ABSTRACT
Social workers have an important and unique contribution in disaster relief work – specifically, working with marginalised people in supportive and compassionate ways, and considering a social and structural analysis of oppression and inequality. The number and impacts of natural and human-made disasters have increased substantially in recent years and social workers are being called upon to use their skills for disaster preparedness, relief and recovery. Recent disasters such as the Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the Australian bushfires, Fort McMurray wildfires and other events highlight the need to examine how social workers might be better equipped to respond and prepare for disasters.
