Emergency relief flows and determinants of disaster aid

The objectives of this chapter are to examine selected aspects of the flow of disaster relief aid as well as the determinants of such aid. Understanding the intricate interplay between global natural disasters and the allocation of aid by donors, including government, non-government, and supranational agencies, is essential for helping disaster-affected communities. This review presents the existing literature on the flow and determinants of disaster aid to shed light on the factors that shape decision-making processes in the aftermath of disaster events. We summarize major determinants of disaster aid and examine the disaster aid literature between 2000 and 2022. The findings are useful to better understand the diverse rationales behind the provision of disaster aid with the goal of informing disaster mitigation planning, vulnerability reduction, and post-disaster recovery efforts writ large. The findings are particularly useful for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and practitioners involved in disaster management and response.