Post-disaster needs assessment guidelines: Volume A

This tool represents a harmonized and coordinated approach, providing for an objective, comprehensive and government-led assessment of the post disaster damages, losses and recovery needs, and paving the way for a consolidated recovery framework. It considers wide-ranging assessments - from the rapid assessment of immediate needs to the most elaborate assessment of long-term recovery and risk reduction requirements. The guide streamlines and standardizes an assessment methodology, which would cover all sectors and maintain a balance between different aspects of recovery.

The overarching purpose of this guide is to provide technical support to practitioners as they plan for and implement the needs assessment and design the recovery framework. It is hoped that the guide will allow for a consistent and coherent approach to the post-disaster assessment, provide an objective and comprehensive estimate of recovery needs, while facilitating quick decision-making and action. Drawing from and incorporating the various assessment and planning techniques, including the Damage and Loss Assessment (DaLA) and the Human Recovery Needs Assessment (HRNA), the guide provides step-by-step instructions on planning for and implementing a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).

The PDNA Guidelines Volume A is available in English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese.