Multiple Simultaneous Disasters as a Complex Challenge to Disaster Management: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Multiple simultaneous disasters (MSD), namely the occurrence of more than one disaster at the same time, have imposed complex challenges to incident management teams (IMTs) operating at different government levels. While IMTs’ challenges and efforts in a single disaster have been extensively reported in the literature, there is limited knowledge regarding functioning of IMTs during MSDs. To fill this knowledge gap, the current study aims to further examine definitions of MSDs and identify challenges and efforts of IMTs during MSDs. An interpretative phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze transcripts of semi-structured online interviews of nine highly experienced professionals who responded to MSDs in the US over the past three decades. Findings are presented in line with three pillars of the US National Incident Management System–resource management, command and coordination, and information and communication. During MSDs, IMTs experienced lack of human and technical resources, difficulty allocating resources, lack of unified command, poor integration of Incident Command System, incompatible rules and procedures between jurisdictions, inconsistent terminologies, and information hoarding. Regarding efforts to overcome these challenges, IMTs took advantage of mutual aid, civilian-provided resources, flexibility of incident command, advanced information technologies, team meetings, and liaison officers. Considering growing risks of MSDs, more attention needs to be paid to current and future issues the IMTs face and more supports need to be provided for IMTs to foster their capabilities of managing complex demands from MSDs.