

The overall aim is to offer a guide that brings together important information about disaster management and response for each country in an effort to provide a basic understanding for the reader. Each handbook is a working document and will be updated periodically as new, significant information becomes available. We hope that you find these handbooks informative, relevant, reliable, and useful in understanding disaster management and response for this country.